Buying sheets isn always about the thread count In the search for a good sleep,
far too many consumers equate quality in bed linen solely with threadcount, says
julie brown, art director for bedding boutique au
ralph lauren
paris lit fine linens. "Thread count, which simply refers to the number
of threads per square inch, is one measure.But you need to know where the cotton
is from and where it's woven,"Says brown. "The best cotton comes from egypt,
which grows cotton with long, strong fibres, and the best weaving is done in
italy,"She adds. Thread count does affect how the material feels, making it
partly a matter of personal preference.While au lit sells a supersatiny 1,
020threadcount line, in which a
auenfemmeolo queen fitted sells
for $466, its 220threadcount cotton percale line in which a queen flat sells for
$125 is extremely popular with those who like a crisper feel. To educate
consumers, au lit has set up a threadcount bar with sample swatches in their
store. Bedding at any price that can tick off all three boxes brown cites will
feel better against the skin and last much longer, especially if it's linedried
after no more than 10 minutes in the dryer. (If outdoor space is limited, throw
the damp linen over doors to finish drying. ) When it comes to colour, brown
says her customers typically opt for neutrals, although popular options now also
include sandy browns, amethyst and grayish purples.Preferred patterns are
subtle, such as the edgar steel jacquard duvet that sells for $408(Queen).For
those who love linen, there's the gorgeous lavato line in organic shades, with
fitted queen sheets starting at $222.A queensize duvet was on sale at press
time, down to $180 from the regular price of $240. Colour, too, is turning up in
the bay's designer collections, which include vera wang, ralph lauren,
glucksteinhome, calvin klein, and lacoste.Prices vary, but a 300threadcount,
fitted queen sheet from diane von furstenberg's dvf home line runs between about
$135 and $175. Florals large and small, graphic andWatercolour are also gaining
steam.The bay's exclUsive esprit collection shows floral covers mixedWith
pillowcases adornedWith butterflies(Poem)Or crisp stripes(Ginger).A queen sheet
set goes for $159.Samples can be viewed at their toronto location(435 King St.W.
), fromWhere orders for the product are taken.A 26inch square is about $100).I
especially like the look of the"Gulzar" bedspread, a 100 per cent cotton
spreadWith a hand blockprint of scarlet flowers on a marigold yellow
background,Which sells for about $90 (Us). Chinese silk has long connoted luxury
ralph
lauren polo chemise and wealth. Maker says that sleeping on silk is good
for the complexion because it's less abrasive than other fabrics, that it
reduces bedhead, that it's cool in summer and warm in winter, and that it's
hypoallergenic. A queensize set with two pillowcases, oversized top sheet, and
18inch deep fitted sheet sells for $449.Sample swatches are available prior to
purchase.These sheets can be washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, but
should be hung to dry after no more than 10 minutes in the dryer. While
maintaining that good quality bedding is worth paying for, it's clear that price
is a defining factor for many.
