Here’s How to Properly Pick New Bedding

Hey, quick question, when was the last time you bought new bed sheets? And a follow-up question, when was the last time you washed those sheets? If your answer to either of those questions is “I dunno”,“ it might be time you invested in some brand new bedding. At this point, the dead skin-to-sheet ratio has gotta be in favour of the former.

Look, we get it. You’d just moved out of home for the first time, and into your brand new sharehouse, where you collected all of the essentials – bed sheets, a set of kitchenware, an open clothes rack and those cube shelves from Ikea.

And I’m sure all of those things have served you pretty well, but you bought them almost a decade ago. That was at least three sharehouses ago.

So what’s good when it comes to bedding? How do you pick bedsheets that are not only comfy as hell but aesthetically pleasing enough that you won’t feel embarrassed to bring people home to them? Easy, just follow our advice, and you’ll be nestled in for some of the best sleep of your life.

When looking around for a new set of sheets, you’ll notice that bedding brands really want you to know what the thread count of their products is. This is important, as a sheet’s thread count will determine how soft it is.

However, just because a set of sheets has a higher thread count doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good. If you see brands pushing sheets with a 1,000 thread count, there’s a good chance that they’re overcompensating for quality (while also marking up the price).

When looking for sheets, you’ll want a thread count somewhere between 200 to 800 – although that range shifts depending on what material the sheets are made from. For example, cotton sheets should have a thread count between 200 to 400, while bamboo sheets should be 300 to 500.

Speaking of materials, that’s also an important factor to consider, as this can play a major part in determining the softness and temperature regulation.

If you’re a sweaty sleeper, then you might want to consider a set of bamboo or cotton sheets. Since these sheets are made from natural fabrics, they’re both quite breathable, so they’ll help you stay cool while sleeping – especially as we edge into the summer months.

Cotton sheets usually have quite good moisture-wicking, so sleeping in them won’t feel like you’re laying in a puddle of your own fluids. Cotton sheets are also quite durable, so you can get a good lifespan out of them if you treat them right.

Another popular bedding fabric is linen, due to its hypoallergenic properties. While it shares the durability and breathability of cotton sheets, the main catch is that linen bedding usually comes with a higher price tag.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some people like soft sheets, while others like them to be a bit more coarse. I personally like to use flannel sheets in the winter, to get a little bit of warmth and coziness.

And for what it’s worth, you should be washing your bed sheets every two weeks. Or, at the very least, swap your sheets out with a fresh set every two weeks. That goes for pillowcases as well.

ettitude Signature Sateen Sheet Set (from $134.50)

Made from a sustainable CleanBamboo fabric with a sateen weave, ettitude’s signature sheets are a great option if you want something that’s both soft to the touch and breathable.

These sheets also come in a wide range of colours, so it gives you plenty of options when it comes to matching your bedroom’s aesthetic. Plus, ettitude is currently running an offer where spending over $100 will score you a bonus mystery gift (worth up to $70).

You can shop ettitude’s bedding here.

Koala Tencel Sheet Set (from $199)

Australian bedding icons Koala (they do those mattresses that come in a box) also provide a range of sheets, so you can nab all of your bedroom essentials in one pop.

These sheets are made from sustainably sourced TENCEL Lyocell fibres, so you can expect a fabric that’s both durable and will feel fresh every time you wash them.

You can shop Koala’s Tencel Sheet Set here.

Ecosa Bamboo Bedding Sheet Set (from $180)

This Ecosa sheet set has it all. Not only are these eco-friendly bamboo sheets soft to the touch, but they’re also odour-resistant, anti-bacterial and breathable – making them a great option if you’re a particularly sweaty sleeper.

With a decent range of colours to pick from, it’s not hard to pick a set that matches your vibe.

You can shop Ecosa’s Bamboo Bedding Sheet Set here.

Bhumi Sateen Sheet Set (from $249)

If you prefer cotton sheets, then you might want to check out what Bhumi has on offer. Made from 100% Fairtrade organically farmed cotton, this sateen sheet set is soft and smooth, so you (and your lucky bedmate) can slip right on in.

It’s a great option if you’re after sheets that you can use all year round, from those sweaty-ass summer nights to those winter evenings where all you want to do is get cosy.

You can shop Bhumi’s Sateen Sheet Set here.