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With Spring fast approaching, you might find yourself doing some extra cleaning, airing out your bedding, or searching for fresh new linens. Eastern Accents alone has dozens of sheeting options in a wide array of fabrics and colors—including newly debuted Ida in 300 thread count Egyptian Cotton Sateen.
But how do you even begin to select new sheets? What makes sheeting good or bad? It’s common to assume that the higher the thread count, the higher the quality, but there are many factors that go into making sheets luxurious. From fabric content to weave type, we are going over every detail to help you find the right sheet set for you.
What are sheets made of?
Eastern Accents sheeting is made from all-natural fibers, primarily 100% Egyptian Cotton. Due to its extra-long staple (ELS) fibers, Egyptian Cotton is stronger, finer, and more durable than standard cotton. This soft and breathable material is available in several different weaves—including percale, sateen, and jacquard.
Weave Types
- Sateen sheeting is tightly woven and wrinkle-resistant. A sateen weave is characterized by multiple weft yarns over one warp yarn. The multiple floating yarns create a soft and shiny surface. The feel of the fabric is silky and smooth. This thicker weave retains heat well. Sheeting made with this construction is great for colder climates and air conditioned rooms.
- Percale sheeting is woven in a plain structure, made with a 1 yarn over 1 yarn construction. This weave is very durable and retains little heat. Percale is crisp and cool to the touch, the classic “hotel” feel. Sheeting made with this construction is perfect for warm climates.
- Jacquard sheeting features a pattern woven directly into the fabric, as in our Emilio collection. The result is an durable, yet elegant design. Similar to sateen, this weave feels silky and smooth to the touch.
Instead of cotton, our Shiloh collection is made from 100% stone-washed linen. Linen is a strong, breathable textile made from the flax plant. The lightweight hollow fibers are quick-drying and naturally insulating, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Linen’s durable yet airy structure boasts a natural texture that softens with every wash. Sheeting made from pure linen is great for all climates.
What is thread count?
Thread count (TC) is the number of threads per square inch of fabric. This measurement generally indicates how coarse or fine a finished textile is. Higher TC fabrics, like sateen, are more tightly woven, making them smoother and more wrinkle resistant. Looser weaves, such as percale, are lighter in weight and feel more crisp.
So, does thread count really matter?
Yes, thread count matters, but it is not the only thing that makes good sheets. Though many people enjoy the decadent silkiness, higher TC means a denser fabric, which can hold in heat if the material is not breathable. Hot sleepers may actually prefer sheeting with a lower count (200-400). We recommend extra-long staple (ELS) fibers like Egyptian Cotton, instead of synthetic materials like polyester. Even with a high TC (600-1,000+), cottons and linens are still lightweight materials that don’t trap heat—and are durable enough to last many years.
From cool and crisp percale to smooth and silky sateen, browse Eastern Accents’ full collection of sheeting here.
