Shopping Tips

• Avoid textiles labeled permanent press, no-iron, crease-resistant, shrink-proof, stretch-proof, water repellent, or water-proofed. Some finishes, such as those to prevent stains and wrinkles, can release formaldehyde into the air.

• Thread Count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric in both directions of the weave. A higher thread count usually means a softer feel. However, threads get thinner as thread count increases, which means high-thread-count sheets might wear out faster than those with a lower count.

• Egyptian cotton sheets are the softest and most durable, made of 100 percent cotton with extra long fibers and thread counts of 200 to 400. Pima cotton is similar to Egyptian, but grown in the U.S. rather than Egypt. Thread counts range from 200 to 300. Percalesheets may be either 100% cotton or a cotton/polyester blend in thread counts ranging from 180 to 200.