Thread count? Sateen? Percale? Oh my! It’s a crazy out there in the world of linens. One of the questions customers at
Gramercy ask most often is “what is the best sheet” and “how do I decide what type to buy?” Every line of sheets varies slightly but my friends at
Sferra put together a great overview of fine sheeting to help understand the terminology.
First of all, thread count is only one part of the sheeting equation. The number tells you how many threads the fabric has per square inch, but it does not tell you what quality those threads are, how they are woven and finished or how they feel to you (most important). Below are a few points to help understand the bigger picture of bedding:
FEEL: The most important factor in selecting sheeting is to pay attention to how it feels to you. Everyone’s taste is different, so think about what really matters to you.
WEIGHT: Often people don’t realize that the weight of a sheet can make all the difference. Do you prefer a light, almost-not-there feeling or do you prefer to be draped in softness? Maybe you like to switch from season to season.
FIBER: The finer the fiber, the better the sheet. The finest cotton in the world is grown on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt. Egyptian cotton is renowned because it yields the one of the longest staple cottons in the world (the stable is the individual cotton fiber). The longer the fiber, the better it can be spun into smoother, stronger, finer yarn. Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The staple size, weave, yarn type, ply of the yarn, and tread count together make up the feel of a fabric.
FINISHING: After a fine sheet is woven, it goes through a “finishing” process. This step determines the final texture, color and softness. In Europe, the finishing process is considered an art form and each mill guards its secret process.
PERCALE: Percale is a tight uniform weave that results in a smooth, crisp feel and matte look.
SATEEN: Sateen is a weave that features long expanses of exposed yarns, creating sheen and exceptional softness.
JACQUARD: Jacquard is a woven design (not a print) that features fine intricate patterns.
LINEN: Linen is woven with exceptionally long staples, which make it breathable and lightweight, and help it wick away moisture better than any other fabric. This type of sheet is particularly great in warm, tropical climates.
Can you tell where my mind is??? I recently returned from a great beach get-away and haven’t yet adjusted back to the real-world. This painting by Elizabeth Stockton (at Amy Emily Gallery) is hypnotizing…I feel like I’m sitting on the beach staring out on the horizon. 
Now all I need is a fruity cocktail and I’m set!
