Consumer Reports Examines Sheets, Selects Top Picks

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

New York —

Consumer Reports' “Sheets Wake-up Call” in its August issue closely examines the category's performance issues and warns consumers about false thread-count claims.

Thread counts are “the new marketing mantra for sheets,” with goods presented in a higher-is-better scenario; however, some thread counts are bogus, it said.

The publication's bottom line: “Pick a sheet between 200 and 400 thread count that meets your other criteria. Paying more for higher thread count is wasting money.”

The article points to traditional cotton as the best choice for sheets in terms of easy care, comfort and durability.

Its top-value pick was Target's Premier 300 Egyptian cotton sateen sheet, which ranked third overall at $65. The top choice overall as well as for fit was Sealy's $90 Best Fit 300-count sheet with spandex panels to fit thick and thin mattresses.