How to find premium bed sheets

In our rat race for efficiency, time is of the essence. It’s almost counterintuitive to rest, but you risk losing more than two weeks of productivity per year if you don’t.

Fortunately, the secret to a good night’s sleep isn’t in increasing the hours, but in elevating the quality. Aside from choosing a suitable mattress for your sleeping needs, you can easily start by choosing the perfect bed sheet first.

Here are five aspects to consider to nail the bed sheet of your dreams.

1. Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric. The consensus is that the higher the thread count, the better the bedsheet.

Though thread count does contribute to smoothness and durability, it may not be necessary to shell out big bucks for anything above 500. Apparently, a 300 to 500 thread count hits the sweet spot for softness and strength. A 200 thread count is decent too, albeit less comfy.

While thread count remains a significant indicator, manufacturers have found ways to cheat the numbers by using double twist yarns. In fact, it is more reliable to inspect the fabric, which brings us to tip #2.

2. Material

When it comes to the fabric, it is very much a matter of personal preference. Here are 3 common materials with their respective pros and cons.

Cotton

Cotton is generally the go-to, but there are several types depending on your needs and budget.

At the bottom of the hierarchy lies American upland cotton, typically labelled as just cotton. While reasonably soft and strong, it pales in comparison to Pima cotton, otherwise known by its trademarked name Supima. The latter will prove superior both in terms of softness and sheen.

But none of them stands a chance against the lush indulgence of 100% Egyptian cotton. This expensive variety is renowned for producing thin, sumptuous yet highly long-lasting sheets.

Linen

Linen is temperature-regulating, making it ideal for the hot climates of Singapore. For those who combat said climate with air-conditioning, linen has the bonus of being anti-static. Moreover, it boasts longevity and improves with age. The downside? Premium standards come at premium prices.

Poly-blend

If you manage to look past the slightly synthetic appearance, cotton/polyester blends have their perks. It is durable and less prone to wrinkles. Most importantly, it is wallet-friendly.

3. Fibre Content

For cotton, it important to understand the fibre content, as it explains the aforementioned hierarchy.

American upland cotton has shorter fibres that tend to poke out of the weave. As a result, it is the coarsest of the three, and also the frailest. In contrast, Pima cotton has medium staple fibres, while Egyptian cotton belongs to the Extra-Long Staple (ELS) category. Their extended fibre lengths fare better in weaves and equip the fabrics with much coveted attributes.

4. Weave

There is a wide variety of weaves. For instance, there is microfiber, a dense weave that makes for a fluffy, wrinkle- and water-resistant bedding. There is also flannel, which has a snuggly texture that is more practical in colder regions.

But, the competition usually comes down to percale and sateen. The former is a plain, lightweight weave that creates a crisp and cooling effect. It is perfect for sleepers whose primary concern is overheating. The latter, on the other hand, is a slightly heavier weave that results in a lustrous, satiny finish that lends its name.

To decide, get a touch test with samples or swatches.

5. Size

It would be a huge bummer to finally bring home the perfect pick, only to find out it doesn’t fit. A bed sheet’s “standard size” may vary in different countries. Plus, you would need some leeway for shrinkage after laundering, and extra space for a mattress topper if you use one. As a result, it’s best to arm yourself with precise measurements when shopping for bed sheets.

Comffe — premium bed sheets made for Singaporeans

If measuring or shopping (or both) is too much work, check out Comffe, a brand that adheres to Singapore sizes. Their cooling and sinfully cosy sheets are made of 100% cotton and come in dreamy, swoon-worthy hues. The best part: there’s no need to leave your bed for this. Simply place an order on their website and wait for the delivery!

Meanwhile, you may consider investing in an essential oil diffuser that will improve your sleep through science-backed aromatherapy. Alternatively, disconnect from electronic gadgets at least half an hour before bedtime to prevent blue light from disrupting your sleep cycle.

Cover image adapted from @comffe

Written by Luna