Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

SHEETS BASICS

Thread Count:

~ What does it mean?

Thread count, refers to the number of yarns or threads per inch in either the length-wise or crosswise direction found in woven fabrics.

~ What is its significance?

The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable the material and as a result it would be smoother and silkier to touch and to lie on.

~ What are the different thread counts available?

Thread count in bed sheets vary from as low as 180 to a high of more than 1000. While a higher thread count certainly ensures smoothness and comfort while also making it long lasting and durable. Sheets with a thread count from 200 are good for daily use, are affordable and easy to maintain. However for good comfort and long lasting durability go for a thread count of minimum 240. A thread count is influenced by many factors, including the following:

Ply: Refers to the number of yarns that go to make up a thread. A higher ply count stands for strength and durability.
Yarn size: Indicates yarn weight by the total bundle of filaments making up the yarn. It defines the weave of the yarn – which is either fine or coarse.

The weight as also the number of plies i.e. strands of thread that are twisted together to form the weave is indicated by the ratio (Weight)/ (Number of ply). The higher the weight, the finer is the thread. Certain manufacturers use two thinner threads together and create a 2-ply thread. Using a sheet with a lower thread count could result in a stiffer feel when lying on it. Bed sheets within the range of 240 to 420 thread counts are generally considered to be comfortable.

Material:

~ Cotton:

Bed sheets made of cotton, by virtue of it being a natural fiber is soft and non-allergic. There are some variants of cotton available for bed sheets:

Egyptian cotton: It is a fine, lustrous, long staple cotton from Egypt and is brownish in color. Considered the finest quality of cotton, it is exceptionally soft, luxurious fabric and due to this, it is also the most expensive.
Supima cotton: Supima is an extra long staple cotton fiber. It is soft, durable, of superior-grade durable cotton which is produced in the south western, desert region of the United States. Its quality is said to be closest to the Egyptian cotton.
Pima cotton: Pima similar to Supima refers to cotton developed from selected Egyptian cottons in the southwest United States. Similar to Supima cottons, these are comprised of long and staple fibers.

~ Satin bed sheets:

Satin, as they are referred to is made from woven polyester and is a smooth, shiny, and silky-to-touch fabric. Sateen is another variant that would come across, it is nothing but a mix of cotton and satin. They are easy to maintain, and could be washed in a washer or dryer.

~ Silk bed sheets:

Silk, as we know is the fiber produced from the larvae that forms cocoons of silkworms. It is strong, elastic and gentle at the same time. Being a natural material, it is free of chemicals. Similar to cotton it is also hypoallergenic.

~ Flannel sheets:

Flannel clothing is warm and light-weight. It is made from a combination of wool and cotton or some synthetic fabric. This hybrid material offers a blend of comfort as well as easy usage. It's easy to maintain.

Size:

The size of your bed sheet should of course be slightly larger than your bed mattress since you have to ensure that it sort of hugs the bed completely. Before you buy a bed sheet check for the size of the mattress you have.

There are many terms associated with size that you would come across. Such as Full (also called Double) size, King size, Queen size and Twin size. It is important to note that despite having defined terms across manufacturers you would find minor variations in the sizes that they offer. So before you make the choice of a bed sheet check the actual measurements and then take your pick.

Flat or Fitted:

There two types of bed sheets flat and fitted. A fitted bed sheet is so called because it is fitted with elastic at the sides. This is so that it can be draped over the mattress. This ensures that edges of the sheet are fixed and do not come out and tie you in knots.

Pockets:

Deep pockets exist at the corners to help your bed sheet to fit mattresses that come with a pillow top. It is to prevent your sheet from being swept off the mattress in the middle of the night, so that you enjoy undisturbed sleep.

Color & design:

After having calibrated the technical stuff now its time to focus on the softer aspects. So what colors and designs should one opt for. Select the color that best suits/influences your mood and also suits the existing color scheme of your bedroom. Select from a wide variety of colors white, ivory, sky, and cashmere, black, burgundy... in fact you get bed sheets in every color under the sun!

COMFORTOR / DUVET BASIC:

When the night air makes you want the warmth of layers and bulk, the first thing most people do is reach for a comforter. Blankets and comforters are what keep us warm even on the coldest of nights.

Some of the thoughts that influence a purchase decision for a comforter include:

Geographical presence – This would indicate the choice between either a heavy or light comforter
Filling - The type and extent of filling inside the comforter
Desired warmth - Your personal preference and, the extent of warmth you desire
Ambience - It should complement your bedding and represent your style

Having said that lets get familiar with the aspects that you need to be aware of in your quest for that perfect comforter!

Buyer’s tips:

In your quest to understand the available choices you would come across the following terms:

Fill types:

The common types of fillings are Down, Polyester, Silk and Cotton.

Down fillings: Down refers to the soft, fluffy underlying feathers of geese. Feathers gathered from a young goose are said to be soft and from adults to be rigid. By virtue of its texture it would provide a comfortable and soft feel. They adjust easily as to shifting movements as the fillings keep shifting and is known to be durable and long lasting. In case you happen to be allergic to feathers then go for the hypoallergenic variety of down filling.
Silk fillings: Silk is derived from the fiber generated from silkworms - when they form the cocoon. It is soft and luxurious. They are good for people prone to allergies. Easy to iron and is machine washable.
Polyester fillings: Polyester is a man-made fabric and most polyester fillings available are actually a combination of cotton and polyester. These dry fast and, are easy to manage and are not known to cause any allergies. Comforters are generally filled with layers of polyester batting
Cotton fillings: Cotton being a natural fiber is softer and unlike other type of fillings, do not cause allergies. They are extremely malleable and adjust as per the movements of the occupants’ body. With time cotton tends to form clots or clusters and these then would need to be replaced.

Stitch and loft:

The thickness or the extent of support provided by the filling is referred to as loft. This in turn stands for the thickness, height and resilience of the comforter. So a high loft is thicker and fluffier, and a low loft is thinner. The stitch at the borders that keep the fillings in place, evenly and securely distributed is another aspect of importance when selecting a good comforter. The value of stitch is determined by its thread count. Higher the thread count, greater is the durability and softer the fabric. The threading at the seams provides support to as well as contains the fillings in its proper position. A higher thread count would keep the fill in where it belongs, and also helps keep out impurities.

Size:

Being a bedding accessory, its size would always be influenced by the size of the bed in context. Since it is relative in context, your choice of comforter would depend on the size of the bed you have. Sizes of comforters are indicated by similar terms; Full (also called Double), King, Queen and Twin – which makes it easier for selection!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)