I've never understood threadcount but I read about it yesterday so I understand what they actually consider threadcount. But I still dont understand which sheets are known for their softness, comfort and durability. I've always bought the bed-in-the-bag type stuff from Mervyns, Kohls or Target. But this time, I want something that I can totally melt myself into. Were getting new mattresses soon too so i'm looking ahead of time so I can learn the tricks of buying great sheets.

Any advice?

By Colette on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 12:17 pm:

You can get really nice, high thread count cotton sheets at TJ Maxx or Marshalls.

By Colette on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 12:19 pm:

Maybe this will help

THREAD COUNT is the most important place to start. Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Assuming you are looking for the softest and most durable sheet, the higher thread count will always be the best. Look for it to be at least 200 or higher.

FABRIC CONTENT is the next item. We offer a wide range of cotton/polyester blends and 100% cotton sheets. There are different grades of cotton, which is determined by the length of its staple or fiber. The longer the staple, the more luxurious and durable the grade of cotton.

There are two levels above the basic grade of cotton: EGYPTIAN cotton is the highest quality, providing the softest, most luxurious fabric and feel. SUPIMA is a long, consistent staple cotton produced in the U.S., which is very soft and durable.

100% cotton sheets will be the softest and most breathable, as they are an all natural fiber. The benefit of a cotton/polyester blend is that they will not wrinkle as much and are more moderately priced. However, polyester sheets will not breathe or absorb moisture as well as all cotton. 100% cotton will always be the most comfortable choice, and if you take them out of the dryer promptly and either fold them or put them on the bed, they will not be as wrinkled as you think.

Another important feature to look for in sheets is the weave. A standard weave is alternating one stitch over, one stitch under.

Other weaves include:
SATEEN: (Not to be confused with satin). This has a stitch of four over, one under, placing the most threads on the surface, making it extremely soft, though slightly less durable than other weaves.
PINPOINT: This is a stitch of two over and one under. This is more durable than a regular weave, but not as soft as sateen.

When selecting your sheets, consider buying at least one quality solid sheet set to coordinate with your print bedding and other accessories.

SIZING: The measurements below are for fitted sheets and will help ensure a proper fit. Do not be concerned with the top or flat sheet dimension as it will be tucked under the mattress anyway and is not meant to be sized to the exact specifications of your mattress. Manufacturer's sizes may vary slightly, however these dimensions serve as a good representation of what should be expected for these items:

* TWIN: 39 x 76 inches
* TWIN X-LONG: 39 x 80 inches
* FULL: 54 x 75 inches
* QUEEN: 60 x 80 inches
* KING: 78 x 80 inches
* CAL-KING: 72 x 84 inches


You can use these dimensions as a guide for mattress pads as well.
No need to look for Cal-King or Twin X-Long in the top sheet - it is not made… use the King and Twin sizes accordingly.

Before selecting your sheets, it is important to know how deep your mattress is, especially since Pillow Top and Extra Deep mattresses have become very common. Here are some dimensions to use as a guide:

* STANDARD DEPTH: 7 to 9 inches
* DEEP MATTRESS: 10 to 15 inches
* EXTRA DEEP: 15 inches to as deep as 22 inches

By My2cuties on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 12:27 pm:

TJmaxx is a great place to buy sheets, I got 800 thread count sateen sheets there for $50. great deal! Anything around 200 feels like cardboard, IMO, unless you wash it a million times and use LOTS of fabric softener...lol Good luck finding some great deals!

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 12:31 pm:

I like Jersey sheets, they have a tee shirt feel, but lots of static for whatever reason. I knew the higher the TC the better, but not about the different weaves. Thanks Colette! Melissa, Overstock.com has great prices, and $1 shipping right now, you might want to check there.

By Vicki on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 01:38 pm:

Get the highest thread count you can afford!! That is one of the things I do to spoil us is buy really good sheets. I even bought dd a set and she is spoiled now. Be ready though, they are expensive, but oh so worth it!!

By Fraggle on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 03:56 pm:

I would wait until you buy the mattress before you buy your sheets. Our mattress is very thick and it took me a while to find fitted sheets deep enough to cover the mattress. I have found good prices on sheets at Homegoods.

By Feona on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 04:18 pm:

Actually I used to think pure cotton sheets were too hot... Now I don't think that anymore. I used to like

Marcal 50/50 sheets. Now I seem to like high thread sheets from overstock.com

I usually get over 200 threads per what ever. Go to bed bath and beyond and feel the sheets.

By Boxzgrl on Friday, March 18, 2005 - 04:21 pm:

Thats a good point Meredith. I guess i'll just start learning more about sheets and then wait to buy the mattress first before the sheets, then I can measure it better.

Keep the comments coming, it's helping me learn a lot. I looked on Overstock and they some great deals.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 01:29 am:

I tried to cheap out the last time I bought sheets. They were 180, I think, and they weren't the softest. I thought I would do better the next time I buy sheets!

By Vicki on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 07:54 am:

Many of the high quality high thread count sheets (600 or higher is where I am now)) will have deep pockets in them already. They are made in such a way that they will fit regular or thick mattresses. If you find a super deal on them, I think you would be safe to get a package now. JMO though.

By Robyn8 on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 01:47 pm:

I agree, the higher the better, I like 600 TC. I usually get them from Bed, Bath & Beyond, but I wait for the 20% of coupon (they usually have one every month).

By Kym on Saturday, March 19, 2005 - 04:16 pm:

Does your area have Tuesday Mornings? they have awesome deals, I get a new set each year, 600tc egyptian cotton is what I recommend!