We take sleep very seriously around here. And that fresh, luxurious feeling of good sheets makes all the difference. Billowy layers, a calming color palette, pillows that are your perfect firmness (are you relaxed yet?) It’s an unmatchable thing; the comfort of your bed. This should be the ultimate place of peace. We even go on trips, and find ourselves saying, “I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed again.” It’s real love.
Billowy layers, a calming color palette, pillows that are your perfect firmness (are you relaxed yet?)
You may be familiar with the term “sleep hygiene,” which simply means the things we do to wind down, care for ourselves, and create environments that contribute to a good night’s rest. This is your bedtime routine. There are so many factors that go into your sleep hygiene like a consistent schedule, what you do right before bed, and what helps you relax, (we delve deeper into these details here) but let’s focus on what you’re tucked away in every night to help you fall asleep, and stay asleep.
Our sleep patterns change over the years—back and neck support needs, temperature preference, restless nights—you may not suspect what you sleep under to be a factor in the quality of your sleep, but these details can really help! You should love and invest in your ‘recharge space.’ When it comes to your sheets and covers, it’s ok to be particular.
Fabrics
Luxury doesn’t have to be complicated! We look for conscious manufacturing, attention to detail, and organic fabrics. The less dye the better—look for organic dyes if you want colorful bedding. Simply put, ensure your bedding is free of chemicals and made from fair-trade materials. Just like the clothing we wear, becoming mindful of where it comes from and how it affects our bodies is really important. You’re tucked under your sheets every night, after all!
We love the breathability of organic cotton, linen, and egyptian cotton. Say sayonara to night sweats and constant temperature change throughout the night (raise your hand if you’re in hot-flash territory!) These breathable materials are great for hot sleepers and allow your body and skin to breathe. They’re lightweight and help your body wind down. It’s also good to let your body’s core temperature cool down when you get into bed so your circadian clock knows what time it is!
Materials like polyester, cotton-poly blends, often have a high thread count, yet are not very breathable. Polyester, for example, is water repellent—this means that all the moisture from your skin and breath gets trapped under the covers with you. Stick with breathable fabrics that won’t overheat you or cause you to wake up sweaty.
Thread Count
Thread count has less to do with quality, and everything to do with texture. Most people shoot for a higher count when they desire a softer, silkier sheet set. More specifically, thread count is the total number of yarns per square inch of fabric. The quality of the thread matters here too—for example, a 500 thread count sheet from a high quality brand would be softer than a 700 thread count from the clearance section at Target. Our advice—choose the fabric that feels best to you, and compliments your sleep goals.
Here’s a quick breakdown of fabrics we love to snuggle under:
Linen
Linen is one of the oldest known textiles in the world! Our favorite thing about linen is that it is so breathable. The fabric doesn’t stick to your skin, keeping you cool and dry. The thread count ranges between 80-150.
EVERLY Linen Sheets ($143)
Flax Linen
Lightweight and breathable—the difference is flax! The cooling nature of linen, its softness is still durable and quality. This is a great option for warm sleepers, as it has the ability to wick moisture and absorb up to 20% of its own weight. Its thread count ranges between 80-150.
TUMEI Flax Linen Sheets ($119)
Muslin Cotton
The softest cotton, gentle, warm, and breathable. Muslin is a great replacement for seasonal bedding change when you don’t want a heavy, wintery duvet. You’ll probably recognize this super soft fabric in baby cribs. At a thread count of 200, muslin is an ultra-soft choice for quilts and sheets alike.
PHF 100% Cotton Muslin Blanket ($48)
Egyptian Cotton
This is a more standard, quality, and durable fabric. It’s known to be finer, softer, and stronger than any other cotton in the world, with more resistance to fraying, pilling, and wrinkling. In Egypt, this fibre is known as “white gold.” The thread count of white gold can range from 200-1000.
LANE Linen 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets ($76)
Percale Cotton
Cool, crisp, and of course, breathable. Percale is the ‘over-under’ weave style with a strong, matte appearance. At 180 thread count, this cotton is impossibly smooth!
100% Cotton Percale Sheets ($40)
Flannel
Cold sleeper? Flannelette is 100% cotton that’s been double-brushed on both sides making it super soft with a fluffy feel. Perfectly insulated for the winter months! And no harsh chemicals or dyes are used in its making.
Bare Home Flannel Sheets ($62)
Silk Pillowcases
You’ve probably heard some hype about silk pillowcases. It’s a hot debate whether or not cotton pillowcases create more friction, and therefore more frizz for your hair. Organic cotton has been known to keep your hair frizz-free, but as everyone has different hair types and preferences, we suggest giving it a try! Silk also absorbs less moisture than other fabrics, and can help prevent dry skin. It’s also less likely to absorb creams and serums from your nighttime skincare routine.
Top Silk Pillowcase:
Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase ($10)
Splurge:
Blissy Silk Pillowcase: 100% Pure Mulberry Silk ($58)
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are a great way to give your nervous system a little deep pressure therapy at home. They have been known to help with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and anxiety. If you’re feeling restless or anxious at night, or simply finding it hard to wind down, a weighted blanket could be just the thing to try.
Best Value:
Topcee Weighted Blanket ($34)
Extra Cozy:
Wemore Shaggy Long Fur Faux Fur Weighted Blanket ($62)
Splurge:
L’AGRATY Knitted Weighted Blanket ($122)
Here are a few more brands we love (that are also ethically made!)
Silk & Snow
KOTN
Citizenry
Sheet Society
Under The Canopy
Avocado
Fall back in love with falling asleep.
We put our expertise and know-how to work in order to pick products you’ll love. While we independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Movement Living a commission.
