If you’re looking for sheets or bedding products but are not sure which ones to buy, don’t feel alone. Buying sheets and other similar products is complicated and can be quite frustrating. Here are some common definition, that can help get you started on finding the right bedding for you.

Q: What is Thread Count?

A: Thread count helps determine the quality of the sheet and is simply the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. Quality sheeting begins at 180 threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the softer the "hand" or feel of the sheet and the more pill resistant it will be.

Q: Should I choose cotton or blend sheets?

A: It is truly a matter of personal choice. There is no better or worse choice, no right or wrong decision. Cotton is often chosen because it's a natural fabric and feels cooler and softer to the touch. Blends of polyester and cotton are popular because they are more wrinkle-resistant. You can further reduce wrinkling by not drying your sheets with heavy items such as towels, and by removing them from the dryer and folding them while they are still warm.

Q: What is Combed Cotton?

A: Extra-soft cotton. When cotton or another fabric is "combed," the shortest, additional fibers of a batch are removed. The result produces high-quality yarns with excellent strength and softness.

Q: What is Egyptian cotton?

A: Cotton grown exclusively in Egypt and the longest fiber staple in the world. This means less linting, more durability, more luster and a softer feel. Considered the best cotton in the world. Cultivated mainly in the Nile River Valley in Egypt, this grade of cotton boasts the longest and strongest fibers.

Q: What is Flannel Bedding?

A: 100% cotton fabric brushed on both sides for softness and warmth. Soft flannel sheets and bedding provide that extra warmth you prefer when the temperature drops.

Q: What is Knit Bedding?

A: A very soft, relaxed cotton fabric that feels like a t-shirt. Not as warm as flannel, but Jersey knits will keep you cozy in the wintertime.

Q:What does Percale mean?

A: Closely woven, plain weave, spun fabric made from both carded and combed yarns. Percale sheeting is the finest sheeting available. The high thread count gives the fabric a soft, silk-like feel.

Q: What is Sateen?

A: A weave construction that has more yarn surface on the face of the cloth than other basic weaves giving a softer hand and more lustrous look. Also, cloth made with carded or combed yarns that are usually mercerized, and has a very smooth, lustrous surface effect that resembles satin.

Q: What is Silk?

A: The softest and most luxurious of all bed linens, silk is surprisingly also the strongest. It's also lightweight and keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

How should I Care for my sheets?

• Your sheets will last longer if you follow the "three set rule": one set on the bed, one in the linen closet and one in the laundry. This way, your sheets can last three times as long, because each set will be laundered less frequently than a single set would be.
• To brighten your white sheets, you don't need to do what they did decades ago -- laying sheets on the grass at dawn for the morning dew and sunshine to work their magic. Today, you can simply add 1/4 cup lemon juice to the wash cycle. Then, line dry sheets in the sun to increase the whitening effect.
• Be sure to wash brand new sheets before putting them on your bed. Machine wash according to the instructions on the care label with similar colors and then tumble dry on medium heat.
• If you store your linens in a wooden chest, line it with muslin or acid-free paper to prevent the wood from staining the sheets. To deter moths, fill a muslin pouch with dried lavender flowers, rosemary leaves and cedar chips.