If you aren’t getting enough sleep because of your scratchy, uncomfortable sheets that get too warm, consider upgrading to high-end cotton bedsheets. Cotton is by far the most comfortable and durable fabric for sheets and is considered superior to microfiber and rayon alternatives.
Understanding the thread count, weave and fiber quality will help you make the best choice of which high-end cotton sheets to buy. If you’re looking for quality cotton sheets, Pine Cone Hill’s Grace collection is a top pick. Each Grace flat sheet, fitted sheet and two-pack set of pillowcases is made from Egyptian certified percale cotton. It is expertly woven and tailored by Italian artisans and will remain silky smooth after numerous washings.
What to know before you buy high-end cotton sheets
Thread count
Thread count reflects the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. Some manufacturers want you to believe the higher the thread count, the more luxurious the sheets are. What’s more important is the quality of the fabric in relation to the thread count. Some sheets might have a thread count of only 300 but are still made of high-quality long-fiber staple cotton.
Weave
You’ve probably seen words such as sateen and percale to describe cotton sheets. These refer to the style of weave used to make the cotton fabric.
Percale is the most common weave that gives cotton its crisp feel. Percale sheets have a flat, no-sheen appearance. Even though it’s ultra-breathable, it is prone to wrinkle. Percale is a good selection if you tend to get warm while you sleep.
Sateen sheets are made with more vertical threads than horizontal, making the cotton fabric slightly heavier than percale and less prone to wrinkling. This weave gives the fabric a light luster, making it soft and satiny to the touch. Many people believe sateen sheets are the most luxurious of all the cotton weaves.
Fiber quality
There are two primary types of cotton marketed on high-end cotton sheets: Egyptian and pima. Both are made from long-staple fibers, meaning the threads are longer, stronger and less likely to pill.
Egyptian cotton grows along the Nile River in Egypt, providing an ideal climate for cotton to grow. True Egyptian cotton sheets are luxurious and high-end, so don’t be fooled by less expensive brands made with inferior cotton or blended with other fabrics.
Pima cotton grows primarily in Peru, making it more accessible than Egyptian cotton but equally luxurious. Supima cotton is similar to pima but grows in the United States. It is strictly regulated and verified for authenticity.
High-end cotton sheets features
Long-staple cotton
Cotton fibers shorter than 1 inch do not offer the softness of 1.5-inch long-staple cotton. Higher quality sheets are made from these longer fibers, giving them a supple, luxurious feel. These sheets are also stronger and more durable, enabling you to enjoy them for a very long time.
Size
High-end cotton bedsheets are true to the size of your bed and are much less prone to shrink. Compare your mattress’s depth to the sheets you’re considering to ensure a proper fit.
Quality stitching
High-quality cotton sheets have elastic all around them — not just on the corners. Each sheet will have at least 10 stitches per inch.
High-end cotton sheets cost
The price depends on the weave and material of the sheet, but the best-made cotton sheets often cost between $200-$1,400.
High-end cotton sheets FAQ
Are all cotton sheets the same?
A. They are not. Choose long-staple fibers and 100% cotton made from pima, supima or Egyptian cotton. If you choose Egyptian cotton sheets, verify the cotton truly does come from Egypt.
How do I care for my cotton sheets?
A. Cotton is machine washable. Wash your high-end sheets in cold water and air dry when possible. Do not use fabric softener or a dryer sheet, as doing so may interfere with the fabric’s breathability and absorbency. If you place your sheets in a dryer, dry them on a low setting.
Do cotton sheets wrinkle?
A. Cotton sheets can wrinkle since they are made from natural fibers. To avoid wrinkles, place them on your bed as soon as they are dry. Wrinkle-resistant fabric typically has been treated with chemicals, meaning that organic cotton bedsheets will be more prone to wrinkling.
Which high-end cotton bedsheets should I get?
Best of the best high-end cotton sheets
Grace by Pine Cone Hill: available at Wayfair
Our take: Pine Cone Hill sells each piece of a quality cotton sheet set separately: the flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases.
What we like: These sheets are everything you want in luxury. Their percale weave gives them an airy but not too lightweight feel. They are made from finely spun extra-long staple Egyptian cotton. The impeccable construction by Italian artisans makes them a bedroom staple for many years.
What we dislike: Unlike other sheets that come as a set, you have to remember to purchase each piece separately.
Best bang for your buck high-end cotton sheets
Coyuchi 300 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sateen Sheet Set: available at Wayfair and Amazon
Our take: Coyuchi is best known for its 100% certified organic cotton bedding that’s made with zero toxic chemicals.
What we like: The 300-thread-count cotton sheets feel silky and smooth on the skin. The organic sateen weave is naturally wrinkle-resistant. These sheets are certified through the Global Organic Textile Standard organization.
What we dislike: Some complained the sateen weave is too warm.
Honorable mention high-end cotton sheets
Fisher West New York Cooling Planet Sateen Weave 810 Thread Count Cotton Sheet Set: available at Macy’s
Our take: These sheets fit up to an 18-inch mattress and are made from organic cotton.
What we like: They are manufactured in a Made in Green factory to ensure safe environmental practices. The stitching is strong, ensuring a great fit.
What we dislike: They have a high sheen.
Tammy Tilley is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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