How to determine High Quality Fine Bedding

The luxuriousness of sleeping in fine bedding is sometimes a goal that is difficult to achieve. Some people buy beddings and linens based on prices because of a misplaced belief that higher prices meant higher quality. Although it is a fact that fine bedding of the highest quality does not come cheap, it is wrong to assume that all expensive bedding can be truly considered as fine bedding. The most luxurious and comfortable sleep that is brought about by fine bedding is possible only when three different important characteristics of cotton are taken into consideration. When buying bedding and linens, these three important characteristic must be examined thoroughly. These are thread count, cotton quality, and fabric finish.

Thread count is a characteristic that is often included in the labels of bedding, linens, and similar accessories. But what is it? It is simply the number of threads, both lengthwise (called "warp") and crosswise (called "weft") that are woven into a square inch of the cotton fabric. Ordinary cotton has a thread count between 150 and 180. Cotton fabrics that are more luxurious to the touch are those with thread counts that are higher than 250. Sheets with such thread counts are called percale sheets. Higher thread counts of about 400 and more are referred to as sateen.

Usually, the thread count is a relatively reliable characteristic to consider in buying fine bedding. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous fabric manufacturers intended to deceive customers by reporting a thread count that is higher but the actual fabric is of lower quality. This happens when manufacturers wove double-ply thread. If counted individually, there are only 200 threads but since it is double-ply twisted thread, some manufacturers double the number and report the thread count as 400. In other cases, manufacturers wove threads that are too fine and too weak in order to cram as high a thread count as possible into that tiny square inch of space. A wise buyer of fine bedding must then take a look at the kind of thread and the size of the yarn. A thread count of 300 with a single-ply thread and yarn size of about 80 pounds per yard is pretty good for fine bedding. A yarn size that is lower than 40 pounds per yard is of low quality.

Cotton quality is another characteristic that must be taken into consideration. The best quality cotton, of course, is Egyptian cotton. The Egyptian cotton is of finest quality because the lengths of the fibers (which are also called staples) are longer and stronger. The typical length is between 1.25 to 2 inches. The longer staples mean that as time goes by, the fabric will become softer and more comfortable. The shorter cotton fibers, as time goes by, will become loose and will pill. The truly luxurious fine bedding is made of 100% Egyptian cotton. The combed Egyptian cotton is even better because shorter and weaker fibers are removed first before the fabric is woven.

And lastly, the finish of the fine bedding should be free of extraneous chemicals that will only interfere with the texture. A high-quality finish of the fabric will reveal a silky smooth fabric with a long-lasting color. As for the weave of the fabric, there is no rule about which weave is better. For people who prefer crisp linens, they should choose the linen weave cotton. And for people who adore the lustrous silkier texture, they should choose the satin weave.