February 18, 2007
Luxury Bedding: High Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets – Part 7
This is the 7th and final post (for now) about high thread count Egyptian cotton bed sheets. The previous 6 posts discussed technical details of making fabric, how to shop for bed sheets, and some current issues with high thread count fabrics in the marketplace.
High thread count bed sheets are a relatively recent evolution and there exists some misunderstandings, in the mind of consumers, about what they actually are. Most people believe that quality, softness, and durability increase in a linear way with increasing thread count number. This is not necessarily true.
Critiques criticize the labeling of multiply threads as more than one thread, and yet there are unique qualities of the new “high thread count” fabrics (600tc – 1500tc) that have merit. Multiply high thread count bed sheets are thicker, very durable, and well made; they drape exceptionally well, look great, and feel great against the skin. For these reasons they have become very popular among those seeking refined linens for their bedroom. They have satisfied many happy customers who praise them for contributing to a very pleasant sleep experience.
If you are looking for a great set of Egyptian cotton bed sheets, look for the middle ground in the market place. Don’t go for the lowest price deal, for you get what you pay for, and know that you don’t have to go for the highest price to assure quality. There are many fine luxury bedding retailers who can provide a quality bed sheet set.
Also, a good way to think about high thread count bed sheets between 600tc and 1500tc is that higher thread count means thicker, but not necessarily softer. Higher thread count sheets are a little warmer, a little more durable, and drape differently. Think of 600tc – 900tc as a nice spring and summer range and over 1000tc as pleasant in fall and winter.
Filed under Bed Sheets, Blog, Luxury Bedding by admin
Comments on Luxury Bedding: High Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets – Part 7 »
The Lo-Down on Thread Count: Choosing Superior Sheets and Bedding @ 12:41 am
[…] Sheet sets with thread counts of 800-1200 are most suitable for winter because their heavier weight makes them cozier and warmer; sheets with 600 TC or less are more comfortable for the warmer seasons. Many people believe that simply buying sheets labeled with the highest thread count possible means they are getting the most luxurious item available. But as we have seen, getting a higher tc sheet set only means you are buying something different, not necessarily better. Because of this confusion, many consumers have false expectations when purchasing high thread count cotton sheets. For peace of mind, purchase luxury sheets and bedding from a reputable store or retailer. Most high end and reputable sellers will educate you about thread count and Egyptian cotton, so that the 500tc, 800tc, or 1200tc sheets you are about to take home are the real McCoy. As a final thought… have you ever wondered why so many people prefer Egyptian cotton? The short answer is that sheet sets, pillowcases and duvet covers made from Egyptian cotton are made with long fiber cotton. Egyptian cotton is the finest quality - the best cotton in the world. Cultivated mainly in the Nile River Valley in Egypt, this grade of cotton boasts the longest and strongest fibers in the world. If you would like to learn more, please read a previous post on Egyptian sheets […]