What are the different types of bed sheets on the market?
Bed sheets are broken down into the types of fiber they use, like cotton, linen, or a blend, and the way the threads are woven together.
The type of fiber that you choose is personal preference. Cotton is a smooth fabric while linen is a little rougher but much airier and more breathable. You can also choose a microfiber blend, which while often smooth to the touch, let’s face it, you are sleeping in plastic. I suggest to stick to natural fabrics if you can. We will talk more about this in a future issue.
When it comes to weave, the two most common patterns you’ll find are percale and sateen, each creating a distinct fabric and feel. Percale uses a simple one-over, one-under weave, resulting in a crisp, matte finish. Because the threads are evenly spaced, percale sheets allow maximum airflow, making them cool, breathable, and a great choice for warm sleepers.
Sateen, by contrast, uses a three-over, one-under weave, which places more threads on the surface. This creates a smoother, silkier feel with a subtle sheen. The denser weave of sateen makes these sheets warmer and more insulating, with less airflow than percale. In short: if you sleep hot, percale will help keep you cooler; if you crave extra warmth and coziness, sateen is the better option.
If I’m looking for cotton sheets, what should I look for?
When you’re shopping for the best quality cotton sheets, it all comes down to the cotton fibers. Long staple cotton like Egyptian and Indian are considered among the finest because they are grown in fertile conditions that allow the cotton plants to produce extra-long staple fibers. These longer fibers can be spun into smoother, stronger threads that create a durable, soft, and luxurious fabric. Because the fibers are so strong, long staple cotton sheets resist pilling, hold up to frequent washing better, and actually get softer over time. They’re also more absorbent than other types of cotton, which means they take dye beautifully and help wick away moisture at night, keeping you cooler and drier.
How do you care for cotton sheets?
Cotton is naturally absorbent, which means your sheets don’t just take in moisture, they also collect body oils, sweat, skin cells, and even leftover detergent residue. Washing your sheets once a week is the best way to keep that buildup under control. Thanks to modern detergents, hot water isn’t as necessary as it once was; I prefer cold water because it helps preserve the fabric and saves energy. If your bedding starts to yellow, it’s usually from that buildup combined with natural oxidation. For a brighter refresh, try an oxygen-based whitener (like OxiClean) instead of chlorine bleach, which can damage fibers.
If you sleep warm or cold, do the sheets you pick really make a difference?
In my opinion, yes, the sheets you choose can make a real difference. If you tend to sleep hot, percale is the better choice. Its one-over, one-under weave naturally allows more airflow, which helps keep you cooler. If you prefer warmth, sateen is the way to go. Its denser weave holds in more heat, creating a warmer, cozier sleep environment.
I would also like to mention that the perception of thread count often misleads consumers. Many people believe that a higher thread count automatically means better sheets, but that’s not true. What really determines quality and the hand feel of a sheet is the type of cotton used and its weave, not just the number of threads. A higher thread count simply means more threads are packed into each square inch of fabric. While that might sound good, manufacturers may be packing more threads in because they are using a lesser quality cotton. Usually, a higher thread count often results in a heavier sheet with less airflow, which can actually make you sleep hotter. In this case, more isn’t always better. Balance and fiber quality matter most.
What is the best way to store sheets when not in use?
When storing bedding, fold sheets neatly and keep them in a cool, dark, dry place. Use a breathable cotton bag or even an old pillowcase instead of plastic, which can trap moisture. This helps protect the fibers, prevents mildew, and keeps your sheets fresh for longer.
Why are Truuce Sheets the Perfect Balance
When we set out to design Truuce, we didn’t just want bedding that looked good on the bed, we wanted sheets that felt incredible against your skin, held up wash after wash, and made sleep truly restorative. That meant obsessing over every detail, starting with the fabric itself.
The Cotton
First off, we sourced the finest long-staple cotton available. Again, long-staple simply means the fibers are longer than average, which translates into smoother, stronger threads when they’re spun. The result? A fabric that feels softer from the start and continues to get even softer over time without pilling or breaking down the way shorter fibers do. It also gives the fabric durability, so your sheets don’t just feel good, they last.
The Weave
Next, we chose a sateen weave. Compared to percale, which is crisp and matte, sateen has that silky drape that feels extra cozy when you slide into bed at the end of the day.
The Thread Count
And then there’s the number everyone talks about: thread count. We landed on 300 threads per square inch, not 600, not 1,000. Why? Because more isn’t always better. Once thread counts climb too high, the weave gets dense, the fabric heavier, and airflow restricted, which can actually make you hotter at night. At 300, we’ve found the sweet spot: enough threads to create a smooth, durable fabric, but with the breathability you need for a comfortable night’s sleep.
The Result
The combination of long-staple cotton, sateen weave, and 300 thread count gives you sheets that are soft, breathable, and luxurious — without being fussy. They’re comfortable enough for everyday sleep, but special enough to feel like a little indulgence every time you climb into bed.