Material: Cool and crisp
These sheets are made with 100 percent Egyptian cotton, and it’s easy to feel the difference. What’s special about Egyptian cotton? It’s grown in a warm climate that enables it to produce extra-long fibers. This results in a stronger finished product which becomes softer after each washing. Egyptian cotton also provides breathability, meaning the air will flow easily through the sheets. We are not able to sleep on hot sheets. Thankfully, these were cool to the touch from the moment we climbed into bed.
Thread Count: Just right for comfort
Thread count is often considered a deciding factor when purchasing sheets, but how important is it really? Not as much as you might have been led to believe. Thread count refers to the total number of horizontal “weft” and vertical “warp” threads used per square inch of fabric. A higher thread count can mean the sheets are higher quality, but that’s not always the case since manufacturers can inflate the thread count number by weaving several threads together. These tricked out sheets result in a rougher, less durable sheet. If you would like a reliable estimate, look for a sateen sheet with a count between 300 and 600. Pinzon sheets with a 400-thread count and a 2-ply weave are thick enough to withstand repeated use while still feeling soft and comfortable. Because the regular king-sized sheets were out of stock, we opted for a California king. The fitted sheet with elastic all around and deep corner pockets made these the first sheets that have stayed tucked into place no matter how much we tossed and turned.
Texture and Weave: Smooth sateen
Sateen gives these sheets their silky feel and a slight sheen. These sheets are made using a satin-like weaving process. The extra-long-staple length of the cotton fibers and higher thread count make them comfortable enough to use in any season.
Washing: Wrinkles easily
Sheets can feel different before and after washing. When I first removed the packaged sheets, they felt slightly stiff and needed ironing to remove the wrinkles and creases. After each washing, following the manufacturer’s directions of washing in warm water with a cold rinse on the permanent press cycle, they became softer. While they didn’t fray or pill, they still wrinkled even when we removed them promptly from the dryer and immediately placed them on the bed. We were able to smooth out some of the wrinkles using my hand, but they wrinkled again as soon as we slept on them. Cotton sheets do need some special care to prevent shrinkage and destruction of the fibers. Pinzon recommends only using non-chlorine bleach, tumbling the sheets dry on low, and using a warm iron, if needed, to remove wrinkles.
Color: Mostly white
The sheets and pillowcases are a crisp white with two colored bands stitched onto the hem. The bands add a splash of color to an otherwise plain sheet set and will blend with almost any type of decor available in black, espresso, navy, silver blue, silver grey, or taupe.
Key Features: OEKO-TEX-certified fabric
These sheets are made in an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified factory. This means every component of the sheets has met an independent testing agency’s stringent standards checking for harmful substances. The OEKO-TEX criteria are updated once a year and standardized around the world. You won’t find any harmful chemicals in these sheets.
Price: Affordable for Egyptian Cotton
Competition: Different cotton variations, all chemical-free
The Casper Cool Sheet Set: Made from 100 percent premium extra-long-staple Supima cotton, these Casper sheets are made from cotton that is only grown in the U.S. and comprises 1 percent of the cotton in the world. Comparable to Egyptian cotton, it has extra-long-staple fibers to provide durability and softness. Designed to become softer with each wash, this 400-thread-count set is made with a breathable percale weave. Ranging in price from around $45 for a twin set to around $70 for a king set, these sheets are slightly more expensive than the other options. However, they come with a 100-night trial and free return shipping. These sheets also come in a few color options, such as navy/azure and sky blue. The Mellanni 100% Cotton Sheet Set: These sheets aren’t made with Egyptian or Supima cotton but still feels smooth to the touch due to their sateen design. Mellani color choices are limited to five mostly muted neutrals, and the sheets are thinner than the Pinzon or Casper sets. However, with a price tag of around $35 for a full-sized set to $39 for a California King set, it’s a less expensive way to enjoy a good night’s sleep. One key difference between all three sets is the warranties. While Pinzon only offers a one-year warranty and Casper offers a 100-night trial, Mellanni offers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee with no hassles and no questions asked. All three sets are OEKO-TEX-certified and chemical-free. If you’re in the market for new bedding, these sheets are not only reasonably priced, they’re comfortable enough to use year-round.
