Posts Tagged ‘Egyptian Cotton Sheets’
Does Thread Count Affect Bed Sheet Quality?
By Corinne Waldon
There is no feeling better than getting into a clean bed, turning the lights off, closing your eyes and falling asleep as your head hits the pillow. On the reverse side, there is nothing worse than crawling into bed, turning off the light, tossing, and turning for hours on end, trying to get comfortable so you can get some sleep. The night seems long and never ending, and knowing you are going to be tired the next day when you get up makes it all the worse. Statistics show that people need between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted sleep nightly. Being comfortable in bed is important since so many hours are spend sleeping, and good bedding can make the difference between sleeping like a baby or laying awake counting sheep.
What is Thread Count?
Measuring fabric and seeing how many yarns or threads there are woven into the length and width of one square inch, is know as the thread count.
Bed linens can be anywhere between 80 to 1,000 and the average range that is commonly carried in most stores is from 150 to 400. Sheets made of cotton, muslin other cotton blends typically have a count of 150. Thread counts of around 160-180 believed to be average quality. Two hundred and over are sometimes referred to as percale. A standard rule is the higher the number, the more expensive the bed sheets.
Does Thread Count Affect the Quality of Bed Sheets?
Consumers want to purchase bed sheets that feel wonderful and will be around many years. Thread count is important but there are also some other things to consider. Among other factors, does affect the ‘hand’, or the feel of the bedding when it touches your skin. You need to consider what fabric the bed sheet is made of and the finish. Counts in the range of 200 to 600 are very durable and soft but remember that other features should be important to you also. When choosing your bed sheets, here are a few items to remember:
1. Cotton/polyester blends of fabric do not feel as crisp and cool but the seldom wrinkle.
2. Flannel and brushed cotton are the right choice for you if you are looking for warmth.
3. By picking 100% cotton weaves, you will get the feeling of satin but it will not be as slippery.
4. Cool and luxurious percale gets softer with each washing.
5. Egyptian cotton has the longest fiber and is known as the ‘King’ of sheets. It becomes softer with each washing while remaining luxurious, smooth and durable.
Most people enjoy a good quality bed linen with a relatively high thread count for optimum comfort. To make sure that the correct sheets are purchased check the thread count before making a decision.
Choosing the Perfect Bed Sheets
By Myloer Jamery
You spend a lot of your time sleeping, which means you definitely want to sleep on something comfortable. Choosing the right bed sheets is definitely important and there are many things to consider. Here are several tips to help you choose the best bed sheets.
First of all, when you are purchasing bedding, you definitely want to make sure you purchase the right size of sheets. There are many different types of mattresses out there, and just because your bed is a king size bed, doesn’t mean regular king sheets will fit. There are pillow tops, extra thick mattresses, California Kings, and more. Pay attention to the size of you bed when you buy to ensure the sheets fit.
It’s important to consider the thread count of your sheets as well. The higher the thread count, the softer your sheets are going to be. If you go with a low thread count, you’ll spend the night on scratchy sheets, which means you won’t sleep well. Sheets over 250 count are the best, and the higher, the more comfy you’ll be at night.
Of course, material is also important when choosing the perfect bed sheets. There are various materials to choose from, including silk, cotton, satin, and flannel. Probably the most common choice is cotton, because it is cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. However, some people love the warmth of flannel sheets, while other prefer the luxurious feeling of silk or satin sheets.
These are just several things to think about when picking out bedding. Your sheets are important to a good night’s rest, so choose carefully.
History of Egyptian Cotton
As Egyptian cotton becomes more and more prolific across the globe, more and more people are becoming familiar with its luxurious and superior qualities. But still, people are not aware of the history of this durable cotton. Some people believe that this particular brand of cotton actually existed in ancient Egypt, but there doesn’t actually seem to be any proof to support this theory. Rather, it is more readily accepted that it was first planted in the 19th century.
To that end, it was brought to the Egyptian banks by Mohammad Ali Pasha. And while the American Civil War was raging, this Egyptian cotton was an alternative source for English textiles. So, while it’s a romantic idea that Cleopatra wrapped herself in queen Egyptian cotton sheets every night, it simply doesn’t seem likely. Rather, Egyptians were thought to have made their clothes and bedding from linen, which is derived from the flax plant.
Become a Cotton Connoisseur
Word has spread in recent years about the supreme softness of Egyptian cotton. Domestic cotton is still produced in the American South, but it’s just not the same. Anyone who doubts that fact should think of the cotton industry from the perspective of a vintner. In France, the finest wines are named for their region of production. Along those same lines, the world’s softest cotton is cultivated in the fertile soil of the Nile River Delta.
Egyptian cotton has a relatively rough texture upon first feel. After a trip or two through the laundry, however, a set of king Egyptian cotton sheets attains a heretofore unseen softness. The difference is visible at the fabric level. Cotton harvested in Egypt contains a long fiber, which is less scratchy and irritating than shorter-fiber domestic fabrics. In many cases it’s better to buy local, but other times a good night’s sleep takes top priority.