Choosing a Luxury Bedding

Choosing luxury bedding is not a simply task.to the touch. Only carded or combed yarns are used.
Customers must understand the factors whichCombed cotton is screened from impurities. The best
contribute to its value and quality like the types ofquality sateen is mercerized to give it a higher sheen.
cotton, types of weave (sateen, damask,chenille),Mercerized cotton has been treated with sodium
thread count, ply and embroidery. Some of thesehydroxide to shrink it and increase its luster and affinity
factors will be summarized below. To get the most forfor dye. It is also makes it more mildew resistant and
your money, these factors must be considered andstronger. Some sateen sheets are only calendared to
questioned.produce the sheen. This is when the fabric is pressed
What are the Types of Cotton?between two rolling pins to give it a glossier
Consumers should always be looking for the bestappearance. This is lower-grade sateen. The sheen will
quality cotton products made from an extra-longeventually fade away with a few washings. This is not
staple cotton ( ELS cotton). The long fibers of ELSconsidered genuine sateen. Genuine sateen can be
cotton make a stronger and more softer yarn, and, inbleached, dyed, or printered.
turn, weave into a much stronger and softer fabric.What do You Need to know about Thread Count?
Most high thread count sheets are made from ELSThread count (TC) refers to the number of fibers
cotton because a long fiber is needed to make a verywoven together in one-square-inch of fabric. It can
thin, yet strong, yarn. Among the ELS cottons is Pima,range from 80 to 1200. The higher the thread count,
Supima and Egyptian cotton . Pima cotton is a genericwhich requires finer threads, the desirable smoother
label given to any ELS cotton grown in any countryand softer the fabric. However finer threads mean the
from a particular type of long-staple cotton. Supimathreads a slightly more delicate, so one must use
cotton is Pima cotton grown in the U.S. Egyptian cottonproper care when washing. An other important criteria
is a fine, lustrous, long staple cotton grown in Egypt.is ply. Ply refers to the number of single fibers twisted
Long staple cottons are more expensive than thetogether before it is woven into a fabric. By twisting
commonly available cottons, because they aretwo fibers together, the thread count can be doubled.
synonymous with quality and have a higher threadSome 1000TC sets of sheets are actually 330TC
count. The quality and feel of a sheet depends on the3-ply or 250TC 4-ply. The higher the ply, the heavier
fibre the fabric is made from and the number ofand thicker the sheet and the greater chance of the
threads woven per inch. The higher the thread count,fabric pilling (little balls). The highest thread count that
the softer and more durable the sheet. Also, if itcan be woven into a single ply is 500TC. All 1000TC
doesn't say 100%, don't assume 100% Cotton.sheets are at least 2-ply. In summary, if softness is
What is Mercerized Sateen?desired, a high thread count and low ply is required but
Sateen is usually a cotton fabric that has a satin-likeat a higher cost. If one prefers a heavier sheets, a high
feel. It's often found in bed sheets and other textilesthread count with a high ply (3-4) is required. They will
throughout the world. Sateen is usually 100% wovenalso keep one warmer. If one chooses a higher thread
cotton, although it is occasionally formed from rayon.count, proper care must be done to prevent pilling.
Like percale, sateen method in which the sheet wasAnything above 300TC is usually soft enough for most
woven. The weave is what gives the sateen sheet itspeople. If one prefers a lighter sheet, select 250 to
soft, satin-like feel. The material is lustrious and smooth500TC range with a single ply.