Luxuries Exposed – Bedding

Luxuries Exposed: Elite Sheets

Of the many misnomers in bedding, thread count may be the most egregious. Textile companies can sew two or more layers of sheets together to multiply the thread count, or even count the number of fibers twisted together to form the yarn itself. Neither method makes for a softer sheet, and might even make you more uncomfortable. “The higher the thread count, the hotter the sheet” explains Gail Secular, owner of high end bedding boutique Archipelago. If you need the comfort only thermal insulation can provide, then by all means, go for the thousand thread count. The most expensive sheets at Secular’s Manhattan showroom however have only 400 threads a square inch but are woven from sumptuous Egyptian cotton in Italy which makes them at once softer and more breathable than the standard issue.

Since great sheets are easy to find at Archipelago, but the best options soar to over $800 a set, Debonair took a trip to the local Bed Bath & Beyond with a few female compatriots to see if there was anything comparable to boutique quality at a better price. In all we tried over fifteen varieties of the most available and affordable brands to find you the pick of the litter no matter how close you live to Madison Avenue.

Wamsutta “Luxuries” Extra-Deep Sateen – ($200 for a Queen Set)

Curiously, only the extra-deep version of this line won acclaim at our slumber party, so pay attention if you choose to take the plunge on these. Made with Pima, a specific species of cotton known to produce long fibers which make the fabric feel soft. These sheets were also finished using the Sateen method, a way of weaving thread that makes the final cloth smooth and slightly shiny without looking like they belong in a motel honeymoon suite. Ideal for men who seek a classic look and feel, this set is the black suit of the bed.

Wamsutta Sateen Couture – ($170 for a Queen Set)

Using Egyptian cotton instead of Pima, our panel thought these sheets were “crisper, more like a hotel’s” as well as a bit more affordable. They also felt heavier and slightly more formal – perfect for the expertly groomed gentleman who likes his shirts starched, shoes at a mirror finish and has his own brand of discerning taste.

Pure Beech Sateen – ($80 for a Queen Set)

One of the first rules of luxury sheets is to always buy high-quality cotton, so these sheets already had a serious strike against them when we took them out of the package – they’re not cotton at all but actually spun from beech wood. We envisioned lots of scary splinters, but the supple and incredibly luxurious feel immediately seduced our female crowd. We were shocked when all of the women declared these 100% Modal sheets with the lowest thread count (250 per sq. inch) of the bunch to be their runaway favorites. As it turns out though, we’re not the only ones to appreciate this alternative fabric – Victoria’s Secret has been making high-priced underwear from Modal for years due to its texture and durability. We wouldn’t normally recommend sleeping in women’s panties but this time we’ll make an exception – you need these sheets.

Take Care of Your Sheet!

Hot water and high heat dryer cycles eradicate anything and everything in your sheets, including the fabric’s best qualities. So how do you care for sheets? Wash them in warm water and dry them on low heat – you’ll help preserve the look and feel of the cloth and enjoy your sheets for years. What else do the rich know? “Never bleach – we all like white sheets but you’ll put holes in them” says Secular.