Welcome to the wonderful world of sleep! Let’s discover the inside secrets to selecting the best bed linen. Join us as we delve into a world where comfort, durability and style meet. Today we take a closer look at cotton, polycotton, polyester, percale, satin and thread count. Read on to discover everything you need to know about making the perfect choice!
What’s up with cotton, polycotton, and polyester?
Cotton is a natural fiber. It is a soft, absorbent, breathable, and hypoallergenic fiber to keep the body cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It makes the perfect choice for bed linen.
Polyester is a generalized term for any fabric or fabric made using polyester yarns or fibres. It is an abbreviated name for man-made synthetic fibres. The advantage of polyester is that it does not wrinkle easily, it is light, durable and easy to dye. However, its drawback is that one feels sweaty under these fabrics as it is breathable like cotton. Some people with sensitive skin are allergic to polyester.
Persil vs Satin – What’s the difference between them?
The biggest difference between sateen and cotton sateen is the structure of the fabric. There are two types of threads that go into weaving; weft and warp.
The main differences to note between cotton percale and cotton sateen are:
- Structure – percale has a tighter weave.
- STRENGTH – Percale is a stronger fabric that is difficult to rip or tear.
- Finish – percale has a matte finish, while sateen is silky and shiny.
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What is thread count and why is it important?
Technically, thread count means the number of threads woven together in a square inch. You can count both longitudinal (warp) and width (weft) threads. So 100 longitudinal threads woven together with 100 crosswise threads yields a thread count of 200.
A high thread count does not mean much if the threads being counted are not of high quality. In fact, the quality of cotton sheets depends on several factors, including fiber quality, yarn size, finish, thread count, and construction.
A high quality 200 thread count fabric can have a better hand or feel than a lower quality 400 thread count or warp yarn.
In the world of cotton, fiber length is an indicator of quality. of Egyptian or Aegean cotton (grown along the Aegean Sea in Turkey) The fibers – also called staples – are longer than other types of cotton. Longer staples equals stronger thread and more durable fabric.
A process called carding, in which the smaller fibers are worked through, leaving the longer fibers behind, increases the quality of the raw cotton fibres. And combing, another process, removes more tiny fibres. Then, the cotton fibers are spun into yarn and woven into fabrics.
Polycotton
Polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton. The proportions of each material vary, with 70% cotton and 30% polyester being a particularly popular blend.
What do you choose…
Find out what types of fabrics are best for you bed sheets It can be really deceptive. There are so many different types, which can make it really confusing when it comes to finding the right one for you.
Feel
Cotton bed sheets are known for their ultra soft and luxurious look. This is why you will often find it in many luxury boutiques and five-star hotels around the world. This ultra-soft feel is a result of the manufacturing process involved when making our cotton sheets.
durability
Polycotton sheets are very durable, as polyester has similar factors to plastic, making polycotton sheets less likely to rip or tear easily. This durable nature makes Polycotton an extremely popular choice in commercial settings such as hospitals, where bed sheets are often changed on a regular basis.
100% cotton bed sheets are very durable due to the strength of the cotton fibers in their material. Any good 100% cotton bedding retailer will provide customers with a long-term warranty on their bed sheets. It is always wise to choose trusted retailers who can give you peace of mind when it comes to the durability of their products.
Care
Both polycotton and cotton sheets are very low cost when it comes to washing and drying. Both types of fabric can be washed in normal cycles in the washing machine and can be dried in the dryer. To give your sheets the best chance of maintaining their quality, always follow the manufacturer’s directions when washing and drying your sheets.
allergy
Sleeping with Hay Fever and other allergies can be a real struggle, so making sure you choose the most hypoallergenic bed linens will give you the best chance of getting a good night’s sleep. 100% cotton bedding is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, making it the most preferred choice for allergy sufferers.
People with allergies or sensitive skin often find that polycotton bed sheets cause them to itch. This is due to the synthetic fibers present in the material, which contribute to the lack of airflow through the polycotton sheets.
Temperature
The lack of air circulation provided by polycotton covers can result in a lot of tossing and turning throughout the night. Polycotton also lacks absorbency, which means any sweat your body produces during the night is likely to get trapped under the covers with you, increasing your body heat even more.
On the other hand, cotton is naturally breathable and will absorb any moisture it comes into contact with during the night, helping to keep you cool as an option throughout the night.
Conclusion
For bed linen, 100% cotton will be the way to go for excellent comfort. A thread count of 200 to 400 thread count would be ideal. Remember that a type of cotton such as Aegean or Turkish cotton, or Egyptian long-fiber cotton has superior quality compared to short-fiber cotton. An extremely high 1,000 thread count with inferior cotton doesn’t make the sheet more comfortable or superior. Remember that a higher thread count makes the fabric denser and one needs the fabric to be breathable. Settling for 100% cotton between 200 to 400 thread count is a reasonable choice.
For more information, visit the Cottonbox website and make the right choice for your bedroom.