How to choose bed linen - high quality and pleasant to the body

One of the most favorite places in every person's home is the bedroom. After a hard day at work, we go to bed in a cozy bed. At the same time, we must not forget about the correct choice of bedding set, since the comfort of our sleep depends on it. Of course, many people choose the style and color of bed linen to match the interior of their bedroom, but you should think about various important factors when purchasing a bedding set.

First of all, the types of bed linen sets are classified according to such a parameter as size:

• single: sheet -180×260-150×215 cm, duvet cover -150×215-160×220 cm, pillowcase - 70×70-50×70 cm;
• double: sheet - 240×260-175×210 cm, duvet cover -180×215-200×220 cm, pillowcases -70×70-50×70 cm;
• euro standard: sheet – 90×190-305×320 cm, duvet cover – 145×200-260×220 cm, pillowcase – 51×76 cm;
• family (duet): sheet - 240×220-240×280 cm, duvet cover (2 pieces) - 215 m×148-150×210 cm, pillowcase -50×70-70×70 cm;
• children's bedding: sheet - 120x150 cm, duvet cover - 115x147 cm, pillowcase - 40x60 cm.

If we talk about the configuration of types of bed linen, then it is necessary to pay attention to the country of origin. According to the standard, a bedding set should include: one duvet cover, one sheet and two pillowcases.

Secondly, it is necessary to study the variety of materials from which bed linen is made.

Material

Let's start with the most important thing: what the sets are made of. After all, the material is the basis of quality and determines the appearance, price, wear resistance and softness.

When purchasing, pay attention to the composition of the fabric, and not just the name, since there are situations when openly synthetic products are hidden behind “good” names. For example, satin can be made from 100% cotton, and then it is a wonderful choice for the whole family. But there is synthetic satin, and it will bring nothing but disappointment. The same situation applies to other types of fabrics.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which material is better: too much here depends on subjective tactile sensations.

Video on the topic:

Cotton

Cotton deserves to be placed in a separate category, because the lion's share of all sets is made from it. Moreover, depending on the method of twisting, fiber thickness and production method, products with completely different properties are obtained. We list the most common types of cotton textiles.

Calico deservedly occupies a leading position among its fellows. This is due to a number of advantages:

• products made from calico are of high quality, last a long time and do not lose their attractiveness;
• unpretentious in care;
• allow air to pass through;
• they are inexpensive.

The only disadvantages include some roughness, which is explained by the structure and density of calico.

Chintz will cost even less than calico, and is more pleasant to the touch. But it is short-lived and cannot withstand more than 60 washes: the fabric becomes thinner and the color is lost.

Because of its tenderness, it is often used for sewing children's underwear.

There is a special variety - seersucker. This is crinkled chintz. The texture of such models is heterogeneous: striped or checkered.

Poplin has an unusual structure - finely ribbed and with a matte sheen. It has good consumer properties: it can withstand many washes, is durable, does not wrinkle, allows the skin to breathe and is not very expensive.

However, the structure makes the material stiff (though softer than calico), which may be uncomfortable for some people.

Satin is very smooth and delicate, looks like silk, but the reverse side is rough, which means it will not slip while resting. Satin is also durable, does not fade, does not wrinkle, and provides ventilation.

Among the disadvantages, it is necessary to note the higher cost than previous options.

Terry (frote) has a thread pile on one side in the form of loops. Towels and terry robes are made from similar fabric.

This linen is comfortable and warm to sleep on. In addition, it retains all the advantages of cotton products: long service life and ease of care.

This material requires careful handling, otherwise unsightly puffs may remain on the surface. You also need to take into account that it takes a long time to dry.

Flannel is characterized by soft fleecy. In other words, she has a little “fluff”. Because of this, it is very warm, tactilely pleasant and at the same time keeps its shape and does not wrinkle.

But over time, the pile becomes pelletized, which deteriorates the feel and appearance of the set.

Percale is an expensive option, characterized by increased density. Due to this, percale is often used to frame feather pillows, since it does not allow any fluff to leak through.

The surface is soft, smooth, delicate and, in addition, has excellent performance characteristics: durable, withstands many washes.

Natural materials

If you want something “different,” then you can buy more interesting options for natural fabrics.

Linen is wear-resistant, hypoallergenic, antibacterial properties and good thermal conductivity (maintains a stable body temperature in both heat and cold).

However, flax is rough, so it is not an acquired taste. It also shrinks from hot water and is difficult to iron.

Silk has long been synonymous with luxury, but having tried it in practice, many reviews admit that they are disappointed and put it off until better times. It's all about excessive smoothness, due to which the blanket slides over the body, and the sheet often gets knocked down. To avoid this, buy a sheet with an elastic band.

But on summer nights, silk will provide additional coolness and will not provoke unwanted reactions. At the same time, it is quite picky: it does not tolerate machine washing and water temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.

Viscose is produced artificially from cellulose. The technology used to produce raw materials determines what the final product will look like: silk, cotton, wool or linen.

This fabric absorbs moisture, is light and soft, and breathable. In addition, it does not electrify and drapes perfectly into beautiful folds.

There are improved types of viscose that have appeared relatively recently. This is for example:

• Tencel – eucalyptus wood is used as a raw material;
• modal - similar in quality to cotton.

Synthetic and mixed fabrics

Materials artificially made from synthetic raw materials include polyester and microfiber.

Polyester is very practical and wear-resistant, it is not hazardous to health. However, it does not allow air to pass through well, which makes sleeping on it uncomfortable in hot weather.

In its pure form it is practically not used. Much more often, polyester is used in combination with natural fabrics. For example, 70% cotton and 30% polyester. This makes the fabric more wear-resistant and preserves all the benefits of natural fiber.

Microfiber is a man-made product. It is smooth and silky, but at the same time dense, does not change its size and brightness. In addition, it dries quickly, does not wrinkle, does not electrify, and does not form pills or puffs. It allows air to pass through, absorbs moisture and does not provoke allergies. And in addition to this, its price is quite low.

Everything would be fine, but such a set will not last long - from 2 to 5 years. Also, it should not be dipped in hot water and dried on heating devices.

Bamboo – the composition contains up to 60% bamboo fiber, the rest is cotton or silk. This material allows the skin to “breathe”, does not contribute to the occurrence of unwanted reactions, is very comfortable and pleasant, and has antimicrobial properties.

It has no significant disadvantages, except for the cost.

Luxury products

These products are made from expensive raw materials, and what makes them different is their stunning design. Such models will be a wonderful gift for a wedding or birthday.

Batiste is made from cotton, linen or synthetic fabric. It is very smooth, airy, pleasant to the body. It produces exquisite and unique products thanks to a special weave that forms beautiful patterns.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the fabric is thin, it quickly becomes unusable, so these sets are for special occasions.

Jacquard is a method of weaving threads that creates a heavy fabric with a relief pattern. Produced from natural or artificial raw materials. Textiles do not wear out or become thin over time, keep their shape and retain heat.

But it requires delicate handling: wash in cool water and iron only inside out.

Egyptian cotton (mako-satin) grows only on the banks of the Nile River, and it is harvested by hand, so you will have to pay a lot for it. But careful processing allows you to preserve the structure of the fiber, and there are fewer knots in the texture. It comes out silky, light, with incredibly rich color. At the same time, it does not require labor-intensive care and lasts for more than one year.

Japanese silk differs from its Turkish and Chinese counterparts.
It is hygroscopic, does not pill, and maintains optimal temperature during rest. What is not pleasing about it is the exorbitant price.

Basic materials in the manufacture of products

The fundamental factor that determines all the characteristics of bed linen is the material from which it is made. The main raw materials in the production of accessories are:

• cotton;
• linen;
• silk;
• bamboo;
• viscose;
• polyester;
• microfiber.

Many modern consumers are confident that only underwear made from natural materials can be comfortable and safe. This belief is only partly true. Natural raw materials have many obvious advantages. Cotton, linen, silk, bamboo have excellent hygroscopicity and are hypoallergenic materials.

Linen made from natural materials has excellent hygroscopicity

However, bedding made only from natural fibers does not have the necessary practicality. A small percentage of synthetics increases service life, reduces creasing, and ensures color retention during washing.

Synthetic materials increase the service life of bed linen

Density

A very important parameter; quality and wear resistance depend on it. The density value characterizes how many threads are contained in 1 sq. cm surface. The higher the indicator, the longer the bed will last.

There is a classification of fabrics depending on density (values ​​are given for 1 sq. cm).

1. Low – 25–35: cambric.
2. Below average – 36–50: calico.
3. Average – 51–64: linen.
4. Above average – 65–94: Turkish silk.
5. High – 95–200; satin and poplin.
6. Very high – more than 200: Japanese silk, percale.

Typically, this indicator is rarely indicated on the label. If the manufacturer indicated the density, then honor and praise to him.

Children's

Like any other product in this category, children's bedding must meet special high specifications and be made from hypoallergenic natural fabrics.

It should not only withstand regular washing and have high breathability, but also be attractive in appearance.

Pros:

• sewn from natural fabrics;
• safe dyes are used;
• wear-resistant;
• sometimes has antibacterial impregnation;
• colorful and beautiful drawings;
• various equipment.

Minuses:

• over time and frequent washing, colors lose their attractiveness;
• high price.

Dimensions and composition of the set

Agree, it will be a shame if the new set does not fit in size: the sheet turns out to be smaller than the mattress, or the pillowcases do not fit on the pillows. To prevent this from happening, before you go shopping, you should measure the pillows, blanket and mattress (you need to add the height to the width and length of the bed so that the sheet can be conveniently tucked in).

You should also decide on the configuration: how many pillows you have, one or two blankets you use.

When all the necessary data has been collected, you should select the required size in the table below.

Parameters and configurations

Before you go to the store to pack new linen, you should find out the parameters of the bed, the size of the duvet and pillows. Measure all bedding and record your measurements. Based on them, it will be easier to find the right underwear.

The range of underwear sizes is, theoretically, limited by standards. In Russia this is GOST 31307-2005. However, European and American standards also apply, so there are many variations of bedding sets. Wholesale suppliers and manufacturers are guided by consumer demand: which sizes are more in demand, these are what are supplied to stores.

Table 1. The most popular bedding sizes

Pillowcases in all sets, from single to family, usually have the following dimensions: 50x70 or 70x70 cm. Single and one-and-a-half sets include one or two pillowcases. Double, family and others include two or four.

Advice! Carefully read the contents and dimensions of the bed linen. One day I was given a luxurious double set made of black silk - with one pillowcase for a long pillow, while I had two 70x70 cm.

Tailoring quality

Good underwear is made from a single cloth. If a duvet cover or sheet is assembled from several pieces with a seam in the middle, then this indicates low-quality manufacturing, and is simply inconvenient for daily use.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to the seams, which will tell you about the textile you like.

The seams should be smooth and the edges should be finished.

All items are stitched with a special linen seam, in which the cuts are carefully hidden. This prevents fraying of the edges and unraveling of the stitches.

Sewing products with your own hands

Not all housewives are satisfied with the range of finished products. You can sew your own underwear. Step-by-step photos will help you easily complete this job and achieve excellent results. The designs of a duvet cover, sheets, and pillowcases are not complicated. Every housewife who has a sewing machine and has the skills of this handicraft can cope with sewing them.

Bed linen cutting pattern

Even if you have just mastered the basics of working with a sewing machine, do not doubt that you can sew your own bed linen. A step-by-step photo will help:

• cut the material correctly;
• prepare the car;
• choose the right technology;
• make high-quality seams;
• decorate products.

The result of painstaking work will be unique bedding. According to your taste, you can choose the fabric, shade, decorative trim, ensuring full compliance with your personal taste.

You can sew your own underwear to your liking

After making 1 set you will receive the necessary experience. If you decide to make your own bedding again, the step-by-step photos may no longer be necessary.

Package

The packaging will tell you a lot about its contents. It must contain all the information about the product: the type of fabric and its composition, what is included in the set and care recommendations. In addition, the name and coordinates of the manufacturer are indicated here, along with the address and telephone number.

Evaluate the design of the label: the picture should not be blurred, all letters should be clearly printed, naturally, without grammatical errors (Chinese products are famous for this).

Make sure that the packaging is intact and that the filling is reliably protected from dirt and moisture.

If you are purchasing a set as a gift, it is better to choose a beautifully packaged model. This could be a branded bag, a box tied with a ribbon, etc.

Which color or pattern to choose?

The modern market offers an amazing variety of colors. The trend is for sets with large 3D patterns that create a special mood in the bedroom. Manufacturers offer exclusive prints - floral patterns, hieroglyphs, city landscapes, starry skies.

Recently, colored plain underwear has come into fashion. Red and black look especially good in silk. Chocolate, beige, dark blue, emerald, peach shades - in jacquard. The glossy pattern on a matte background creates a play of shadows, which gives the products sophistication and sensuality.

The classic white color has moved a little to the side, but is still relevant. Lingerie is actively purchased as gifts for newlyweds. It is ordered for hotels, holiday homes, and sanatoriums. In jacquard design, linen looks simply great.

Paint and smell

The quality of the paint can be easily determined by the smell: the new thing should smell only like textiles. A pungent chemical aroma and moldy odor indicate low-grade dye. Such a product will quickly fade, can stain the skin and provoke the development of allergies.

You can check the durability of the paint in the store - simply rub the surface with your palm or a clean cotton pad. If there are no traces, then everything is fine.

On the reverse side, the items in the set should also have almost the same intensity of the pattern as on the front. If it is not there, then the paint is applied on top and will quickly wear off.

There is one more sign by which you can indirectly determine the characteristics of painting. Look on the label for information about the permissible washing temperature. If the value is 60 degrees, then most likely the resistance is high.

What to look for when choosing - expert advice

When starting to choose bed linen, you need to pay attention to several important points. An impulse purchase can cause quick disappointment and, as a result, a feeling of being cheated. Poor fabric and poor-quality tailoring contribute to rapid wear of products, moreover, you will also have a bad time sleeping on such underwear.

Key parameters that require special attention when purchasing:

• Information for the buyer - manufacturer and its legal address, completeness, fabric composition. If any of the above is missing, it is better to put such a product aside.
• Fabric structure. Sparse threads and thickening on them are the main sign of poor product quality. It will be uncomfortable to sleep on such underwear, since the material with a heterogeneous structure will irritate the skin, cause itching and discomfort.
• Fabric density (indicated on the label). As a rule, it is designated only by responsible manufacturers responsible for product quality. For bed linen, the density must be at least 60 threads per 1 cm2.
• Washing recommendations. If it is indicated that the maximum permissible temperature is 30°C, this means that low-quality dyes were used in production. This fabric fades during the first wash, immediately losing its presentation.
• Smell. Open the package and smell the fabric. If there is a characteristic chemical smell, it is not recommended to buy the kit.
• Seam quality. When sewing sets, a special linen (sewing) seam is used, which can withstand intensive washing and active use.
• Integrity of the canvases. All items included in the set must be cut from a single piece of fabric.

Before purchasing, be sure to touch the fabric or at least run your palm over it. If you feel roughness, unevenness, prickliness and hard fibers - put the kit aside.

Another point that cannot be ignored is packaging. Thin, cheap cellophane, which is used by unscrupulous manufacturers, will not protect the fabric from dust, moisture and fatty components. Moreover, such kits look unpresentable.

Good bed linen is always properly packaged - in thick mica boxes with a branded label. For gift sets, in most cases, special design is provided.

Sale of bed linen sets

Best prices for bulk purchases

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Color and finishing

The wild imagination of designers knows no bounds. Here you will find floral patterns, geometric designs, cartoon characters, and even entire paintings with a 3D effect. Choose to your taste, but some tips still need to be taken into account:

• white and muted pastel shades look good in any setting and do not have an impact on the psyche;
• blue, indigo and violet create a harmonious atmosphere and have a calming effect;
• red is the “color of passion”; its excessive activity can irritate;
• pink creates a romantic mood;
• yellow gives a burst of energy.

In addition to color and pattern, some models are decorated with lace trim, embroidery, frills, piping and other decorative elements. As a rule, they are found on expensive products. But in the pursuit of beauty, one should not forget about practicality: all this splendor should not interfere during sleep or during the process of washing bed linen.

You should not buy models with buttons, zippers and other accessories. During operation it breaks, comes off, and even presses and rubs. This rule is doubly relevant for children's products.

Basic requirements for children's bedding

When buying underwear for your baby, you should follow the rule - choose only natural fabrics. Manufacturers use soft cotton, satin, sometimes chintz and high-quality calico. They wash well, rinse well and dry quickly.

Three main rules when choosing children's bedding:

• only natural soft fabric;
• calm colors or patterns;
• duvet cover with a zipper, preventing the child from becoming entangled.

For older children, sets with funny drawings of cartoon characters, favorite animals, and geometric shapes are suitable.

Manufacturers rating

The number of brands of bed linen that are sold in our country includes more than a dozen brands. These are both domestic and foreign companies. Among them there are both budget manufacturers and brands designed for a narrow circle of wealthy buyers.

The top 10 manufacturers in Russia are as follows.

1. "Monolith".
2. “ArtBed”.
3. “Vasilisa.”
4. “Spalych was sleeping.”
5. Verossa.
6. “Cotton Paradise.”
7. Kazanov.A.
8. Cotton Dreams.
9. Ecotex.
10. “The Owl and the Lark.”

Among imported companies, it is also possible to make a rating of positively proven brands.

1. “Blakit” – Belarus.
2. TAC, Arya – Türkiye.
3. Cleo, Sailid - China.
4. Togas - Greece.
5. Blumarine - Italy.

Types of bed linen sets

• The one-and-a-half-size set consists of two pillowcases measuring 50 by 50 cm (70 by 70 cm), a sheet measuring 215 by 145 cm and one duvet cover measuring 215 by 145 cm.
• A double set according to the Euro standard includes a large duvet cover measuring 215 by 180 or 175 cm; sheet measuring 220 by 240 cm; a pair of pillowcases, which come in sizes of both 50 by 50 cm and 70 by 70 cm. Sometimes double sets come with a small sheet measuring 195 by 220 cm, and the rest of the set items have the same sizes as Euro.
• European standard for bed linen. This set includes one duvet cover size 200 by 220 cm, two pillowcases 50 by 70 or 70 by 70 cm. The sheet can be of two sizes: 220 by 240 cm or 240 by 280 cm.
• The family set consists of two pillowcases 50 by 70 cm (70 by 70 cm); two duvet covers measuring 215 by 145 cm and one sheet measuring 220 by 240 cm.
• The children's bedding set consists of a duvet cover measuring 115 by 147 cm, a pillowcase measuring 40 by 60 cm and a sheet measuring 120 by 150 cm.

In European countries there is the following classification:

• Triple (king size)
• Double (“2-bed”, full)
• One and a half sets (“1.5-bed”, extra long single)
• Children
• Single (“1-bed”, single).

Attention! For different lingerie manufacturers, the sizes of set items vary from standard by 10–15 cm.

conclusions

Having studied the characteristics of various materials, we can give some recommendations regarding the purchase of bed linen.

1. For every day, budget calico or poplin with neutral colors is suitable. Those who can afford more expensive products should take a closer look at satin and percale.
2. For lovers of rough textures, linen is the ideal choice. Plus, it's in fashion now.
3. Flannel or terry will provide additional comfort and warmth in winter, and silk will cool you down in the heat.
4. Calico, chintz and percale are ideal for children.
5. Products made from elite materials will be good as a gift.

Do not hesitate to ask the seller to open the set and carefully inspect the contents: check the seams and the inside, rub the front side with your palm and smell the textiles. Remember that you choose your own comfort and healthy sleep, so scrupulousness will be your best friend. Happy shopping and sweet dreams!

Share how you choose bed linen? Which fabric is most comfortable for you?

Cotton bed linen

One of the most environmentally friendly and clean materials is cotton. Bed linen made of 100% cotton is a sought-after and popular bedding product among customers.

Benefits of cotton:

• allows you to keep warm or cool, as it has good breathability;
• cotton bed linen does not stick to the body because this material is not electrified;
• cotton fabric perfectly absorbs moisture;
• has good strength;
• Easy to wash, even by hand.

Elite

Luxury bed linen is produced only from the best fabrics: satin jacquard, natural Japanese silk or other exotic materials specially developed in the laboratories of famous brands.

In addition to fabric, luxury lingerie is distinguished by luxurious design and high quality at all stages of production.

Advantages:

• You can order an individual design;
• high quality;
• the best natural fabrics;
• multi-level protection against counterfeiting;
• branded gift packaging.

Flaws:

• You can only buy from official manufacturers;
• very high price.