Between the Sheets

Andrea here, musing—not snoozing—today on the subject of sleep. Or rather, the bedsheets on which I sleep. As with most common items these days, there is a mind-boggling assortment of bedsheets, starting with the stuff of which they are made.

Linen, cotton, microfiber, bamboo, polyester, and an array of high tech synthetics that sound way too nerving. And then there is the weave and finish—sateen, percale, flannel . . . And thread count. (I’ve never taken my microscope out to check it, but do you honestly do you believe the ones that claim to have a 1,000 thread count?)

Now I am a big fan of the old-fashioned percale sheet. A quick bit research through ether waves turned a few basic facts. The term bedsheet is said to have originated in the fifteenth century. And percale refers to the weave—it’s a simple criss-cross weave that produce a tight yet breathable matte fabric that is often described as “crisp.” Think Cary Grant in a classic white men’s shirt. (More on that in a moment.)

The first evidence of actual sheets used as bedding comes from the ancient Egyptians, who cultivated flax, which was beaten into fibers and woven into what we call linen. Hence the tern “bed linen,” which is still used widely today, though only a small portion of high-end bedding is made of actual linen. (Though that age-old fabric is coming back into vogue.)

The ancient Roman appear to have adopted the the creature comfort of linen sheets and it’s speculated that they bought flax to Britain when they established their outposts, in order to be able to make linen bedding for their soldiers. By medieval times, the custom of sleeping on bed linen had spread to most of Europe—but only for the wealthy. Weaving was labor-intensive, and bed linen required a large amount of fabric, so it was a luxury.

My research also touched on what my Regency-era heroes and heroines would have slept on. By the early nineteenth century, bed linens had become de rigeuer in aristocratic households. Old-fashioned looms limited the width of fabric, so Regency sheets were pieced together with a center seam. Each set of sheets would be custom made, as there was no standard size for a bed. An interesting note is that bed linen was mostly made from bleached linen, not only because dying cloth was expensive, but also because white allowed one to gauge how clean the sheets were.

As the Industrial Revolution kicked in (with inventions such as power looms and the cotton gin radically changing the choice of material and the way fabric was produced) mass production made bed linen more widely available. In aristocratic households, the worn sheets were handed down to the servants. There was still a waste not-want-not ethos. Once the sheets had totally worn out—that tends to happen in the center—the sheets would be cut down to make pillow coverings, then used as cleaning rags, and finally collected to be for the ragmen who would sell the scraps for papermaking. (Rag paper rather than wood pulp! Which is why old books last longer than pulp paperbacks.

Now, getting back to percale . . . I confess that thinking about that image Cary Grant in his crisp white cotton shirt makes percale even more alluring . . . But I really like it because of the feel. I don’t like “flabby” sheets that are too soft and don't hold their shape. Percale has heft and texture without being harsh. It just feels “right.”

I have some very old pillow cases from the 1940s and 1950s that somehow got passed down in a family trunk. Cotton percale sheets were pretty much universal back then—no polyester or synthetic—and when I touch the vintage cloth I can’t help but giving a fluttery sigh. To me, it’s perfect—percale gets softer with each washing, yet it’s sturdy enough to hold its crispness. In the 40s and 50s, most people still hung their sheets out to dry, so vintage ones always feel like they hold a hint of fresh air and sunshine.

And when you look at the ads in women’s magazine from the 40s and 50s, you see that percale sheets were a big business!

It’s not easy to find really good cotton percale sheets these days—and when you do, they are not cheap. However, for me it’s worth it . L.L. Bean makes wonderful 280 thread cotton percale sheets that harken back to my grandmother’s vintage linens . . . and I very sleep soundly on their tried-and-true traditions.

What about you? Are you persnickety about what sort of sheets you sleep on? Do you have a specific preference or a favorite brand? Sateen? Flannel? All cotton or a blend? Please share!

Comments

[Mary Jo Putney]

Andrea, this is in the "things I've never thought about" category! And interesting for that reason. My sheets are usually a content/synthetic blend that don't need ironing because they aren't going to get that. *G* But you've made my curious about those LL Bean percale....

[Mary T]

Gee, I hardly ever give any thoughts to sheets except in the winter when I pull out several flannel sheets to use in the cold weather. They hold body heat in so well.

[Lil]

I used to hang my laundry on the line, but then one of the trees that held the line came down in a hurricane. I tried another spot and discovered why you do not want to hang laundry under a black walnut tree. By then I was working full time, and it was easier to use the dryer, but I do miss the lovely scent of sun-dried sheets (and towels and underwear and everything else).

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, ironing sheets is DEFINITELY not going to happen in my house, either!(Shudder)

The L.L. Bean sheets do have crinkles at the edpes of the top sheet and openings of the pillowcases. That doesn't bother me. I just really like their their feel. (A bed looking a rumply is okay—it looks homey. Or so I tell myself!)

[Andrea Penrose]

Flannel is very cozy, Mary, but almost too warm for me. My percale sheets work for all seasons.

[Andrea Penrose]

LOL on having to be aware of what tree to use as a "hanger, Lil!" That never would have occurred to me. But now that I think of it, a ginko tree would also be an utter mess.

That said, the scent of sun-dried fabric really is special. Fewer and fewer of us ever get to experience that anymore. (But then, we're spending time trudging around with baskets of wet laundry. Always a trade-off!)

[Kareni]

I bought replacement pillowcases a few days ago to replace some that had begun to fray, so I had the opportunity to see a wide variety of choices. (This was at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.) I chose 100% cotton sateen. Had cost not been an issue, I would have been tempted to try both the lyocell and bamboo options. Thanks for a fun post, Andrea!

[Andrea Penrose]

Glad you enjoyed the post, Kareni!

All cotton has always been my choice, but I confess, I'm intrigued by all the the new bamboo products. It would be interesting to try them. (If you do, report back!)

[Misti]

My sheets are some kind of synthetic, moisture wicking blend. They feel really silky but took some getting used to. However, as I'm getting to the age where I sometimes sweat at night, they have been wonderful.

[Patricia Franzino]

I have a microfiber fitted sheet that is so soft. It has a four-way stretch to make it easier to make the bed.

The top sheet is cotton with a nice thread count of 380.

I enjoy using the soft throws I found in a housewares store to wrap around me under the top sheet when the radiator is not emitting enough heat.

[Mary M.]

Where my mind went, remembering the fresh smell of line-dried linens: I'm remembering hanging my sheets outdoors, humming to myself, when I happened to look down … to see a good-sized snake accordianed several feet from me. I kept humming and carefully stepped a few feet back up the line. The snake (not humming—or rattling—as far as I could tell) also wriggled a few feet, in the other direction, fortunately, and eventually out of sight. I still hung my sheets out after that, but a leeetle more carefully.

[Lorna Hunting]

The percale sheets I have had for over 40 years are still going strong. I cannot imagine why anyone would want to sleep on silk, the idea horrifies me. I remember going to Whitby once in the 80s and there were nylon sheets on the bed. A nightmare. So yes, give me percale every time.

[Karin]

I do like the super soft sateen cotton sheets, but unfortunately they get holes or tears in them fairly quickly. I'm sure percale lasts a lot longer. I also like soft flannel sheets in the winter.

[Kareni]

Yikes, @Mary M., I'm glad that you and the snake had an amicable parting!

[Andrea Penrose]

It sounds like they work perfectly for you, Misti. I prefer the texture of percale to a sikly feel, biut percale is also good at keeping you cool. So I finds it works.

[Andrea Penrose]

Sounds like you have a very cozy system, Patricia! It's so nice to feel snug in bed!

[Andrea Penrose]

Yipes! The perils of doing laundry! No wonder I dislike doing it

[Andrea Penrose]

Ah, another percale fan! They are like iron in terms of wear, and yet get softer with age. all good!

OMG on nylon sheets! I shudder at the thought. Silk doesn't appeal to me for sheets either.

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, sateen doesn't wear well. As you see from Lorna above, percale ages beautifully!

[Teresa Broderick]

When I'm buying sheets I'm afraid economy comes into it so no expensive stuff for me.
This was a great post Andrea. I loved the part about the rags making pulp for paper. No wonder old books are so long lasting. I learn something new on this blog all the time!!

[Jeanne Behnke]

Great Blog Andrea! You surely can't go wrong with a picture of Cary Grant!!! I do tend to buy high thread count sheets because you really can tell a difference (now that I can afford it). My Hubby & I love our flannel sheets in the winter and again, the high thread count flannels are better. You feel like you're sleeping in velvet. Boy, it's hard to get out of bed in the morning.

[Janice]

I don't actually sleep on sheets, though there is a bottom sheet on the bed. I sleep on a soft plush blanket and wrap up in a down comforter or two. I stay warm in winter that way and can throw off a layer when the weather warms. (I keep the windows open except when it's raining.)

When I lived at home I slept as instructed, but as soon as I had my own place, I started sleeping on top of the bed instead of in it. No cold feet, no backache, no cold neck. When I was a kid I had read all the John Carter books and I longed for platforms with furs and sleeping silks. This is my compromise with my dreams :)

[Mary M.]

Janice, I wish there was a Like button for this response! Finding the right sleep setup is critical to a good night's sleep. It took me decades to find mine (a "sherpa" over sheets and a deep-but-giving pillow). Glad you found yours much earlier.

[Annette N]

I have come late to this party. I love this post. I must go to a great deal of work to be able to get my sheets outside to dry....but they are worth it.

Hope everyone is well and safe and happy

[Andrea Penrose]

So glad you enjoyed it, Teresa. The Regency really did have very sophisticated recycling. They didn't waste much!

And yes, rag paper is wonderful quality and lasts a LONG time!

[Andrea Penrose]

Flannel is definitely cozy, Jeanna. Though it makes me a little too hot.

[Andrea Penrose]

You sound very comfy, Janice! Very smart of you to find what makes you feel snug. (I'm a big fan of down comforters too. I love feeling cocooned in their warmth.

[Andrea Penrose]

So glad you enjoyed it, Annette. There is nothing like the scent and feel of sheets dried outdoors. But I confess, I am way too lazy to try to do that!

[Andrea Penrose]

So interesting, Mary! Glad you found the perfect sleep combo.

[Linda S]

Andrea, I agree with you that cotton percale sheets are the best. Can’t stand any synthetics. Thanks for the LL Bean tip! I’ll be in the market for new sheets soon.

[Andrea Penrose]

Linda, I love the feel of my L.L. Bean percale sheets. I discovered them because the NY Times consumer guide, Wirecuuter, rated them the best percale sheets they had tested. They are very well made.

[LilMissMolly]

I’m sorry I’m posting my thoughts a bit late. Like you, I love my LLBean 300 count percale sheets! I have several different prints and sleep soundly. I find thread counts much less than 250 to be too scratchy - and forget about any polyester blends. Yuck!