For years now, there’s been a myth circulating among consumers about the importance of purchasing sheets with the highest thread count money can buy. The marketing world, and perhaps some misinformed “experts,” have craftily woven a story insisting that higher thread count (600, 800, to 1,000 plus) equates to a more luxurious, higher quality, and longer-lasting sheet.

Unfortunately, for most shoppers, until they’ve had their eyes opened to the truth, they will probably continue to seek out those ridiculous numbers in exchange for a sheet that’s actually subpar where it really counts.

Considering the average American spends approximately 6.8 hours a day sleeping already — a number medical professionals warn should be even higher — a new set of proper sheets might be just the kind of incentive needed to get some extra shuteye.

“Thread count, quite literally, is the number of yarns per square inch,” says Danielle Dorn, Creative Director at Under the Canopy. Having been in the textile industry for over 15 years, and currently serving as the creative lead at one of the most well-known and well-established organic bedding companies around, Dorn had much to say when it comes to navigating the misconceptions surrounding thread count.

“Historically, thread count is how consumers have shopped for sheets. They were told there was a direct correlation between the two,” Dorn says. “In reality, marketing was driving the thread count misconception. Thread count can sometimes be an indicator of quality, but you have to look at other factors as well when buying sheets. More important than thread count is the construction and type of cotton going into the sheets.”

Construction, as Dorn mentioned, is an important factor in the quality of your sheets. The yarns used to construct sheets can either be single or multi-ply yarn. And because multi-ply yarns (plied yarns) are made by twisting two or more yarns together, this typically results in a weaker weave (and a less durable sheet) when compared to a single-ply yarn.

As for industry regulation, Dorn comments on the lack of FTC mandate for determining thread count. “The FTC states that plied yarns should only be counted as one thread when determining thread count, but this is a voluntary enforcement. They cover the issue under a section which prohibits deceptive practices, but this can be open to interpretation and many companies proceed with these deceptive practices. It’s unfortunate there is not greater enforcement on the issue– consumers deserve transparency, always.”

In a letter to the FTC, one business owner points out the deceptive practices exercised by his competitors: “The common practice in the U.S. textile bedding industry for decades has been to count the number of thread in both the warp and filling directions. Yarns were counted as one yarn, regardless of weather the yarn was single ply or multi-ply yarn. In recent years, however, some textile bedding suppliers have changed the way they have determined thread count by counting plied yarns individually. This practice inflates the thread count numbers to levels which double or triple (or more) the thread count as determined by the long-standing, traditional way.”

As for material quality, Dorn believes “the better the fiber, the softer the hand” is true, and that “a low thread count sheet with a better fiber will last longer than a high thread count sheet with a lesser-quality fiber.” She also goes on to mention how “organic fibers are generally shorter in staple, but the fiber is superior, making it a longer lasting, better quality sheet.” This is why it’s recommended to choose quality materials that aren’t blends (remember, single is superior in comparison to multi-ply). And like Dorn mentioned, quality cottons are best, something you won’t need to worry about if shopping with Under the Canopy–all of the company’s sheets are cotton and organic.

Sheets with a thread count of 200 can indicate quality, regardless of the lower number. In fact, it’s all Under the Canopy sells, and this business isn’t afraid to display it proudly. “Under the Canopy is all about transparency, so we think the customer should know the thread count of our sheet,” says Dorn. “Our sheets are actually superior than a lot of our competitors in the market due to the quality fibers we use, and our single-ply construction. When we state what our thread count is, you can be sure that is the true number.”

As with any product available for purchase, research and knowledge are the threads that separate an informed consumer from an unsuspecting one. That’s why, before shopping for anything, even an item as innocuous as a set of sheets, it’s always wise to brush up on products and the company you’ll be shopping with. By purchasing your bedding from Under the Canopy, you can rest assured that the quality is top notch.

Related on EcoSalon

9 Luxurious Organic Bedding Options to Help You Sleep Easier and Safer
Cozy Town: A Fall Move Into Organic Bedding Country
Everything You Need to Know About Organic Bedding

The post Debunking the Higher-is-Better Thread Count Myth with Under the Canopy appeared first on EcoSalon.

I am somewhat narrow minded. I am prejudiced against color – in the bedroom. My design philosophy has always embraced the notion that the bedroom is a place for relaxation and rejuvenation; a calm palette to ease your mind into dreaming, a space to lay your head on a pillow and leave all the complexities of reality outside the door. My own bedroom is a sanctuary of simple white and natural wood. This Organic Cotton Pin-Tuck Duvet Cover + Shams (starting at $19) from West Elm perfectly depicts the soft texture and gentle color every bed deserves, available in a handful of perfectly muted neutral colors like white, natural, and sea spray.

Lately, irresistible vibrant colors and vivid designs to dress my mattress are everywhere. My nostalgic philosophy is being challenged by these amiable wares from Anthropologie. On the left, the Circle “˜Round Sheet Set (starting at $68) is a lovely field of, “petite dots and bitty petals.” On the right, “undulating stems of oval leaves,” dance across the Azure Fern Sheet Set (starting at $68).

Maybe waking up to saturated colors and playful graphics gives each morning a stroke of energy and creativity. Maybe the bedroom should be full of crisp patterns and bold colors, like a whimsical field trip each night. Either way, I need them. All of them. I will just tuck these charismatic sheets tightly under my serene duvet and test the waters. On the left, “flowering vines curve sleepily,” across the Drowsy Vine Sheet Set (starting at $68). And finally, the Belina Sheet Set (starting at $48) is a place where, “tiny blooms breeze.”

What do you think? Quiet neutrality or vibrant color in the bedroom?

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A good night’s sleep allows us to tackle things with a clear head, more confidence, and in my case, more patience. Whether it’s writing a story lede, maintaining my running pace, or sitting in traffic, having seven hours of recharge under my belt makes my days run more smoothly. While some attempts at slumber cannot be controlled (like my husband’s snoring) there are ways to get in the groove that don’t involve counting sheep.

According to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety, depression and stress add to insomnia and the quality of your night’s sleep. Here are some tried and true tips to prepare for, and enjoy much needed down time:

• Set an internal time clock
  Humans like routine; it’s comforting and the inner time clock can help regulate your sleep pattern. Try heading to bed at the same time every night. Pick up a book that you’ve been meaning to get around to and treat yourself to 15 minutes before turning the lights out.
• Develop a bedtime routine
  Try a few minutes of meditation, quiet music or simple yoga stretches.
• Curb the caffeine
  Ban coffee, tea and soda with caffeine from four o’clock. Look for calming non-caffeine choices.
• Create an inviting sleep environment
  Quiet, dark, and relaxing. If you have noisy neighbors or are surrounded by city buses and trains, try a white noise machine, relaxation music (I like Celtic Bells)  ear plugs, heavy curtains, or those sleep shades ala “I Love Lucy.”
• Increase your thread count
  Splurge for a set of good quality sheets, or at least a pillow case. The smooth, silky cotton will feel wonderful.
• Clear the air
  Considering that you’ll be breathing in the room’s air for seven to eight hours, be mindful of the quality, especially if you’re prone to dust and mold allergies. Try a HEPA filter.
• Go essential
  Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy due to its calming effect. Try a few drops on your pillow.
• Grandma Jeannie’s head-to-toe technique
  My late grandmother would visualize calming her body beginning with her toes, and work her way up to the top of her head, taking a few seconds to address each area. It really worked!
• Wetter is better
  Treat yourself to a warm bath or shower, which will calm your muscles and help wind you down.
• Uber high tech
  Remember stumbling across technical journals that put you to sleep? Now’s the time to start collecting them and putting them to good use!

Image: quinn.anya

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Snuggling into a fluffy bed swathed in soft organic sheets is pure heaven. But before you head out to shop for bedding, let’s take a look at what you need to know before you buy.

What is this organic bedding of which you speak?

Instead of scratchy, irritant-laden cotton/polyester blends, organic bedding is made from only 100 percent natural products that don’t contain any synthetic chemicals or materials. For instance, most organic mattresses are made from 100 percent cotton and contain natural foam latex from the sap of rubber trees. Sheets, blankets, and pillowcases are typically made from a combination of organic cotton and wool.

Organic bedding is biodegradable so, theoretically, you could chop up an old sheet and dump it in your garden where it will eventually disintegrate. Realistically, it means that when your bedding graduates from your bed to your rag pile, you can eventually toss it in the trash and not worry about what it’s doing to the local landfill.

Where do I find the good stuff?

We’ve already written about where to find great organic sheets from everywhere from Pottery Barn to Macy’s. If you know your way around a sewing machine and want to make your own customized bedding, hit up a local upholstery shop to help you get the fabric you need. Be sure to check out our post on eco-friendly textiles for extra tips on measuring and fitting.

For specific bedding ideas, we love:

• This soft, 200-thread count whimsical China-themed children’s bedding. We’re also nuts for, well, anything from Pottery Barn Kids – like this organic line of Doctor Suess awesomeness.
• Certified organic crib sheets and liners for our precious babes.
• Earth-toned organic cotton bedding for a serene, soothing bedroom decor.
• Bohemian floral sheets and comforters from Midwest modern designer Amy Butler.

Great bedding is only part of the equation of getting a good night’s sleep. Check out our seven tips for making the most of your slumber. Good night, sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

Image: Coyuchi

The post Everything You Need to Know About Organic Bedding appeared first on EcoSalon.

Oh, the places Pottery Barn Kids will go to expand its green line of bedding. It has now traveled to the super silly and wonderful world of Dr. Seuss in offering organic bedding for spring. Drawings from Horton Hears a Who┞¢, The Cat in the Hat┞¢, Fox in Socks┞¢ and Green Eggs and Ham┞¢, among others are printed in rich, layered colors on a white cotton percale ground. Made from 100% organic cotton fiber and pre-washed for premium softness, the collection is Oeko-Tex certified.

Ham it up by complementing the bedding with coordinating pillows, decals and artwork. It all makes for a joyful kids’ room and gives us more decorating options which is always appreciated.

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