For many people, the comfort that 100% cotton flat sheets have no comparison. But buying these sheets is not that simple. There are many types of cotton, and the sizes of these sheets vary.
Dimensions
The standard sizes for sheets are king, California king, queen, full or double, X-twin and twin. The king and California king sheet measures 108 x 102 inches. Queen sheets are 90 x 102 inches and full sheets measure 81 x 96 inches.
The twin sheet is 66 x 96 inches and the X-long twin is 66 x 102 inches. In addition to these basic sizes, manufacturers may come up with their own measurements. Read the figures first before you buy.
Types of Cotton and Other Materials
When shopping for 100% cotton flat sheets, check the cotton being used. In terms of softness and durability, Egyptian cotton has no equal. Combed cotton is also of high quality, glossier than the standard cotton. Supima cotton is made from long fibers so it is long lasting.
Cashmere is a combination of cashmere wool and cotton. Cotton flannel is made from flannel and cotton. Cotton flannel is suitable for those who live in cold climates.
Cotton can also be mixed with polyester and other fabrics. Note that these types cannot be considered as 100 percent pure cotton. So when you buy, look at the product description carefully.
How to Judge a Sheet's Quality
The thread count denotes the number of threads per square inch. Thread counts from 300 to 400 are ideal. There are cotton sheets with higher thread counts.
These are softer but cost more expensive. The cheaper ones are those with 80 to 280 thread counts. A count of 80 to 190 can be somewhat coarse. 200 to 280 thread counts are acceptable for some.
A Buyer's Guide
If you have never bought items online before, now is as good a time as any. You will see several of the sheets listed. The thread count and the material used will also be specified. When you shop online, read the payment options.
Credit card is accepted in all major shopping sites, but other options may be available. Other commonly accepted payment methods are cash on draft, PayPal and bank account.
If you are buying 100% cotton flat sheets, you should also assess the shipping cost. If you are buying a lot of sheets, check if there are discounts or reduced shipping rates.
