Archive for September, 2009
If you’ve spent any time comparison shopping for sheets, you’ve probably been confronted with confusing claims regarding thread count. Don’t be embarrassed – it’s a tricky subject that often involves misleading information and subterfuge. For many years, conventional knowledge suggested that the quality of sheets was solely determined by thread count. But things became a bit more complicated when bedding manufacturers started twisting threads into two-ply sheets. Suddenly a set of sheets with 200-thread-count softness could be marketed as having a 400 thread count.
Today, thread length represents the most reliable way to determine the quality of flat sheets. A long cotton fiber tends to come from better cotton and in turn creates stronger, smoother fabric. Short fibers are prickly and scratchy to the skin. When comparing fabrics, hold them up to the light and judge them based on their level of transparency. The more solid and opaque the fabric, the more likely it is to be soft and more durable.
There’s been a bit of a backlash against organic products in recent years. It’s true that organic food can be pricy and its benefits dubious at times. But the same cannot be said for clothing and linens. Organic cotton is remarkably different in terms of look and feel. It’s remarkably soft and comfortable, but the environmental and safety impact are what really matters.
The cotton fibers that go into making organic cotton shirts are cultivated without pesticides or genetically modified seeds. Once the shirt is finished, it’s never treated with bleach or other harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the skin. As a result, organic clothing represents the safest, most environmentally friendly alternative on the market.