Durability: While 100% cotton is durable enough for most residential users, 100% cotton is sensitive to high temperature wash and drying processes. The rigors of commercial laundering take a toll on pure cotton products, often resulting in rips, tears, or loss of color.
100% Cotton bedding is naturally hypoallergenic, and breathable, making it the most desirable option for allergy sufferers. People with allergies or sensitive skin often find that Polycotton bed sheets make them itch.
It is particularly good if you have sensitive skin as it is gentle and is less likely to irritate your skin making it a fine choice for bedding. Cotton is a long lasting material meaning you will not have to replace it as frequently as you would if your bedding were made out of other materials.
Cotton is the best material for bed sheets. Top of the line is 100 percent Egyptian cotton. Second best is 100 percent pima cotton, also known by the trademarked name Supima. If a label says simply, "100 percent cotton," assume it's American upland cotton, a rougher, less expensive variety.
Cotton has a clean, cool, and soft feel and gets softer with every wash. These sheets are a good option for those with sensitive skin. These sheets are easy to clean and less likely to shrink.
Natural fabrics, especially cotton, are a safe choice for people with moderate sweating. Some synthetic fabrics are better for people with heavy sweating. Bamboo sheets are also a good choice, despite the hype.
If you use a sheet set every day of the year, you'll need to replace it after about two years. However, luxury cotton sheets, like percale and sateen, can offer another year or so of use. And with linen, you'll get three to five years — sometimes more.
Wash Multiple Times
Yes, it sounds like a lot of work and it may not be so environmentally-friendly, but that double wash can do wonders when it comes to the softness of your sheets. Generally speaking, good quality sheets will continue to become softer after every wash, dry, and iron cycle.
Interestingly, hotels prioritise quality over thread count and also need a reasonable price. That's why hotels generally use low thread count sheets (250TC). Fewer threads require less cotton, less cotton means lower costs, and this allows hotels to get quality for a reasonable price.
The idea is the finer threads you can weave together, the softer and finer the fabric. But that's not always the case. According to Consumer Reports, a thread count of 200 is fine; 400 may be softer. But anything above 400 will likely only provide a higher price tag [source: Consumer Reports].
You can put 100% cotton fabrics in the dryer but they may shrink and become very creased. 100% cotton can easily be permanently damaged or melt under high temperatures in the dryer. It's best to use lower temperatures and a gentle tumbling cycle if you want to preserve your clothes and wear them for longer.
Good quality sheets will become softer after every washing, drying and ironing cycle. For ultimate softness (and durability) buy good quality cotton sheets with a high thread count.
Cotton clothes have the advantage of being soft and comfortable, durable while breathable. It is a natural fibre that can be produced on a large enough scale to clothe millions around the globe whilst still being affordable and accessible.
Luckily, cotton sheets are very easy to care for. Simply toss them in the washing machine with your favorite detergent on a warm water setting for the best results. Line dry or tumble dry on low or medium heat and promptly remove from the dryer for less wrinkles.
In general, cotton sheets should feel breathable and soft. Cotton sheets sleep cool, making them a great pick for hot sleepers.
However, in recent years, fabric specialists have discovered that the origin of the cotton makes an incredible difference to the quality, durability, longevity of the yarn, and Egyptian cotton is considered to be the best.
For starters, hotel sheets are designed to withstand frequent washings and constant use. They're also usually made of higher-quality materials, such as 100% cotton or Egyptian cotton. As a result, they're softer and more durable than your average bed sheet.
The bedsheets used on hotel beds accentuate the feelings of comfort and relaxation, so you feel completely at ease. They are not only soft, but also smell fantastic, thanks to special detergents, fabric softeners, cleaners, and other deodorizing agents that enhance the overall relaxation experience.
In our tests, top-rated bed sheets often have thread counts between 300 and 500. Anything above 500 isn't necessarily better (so don't be deceived when you see thread counts over 1,500), and on the flip side, you can still find quality sheets with thread counts under 300.
When it comes to material, long-staple cottons like Egyptian cotton and Supima cotton generally feel the softest right out of the package. On the other hand, linen sheets will feel stiff and scratchy at first, but are some of the softest sheets available once you break them in.
Luckily, cotton typically only shrinks once. The fibers could continue tightening if you keep washing the item in hot water and tumble-drying it on high heat. But generally speaking, most of the contracting will happen on the first laundry cycle.
As a result of the manufacturing process, new sheets tend to be a little stiffer than those that have been in your linen closet for years. Fortunately, the quality of Egyptian cotton bedding means that it gets softer with every wash without every pilling, tearing, or becoming scratchy to the touch.
Washing your bed sheets about once a week ensures they always stay fresh. Plan to add this task to your weekly cleaning schedule to help reinforce the habit. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need to wash sheets the same day as you strip your bed.
Cleaning cotton sheets once a week is usually often enough to ensure a healthy sleeping environment but not so much that you'll break down the fabric prematurely. Weekly washes should include your pillowcases, fitted sheet and top sheet if you use one, as these pieces are in direct contact with your skin.