Sheet Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before buying bed sheets — from our showroom in Hamilton, Ontario.

Thread count is one of the most misunderstood numbers in bedding. At Bed & Bath Home Decor, we help customers cut through the marketing and find sheets they’ll actually love sleeping in. Here are the questions we hear most often.

What thread count should I look for in bed sheets?

Thread count measures how many threads are woven into one square inch of fabric. But higher isn’t always better — and this surprises many of our customers.

• 200–400 thread count: The sweet spot for most people. Crisp, breathable, durable.
• 400–600 thread count: Softer feel, slightly heavier. Great for cooler sleepers.
• 600+ thread count: Can feel luxurious but may use multi-ply threads that inflate the count without improving quality.

One of the most common things we hear: “I bought 1000 thread count sheets and they’re not as soft as my 300 thread count ones.” Quality of the cotton matters more than the number.

What’s the difference between percale and sateen sheets?

Many of our customers are surprised when they feel the difference for the first time — percale and sateen feel completely different even at the same thread count.

Are Egyptian cotton sheets worth it?

Genuine Egyptian cotton has extra-long fibres (called long-staple cotton) that produce a stronger, softer, more breathable sheet that gets softer with every wash. Yes — it’s worth it for the right customer.

However, be aware that many sheets labelled “Egyptian cotton” contain only a small percentage of genuine Egyptian cotton. Look for 100% Egyptian cotton from a reputable brand.

What sheets are best for hot sleepers?

Hot sleepers should look for:

• Percale weave — the most breathable cotton weave
• 100% cotton or linen — natural fibres breathe better than synthetic blends
• Lower thread count (200–400) — lighter and more breathable
• Bamboo sheets — naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating

What sheets are best for sensitive skin?

Look for:

• 100% natural fibres — cotton, bamboo, or linen (avoid polyester blends)
• OEKO-TEX certified sheets — tested for harmful substances
• Sateen weave — the smooth surface is gentler on sensitive skin
• Wash new sheets before first use to remove any finishing chemicals

How do I keep my sheets from pilling?

• Wash on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water — not hot
• Avoid washing with items that have zippers or velcro
• Use a mild detergent — avoid fabric softener, which breaks down fibres over time
• Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly
• Choose long-staple cotton — it pills far less than short-staple cotton

What size sheets do I need for a deep-pocket mattress?

Standard sheets fit mattresses up to about 12 inches deep. If your mattress is thicker (common with pillow-top or memory foam mattresses), look for:

• Deep pocket sheets: fit mattresses 13–17 inches deep
• Extra deep pocket sheets: fit mattresses 18–22 inches deep

Always measure your mattress depth before buying — this is one of the most common reasons customers return sheets.

How often should I wash my bed sheets?

The general recommendation is once a week — or at minimum every two weeks. Sheets collect sweat, skin cells, and dust mites quickly.

Wash in warm water (not hot, which can shrink and weaken fibres) and dry on low to medium heat.

Are linen sheets worth it?

Linen sheets are an excellent investment for the right sleeper. They are:

• Extremely breathable and moisture-wicking — ideal for hot sleepers
• Very durable — linen gets softer and better with every wash
• Naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial
• More expensive upfront but last significantly longer than cotton

Many of our customers who try linen sheets for the first time say they’ll never go back — especially through Ontario summers.

Ready to shop? Browse our sheet collection →

Related guides: Duvet Buying Guide | Pillow Buying Guide

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