The Sheet Buying Guide
To answer the most common questions we've encountered when shopping for sheets, we've put together a handy guide. When's the right time to buy new bed sheets? Does a high thread count really make a better sheet? And, most importantly, what sorts of sheets should you buy, anyway? Keep scrolling to find the answers to our sheet-shoppers' most common questions.
How often should I buy new sheets?
There comes a time in all our lives when we find ourselves faced with a serious question: "Is it time I bought new sheets?" We'll make it simple. Find the biggest sunlit window in your home and drape your sheet over the curtain rod. Now look through it. Do you see holes? What about thin spots? Discoloration? Stains? Those little unsightly balls of fibers they call pills? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it's time.
There's no hard-and-fast rule that says you absolutely need to replace your sheets after a set period of time, but there are plenty of other reasons you might want to trade them out. Take those linen sheets you've had on your bed all summer, for example. Might want to replace those with some flannel for winter. Same with that bright floral pattern. Why not swap it for a nice set of plaid sheets for the holiday? Seasons change, and your taste will change too, so barring any of the clear signs of wear we mentioned above, you should change your sheets when you darn well feel like it.
Does thread count matter?
We'll adjust that to what we know you're really thinking: is a higher thread count better? In short, no. Not always. And not even most of the time. Fiber quality – whether linen, cotton or synthetic – is the biggest determiner when it comes to how soft and comfortable your sheets feel (and how long they keep feeling that way). Having too high of a threadcount can actually negatively impact a sheet's ability to breathe. And nobody likes stuffy sheets.
When designing our No Iron Sateen sheets, we found a 400 thread count, combined with long-staple American-grown Supima® cotton, struck the perfect balance between silkiness and breathability. And our 200 count percale uses smoother, stronger ringspun cotton and a tighter weave to achieve crisp, matte sheets that hold up wash after wash, long after many others would wear thin.
Bottom line: when it comes to threads, go for quality, not quantity.
What's the difference between monogramming and embroidery?
We offer two types of personalization here at Lands' End: monogramming and embroidery. Monogrammed bedding means sheets – or duvet covers – customized with initials, a name or a word. We'll monogram up to 10 characters in a variety of fonts. Embroidery, on the other hand, lets you choose from our collection of icons and motifs. These change seasonally, but you can expect a broad range that includes adorable animals, characters and all things nautical ('cause that's kind of our thing).
Which sheets should I buy?
Well, you've asked the loaded question. We'll give the equally loaded answer: it depends. Different sheets are good for different reasons. What sheets are best for fall or winter? What sheets should you use in spring or summer? Most importantly: what sorts of sheets do you personally prefer?
Because the perfect sheet is different for everyone, we've broken down the benefits and best use cases for all of our top sheeting programs below.
Flannel Sheets
If you're looking for the best sheets for winter, look no further. We sell three different types of flannel sheets: 6-oz. Supima flannel, 5-oz. velvet flannel and 5-oz. organic cotton flannel. Your choice is going to come down to preference here, but there's one objective difference: the weight. The heavier you go, the warmer you get. Both of our weights are excellent choices for winter, but we recommend 6-oz. for maximum warming power, while 5-oz. varieties are great for those who like to be cozy all year round.
Sateen Sheets
Thanks to their satin-like weave structure, sateen sheets have a natural sheen and silky-soft feel that makes them a versatile year-round choice. We sell two varieties: 400-ct. No Iron Supima Sateen and Garment-washed Sateen. Again, your choice will come down to preference.
If you prefer a traditional, crisp look, you'll want No Iron Sateen. The high thread count gives it that classic sheen, and the no iron finish guarantees it's wrinkle-free from dryer to bed for 30 washes. If you prefer something a little looser, a little more broken-in, you'll want to go for Garment-washed Sateen. It has a reduced sheen and is washed to look and feel broken-in straight out of the package.
Percale Sheets
Percale is a great option if you're looking for low-sheen sheets that'll hold up season after season. The tighter 1x1 weave makes it exceptionally durable, and that holds true no matter which option you choose: our softest Supima® Percale, luxurious Italian Percale or best-value 200-ct. Percale. If you're looking for kids' bedding, we offer Kids' Percale, too, which gives you the famously durable weave plus fun prints.
Oxford Sheets
Oxford is a top choice if you want durable, matte cotton sheets that'll last seemingly forever. Ours is built much like a classic Oxford shirt, so it starts strong and gets softer with every wash. The substantial weight but high breathability make it a good choice in any season, and the classic stripes will blend with any decor.
Linen Sheets
Looking for the best sheets for summer? You've found them. Thanks to its naturally high breathability, linen has a light, airy feel like no other fabric, making it perfect for keeping cool on hot summer nights. Ours is made from premium Belgian flax and garment-washed for a broken-in look and feel.
Cotton Knit Sheets
There are few things more comfortable than a worn-in T-shirt. Our Cotton Knit Sheets give you a similar feel, with a soft jersey knit that's all sorts of comfy. And with their 4.9-oz. weight, they're great in any season.
So what's the takeaway?
Like we said, choosing the right sheets comes down to personal preference. There's no objective "best sheet" out there. But there is a sheet that's just right for you, where you live, and what time of year it is when you're shopping.
We hope we've given you what you need to find it.