A Buyer’s Guide to Organic Sheets

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You might think thread count and hand-feel are the only things that matter when buying sheets. But when you’re creating a healthy, toxin-free bed it’s essential to know what sheets are made of and how they’re processed. Here are 4 things to consider when shopping for healthier alternatives to conventional sheets:

1. Chemical-Free

A label on new sheets tells us the fiber content, thread count and care instructions – that’s it. Unfortunately, the manufacturer is not required to list what chemicals they use to make the sheets. Why does it matter? Numerous chemicals are used to conventionally process the yarn and finish the fabric, many of which are raising serious concerns from scientists, doctors and the public about toxicity and the adverse effects on our health. For non-toxic bedding, make sure you know how your sheets are processed.

You can drastically minimize chemical exposure from sheets when you:

2. Natural Fiber

The most comfortable sheets to sleep in are made of 100% natural fiber such as cotton, linen, hemp and silk as well as manufactured cellulose fiber such as bamboo viscose. They breathe, wick moisture and are soothing to the touch. These fibers make the healthiest options for sheets when they are free of chemical finishes as mentioned above.

3. Comfortable Weave

Five common weaves are used to make most sheets no matter if they’re organic or conventionally produced. Which one is right for you? You’ll know it when you feel it. Each one has its own unique texture or “hand”, which greatly contributes to how the sheets feel and perform. Below is a description of each.

4. Quality, Not Thread Count

Despite popular belief, there is no intrinsic value to a higher thread count sheet -- the number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of woven fabric.  What’s important when buying sheets is the feel of the fabric, which depends on the integrity of the yarn and the weave (not thread count), as well as the quality of the chemical-free finished product.