What’s The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Bedsheets?

If you’ve ever shopped for bedding, you’ve probably noticed the price of similar-looking sheets can vary significantly, from under $20 for a full set to more than $1,000 for a single flat sheet. So what’s the difference between cheaper options and more expensive ones? Does a higher price always mean better quality and comfort?

We talked to experts about which factors determine the cost of bedsheets — something many of us probably haven’t thought about before — and how to tell when they are actually worth the cost.

“[Thread count] is an important part of the sheet … and it affects the price both from a raw materials perspective and a manufacturing perspective,” explained Shannon Maher, dean of the Baker School of Business and Technology and previous chair of the Home Products Development program at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

What exactly is thread count? It’s the number of threads per square inch of fabric. For example, a 1,000-thread-count sheet has 1,000 threads per square inch and a 200-thread-count sheet has 200 threads per square inch. In higher thread count sheets, you’re using more materials per square inch and are therefore going to have a higher cost.

An inexpensive bedsheet is generally going to have a low thread count, which can make it less durable and feel rough. However, a higher thread count doesn’t always mean better quality.

“Consumers have been trained that a higher thread count is more expensive [and] … better quality,” said Margaret Bishop, a textile engineer who teaches at Parsons School of Design at The New School and at the Fashion Institute of Technology. But with really high thread counts, “you’re not necessarily buying a lot of extra smoothness or extra durability,” she said. “[They’re] just more expensive.”

In fact, a really high thread count sheet can have a construction that’s not as balanced, Maher added.

“In my personal experience … [I’ve tried] a 1,500 thread count, and it’s too fine and too flimsy,” shared Deborah Young, clinical assistant professor of textiles at Arizona State University’s Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

So what’s the ideal thread count? It depends on the material and weave structure (how the threads are woven together). Two of the main types of construction are percale (a basic one-over-one weave) and sateen (a one-under and three-or-four-over weave). Maher recommends a 200-250 thread count for percale and a 400-600 thread count for sateen. Additional ideal thread count ranges for other materials and weaves can be found at SleepFoundation.org.

Some manufactured fibers are measured in GSM (grams per square meter) instead of thread count, which tells the weight, Young noted. A higher GSM means the sheets are thicker, denser and often pricier.

Let’s look at the difference in quality of thread (or yarn) between inexpensive and expensive 100% cotton sheets as an example.

Better-quality cottons, like Egyptian cotton or Supima cotton, have longer fibers than less expensive cottons. Maher describes fibers “like the hair on your head.” They are the smallest part of a textile and make up a strand of yarn. Longer fibers spun into yarn are generally more expensive than shorter fibers because they are sturdier and better quality.

“If you take two long pieces of string and you twist them together, they’re going to be stronger than if you take a bunch of short pieces of string and twist them together,” Maher said.

In an inexpensive bedsheet, the yarns are also likely going to be thicker and not as evenly spun, Bishop added.

“It’s not going to be as durable and you’ll get a little bit more roughness to it,” she said. In a more expensive bedsheet, “the yarns are going to … be thinner but more tightly spun so that they’re still strong … and have a smoother surface,” she added.

From cotton to linen to polyester, it’s important to be aware of the fiber content (raw materials) of your sheets. Not only does it affect price, but it also impacts the performance properties of the sheet, such as breathability and durability.

Synthetic materials, like polyester or nylon, are generally less expensive than other options but can be tougher on the environment. While they can feel smooth and are durable, they can be particularly hot.

“It’s [also] difficult to wash body oil or moisturizing lotion … out of a polyester or nylon fabric because they are petroleum-based fibers and want to hold on to that oil,” she added.

Another option is cellulosic (plant-based) fibers, like Tencel (often sourced from eucalyptus trees), which usually have mid to high price points.

“We call them man-made [because] … we melt them down from the tree and then use them,” Young said, noting they are made with natural ingredients. Sheets made with those fibers are known for being extra smooth and absorbent.

Cotton sheets vary in price points, depending on the type of cotton used. More expensive options (like Pima, Supima and Egyptian cotton) have long-staple fibers and are breathable, durable and plush, according to SleepFoundation.org. Regular cotton is less expensive but not as durable and can feel rougher on the skin.

Linen sheets can be pricier and can wrinkle easily, but they are highly durable and breathable and have a cozy feel.

“There’s a lot of marketing expenses that go into building these brands, but there is also a reputation to protect,” Bishop said.

Therefore, there are going to be more quality checks in place, Maher added.

“They’re going to be more specific with what the specifications of the sheet are … and the testing they require to ensure the quality,” she said.

If you want to buy sheets from an upper-end brand at more affordable prices, look for their discounts and promotional offerings, Maher advised. She said the home industry also usually has a big sale in January so that’s a particularly good time to shop for bedding.

“Just because it’s a bigger price doesn’t automatically mean that it’s better quality,” Bishop said. “It could have a bigger profit margin built into it or it could in fact be better constructed from better raw materials.”

Do your research on the brand as well as on the fiber content and thread count or GSM of the sheet. Remember that too high of a thread count can increase the cost of sheets and not necessarily provide any benefit in terms of quality or comfort.

That said, our experts agree that it’s worth buying sheets that are constructed well with quality materials and that are a good fit for you. (For example, hot sleepers may be better off with a percale weave and breathable fibers like Tencel, linen and certain cottons. For cold sleepers, a sateen weave and polyester blend would be warmer.)

Studies have shown that people who perceive their bedding as uncomfortable (like too hot or too cold) are more likely to experience problems with sleep, according to Michael Grandner, director of the Sleep and Health Research program at the University of Arizona.

“Bedding is important. … Where we sleep can play a big role in how we sleep, and how we sleep can impact our mental and physical well-being, immune system, metabolism and even heart health,” he said. “Investing in good quality sleep can really pay off.”

Maher said that purchasing better sheets should be looked at as an investment: “Consider the time you spend in your bed … [plus sheets] don’t go out of style and can last years.”

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