Better sheets mean better sleep—forever.

Healthier. Happier. Well-rested. A luxurious, cloud-like bed that makes a beautiful statement starts with a good mattress and a stunning set of bedsheets.

In a past where cheap white sheets, sheets that didn’t pill, or the best affordable sheets were enough, it’s time you invested in a cozy upgrade. You spend a third of your life sleeping and a good night’s sleep is key to waking up refreshed and recharged.

Bedsheets Are Beautifully Complex

High quality, machine washable, durable, beautiful, breathable, and affordable? 

We expect a lot from our bedsheets.

But even a quick search of “best white sheets” opens up an encyclopedia of information: Flannel sheets, Egyptian cotton sheets, bamboo sheets, silk sheets, tencel sheets, microfiber sheets, fleece sheets, supima cotton sheets, satin sheets, Pima cotton sheets…

Bedsheets are complex, but for a good reason. The most comfortable sheets depend entirely on your taste, no matter what the reviews say.

With so many types of bedsheets, how do you choose? Here are five quick tips to help you find your next dreamy bed set online.

Sheet Thread Count Isn’t Everything (And GSM Is Important Too)

A high thread count doesn’t always equal buttery bed sheets. Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. In general, the higher the number of threads, the softer and stronger the sheet.

However, there are tricks to “boost” the thread count (like using multiple yarns twisted together and counting the yarns separately) that don’t improve the fabric.

Thread count does matter, but just know that an 800-thread-count set isn’t always better than a 600-thread-count set—the lower thread count might actually suit you better. If you're on a budget, a 200-thread-count set is your best bet for quality and cost.

Another essential factor is GSM. GSM refers to fabric weight and stands for grams per square meter. The higher the GSM number, the denser the fabric. A heavier fabric feels more luxurious and is resilient to laundering and daily use, like this 200 GSM Corrie classic white cotton duvet cover set. 

Know Your Weaves

Your top two options are percale and sateen. Percale has a plain weave that’s lightweight and closely woven for a smooth finish and a crisp feel. 

Sateen has a satin weave (not to be confused with satin material, another type of weave) and is extremely soft, lustrous, and satiny, like our Carson classic shadow blue cotton duvet cover set.

Consider The Fibre Content

The safest bet is 100% cotton sheets for softness, affordability, and the ability to wick moisture away from the skin. When looking for the best bed sheets for summer, cotton is a great choice. 

If you’re willing to splurge, linen is also a fabulous option. Linen softens over time and has a fantastic lived-in look—perfect for effortlessly rustic interior styles. Linen’s texture isn’t for everyone, so make sure to try before committing. 

Polyester sheets and duvet covers are durable, stain and wrinkle-resistant, and resist shrinking. They don’t absorb sweat effectively, so warm sleepers should opt for another type of sheet. 

If you’re looking for a safe bet, cotton, linen, or, for the best of both worlds, our Carson classic silver gray cotton duvet cover set will work. With a polyester front side and a sateen backside, you can enjoy the silky feeling of sateen without feeling stifled.

If you’re looking for premium sheets, Egyptian or Pima are good choices. Make sure to buy from a trusted seller—many sheets labeled Egyptian cotton only contain a small percentage of real Egyptian cotton.

The Label Is Your Best Friend 

When you know how to look after your sheets, you’ll have a lifetime of deeper, better sleep. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when laundering your sheets:

1. Never use fabric softener. Fabric softeners can weaken the fibers, reduce absorbency, and affect breathability.
2. Wash your sheets once a week. Body oils, sweat, and germs build up quickly. For warm sleepers who sweat more, twice a week is better.
3. Hot water fades colored items faster. A warm to cold cycle suits patterned or dark sets best.
4. Wash separately from other items. Towel lint can get into the sheets, clothing can get tangled inside without being properly cleaned, and zippers can cause snags and tears. 

Measure Your Mattress 

Queen or King size? If you have a tall mattress or use a mattress topper, make sure to measure. Sheets can also shrink slightly after laundering. For perfectly fitted sheets and a suitable duvet insert, read the tag on your duvet and measure.  

Summary

1. Thread count isn’t everything
2. Know your weaves
3. Consider the fiber content
4. The label is your best friend
5. Measure your mattress

Your hotel-worthy sleep is just a bedsheet set away. For luxe duvet and pillow sets with excellent breathability and softness, check out our nature-inspired bedding options crafted from easy-care natural materials and eco-friendly coconut shell buttons.