Materials

• Standard materials used for making sheets include cotton and polyester. Cotton sheets allow for air circulation, which helps regulate your body temperature while sleeping. Bed sheets made from flannel sheets provide extra heat retention during colder months. Sheets made from satin or microfiber normally have a softer texture than standard cotton or cotton blend sheets, but satin sheets have a tendency to wrinkle after repeated use. Environmentally-friendly manufacturers use bamboo as an alternative to standard bed sheet material. The texture of bamboo sheets softens after repeated washings.
  
  

Thread Count

• Thread counts for cotton sheets measure anywhere from 200 to more than 1,000. These measurements indicate how many single or double cotton yarn threads each square inch of sheet contains. Single-ply cotton sheets with a high thread count generally have a softer texture.The thread count measurement for double-ply cotton sheets is equivalent to the same thread count of single-ply cotton sheets.
  
  

Measuring

• Sheet measurements for standard mattresses can vary, depending on whether you have an extra-long or extra-wide bed. Certain sheet manufacturers sell extra-deep fitted sheets, which make fitting the sheets around your mattress's corners easier. You can determine which size sheets will fit your mattress by measuring the length, width and height of your mattress. If you have a pillow top mattress or use a foam mattress pad, include the height of that in your measurements to ensure you can still tuck your fitted sheet under your mattress's corners.
  
  

Considerations

• If you allow your pets to sleep in your bed, you may need to wash your sheets more often to minimize exposure to pet hair. When initially washing colored sheets, do not put other laundry in the same load to reduce the chances of color dye bleeding onto clothing. Matching the color of your sheets to your bedspread or comforter can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom.