You spend one-third of your life in bed, so what you sleep on matters. Bedding brands have varying ways of conveying quality, from thread count to fabric type. One characteristic alone can’t tell you the whole story of a fabric that makes up the best bed sheets. So it’s important to understand all the factors that impact the quality of a sheet set. High quality sheets should feel exceptionally soft after every wash, and provide unmatched comfort for years to come. Here’s what to consider when shopping for your next set of sheets.
1. The Fiber
An important first factor to consider is the material of a sheet set. Fibers that are naturally grown, like cotton, are always a better choice than man made, synthetic fibers, like polyester. But even natural fibers can be grown with harsh chemicals and unsustainable processes. “100% organic” tells you that a natural fiber is grown under rigorous standards for quality and purity, without synthetic pesticides.
100% organic cotton has been our go-to fiber from the beginning, because it’s better for the people who grow it, it’s better for the planet, and it’s better for the people who sleep on it: it feels softer and stands the test of time. Less than 1% of the world’s cotton meets Boll & Branch standards. That’s because not just any organic cotton will do. We use the finest long-staple organic cotton to create the highest quality threads. It’s a difference everyone can feel.
2. Weave Type
A fabric’s weave is another factor that impacts quality. There are many different sheeting weaves to consider, like an ultra-soft sateen or a cooling percale. While the weave pattern tells you what kind of experience a fabric will provide, how well a fabric is woven in the first place impacts feeling and durability. Choose a weave that works for your sleep preferences, and look into what details a brand discloses about the weave. Is it breathable? Made with time-honored traditions? The weaves of our fabrics are central to their performance.
Signature
A four-over-one-under weave for a buttery, breathable feel that gets softer with every wash.
Percale
A one-over-one-under weave that feels smooth and structured like a crisp button down shirt for a naturally cooling effect.
Flannel
Woven to be lightweight and breathable, then brushed and sheared to enhance the fabric’s velvety feel.
3. Thread Count Is Misleading
One of the most common questions we hear is “what is the thread count?” It’s the biggest myth in bedding that a number can tell you everything you need to know about a fabric. While thread count is often used to describe quality, it’s just a measure of how many threads are in one square inch of fabric. Both the vertical threads and horizontal threads of the fabric are counted up to determine the thread count. The thinking goes: the higher the count, the thinner the threads used to make it. And this thin thread diameter alone is equated with softness. But a number can’t speak to the quality of cotton used, the type of chemicals applied to it, or the conditions under which the fabric was made. That’s why we prioritize thread quality over thread count.
4. Look For Certifications
The highest quality sheets will have various certifications. Two best-in-class certifications are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX®. These certifications ensure that the fabric is made to the highest standards and that only materials tested and cleared of harmful substances are used in the final product. Any sheets that mention ‘anti-wrinkle’ or ‘anti-static’ likely won’t have these certifications because they use harmful synthetic chemicals to achieve those features.
5. Check The Reviews
Who better to learn about the quality of sheets, but from the people actually sleeping on them? It’s also a great way to get feedback about fabric type for different sleep preferences. We’re proud of our customer feedback, particularly our most reviewed, iconic Signature fabric.
How Boll & Branch Delivers Quality Bed Sheets
At Boll & Branch, our fabrics are the sum of many parts. We don’t stand for one thing: we stand for everything. It starts with the hand harvesting of the finest 100% organic materials to create the highest quality, toxin-free sheets and bedding. We slow spin, weave, and finish each thread with relentless consideration, so you sleep better every night.
To experience the difference our difference makes, we suggest starting with our uniquely soft Signature Collection.