Tip of the Day: Know what you're getting when buying new sheets

Consumer Reports News: April 06, 2010 02:27 PM

If you're in the market for new sheets, check out the glossary below so you're up on the linen lingo. Before you shop, read our latest review of sheets, learn about thread count—a higher number isn't always better—and watch our video on how to fold fitted sheets.

Combed cotton: Fibers are combed and the short ones are removed. The process makes the fabric smoother.

Egyptian: Cotton grown only along the Nile River in Egypt.

Jersey: A plain knit fabric.

Linen: Fiber made from the flax plant.

Modal: Cellulose fiber similar to rayon.

Percale: Cotton or cotton-polyester plain-weave fabric with equal or similar vertical and horizontal thread counts.

Pima: Cotton grown primarily in the southwestern U.S..

Plain weave: The simplest weave structure: single vertical and horizontal threads woven under and over.

Polyester: A synthetic fiber.

Sateen: Smooth, fairly glossy fabric in which the horizontal threads are woven over four or more vertical threads.

Voile: A plain-weave, sheer fabric usually used for curtains or blouses.

Essential information: When you need to replace your old bed, read our latest report on mattresses and check out our buyer's guide to mattresses, which includes store ratings and brand ratings (available to subscribers). And since you'll need a place to lay your head, read our review of pillows.

Home & Garden News

Cars

Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.

See your savings

Mobile

Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop

Learn more

Send this info to a friend

Tip of the Day: Know what you're getting when buying new sheets

E-mail Newsletters

Home & Garden News

Cars

Mobile