So, what is the secret of a good night’s sleep? You may be surprised
Softness and density of bed linen is equally important to a good sleep as pillows and mattresses
It’s no surprise that nine out of 10 people surveyed by the National Sleep Foundation, an American non-profit organisation, cite a comfortable mattress and pillows as factors for ensuring a good night’s rest. But more than three-quarters also rate sheets and bedding as equally important. So, how does one choose from the plethora of products out there?
In simple terms, thread count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, horizontally and vertically. For instance, a sheet made with a 400 thread count will have 400 threads per square inch.
“The higher the thread count, usually the better the hand-feel of the cloth, and the heavier the sheet will feel,” Beaumont explains. However, when it comes to thread count the highest isn’t always the best, he says, because with superhigh thread counts the fabric can become too dense and less durable with increased pilling and creasing.
“Depending on your needs and preference, always look for a happy medium when it comes to thread count, but we recommend a minimum percale of 200 thread count,” Beaumont says. “Percale is any cotton woven with a 200 thread count or higher. A 200 percale sheet will give you the nice crisp feel of a cotton button-down shirt with great durability. If you prefer a softer silkier sheet that is still breathable and very durable, go for a 300 to 400 percale for the perfect balance.”
