When it comes to creating an ideal sleep environment, there are three main factors: mattress, pillows, and soft bedding. As a fitted sheet and flat sheet are the two layers separating your body from the mattress and the rest of your oftest bed sheets possible, but what kind of sheets should you be looking for? Cotton sheets, microfiber sheets, flannel sheets, linen sheets...with all the bedding options available, the overall comfort and softness of the fabric chosen is crucial.
We all want the s options out there, and they can easily become overwhelming. But have no fear. We've taken it upon ourselves to create the ultimate guide to the softest sheets, with inside information on everything from types of weaves to the importance of thread count, fabric, and more. The sheet set you ultimately choose will depend on your personal preference, as well as where you live, and any other number of factors.
What determines the softest bed sheets?
When determining softness, several factors need to be taken into account: fabric, weave, thread count, ply, and your personal preferences.
Soft Fabrics
There are many kinds of fabric used for bed sheets on the market today. The most popular fabrics include cotton, microfiber, flannel, and linen. However, there are many other fabrics available as well.
Linen Sheets
Linen, while great for summer in terms of being lightweight,breathable and durable, can often feel a little stiff. It softens up with each wash, but may not be the best choice for those who are looking for sheets that feel as soft as possible from the start.
Flannel Sheets
In contrast, flannel is a much softer option, but is best reserved for winter. Made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers, the fabric is brushed on one side to create a nap that feels soft and comfortable against the skin. Mellanni Cotton flannel sheets are actually double-brushed or brushed on both sides for added softness. However, these soft sheets tend to capture much more heat than other sheets, so it might not be the best choice for those living in warmer climates or hot sleepers.
Microfiber Sheets
In recent years, microfiber sheets are becoming more and more popular due to their softness and durability. Microfiber bed sheets are made from a synthetic fabric that is designed to be wrinkle-free and durable. They often feel softer than cotton sheets when first purchased, but they don't get softer with each wash as natural fabrics do.
One of the benefits of microfiber sheets are that they are moisture-wicking, so they keep you cool throughout the night. Made from very fine polyester fibers, they are extremely smooth to the touch. They also tend to be wrinkle-free, making them a good choice for people who don't want to have to worry about ironing their sheets.
Cotton Sheets
The sheets that most of us think about when we're talking soft sheets are 100% cotton sheets. These tend to be softer than other types because of the fabric's natural texture and feel against your skin. More breathable than synthetic fibers, they're a good all-around choice for year-round comfort. While usually assumed to always be softest, it's not necessarily true. They can also feel a little stiff when first purchased.
They can be made from different types of cotton, such as Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton. Egyptian Cotton Sheets are pretty soft sheets that are tightly woven. They are also known for their durability and longevity compared to other types of sheets. Pima cotton sheets, on the other hand, feel luxurious when you first purchase them because they have a luster or sheen to them due to being combed by hand. However, both of these options can be far more expensive than other sheet types .
Ideal Thread Count For Softest Sheets
Thread count refers to the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch. Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet. A higher thread count also means that the sheets are more likely to wear well — or even soften — over time, with repeated washes.
What is considered a good thread count?
While there is no one definitive answer, a thread count of between 200-800 is generally considered high quality and will provide sheets that are soft to the touch. Anything above 400 thread count can start to get into luxury territory, with some sheets boasting counts as high as 1000 or more. Many of these numbers are falsely inflated and should be taken with a grain of thought.
In the past, thread count was used as the only measure of softness, but it's not always an accurate indicator. Sheets with a high thread count can often feel stiff and rough, as the fabric is packed too tightly together. So while high thread counts can certainly make for better sheets, it's the thread that matters most. In fact, a sheet of a better-quality fiber with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a sheet of a lower-quality fiber with a higher thread count. So what else should you look for?
Best Weave For Your Sheet Set:
Another important factor that determines softness is the weave of the sheet. The two most common types of weaves are percale and sateen.
Percale
Percale sheets are made up of vertical and horizontal thread weave, with a grid-like weave. This creates a slightly rougher feel – similar to that of a dress shirt – than sateen bed sheets.
Sateen
A sateen sheet set on the other hand, has a more subtle sheen and are woven with more threads per square inch, giving them a silky smooth feel.
Percale bed sheets often cost less than sateen bed sheets, so if you're looking for the softest sheets and don't mind a rougher texture, go for a percale weave.
Cotton Processing:
In addition to weave, whether your sheets are combed cotton or carded cotton makes a difference in the feel of your sheets.
Combed Cotton
This type of cotton is made from longer, finer fibers that have been combed to remove any impurities. The bed sheets are then woven with a sateen weave, making them softer than percale weave sheets but still less soft than regular sateen sheets.
Carded Cotton
Carded cotton means that the fibers are shorter and more tangled. It also means that your sheets will be less durable, even after you wash them. While the quality of carded cotton is lower, they are generally softer since the short fuzz of the material doesn’t have to be removed before it can go into weaving.
Ideal Ply for High-Quality Sheets
What is ply, and what does it matter?
Ply refers to the sheets’ thickness or weight. Generally speaking, sheets with a higher ply number are thicker and sturdier than sheets with a lower ply level. A sheet's ply can also affect its softness: sheets of a heavier weight often feel softer because they're made from a thicker cotton yarn.
Two-Ply
A two-ply sheet has one thread made up of two smaller threads, and sheets with three or more plies have even more strands twisted together to make them sturdier. Two-ply sheets are usually the softest because they're made up of multiple thinner fibers that feel smoother than single-ply.
As a general rule, single-ply is less opaque and therefore more transparent...making them look a bit cheaper at times. Double-ply is thicker, making it look more luxurious/expensive, but less breathable than single-ply sheets.
Our recommendations for the softest sheet set:
At Mellani, we have several options for high-quality bedding:
Mellanni Hotel Luxury 1800 Bed Sheet Set
Our extremely popular microfiber sheets are soft to the touch, wrinkle-free, and breathable. These sheets come in different colors so you can choose what best matches your home decor.
Advantages of these high-quality microfiber sheets:
Silky-Soft
We set out to create some of the most comfortable and luxurious bed sheets you can find on the market, and we're convinced that these fit the bill. The ultra-softness of this sheet means you'll sleep better and wake up each morning feeling refreshed and full of energy.
Extra-Durable:
More durable than cotton, these sheets are great for your bedrooms, guest rooms, kids room, RV, vacation home and more. They can last through multiple washes without losing their shape or feel.
Easy Care
Fade, stain, shrink and wrinkle resistant, these sheets aren't only durable – they're easy to take care of. Simply machine wash in cold, and then dry them for a quick cycle on tumble dry low.
Highest Quality
Made of the highest quality microfiber and workmanship so you know it Lasts!
Lots of Color Options
Fabulous selection of colors will make your bedroom look like it belongs in a magazine
Shop our Hotel Luxury Microfiber Sheets here: Mellanni Hotel Luxury 1800 Bed Sheet Set
Mellanni 100% Cotton Flannel
Possibly our coziest sheets, Mellanni Cotton Flannel sheets are perfect for colder climates or winter nights, with the following qualities:
Highest Quality
Made from 100% Cotton Flannel with high-quality workmanship for durability. Double-napped finish on both sides has an ultra velvety feel, with a 160 gram flannel weight for ultra comfort.
Warm, Soft, Cozy
You'll sleep better and wake up each morning feeling refreshed and full of energy with this super soft, ultra-comfortable flannel sheet set.
Perfect Fit
This flannel sheet set boasts a deep pocket with elastic all around to fit mattresses up to 16" – no yanking and pulling on the sheet to get it back onto the mattress.
Easy Care
This flannel sheet set will get softer with every wash. Simply machine wash cold, and tumble dry low to keep them at their softest.
Shop our flannel sheets here: Mellanni 100% Cotton Flannel Sheets
Mellanni Organic Cotton
With natural moisture-wicking capabilities, these cotton sheets are ideal for those sleepers who run on the hotter side. Here are some of the reasons you should invest in a set:
GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies that Mellanni’s 400 Thread Count Sheet Set is made with 100% organic cotton and has been rigorously inspected to ensure our fibers are non-toxic and free from harmful synthetic chemicals before it even touches your skin. This makes them ideal for all skin types, including people with sensitive skin.
Authentic Top-Quality
No pilling, shrinkage, or fading. Our sheets are manufactured with top-quality Combed Long-Staple Organic Cotton fibers that are easy to care for and help sheets get softer with each wash. Its quality structure is long-lasting with durable tear strength, colorfastness, and a luxurious touch.
Luxury Sateen Weave
Provides an ultra-soft feel with breathable and cooling comfort. Discover the perfect combination of softness and a hint of crispness for the ultimate sleeping experience year-round. Mellanni’s organic cotton sheets hold a beautiful subtle sheen and have an authentic silky smooth feel
True Fit
The all-around elastic on Mellanni’s fitted sheet makes sure your sheets stay in place all night long; perfect fit for Queen mattresses from 9 inches to 16 inches deep. Mellanni’s 4 Piece Set includes: 1 flat sheet (90 inches x 102 inches), 1 deep pocket fitted sheet (60 inches x 80 inches x 15 inches), and 2 standard pillowcases (20 inches x 30 inches)
Shop our cotton sheets here: Mellanni Organic CottonTips for making your sheets softer
Want to make your existing sheets softer? Here are a few tips to get you started:
Vinegar
Add one cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle.
Baking Soda
Soak sheets in a solution of baking soda and water before washing.
Epsom Salts
Fill a tub with cold water and add approximately 50 grams of Epsom salts. Stir for a few minutes with a wooden spoon and then soak your sheets overnight.
Line Dry
While it may take a bit longer and be slightly less convenient, drying your sheets on a line outdoors and avoiding the intense heat of the dryer can help get those sheets nice and soft.
However, if you don't have the time or space to line dry, the dryer is fine! Just make sure to keep the temperature on the lowest setting possible.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the right soft sheets for you will depend on your preferences towards certain qualities.
- If you're looking for sheets that are durable and get softer with each wash, then flannel is a great choice.
- If you sleep better when your bedding is on the cooler side, then cotton may be your best bet.
- If you prefer sheets that will last the test of time and are ultra soft from their first use, microfiber sheets are probably the best choice for you.
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