Dress Your Bed for Success
Your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom, so you want your sheets to be beautiful. You will be sleeping under them so they must also be comfortable. Sheets vary depending upon material, thread count, weave, size, and style. Down Etc has accounted for all of these factors in creating its 100% cotton sheet sets.
Material Matters When Choosing Sheets
Cotton is the most widely used fiber for making bed linens. Staple length is the average length of a group of fibers, and the longer the “staple length” of the cotton, the finer the yarn, and the smoother, softer, and stronger the bed linens. Down Etc’s sheet collections are 100% cotton so they are breathable, comfortably cool, durable, and easy to launder. Our D.O.E. Down on Earth® line is made with 100% certified organic cotton and exemplifies the journey to conscious luxury from seed to sleep.
Silk is extra smooth and soft, and it is a wonderful fabric for pillowcases as it protects the skin and hair from friction and breakage. Down Etc has maximized the beneficial characteristics of silk in its Tiara Silks® collection of pillowcases. As an added benefit, these pillowcases have a hidden pocket for a sachet filled with lavender or chamomile potpourri.
Thread Count Is Just One Factor in Picking Sheets
The term “thread count” is often the first, and sometimes only, factor considered by consumers in selecting bed linens. However, other factors, including the quality of the yarn and type of weave, can be equally as important in determining the comfort and quality of bed linens.
The thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch of fabric. Generally, the higher the thread count, the finer the yarn and the softer the linens. This generally results in linens that wear more evenly over time. However, the quality of bed linens also depends upon the quality of the raw cotton and the yarn it produces. In fact, the quality of yarn used can be more important than the thread count.
A high thread count will, in fact, make for greater comfort and longevity of your linens so long as the thread itself is high quality. Long-fibered cotton feels softer, lasts longer, and maintains structure better than other types of cotton. So, apart from settling on a thread count, it pays to know what you are getting in terms of materials. Materials vary from brand to brand and collection to collection. Synthetics are typically wrinkle resistant and therefore highly successful but are sometimes raspier, less breathable, and less durable.
Weave Affects the Feel of Your Sheets
Sateen is an elegant weave made up of three threads over and one thread under, which places more threads on the surface of the cloth giving it a silky sheen and smooth feel. The distinctive weave traps air and holds in warmth, so it is especially inviting in winter. Not to be confused with satin, sateen is very comfortable to sleep on but is more susceptible to wear than other weaves.
Jacquards are patterns wherein the vertical and horizontal threads are set up to provide highs and lows. Our Masquerade and Tuxedo jacquards were designed specifically for Down Etc by textile designer Marcia Bradwein. Jacquards are woven on a special loom to create multi-dimensional patterns of sateen (raised threads) and matt (flat), usually in a stripe, check, or floral design. In a solid jacquard, the fabric often looks like the pattern is shaded and slightly indented. Jacquard patterns include paisleys, stripes, checks, florals, and abstracts. Jacquards provide pattern and texture without printing.
Your Mattress Size May Determine Your Sheet Size
Each type of bed linen comes in a variety of sizes. It is not enough these days to know whether you have a queen-, king-, or California king-size mattress. With pillow-top mattresses and other mattress features, the dimensions of your bed could end up being far from standard size. You might need deep pocket fitted sheets to ensure the corners do not pop off or you might want to go up a size with your flat sheets to get extra length or width for tucking. Some brands sell sheets separately so, if you can not find what you are looking for in a set, do not despair. Just make sure to have measurements in hand when you go shopping or start perusing sheets online.
Your Bedmaking Style Is Up to You
Bottom Sheets: The bottom sheet is either a fitted sheet with elastic corners or an extra-long flat sheet that can be tucked to keep it secure around your mattress, mattress pad, and feather bed when you move in your sleep. The sides should be deep enough to fit your mattress, topper, and pad. If your mattress is extra deep, use a flat sheet and fold the corners underneath.
Top Sheets: If you make a bed with a blanket, you need to use a flat top sheet. You can also use a flat top sheet with a comforter to give your bed a more tailored look. A top sheet may have a decorative “cuff” for display when you fold the sheet back over the top of the blanket. In a method of bedmaking called three-sheeting, hotels will use three sheets: a fitted sheet over the mattress, topper, and pad; a flat sheet under the blanket; and a second flat sheet over the blanket. The two flat sheets are folded in a way to keep the blanket surrounded and clean.
Pillowcases: Pillowcases come in several sizes, generally matching the size of your pillows; however, your personal preference is the most important factor. Pillowcases have different closures including open sack, envelope closure, and zipper or button closure.
Pillow Protectors: At Down Etc, we recommend the consistent use of zippered pillow protectors to protect against sweat and spills and to extend the life of the pillows you love. Our Essential Cotton Pillow Protector is beautifully constructed with an invisible zipper and teardrop pull
