Bed Sheet Fabric Guide
Bed sheets are made from a vast number of fabrics. Each different type of bed sheet has its own positive aspect. Learn the unique properties of the most popular bed sheets with this bed sheet fabric guide.
The elegance of Egyptian cotton
Egyptian cotton is an extremely popular fabric used to make bed sheets and is produced in one place: the Nile River Valley. Several factors make it popular, most notably its strength and luster. Egyptian cotton bed sheets with high thread counts are extremely prized for their comfort and luxury.
The prettiness of pima
Another fine fabric used for bed sheets is pima cotton, grown mainly in the southwestern United States, Peru and Australia. Pima cotton's trademark is a comfortable silken finish. When produced in the United States, the fabric name of "supina" is used, short for "superior pima."
The magic of muslin
A less expensive form of cotton is muslin, often used to produce blankets from its lack of smoothness and durability. Although muslin bed sheets are adorned with vivid colors and character patterns, those decorations are short-lived; muslin bed sheets tend to lose their colors with multiple washings.
The freshness of flannel
Not all bed sheets are made from pure cotton. Flannel, a cotton blend of wool or synthetic fabrics, is popular for its warmth and comfort. Thread count does not quantify the quality of flannel bed sheets; the value of flannel is measured in ounces per square yard, with 5 ounces or more regarded as high quality.
The seduction of silk
Another fine non-cotton fiber is silk. No natural fiber compares in strength, making silk bed sheets luxurious and highly prized. The luster and smoothness of silk comes at a price - silk bed sheets require more effort to clean and to preserve than bed sheets made from other fibers.
The sweetness of satin
The polishing of synthetic fabrics creates satin, a fabric frequently used for luxury bedding. Many people confuse satin with the similar sateen. While "satin" is the name of a material, "sateen" refers to a style of weave, usually consisting of natural fibers.
