WHAT ARE MULTIPLE-PLY SHEETS AND SETS INCLUDING 2-PLY OR 4-PLY ? HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM SINGLE-PLY EGYPTIAN COTTON SHEETS?

WHAT IS TRUE THREAD COUNT?

We've all head Thread Count to be defined as the number of threads per square inch in a piece of fabric, however this defintion doesn't provide a clear or understandable concept of how Thread Count is used in the manufacture and weaving of Sheets and Sets. Threads of a Sheet Set can be measured in a lab under microscope, to determine exactly how many threads exist in a square inch, and labs can determine the True Thread Count of Sheets and Bed Linens. True, accurate Thread Counts are comprised of the actual number of yarns-if those yarns are made of more than one Thread, then only the final Thread is counted.

Confusion has been greatly added in the past several years, by manufacturers twisting threads together to create a longer fiber or 'Thread.' Many manufacturers have been counting the twisted threads individually, rather than only the final created 'Thread.' In essence, the practice of Multiple-Ply Threads has resulted in False Thread Count Numbers. The best Sheets are made of Single-Ply, also known as 1-Ply, Long-Yarn fibers. Multiple-Ply fibers consist of any fiber quantity larger than one, including packages that read 2-Ply, 3-Ply or 4-Ply.

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HOW AND WHY ARE MULTIPLE-PLY FIBERS USED IN PRODUCTION OF EGYPTIAN COTTON SHEET SETS, DUVET COVER SETS AND OTHER BEDDING?

Multiple-Ply fibers are used for a sole, to reduce the cost of manufacturing. Shorter fibers or even what is known as Discard-grade fibers (fibers that typically half an inch in length or shorter) can be twisted together to create a longer 'Thread' in Multiple-Ply Sheets and fabrics. To create a brief analogy, if you were swimming and needed someone to throw you a rope to pull you in, would you prefer the rope to be a single rope that has never been cut, or two ropes tied together? Any fiber that has been twisted together to create a longer length breaks down faster.

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HOW COMMON IS THE USE OF MULTIPLE-PLY THREADS, AND ARE MY SHEETS MULTIPLE-PLY?

The shelves are lined with Multiple-Ply Sets. If you've been shopping recently for New Bed Linens, and have read the packaging, you'll find that most sets are labeled in the text to read 'woven of 2-Ply Threads' or 'woven of 4-Ply Threads'. The reason for this is that the FTC has recently issued a statement, in efforts to correct the miscalculation abuse, and are now requiring manufacturers to state on the package when a Sheet Set is made of any Ply higher than one. This is not a statement you'll find on the front cover, and is usually in fine print on the back of the Sheet Set package. If you're purchasing overstock or a discounter, don't count on this statement being included; it is only in very recent months that this requirement has been made. So if you are purchasing at an online retailer or other store where stock is not recently received, the manufacturers were not required to list the use of Multiple-Ply Threads on older products. Multiple-Ply Thread Sheet Sets are so common that the can be found at nearly every store and online retailer. Retailers may even tout their Sheets incorrectly as being better, because they have a higher ply. When it comes to Ply, lower is better and Single-Ply is best.

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HOW MUCH SHOULD A GOOD EGYPTIAN COTTON SHEET SET OR DUVET SET COST?

Though we all want the best 'deal' when we're shopping, keep in mind that price is a key factor and indicator as to quality of a Sheet Set, Duvet Cover Set, or any new Fine Linens or Bedding you're purchasing. No one wants to pay more than necessary for a new item, and it's fun to locate a great find at good prices. But keep in mind that, with Bedding, if the price seems too low, chances are it truly is. If you're paying less than a few hundred dollars for what is supposed to be a 1000TC or 1200TC Sheet Set, be aware that the Thread Count is probably not a True Thread Count, most likely comprised of Multiple-Ply fibers. Weaving is an art, and the Best Sheet Sets are woven in Italy, known for weaving methods and looms that are incomparable with any other country in the world.Expect to pay near $400 or more for a good Sheet Set, particulary for Italian Sheet Sets and Bed Linens, or even upwards for a really fantastic Set. Some Sheets can run in the thousands, inclusive of brands like Anichini, Frette, Pratesi and others, so set a guide as to what your personal needs are. The difference between Sheet Sets that cost thousands and those near the $500 range is often nothing other than history of the brand, not difference in quality.

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I'M NOT OVERLY FAMILIAR WITH BED LINENS, BUT WHY DOES A GOOD SHEET SET SEEM EXPENSIVE?

The Finest Bed Linens are designed to last years, even generations with proper care. Many consumers are not aware of the processes, length and artisanship involved with production of Fine Linens. The best Sheet Sets are comprised of Single, Long-Yarn Egyptian Cotton fibers which are the most expensive fiber used for sheeting in the world. Many companies label Sheets and Bedding as 'Egyptian Cotton' when in truth the grade and length of the Egyptian Cotton is short and inferior. A truly 'good' Sheet Set uses what is known as 'Long-Yarn' fibers, the longest fibers grown on the bank of the Nile.

These Egyptian Cotton fibers are harvested and then transported to their weaving location, with the best weaving location being Italy. As is true of every other country, the actual mill that will be weaving your Bed Linens is a huge factor in the quality of Sheet Set you will receive. Different mills use different looms and can have greatly varying final quality, so research the background of the manufacturer from whom you're purchasing and the company's reputation. Just because an item is marked 'Made in Italy' does not automatically constitute quality, but overall the finest linens made are from Italy itself. Weaving is an art and does take time. The finest Egyptian Cotton Sheets and Duvet Cover Sets are often made in limited quantities because of time and cost factors. If any color is involved, other than White, the fibers are pre-dyed before weave, then introduced into weaving with the other colors of fibers.

Following the weaving process itself, most sets are cut from the bolts and packaged to ship. Good Sheet Sets are exposed to what are known as 'Combing' and 'Carding' Processes as well as finishing processes to produce Sateen finishes rather than traditional Percale. The most expensive Sheet Sets endure another additional process before cutting, being a lengthy pre-laundering of the fabric. Egyptian Cotton and all other Cottons including Pima, etc, are natural fibers which will shrink. Pre-laundering initiates the shrinkage process so that the fabric being cut and constructed actually has true measurements before construction. Most Sheet Sets are either cut extra bulky in pocket depth, to allow the consumer to be able to shrink the Set closer to size, or are inaccurately cut too small in Pocket Depth. Sheet Set Pockets that are inaccurately cut too small and have not experienced the pre-laundering process will 'pop' off your Mattress constantly after only several washings.

Pockets cut too bulky and have not experienced the pre-laundering process will 'cup' at the corners or have so much extra material on your corner that it's impossible to get a good fit. The best Sheet Sets are Pre-Laundered, to avoid these problems and provide the best Sheeting possible. The steps involved in creation of truly good Bed Linens are many, requiring the combination of superior weaving methods that take years to perfect and an artisan nature not readily found in the U.S.

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SO HOW IS THREAD COUNT BEING CALCULATED FOR MULTIPLE-PLY SHEET SETS AND BED LINENS?

Until very recently, many manufacturers have been calculating Thread Count by including every fiber used-inclusive of Multiple ply Threads that are really only creating a longer Thread. This has basically been a loophole, or gray area, for manufacturers to create False Thread Counts. Consumers have not only been confused, but often outraged, as this practice has been very misleading for consumers who have been led to believe that the higher the Thread Count, the better the Sheets. The belief that High Thread Counts mean better Sheets is an incorrect one.

Consumer Reports and other well-known organizations have performed thorough testing with Sheet Sets labeled at Thread Counts that tested at only 1/3-1/2 the Thread Count listed on the exterior package. For instance, Sheet Sets commonly labeled as 1000TC were found to contain only 297 Threads, less than one-third what the manufacturer stated. And 1200TC Sheet Sets can have only 400 Threads. Keep in mind that the actual Threads measured by labs

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HOW COMMON IS THE USE OF MULTIPLE-PLY WHEN SHOPPING FOR A NEW SHEET SET?

Odds are high that you already own one or more multiple-ply Sheet Sets, and may or may not know it. So how can these sets affect you, and is it really that bad? "I can buy 3 or 4 sets for the price of one," you might say, "isn't that better than investing in one set." It is very true that you can purchase several cheaper sets rather than investing in a good set. Unfortunately, what most consumers don't realize at the time is that frequent set replacement usually turns into loss by year's end. An excellent set is designed to last years, while cheaper sets are usually worn through in less than 365. And, if you have any similarities to our customers we speak with daily, you've probably replaced set after set, thinking each time that you're upgrading with what you believe to be a higher thread count than your previous purchase.

You may even be baffled as to why your recently-purchased set seemed to last such a short period of time, or why it began to pill after two washings. In fact, if you're like many of our new customers, this may well be the reason you're shopping for new linens right this minute.

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