09 Sep Sheets 101
Sheets are one of those broad topics that consist of so many different factors, and we know it can be confusing! When looking for new sheets for your bed, you must take into account the different brands that are available, thread counts, type of cotton they’re made out of, color choices, what type of sheet they are, how to wash, etc. Making a decision based on all of these factors can be overwhelming, so we put together this quick guide to help you the next time you’re buying sheets to make the process a bit easier for you!
Brands:
There are tons of different brands to choose from when you’re looking for sheets, but when you come into Isabella, you’ll notice that we only stock a few brands in the shop at all time. This is because of the above average quality and durability of their linens. Although there are lots of quality brands that we order from, our favorites are Matouk, Peacock Alley and NC Souther (Bagni Volpi Noemi).
These three brands are great options if you just want a basic sheet set for your bed, but they are also very customizable- especially NC Souther and Matouk. Both companies offer a wide variety of embroidery patterns and color options to best fit your personal preference and the style of your room.
Color:
In our opinion, you can never go wrong with a good set of white sheets! White is an excellent base color because it goes with anything, and from there you can add different embroidery patterns in a complimentary color to match the rest of your bedding.
Although we prefer white for our everyday bedding, we can definitely appreciate a fun set of colored sheets! We love John Robshaw for anything colored and patterned for the bed.
Sateen vs. Percale:
Here’s a great explanation from Peacock Alley on the differences between Percale and Sateen sheets:
“Percale sheets are plain in weave and characterized by a matte finish and crisp hand. Just like your favorite crisp white shirt, percale sheets are a bedroom must-have, especially during the hot summer months. Cotton percale linens are light and invigorating yet incredibly soft. Percale fabric is lighter in weight and more breathable making it perfect for summertime or warmer climates.
Sateen fabric is woven to create a silky smooth surface with a luminous sheen and is known for its luster and drape. Sateen is usually a little thicker and more tightly woven. It has a soft, inviting touch, perfect to to snuggle into bed with during the cold winter months.”
Our go-to is percale because we love how crisp it is, but if you’re looking for a smoother finish and a more elegant, luxurious feel, then go with sateen.
Our pick for a sateen sheet would be Peacock Alley’s Soprano sheet, and we love their Boutique line for a solid, affordable percale option.
Thread Count:
We’re here to put the myth of the ‘higher number thread count means a higher quality sheet’ to rest. This is just not true! There’s no need to go above 500-600 thread count. Companies will strip the yarns used in making the sheets to make the thread count appear higher, but you’ll notice that most high quality linen brands will not offer sheets with a thread count higher than this.
Caring for Your Sheets:
Check out the tips below for laundering your sheets:
- Wash them in cold water, on a gentle cycle
- Dry in a warm dryer, not hot
- Never use anything with added bleach or softeners; this breaks down the fibers in your sheets
- To prevent wrinkles, dry the fitted sheet separately- this prevents the sheets from clumping together in a big ball
We recommend The Laundress detergents for laundering your sheets. We use the Whites Detergent for white sheets, and the Signature Detergent for everything else.
We hope this was helpful! If there’s anything else you’ve ever wondered regarding picking the perfect sheet, leave us a comment below!