Thread count is no longer a reliable indicator of fabric quality. High thread count is simply a numbers game: many firms cheat the figures by using double twist yarns in the less expensive fabric. However, if you want a soft, warm bed, a superb elastic jersey sheet can be your cup of tea.

But when was the duvet invented? No one really knows.

However, despite its pros — including the inherent water-resistance — polyester absorbs oil and grease and will leave you with the nightmare of trying to remove stains, particularly with white sheets. 

 Satin sheets, on the other hand, are made from a variety of materials, including silk, polyester, or nylon, and have a smooth, shiny finish.

5. Jersey

Care and Maintenance

The two things to consider when looking at a sheet set are 1) the material it is made with and 2) the weave or knit style. Materials are the fibers — raw materials not formed into fabric — and weave or knit as the form of construction used to make the fiber into a cloth. The same material can feel different depending on the weave or knit style, and the same weave or knit style can feel different depending on the material.

Built to last longer than cotton

Flannel is generally made with either a twill or percale weave. The fabric is then napped to hide the weave. Napping is a finishing technique that gives flannel that signature fluffy, fuzzy feel. Flannel can be napped on just one side, or it can be double-napped, meaning both sides of the fabric are napped, for extra softness. Flannel is also often sheared after napping for a smoother texture.