When buying sheets, have you ever felt like you needed a “linen jargon to English” dictionary?  I never knew sheets were multi-lingual!  So, in English please, what are sheet manufacturers talking about when they are describing sheets?  The first packing information you will probably see is something called thread count.  Thread count is simply the number of threads in a square inch of fabric (vertically and horizontally).  No, it’s not a geometry problem, just basic weaving.  Most sheets purchased are in the 180-360 thread count range.  It is a common thought that the higher the thread count, the better quality the sheet.  It also means that higher thread count sheets are more expensive.  But you have to ask yourself, what is the quality of the thread being used in determining thread count?  I tend to read consumer report agency reviews, customer product ratings and other reliable sources when I am unfamiliar with a product brand.  My advice, buy a good quality product within your price range.

The second terminology that drives me crazy is full/queen size.  If a full mattress is 81 x 96 inches and a queen size mattress is 90 x 102 inches, how does this work?  I think we all have those sheets that go on our mattress like it gained 5 pounds and no longer fits!  Remember, 100% cotton shrinks about one inch per yard after washing.  And mattresses also differ in depth (think high-water pants).  Check the packaging for the sheet measurements; you will save yourself a lot of frustration!

Now let’s talk about fabric.  Maybe you love the feel of 100% cotton.  But alas, will they wrinkle with age?  I don’t iron sheets like my grandmother did.  Sometimes cotton sheets are pre-treated in a chemical process to prevent wrinkles.  The “wash-life” of this pre-treatment should be available on the packaging.  Or they may be percale, which is a term used to describe a high woven fabric, usually 200 thread count or higher.  Percale can mean 100% cotton or a cotton blended fabric, such as cotton/polyester or cotton/linen.  A blend is less likely to wrinkle compared with 100% cotton.  Cotton can also be mercerized (I hope it’s not too painful).  Mercerization is a process in which the cotton fibers are chemically treated to swell and shrink so that they are easier to dye.  It also gives the cotton a lustrous appearance.

Just remember, at the end of the day, you want a comfortable place to slumber that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg!  Switch on to REM mode, pleasant dreams!  JT6HBCZRXC29