Every day, new chemicals enter your home. They conceal themselves in everyday objects, such as your bedding. There are fewer chemicals in organic sheets, so you can rest easy.
In order to confirm that the sheets are truly organic, they are put through rigors testing by third-party agencies. The cost of organic sheets is higher than that of conventional ones. However, for some, the added cost is justified.
In terms of overall health, sleep plays a crucial role. Feeling relaxed and refreshed from a good night's sleep can be beneficial to our emotional and physical well-being. Getting a good night's sleep is dependent on a variety of variables.
There are many research and techniques available to help you get a better night's sleep, regardless of the cause. The correct bedding is one such instrument. Just telling an interesting tale about your product won't cut it; you need to back it up with data. It's true that SOL Organics sheets are the most affordably priced organic cotton sheets on the market; they're a genuine market disruptor. If you believe that everybody should be able to afford a healthy, comfortable, and environmentally friendly bedding set for their family, and if feasible, an Organic bedding set. A good good nights sleep can be made or broken by the cover placed on top of the mattress. SOL Organics is the gold standard in ethically made luxury bedding, and its prices are unmatched by the market. Similar products by other businesses can cost as much as twice as much.
If you're in the market for new sheets, I hope you're concerned about both their quality and their provenance. To what extent can we deduce their origins from "where they come from"? Where the fibre was grown, what chemicals were used in the manufacturing process, and how the employees were handled at every stage of the production cycle.
What Should You Look for When Buying Organic Sheets?
When deciding on a new set of sheets, I primarily considered the following factors:
Certifications
Where can I learn more about the many accreditations out there? To what extent are their judgements rigors, and what do they signify exactly?
Which certifications are available, as well as what they entail? You will know that cotton is the "dirtiest crop" in the world because of the large number of different pesticides and the large amount of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser it requires. While only 2.5% of something like the world's acreage is dedicated to cotton production, an astounding 16% of the nation's insecticides are employed in its cultivation. The majority of pesticides for use on cotton are classified by the WHO as being moderately to highly dangerous to human health and environment, and this is true even on cotton plantations (WHO)
We use our purchasing power to advocate for causes we care about. I wanted to be sure I was supporting organic cotton farmers, and thankfully there are certifying organisations to assist you in identifying out how the cotton for your bedsheets was farmed. Instead than utilising synthetic insecticides, they employ strategies like integrated pest management and soil health. No synthetic fertilisers or pesticides may be used by organic growers.
- Certified to the demanding requirements of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the gold standard for consumer fabric certification. What is forbidden? Chemicals like those used in fire suppression systems, pesticides, plastics, PVC, PFCs, NPEs, chlorine bleach, and formaldehyde-based dyes. Also appealing to me is the certification's emphasis on social responsibility; for example, it mandates that workers be provided with adequate protections and a living wage. From my perspective, GOTS is the gold standard of certifications. A GOTS emblem will be sewn into the tag or printed on the product label of all GOTS-certified fabrics. It's noteworthy to note that even if a product is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, the manufacturer can't claim the certification if the facility where the product was made isn't GOTS-certified. It's encouraging to see a certification that actually means something and that considers every link in the chain. To guarantee that you receive authentic organic sheets throughout the entire manufacturing process, from farm to factory, look for the GOTS logo.
- Certified as OEKO-TEX means that hundreds of harmful chemicals are not utilised in the production of the fabric. This certification can be earned even if the cloth is not organically certified. To be certified, clothing and bedding might have trace amounts of pesticides. Further, some chemicals, such as flame retardants, are permitted because they are thought to be relatively safe. Flame retardants are becoming seen as a severe human and environmental health problem, especially for newborns and young children. This is especially true for OEKO-TEX clothes, sheets, and baby goods.
- The MADE SAFE® label and the Fair Trade accreditation are two others to keep an eye out for. The MADE SAFE® seal guarantees that the product has not been tested on animals and is safe for human consumption. Human rights considerations, such as the absence of child labour and equal pay for equal work, are at the heart of the Fair Trade label's tenets. So again, not 100% organic, but it could influence your shopping habits.
The Difference Between Different Types of Cotton Thread and How Many Plies They Have
If you want to find the best sheets, you should focus on these characteristics. Discovering the tricks used by sheet producers to artificially inflate the thread count of their products in order to charge more for lower-quality linens was a fascinating education.
Thread Count You have likely heard that thread counts have an impact on a fabric's quality, longevity, and cosiness. A thread count is the horizontal and vertical threads in square inch of a fabric. Specifically, a 400-thread-count sheet will have 200 horizontal threads and 200 vertical threads woven into each square inch.
In general, people believe that a higher thread count indicates a higher quality product, although this is not always the case. Companies can increase the thread count in ways that don't improve the quality or comfort of their goods, but do allow them to charge more. It is a mathematical operation known as multiplication. Multi ply yarns are used in place of single ply yarns, and they consist of three, four, or five relatively thin strings twisted together.
Now they may boast a higher thread count while describing their goods. A 1200 thread count, for instance, would suggest that 600 yarns were interlaced in both directions per square inch. Contrary to appearances, each yarn may be constructed from three thin plies, which reduces the number of threads necessary to weave a square inch of cloth from 600 to 200.
You may find high-quality sheets with thread counts anywhere from 200 to 800, with 600 being the tipping point for most cotton weaves. In sateen weave, a thread count of between 300 and 600 is prefered, with 400 being the sweet spot.
Cotton Types
There is a cotton boll developing on one of our plants. Because of its short staple length, this type is not suitable for use in the production of fine garments and sheets, but it is suitable for use in the production of denim and other heavy fabrics. It works wonderfully for stuffing cushions, cotton balls, and the like.
The quality of cotton varies. Depending on the duration of each fibre, cotton can be divided into three distinct groups, each of which has unique properties and applications.
- Cotton with a short staple length has fibres that are no longer than 1 1/8 inches.
- The cotton used to make long-staple raglan shirts has fibres that are between 1 1/8 and 1 1/4 inches in length.
- The length of an extra-long ... this makes ranges from around 1 3/8 inch to about 2 inches. Among ELS cottons, Egyptian cotton typically really does have the longest staple length, followed by Pima cotton.
A better sheet can typically be made from long-staple cotton. Why? Because fewer of the fibre ends are exposed, the resulting yarns are finer and longer, making them feel softer on the skin. They also have a considerably lower propensity to develop pilling.
Ply
The arrangement of fibres twisted together to form a single thread is called its "ply."
- Single-ply yarn: Single-ply means one fibre is used per thread. Longer staple cotton is required to make single-ply yarn. Since it can be spun into a stronger, thinner, finer yarns, quality single-ply sheets have a very smooth, silky feeling.
- Double-ply yarn and multi-ply yarns: Two fibres make a double-ply yarn. Three or more fibres make a multi-ply yarn. These tend to make thicker, courser sheets that won't last as long as single-ply sheets because each time you use them, wash them, and dry them, the exposed fibres fray a little bit more.
Weave Type
Depending on the season or climate, or both, the weave type can make a fabric cooler, colder, heavier, stiffer, etc.
Weave Fabric
As the purpose and application of the cloth dictate, there is a wide variety of ways to spin fabrics, each of which offers a unique touch and feel. Percale is a very well-liked weave for bedding.
Twill Weave
Linen, woven using one of the simplest techniques, has a light, airy feel and dries more quickly than other fabrics because of its open weave. Popular as it is, linen takes more upkeep than other fabrics due to the need for frequent ironing, and some varieties benefit more from dry cleaning than a simple wash at house to avoid shrinkage.
Woven in a percale pattern
With its lighter weight and airy weave, percale bedding is a great choice for warmer weather. We use a special weaving technique that makes them airier and less restrictive. You may need to break them in because they have a crisp feel at first.
Silken fabric
Sateen sheets, with their denser weave, are cosier in the winter. They are weaved to be exceptionally comfortable and delicate to the touch.
Eco-Friendly Sheet Set Price Range
You should take your financial limitations into account when shopping for natural settings. Sheet sets made from bamboo or organic cotton can be purchased for as little as $50-$75. These bed linens may have a dpi of 200 or less. They still need to have at lest one third-party certification proving they are organic.
The optimal price-to-quality ratio for sheets is between $75 and $175. Among the available options are organic cotton, viscose, and Tencel®. Additionally, you can find a few of sets of organic linen sheets for this price. You may expect softer and longer-lasting sheets made from ELS cotton, which is more commonly used in products with higher thread counts. Sheets in this price category should have at least one quality and production certification.
Bedding made from high-gsm organic linen or ELS Egyptian cotton can cost more than $175 per set and can even go up to $500 or more. There will be multiple organic certifications and the best grade fibres used in these sheets.
A Breathable, Chill Bed for a Good Night's Sleep
There are a wide variety of uses for sheets. They soften and relax your bed while also shielding it from sweat and grease. Sheets can be a major factor in keeping a comfortable temperature whilst you sleep. If you get too hot, your body will start its wake-up process too soon. And it's not just uncomfortable; it may be downright painful.
Cotton and bamboo fibres, for example, allow more air to circulate than synthetic fabrics. The uneven surfaces of most natural fibres allow air and heat to travel freely. A lot of them also have moisture-absorbing or -wicking properties, which help keep the wearer even cooler in wet conditions.
Sheets labelled "organic" must be crafted from natural materials, but that doesn't guarantee they'll be particularly breathable. The contrast in their weave is substantial. Cotton 2 sheets enables heat to escape readily while organic flannel retains air close to the body, acting as a natural insulator. It's important to consider both the cloth and the weaving when looking for a breathable option.
Why organic bedding?
Just like when you buy organic milk, organic tomatoes, and organic shampoo. Organic cotton is inherently better for the environment, and organic clothing is a healthier alternative because it is made without hazardous chemicals. Producing organic cotton uses significantly less water than conventional cotton, and organic cloth is never exposed to harmful chemicals like those found in conventional insecticides, bleaches, and fabric softeners.
We don't use any chemicals that could be harmful to your health, like the kind used to treat "wrinkle resistant" sheets. They're convenient since you don't need to worry about ironing or folding them right after they come out of the dryer. Nonetheless, formaldehyde and some other chemicals included in traditional bedding constitute a potential safety and health danger if exposed to them over the course of a long period of time.
Traditional sheets are also sometimes dyed with dyes and dyes that contain heavy metals. If you have psoriasis, you may break out in a rash or have another reaction to some chemicals used in dyes and other cosmetic products. The chemical processes used to treat and colour conventional bedding can reduce the strength of the fibres, leaving you with a thinner, flimsier comforter.
Organic cotton is not only more breathable and soft than its synthetic alternatives, but it also helps you feel cooler at night. When topped by our organically grown sheets and waterproofing protector pads, you won't sweat while you sleep thanks to the sustainable wool in our mattresses.
Conclusion
When it comes to luxurious bedding that doesn't compromise on ethics, nobody does it better than SOL Organics. Third-party organisations conduct extensive testing on organic sheets to verify their organic status. As far as organic cotton sheets go, SOL Organics are the most reasonably priced options available. The World Health Organization has categorised most pesticides used on cotton as either moderately or highly hazardous to both humans and the environment. The organic farming industry strictly prohibits the use of any synthetic inputs, including fertilisers, pesticides, and fungicides.
When it comes to consumer fabric certifications, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the one to beat. All GOTS-certified fabrics will have a GOTS logo either printed mostly on product label or sewn into the tag. In order to earn the OEKO-TEX label, a fabric must not use any of a long list of potentially hazardous chemicals during its manufacturing process. The MADE SAFE® label ensures that no animals were harmed in the production of this product. The thread count of a fabric is the sum of the number of threads in both the vertical and horizontal planes per square inch.
A 1200 linen indicates that 600 yarns per square inch are interwoven vertically and horizontally. You may find high-quality sheets with a thread count anywhere from 200 and 800, with 600 being the sweet spot for most wool weaves. The fibres in short-staple cotton measure no more than 1 1/8 in length. The staples in Egyptian cotton are often the longest, followed by those in Pima cotton. A high-quality single-ply sheet will feel soft and silky to the touch since fewer of both the fibre ends are visible.
When comparing quality to cost, sheets costing around $75 and $175 are the best value. High-gsm organic linen and ELS Egyptian cotton organic bedding sets can cost more than $175. Most natural fibres are breathable because of their irregular surfaces. We don't use any potentially hazardous chemicals, such as those found in "wrinkle resistant" sheet treatments. Water consumption is greatly reduced while producing organic cotton, and no toxic chemicals, such as those found in conventional pesticides, bleaches, and fabric softeners, are ever introduced to the organic fabric production process.
Content Summary
- If you know anything about farming, you know that cotton is the "dirtiest crop in the world" due to the vast number of pesticides and the large amount of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser it requires.
- It was important to me to get sheets made from organic cotton, and thankfully there are certification organisations that can help you figure out whether or not your sheets were made from conventionally or organically grown cotton.
- The organic farming industry strictly prohibits the use of any synthetic inputs, including fertilisers, pesticides, and fungicides.
- The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification is the industry standard for consumer fabric certification due to its stringent requirements.
- All GOTS-certified fabrics will have a GOTS logo either printed on the product label or sewn into the tag.
- It's important to remember that even if a product uses GOTS-certified organic cotton, the producer can't advertise that information if the manufacturing facility itself lacks GOTS certification.
- Besides looking for the UL mark, you should also look for the MADE SAFE® badge and the Fair Trade certification.
- It was enlightening to learn the methods sheet manufacturers use to artificially increase the thread count of their products so that they may charge more for lower-quality linens.
- Generally speaking, long-staple cotton makes for a superior sheet.
- Single-ply yarn is produced from cotton with a longer staple length.
- In addition, for the same amount of money, you may purchase multiple sets of organic linen sheets.
- The same as when you purchase organically grown foods like milk, tomatoes, and shampoo.
- Produced without the use of harmful chemicals, organic cotton and apparel offer a more sustainable and healthy option.
- We don't use any potentially hazardous chemicals, such as those found in "wrinkle resistant" sheet treatments.
- Oftentimes, the chemical treatments used to treat and colour conventional bedding result in thinner, flimsier comforters due to the weakening of the fibres.
FAQs About Organic Bedsheets
Organic bedding is made without harsh chemical additives like wrinkle resistant treatments that release formaldehyde. Organic bedding for babies and children helps avoid exposure to toxins, especially important for their developing bodies
Look for sheets that have both the GOTS and Oeko-Tex certifications. These sheets have the world's most advanced GOTS-organic certifications to prove your sheets are truly organic. They're also thoroughly tested by Oeko-Tex on sophisticated instruments and certified to be safe from toxic chemicals.
Choose only 100% natural fibers to sleep in, including: cotton, linen, silk and wool.
Avoid synthetic fibers, like satin sheets for example, which may feel good to the touch but are treated with chemicals and do not allow your skin to breathe.
Avoid mixed/blended fibers.
Sleeping in organic sheets could make the difference between a healthy night's sleep and spending a restless night. Conventional bedding may make your skin feel itchy or cause other dermatological issues in the long run, because the materials are often treated with toxic agents.
Regular cotton sheets and bedding aren't known for their moisture-wicking ability, and they can keep you up tossing and turning on a warm summer's night. Organic sheets, on the other hand, are incredibly breathable, which can result in a better night's sleep.