I buy sheets at Home Goods & Tuesday Morning and have been happy with them all. I look for 400 thread count. I read on Consumer Reports that buying higher isn't necessary and that 400 is the sweet spot. I don't buy ones that say wrinkle-free because they are chemically treated (formaldehyde). Both of these stores have a 30 day return policy if you aren't happy.

The higher the thread count, the softer the sheet. I like 400 ct, they are soft. If you want crispy, try 200 ct.

If one is looking to find sheets in the lower cost range, 300 is the minimum TC if you also don’t want them to be rough feeling.

It’s also worth noting that the lower the thread count the more durable sheets tend to be in terms of ripping caused by the sheets being used, not necessarily against damage during laundering.

I have Nautica percale sheets. They are great! Nice and crisp without being harsh. They breathe quite well also. I did not pay a whole lot for them either. My last set lasted 7 years and they weren't percale.

Oh dear. Here we go on misinformation about thread count! I wish people would check their facts!!!!

Here, we call BS on thread count. It has nothing to do with quality and, depending on how sheets are manufactured, it can be misleading and even a rip off. There is no way to check on this either. The packages can be labeled as anything.

Since you iron (as I and many others do) percale will give the crisp, smooth feeling some of us love.

I recommend percale because it is 1 over 1 under weave. It can be packed but way more difficult to pack than sateen sheets though some like their feel.

That said, in general percale made in Italy or Portugal will be the best quality. Then comes India and down the line.

There have been many threads here with a lot of info on sheets. But I will once again link to an article called Making Sense of Buying Bed Sheets which explains the differences, what to look for, and why thread count can be so misleading.

Hi Penny, nice to see you in the laundry room. Listen Roc knows everything there is to know about sheets...she knows her stuff. Read the link she posted and whatever questions you still have feel free to ask.

Percale really is the answer for crisp sheets. The higher thread count, (really anything over 400) is done by wrapping a single thread many times over with multiple threads. I think made to deceive you into thinking you are getting more for your money. Sateen is an example of this and too soft for me.

Take a look at Cotton & Care sheets. Their offering looks pretty good.

I used to be a percale guy, but no longer enjoy it as much since Linen visited our bedroom.

Linen is an entirely different conversation LOL and, sadly, not budget-friendly unless you are very lucky.

BTW, roco, thank you for re-posting the link to thread count.

Brushworks.. Thanks for the tip on Cotton & Care. Just placed an order! I love the fact that the sheets are made in the U.S. with cotton grown in the U.S. They look like my favorite sheets from the 1970s. 250 TC.

Thanks everyone...this helps so much..

So, I only know linen in clothing. Would sheets feel different? How do I know if I'm getting decent linen should I happen upon a bargain? Just want some tools in my shopping arsenal...

Also, isn't Egyptian cotton supposed to be better quality?

Again, thanks for the help and tips here. :)

With sheeting, best quality is Egyptian cotton because that variety has the longest fibers. Answer is yes.

There will be no bargains in linen. Linen sheets feel very different than cotton. They are heavier, dryer and they have a texture while cotton is smooth.

First of all, I just found this forum. I may become a regular here in the Laundry Room, if you don’t mind! I agree with the above about percale sheets. I’ve found nice ones before at TJMaxx. Also, a note about thread count. One year, my husband and I had really terrible sheets that needed to go in the trash, but we had many other expenses that I felt were more pressing. For Christmas, he went to Macy’s, and bought the highest thread count sheets he could find—like 1200 or something! He thought he was getting “the best.” I was touched by the thought, but hated them!! They were hot, and noisy—the slightest movement was highly audible! I laundered them over and over, trying to “break them down.” Finally, after 8-9 months, I had to admit they were terrible, and he was actually relieved. He hated them too! :)

Drbevdc..cute story although I'm sorry you lost money. Do we mind if you become a regular here? Absolutly not..your quite welcome to spend time here. This is as much your forum as it is anyone's. Its a bit quiet right now at least when it comes to laundry but I hope it becomes a lively place again.

Welcome to the Laundry Room! !!!