Egyptian and Pima cottons are long staple fibers that give good sheets, whether they are a percale or a sateen weave, the smooth, comfortable feel against your skin. Thread count, although important, is not as important as the type of cotton. Cambric and India cotton are not as fine or soft
as Egyptian cotton and are usually less expensive. When looking at sheets if
you see a label of 500 thread count, Indian or Cambric cotton, even though it
may be priced less than Egyptian or Pima 500 thread count but it is not a bargain. Long staple cottons means that the cotton fibers start out longer than
the fibers used for Cambric and India cotton. When the long fiber Egyptian or
Pima cotton is spun into yarn, and then woven into fabric the result is a smoother, softer feel.
Cotton is generally woven
one of two ways for sheeting: percale or sateen. A cotton percale sheet will
have a cool, crisp feel whereas a cotton sateen sheet will have a silky, softer feel. Everyone is different and as long as good Egyptian or
Pima cotton is used the choice of either percale or sateen sheeting is good,
and should be based on individual preference for crisp (percale) or silky (sateen) sheets.
Linen sheets are a true
luxury. Linen sheets have more texture than cotton or a micromodal fabric. Linen has a natural ability to wick away moisture from your body without making you cold. There is nothing like sleeping between linen sheets under a lightweight linen or cotton blanket in the summer. You will be cool without being cold or clammy. Linen fibers are very strong and good linen sheets will last for years
and years.
The new micro fibers made
from beechwood are still a natural fabric with the breathability of cotton and
linen. The silky softness of micromodal sheets such as Legna by SDH or Modal by Bonjour of Switzerland is like whipped butter.
Fine linens are an investment
in luxury that with proper care can last for year and years. There is nothing like slipping into bed and relishing the comfort of good sheets as you drift off to sleep.