Best Sheets & Blankets

What’s the difference between a fitted sheet and a flat sheet?

Many department stores will sell sheets in sets, although you can buy the sheets individually. Usually, these include:

• One flat sheet (to go in-between you and your doona)
• One fitted sheet (to go in-between you and your mattress)
• 1 or 2 pillowcases

Fitted sheets

Fitted sheets contain an elastic band around the edge which is designed to slip comfortably on your mattress and avoid moving about when you are sleeping on it. They are meant for use exclusively between you and your mattress.

Flat sheets

A flat sheet (otherwise known as a top sheet) has reduced in popularity as time has progressed but it is typically meant to lay between the quilt and yourself as a protective layer. It saves you from washing your quilt cover as regularly and can help get you a snug, tucked in feeling. You can normally still see these used in hotels.

You can use a flat sheet as a bottom sheet instead of a fitted sheet as it can be tucked in easily for a neat look and feel. Unlike a fitted sheet, it doesn’t have an elastic band meaning it may be easier to use and fit onto the bed. However, if it is not fitted properly, it can bunch up as you sleep and become uncomfortable.

Those who appreciate versatility can benefit from buying a large flat sheet that can be used as a bottom sheet no matter the size of the mattress or as a top sheet.

What size bed sheets do I need?

To find out what size mattress you have, simply pull out the measuring tape and check. Make sure to measure the depth of your bed as well as you may need a sheet in a size up from the recommended guide:

What is the best sheet material?

The sheet material refers to the fibre your sheets are woven from. While there is no objective ‘best’ material, there are many luxurious and specialised fabrics for you to choose from:

Cotton

This is one of the most popular sheet material choices when it comes to bed sheets and for good reason. Cotton is extremely light, breathable and moisture-wicking. Cotton fibres come in short-staple or long-staple and the longer the staple, the better quality it is. Many fabric weaves are made of cotton.

Egyptian cotton

Luxurious, strong and breathable. Egyptian cotton has extra-long fibres which are only grown in Egypt. It is softer, more durable and less likely to create pilling and lint than shorter-staple fibres. Keep in mind that many sheets may be advertised as Egyptian cotton, yet only use a small amount of actual Egyptian cotton so keep an eye out for that percentage sign especially if the sheets come with a suspiciously small price tag.

Pima cotton

Pima cotton is similar to Egyptian cotton in structure but is grown in America. The different climates affect the qualities of the cotton. Egyptian cotton is considered a more premium choice but Pima cotton is still regarded as a very soft and high-quality choice.

Cotton blend

Cotton blend is usually a mix of cotton with synthetic materials. This affords you the benefit of synthetic fibres which are affordable, wrinkle-free and durable with the pros of cotton such as its breathability and comfort. The pros will be diluted in both, however.

Linen

Linen is very breathable and wicks moisture away easily. It is soft and likely to keep you cool even on the hottest days and warm on the cooler days.

Polyester

These synthetic fibres make the sheets durable and stain-resistant. They’re very easy to maintain since they’re unlikely to wrinkle or shrink and are durable. Its main con is that it doesn’t regulate body temperature very well nor does it absorb moisture. Polyester may not be the most comfortable sheet material to sleep on.

Silk

Silk is not just soft on the skin, it’s hypoallergenic which is ideal if you suffer from allergies or skin conditions. It’s a luxurious and classy material that suits all sleepers. Silk can be a high-maintenance fabric and require careful hand-washing the first few times.

Bamboo rayon

Bamboo-based fabrics such as rayon are temperature-regulating, making them suitable for all seasons. They are made of an absorbent weave that can absorb any moisture from your body, allowing you to stay dry all night. Bamboo sheets are less likely to wrinkle and are usually sustainably sourced.

Types of fabric weaves

Cotton can be made using several different weaves which results in a variety of different finishes. They can be light and crisp, silky and smooth, or soft and cosy. The weaves of a fabric affect the way it looks, feels and how durable it is.

Percale

Light and crisp, percale is a plain-weave fabric that’s higher than 220 threads per square 10cm. It has a smooth, matte and crisp finish due to its closely woven square weave. It is likely to keep you cool on warm days.

Sateen

This type of weave is when a thread is woven over three and under one. It leads to an extremely soft, smooth and lustrous feel. It is quite similar to the satin weave but they are made of different fibres.

Flannelette

Woven from soft spun cotton yarns which are then brushed on both sides, flannelette is a good choice if you’re looking for something to keep you warm in the cooler months since the fuzzy weave retains your body heat.

Jersey knit

Similar to a comfortable t-shirt, this type of weave has a stretchy softness that allows for a warm sleep. It doesn’t crease and has anti-fade and anti-shrink properties so these sheets are guaranteed to last you a long time.

What is the best thread count?

When people talk about the thread count, they’re referring to how many threads fill a certain area of your bedsheet. In Australia, it is measured by the number of threads woven together per 10cm2 of fabric. The thread count normally indicates how soft and durable your sheets will be. However, a higher thread count does not always mean higher quality.

While it may be tempting to buy sheets with the highest thread count in order to get the best quality, it doesn’t always work that way. Other factors such as fibre quality and weave are also important. Thread count usually tops out in quality around 400-500 with bed sheets above that range not contributing much more in terms of softness or durability, but coming with a hefty price tag. Similarly, marketers can use 2-ply yarn to double the thread count without doubling the quality.

Other things to look out for

Ply-level: Plies are not just for toilet paper. They’re individual strands of yarn that can be spun together. The higher the ply level, the more durable the fabric is. They range from 1-3 ply.

Single-ply tends to be soft, light and opaque; two-ply fabrics are more heavy and durable.

Finishes: Treatments can be applied to the fabric after it has been woven. These include mercerizing (adding strength), shrinkage control or wrinkle resistance. Be careful when choosing something with a wrinkle-resistant finish as these are achieved by spraying plastic on the cotton sheets.

You can read reviews on the best bed sheets and blankets in the market today by scrolling up.