Why Are Bed Sheets So Expensive?
I was helping a friend last week with her new furniture for her new house and we got into the conversation of this blog. She had ordered some new bedroom furniture and asked why bedding is so expensive? I decided to take a deep dive and check out why bedding and sheets can be more expensive than you realize.
Sheets and other bedding items are high priced based on the raw materials used in the manufacturing process. Higher thread counts, materials like Egyptian cotton and other higher quality materials cost more to manufacture, with labor costs, so the price is passed to the consumer for higher quality bedding and sheets.
Of course, big brand names can be priced higher than the off-brand, but it does not necessarily mean that it is a higher quality pieces of bedding. Two different companies delivering the same 400 Thread Count sheets with 100% organic cotton should be around the same manufacturing costs and pretty close on price considering the raw materials and labor costs. The only real difference is the brand name and if both sets carry a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), by all means, save a little money and get the off brand.
Also, always go for natural material instead of synthetic materials. I am a big fan of going as all-natural as possible!
The True Cost of Bedding
The cost of your bedding and sheets should be based on the materials used to create it. Materials like cotton, tencel, polyester, silk and bamboo have different costs to produce. Bedding companies have to take this into account when making and selling a product. A difference in quality sheets is what we are looking for.
Cotton is the popular fabric used when making sheets and bedding due to its readily available, fairly inexpensive and pretty effective. It’s soft, durable, breathable and easy to care for.
The other most common materials used in linen bedding are polyester, silk, bamboo and blends in linen bedding. We also have to understand the labor cost to create these sheets.
Bedding and linen sheets with a higher thread count is more expensive to produce and, in most cases, are noticeably more expensive. When asking, why is bedding so expensive, this is a simple answer why.
For example, if you have a high thread count linen sheet made from Egyptian cotton versus a low thread count sheet made from conventional cotton, there will be a pretty big price difference. The Egyptian cotton is considered to be the most luxurious type of linen bedding options you can purchase.
“To help us wade through the many styles and fabrics out there a crisp cotton percale, a silky sateen, or something in between we reached out to design experts and tastemakers for their recommendations on the best bedsheets to buy, from classic, white Egyptian cotton to ecofriendly linen to completely bespoke sets. (And if you want to look at even more sheets, we found the best-reviewed bedsheets on Amazon, too.) Most of the options on this list are sold in sets that come with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases or pillow shams, but we’ve noted if pieces are sold separately.” (nymag.com)
Does Thread Count Matter?
For most people that ask if thread counts matter when buying sheets, duvet cover or bedding, the answer is based on personal preference. Low thread count sheets tend to be pretty inexpensive and easy to find. With that said, inexpensive sheets can be coarse and tough to sleep on.
What you should be looking for is what type of fiber was used to make the sheets. An Egyptian cotton sheet with 400 thread count is a better quality than a standard cotton 400 thread count.
We’ve all seen the 1,800 thread count sheets and in reality, its just overkill. A 1,000 thread count bedding made from standard cotton are usually multi-ply threads of cotton fibers twisted together to look great on the package, but in reality, its going to have a rough and course feel compared to its counterparts with Bamboo, Polyester and Egyptian cotton.
What Thread Count is Best?
You normally wouldn’t want the lowest thread count you can find. Those wont be very smooth and wont be very durable. If you are looking at Cotton sheets or cotton bedding, stay around 400 thread count for a decent experience. Of course, you want it to survive a tumble dry in the dryer as well. Most bedding sets are machine washable.
Everyone sleeps differently. Some people enjoy silk, while others enjoy cotton. Expensive bedding is a downer on the wallet, but it really makes up for it in the future if you get good quality grades of cotton other luxury linens.
Sheets and bedding with higher quality fibers will stand the tests of comfort and time. I wouldn’t go any lower than 400 thread count on non-organic cotton. This will give you a very good experience and durable in the washing machine. You are washing them every week/month, right? Most luxury linens can survive a good 7 to 10 years with proper care.
By not having an extremely tight weave, 800 thread count and higher, you are letting the bedding “breath” to allow air flow and give you a more comfortable sleep.
Are Expensive Bed Sheets Worth It?
Absolutely. As long as we are focused on QUALITY with those bed sheets. Pay attention to the materials used and the thread count for the bedding themselves and duvet cover to get a better idea of what you are looking for before you make any big purchase.
A Walmart brand organic cotton sheet set may be 20% cheaper to the name brand one. If the materials are identical, its crazy to spend that extra 20%, unless you get warranties, free stuff, or something extra to justify the extra value.
Luxury bedding is all about what feels right for YOU. Some materials feel smooth and soft, while others feel cool to the touch. This is why bedding is so expensive. Good bedding and bed sheets use a higher quality product for a better experience.
How Much Should You Spend on Bed Sheets?
“An $80 version of 1,500 thread-count sheets that are 100% Egyptian Cotton is just not possible. It would be like buying an Armani suit from a local store for $60. It just doesn’t happen. Here is a closer look at why finer grades of cotton are more expensive than other types”: (verolinens.com)
For a King Size Bed, between $100 to $150 is a good number for quality sheets or Duvet cover at a good price. Like all things in life, if its really inexpensive, then it usually is of lower quality. Or you found a massive sale. In that case, CONGRATS!
Good bed sheets don’t have to be super expensive. Check out my other post on The Pros and Cons of Bamboo Sheets and see why I usually recommend Bamboo Bedding!
A good bedding set can really help improve and change your sleep life for the better. You owe it to yourself to make that change. You’ll be glad you did! Your quality of sleep will thank you!
Best Bed Sheets on Amazon
If you want to skip the research, check out these options on Amazon. They are HIGHLY rated and SUPER affordable! Don’t forget, Amazon has the money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, send it back!
Most products below are sold in bedding sets (a flat sheet, fitted sheets and two pillowcases)
I got my Bamboo Sheets first and I HIGHLY recommend them! Also weighted blankets!
  | BAMPURE 6 Piece Bamboo Sheets | |
|---|---|---|
  | SONORO KATE Bed Sheet Set Super Soft Microfiber 1800 Thread Count Luxury Egyptian Sheets | |
  | Amazon Brand – Rivet Percale 100% Organic Cotton Bed Sheet Set | |
  | 6 Piece Hotel Luxury Soft 1800 Series Premium Bed Sheets Set | |
  | Bedsure Full/Queen Comforter Set 8 Piece Bed in A Bag |
Best Bed Sheets at Walmart
These bed sheets and bedding sets can be found at almost any Walmart. Either online, or in store. Whichever you prefer. I am just looking to help improve your quality of sleep!
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Why is Bedding So Expensive Conclusion
A good set of sheets on the bed is worth it. If you care about how well you sleep, then take this to the store and treat yourself to a fantastic set of sheets!
Not all sheets are created equal! Some are better at cooling, like bamboo and silk, while others can be stiff and course, like cotton. I like to compare the course cotton sheets to a hotel bed sheets. Natural fiber is always a plus, especially if you are looking for an hypoallergenic solution.
I hope I answered the question on why are bed sheets so expensive! Check out my write up on the pros and cons of bamboo sheets to learn more about the benefits of bamboo sheets.
Happy Sleeping!
Jimmy
