Here’s a clear definition of what thread count refers to: 

In countries using the metric system, thread count is the amount of both vertical and horizontal threads in 10 square centimetres (3.16cm x 3.16cm), while in countries using the imperial system it is the amount of threads in 1 square inch (2.54cm x 2.54cm). So, depending on the country of origin the thread count of the same fabric can be different.

Be careful though, as a higher thread count fabric is by no means a better quality fabric. Thread count can give you some indication of the finesse of the weave and density of a fabric. The higher the thread count, the more threads have been woven into a specific area. If these threads are not soft and fine, the result will be a fabric that is hard and unpliable.

Why is ‘thread count’ used so much?

Thread count has become a simple metric used by marketing departments to capture interest and impress with high numbers.  But beware! To keep prices reasonable companies often sacrifice important elements of quality such as the most fundamental quality indicator: the thread itself. 

Focus on thread quality

The initial quality of the raw cotton is always the most important factor for you to consider. No matter how many threads you squeeze into a square inch, bad quality cotton will always remain bad quality.

So, assess all the quality indicators when you’re in the market for new natural bedding. Factors such as the origin and quality, yarn size, weave, finishing and construction are all essential to creating a beautiful finished product. 

Here are 5 boxes to tick when you’re next in the market for new quality bedding: 

1. Go natural: The product should be 100% natural cotton, Egyptian cotton or long staple cotton is a good option as these are known to be superior.
2. No blends: If you are purchasing Egyptian cotton bedding make sure it is 100% Egyptian cotton and not blended with short staple cotton or poly cottons.
3. Look at the weave: It should be even without any knots and inconsistencies. Feel the fabric, is should be smooth to the touch but not feel synthetic.
4. The final product: Check the manufacturing quality and how the product has been packed. Quality products are manufactured and packed with care.
5. Read the washing instructions: Cotton bedding that does not allow for tumble drying is often manufactured from a lower grade cotton.

We wrote an info series on quality bedding. Read them all here.

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We take a look at a smart clues that will give you the edge when you go shopping to make sure you get what you pay for.

Do a little bedding research

Get to know your choices. With the internet at your fingertips, doing a little research will save you money and time. Find out what options are available to you locally and make sure you understand the key terms such as thread count and weave, as well as the variations in fibres, from totally natural fibres to fibre blends. Also do some reading around what it takes to produce these kinds of fibres. It will all give you the knowledge you need to make good bedding choices.

Local bedding specialists

Look for smaller companies. More often than not, smaller company specialising in bedding will give you better value for your spend as you are not paying for the large overheads associated with big retailers. In fact, high rentals in shopping malls, advertising budgets and even the CEO’s bonus are all worked into the price of the product.

The question you need to ask yourself is: how much of what I am spending is actually on the actual product?

More passion = solid product knowledge

Additionally, smaller speciality suppliers are more often than not far more passionate about their products and therefore more knowledgeable. They will be able to give you better advice and should be able to answer all the questions you might have.

Read Part 1 of What to look for in quality bedding and look out for Part 3 in this series.

The post What to look for in quality bedding: part 2 appeared first on Falucca Fine Linen.

#1 Read the packaging

Make sure you read all the information on the packaging, not just the parts the marketers put in bold. Look out for information about the following things:

Fibre

Cotton-polyester blend sheets are wrinkle-resistant, durable, and relatively inexpensive. They are, however, not the best option for comfort. If you’re looking for that cool, soft feel, nothing beats 100 percent cotton. You’ll hardly ever wake up clammy on cotton sheets since the fibre wicks moisture away from your skin. And perhaps lesser known is the fact that cotton sheets are less likely to stain than polyester blends. As a water-loving fibre, cotton releases dirt easily when wet.

All types of cotton share these wonderful traits, but long-staple cotton (like Egyptian Cotton), makes for a noticeably softer sheet, and the surface won’t pill and lint like one woven from shorter fibres. It’s also worth noting that Egyptian Cotton is the most readily available long fibre cotton in South Africa.

Weave

The weave affects the way a sheet feels, the way it looks, its longevity and its price. Basic plain weaves, which are woven from an equal number of vertical and horizontal yarns, are least expensive and may not rate a mention on the label. Percale is an upscale plain weave with a thread count of 180 or higher and is known for its longevity and crisp feel. Sateen weaves have more vertical than horizontal yarns. The higher proportion of vertical threads results in an extremely soft fabric which is why luxury sheets are often woven using a sateen weave.

Thread count

It’s not just about thread count. High thread counts can certainly make for better sheets, but it’s the thread (or fibre) itself that matters most. In fact, a sheet of a better quality fibre with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a sheet of a lower-quality fibre with a higher thread count.

Dye

Patterns and colours are usually applied to sheets after they’re woven, which means the sheets may feel stiff until you’ve washed them a few times. The softest (and most expensive) are made of yarn-dyed fabrics, woven from already coloured yarns. When the colour is applied makes very little difference to the quality of the product and after a few washes, the only difference will be the cost.

Read on to find out a few practical ways to ensure you buy great quality cotton bedding.

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Scientists studying how we sleep know that there is a range of sleep phases, making it anything but passive. In truth, sleep is an essential recovery period made up of a series of active phases. It goes without saying that it’s important to ensure your body moves through these phases seamlessly by giving it the “tools” it needs. A quiet, calming environment is a good start. So is your choice of bedding because it helps provide that temperature regulation necessary through those different sleep phases, ultimately resulting in a more comfortable and unhindered night’s rest.

It’s long been known that natural fibres such as cotton are a good option for bedding. In fact, cotton is known for its breathability and temperature regulation, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Bedding made using Egyptian Cotton means softer, more durable sheets thanks to its longer than average fibres, making your sleep experience more luxurious and uninterrupted.

We all know that the consequences of insufficient sleep can be serious. Thankfully, there are clear steps to ensuring better sleep. Want to know more about how to improve your sleep? Follow these 12 tips by Harvard Medical School.

Place your order for Falucca Linen over at our online store.

The post How great quality bedding improves sleep appeared first on Falucca Fine Linen.