Buying sheets shouldn’t be a stressful experience. Yet, with so many options and choices, it can be overwhelming. What’s worse is when you finally make a decision only to find the same sheets on sale days or weeks later. To avoid this scenario, it's essential to know the optimal time to buy sheets. This guide will help you determine when to buy, allowing you to purchase high-quality bed sheets at the lowest possible price without compromising on comfort or style. So, How to Choose Bedding?
Cloud-like fluffy duvets by Yumerest are a valuable tool to help you achieve your bedding goals. They help create cozy, comfortable sleeping environments that promote restful sleep and pleasant dreams. The great thing is that buying high-quality sheets doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive.
Why You Should Replace Your Bed Sheets
We spend about a third of our lives in bed, giving dust, debris, dead skin cells, and dander plenty of time to accumulate on our sheets. While washing your sheets regularly will keep them fresh and clean, repeated wash cycles will wear down the fabric's integrity over time. Regardless of your bedding, all sheets will eventually need to be replaced. How long do sheets last? Most experts recommend buying new sheets every one to two years.
Your bed sheet lifespan can vary based on factors such as the quality and type of bed sheet material, how many times you’ve washed them, and if you circulate between several sheet sets.
The Nasty Reason You Should Replace Bed Sheets
Replacing your sheets is a matter of both hygiene and comfort. Over time, bedding is likely to accumulate a variety of nuisances, including:
-
Skin cells
-
Bed bugs
-
Mites
-
Pet fur
-
Dander
When Clean Sheets Aren’t Clean
In fact, according to one study, the average unwashed pillow can host up to 16 species of fungi. Constant exposure to these things can lead to health issues, such as allergic reactions, itchy skin, breakouts, and asthma. Even if your sheets look smooth and clean when you make my bed, they may be hosting residual sweat, dust, and hair.
Overused, worn-out sheets also become uncomfortable over time. Even if you buy the softest bed sheets, continued wear and tear, as well as repeated washing, can cause your sheets to become rough, itchy, and unpleasant.
The Factors That Affect How Long Your Sheets Last
The average lifespan of a bed sheet is one to two years. Sheets that don’t get used very often may last for as long as three to four years. A sheet’s lifespan also depends on several factors, including:
Material
Different types of materials have varying degrees of durability. Some of the most common types of bed sheet materials include:
-
Linen: This is a hardy, all-natural fabric made from flax plant fibers. Unlike other types of fabrics, linen softens with each wash. Linen sheets can last upwards of five years.
-
Brushed cotton: This lightweight and breathable material makes it a suitable fabric for summer sheets. Sheets made with 100% cotton, especially high-quality cotton like Egyptian or Pima, can last up to 10 years.
-
Bamboo: Bamboo sheets are soft and more sustainable than other materials. When you follow care instructions, they can last up to 10 years.
-
Silk: Silk requires delicate care, but 100% silk sheets can last for up to 10 years before needing replacement.
-
Polyester: Synthetic materials like polyester tend to be more affordable but have a shorter lifespan than other materials. You can expect polyester sheets to last between one and three years.
-
Microfiber: Like polyester, microfiber sheets are inexpensive but more likely to show signs of wear and tear within a few years.
Weave
The construction of your sheets also affects their lifespan. Some of the most common weaves include:
-
Sateen: Made from long-staple Egyptian cotton with a slight sheen and a satin weave, sateen sheets can last for years with proper care.
-
Percale: Percale refers to the style of weave used in this luxury bedding. With a tight weave, percale sheets are smooth, soft, and durable. Sheets with a percale weave may last longer than those with a sateen weave.
-
Satin: This smooth, glossy weave is most commonly achieved with silk, which has a long lifespan when correctly cared for.
-
Flannel: This brushed pattern of cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers is designed to keep you warm and cozy in colder weather. Since you likely won’t use these year-round, they may last upwards of four years. This weave is prone to pilling, so you may want to consider replacing it more frequently.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Typically, the higher the thread count, the softer and denser the fabric will feel. This is because higher thread counts are often the result of using finer threads.
That doesn’t mean that low-thread-count fabrics are of inferior quality. Depending on the material, the ideal thread count for sheets may vary. Anything with a thread count higher than 500 may be just as comfortable as sheets with a lower thread count.
Washing and Circulation
Washing your sheets regularly helps remove a portion of the sweat, dirt, and dust they accumulate, but over time, your wash cycle can wear out your sheets, regardless of their material. A good practice to make your sheets last longer is to rotate different sets of sheets every time you wash them.
That means you’ll need to buy more upfront but won’t have to replace them as often. How often you wash your sheets will ultimately affect their longevity as well. You should wash them regularly to keep them clean, but over time, wash cycles will naturally wear them out.
Storage
The way you store your sheets can also affect their longevity. It can be tempting to seal sheets away in plastic storage bins to prevent dust build-up, but plastic can cause yellowing, trap moisture, and promote the growth of mold and mildew.
The best practice for storing sheets is to keep them in a cool, dry space. You should store your sheets in a cloth bag to prevent dust buildup.
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Sheets
You may not need to replace your sheets every two years, but it’s essential to look for signs that your sheets have seen better days. It may be time to buy new sheets if:
-
You see signs of wear and tear, like holes, frayed hems, and thinning fabric
-
Your sheets have stains that won’t come out
-
You’ve noticed yellowing, discoloration, or fading
-
Your sheets feel scratchy and coarse
-
Your sheets have an unusual smell that won’t go away
-
You’re experiencing more facial irritation or allergic reactions than usual
If your sheets don’t feel comfortable and it’s been a few years since you bought them, you may want to consider replacing them. The same rule applies to old pillows and mattresses to ensure your bed is as comfortable as possible.
Related Reading
- Why Are My Sheets Itchy
- Are Microfiber Sheets Good for Skin
- Are Bamboo Sheets Hypoallergenic
- Do Bamboo Sheets Wrinkle
- Why Are Duvet Covers So Expensive
When Is the Best Time to Buy Sheets?
Timing is everything. For budget-minded shoppers, this adage rings especially true when it comes to buying bed sheets. By planning your purchases around seasonal sales and clearance events, you can unlock significant savings on quality bedding. Covering both practical purchase timing and seasonal sales, here's what you need to know to score the best deals possible on bed sheets.
Best Time to Buy Bed Sheets: Seasonal Sales
Just as your body craves different types of sleep products in the winter versus summer, so do retailers. For this reason, you'll find significant seasonal sales on bed sheets and other bedding items at different times of the year. The most critical sales on bed sheets typically occur in January, February, March, May, August, and around the holidays in November.
The January White Sales
January is the prime time for "white sales." These sales date back to the 19th century and are an opportunity for a fresh start to the new year. "It's called a white sale since, at that time [in the 19th century], most sheets and towels were white," explains Jessica Ek, senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute.
Why January Is Big for White Sales
"These sales traditionally occurred (and still occur) in January, because the start of a new year is a logical time to start fresh, including with bedding and towels." The concept of "White Sales" was pioneered by John Wanamaker in 1878. He started this tradition to boost sales during the slow post-holiday season by offering steep discounts on linens, which were traditionally white.
Today, these sales continue to thrive. During January White Sales, retailers offer discounts of up to 80% on bed sheets and other linens. Major department stores and online brands participate, making it a great time to stock up.
Deep Discounts on Linens After the Holidays
Depending on the retailer, you can save anywhere between 20% and 75% during these post-holiday sales. For example, last January, Bed Bath & Beyond offered 25% off on bedding and towels, while Bloomingdale's provided between 50% and 75% off. Often, retailers fill their clearance sections with last season's items, which customers can capitalize on since sheets and towels aren’t typically as trendy as clothing styles.
February Clearance Sales
If you missed the January White Sales, February might be your next best bet. Retailers often discount leftover inventory even further to clear out stock. This can mean deeper discounts but with a caveat: limited choices in fabric and color.
Pro Tip: Be quick to grab what you need, as popular items sell out fast.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
November brings the holiday shopping frenzy, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday are key dates for scoring deals on bed sheets. Big box stores and even high-end retailers slash prices to attract shoppers.
Pro Tip: Start looking for deals in early November, as many retailers begin their sales weeks in advance.
Other Notable Times to Buy Bed Sheets
Sleep Awareness Week in March
March 13–19 is Sleep Awareness Week, which is a great time to find deals on bed sheets. Retailers often promote sleep-related products during this week to raise awareness about the importance of good sleep. You can find discounts on bedding, pillows, and even mattresses.
Fact: Some stores offer up to 20–30% off during Sleep Awareness Week, making it a good time to buy bed sheets if you missed January’s White Sales.
Presidents Day and MLK Jr. Day Sales
Presidents Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are also notable times for bedding sales. These holidays fall early in the year, making them ideal for taking advantage of post-holiday deals.
-
Presidents Day: Falling in February, this holiday often features leftover inventory from January’s White Sales. Discounts can be substantial, sometimes reaching up to 50%.
-
MLK Jr. Day: Occurring in mid-January, this holiday typically marks the first significant sales of the year. Retailers offer discounts to attract shoppers who may have missed out on New Year sales.
-
Pro Tip: Sign up for newsletters from your favorite bedding brands to get early access to these sales and additional discounts.
Memorial Day and Labor Day Sales
Both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends are excellent opportunities for buying bed sheets. These holidays are known for their three-day weekend sales, where you can find significant discounts on home goods.
-
Memorial Day: This holiday marks the start of summer, and many retailers offer discounts to clear out their spring inventory. You can find bedding sales ranging from 20% to 50% off.
-
Labor Day: As summer comes to a close, stores aim to clear out their remaining summer stock. Discounts on bed sheets can be as high as 40–60%, especially on items that didn’t sell earlier in the season.
-
Pro Tip: Check out mattress deals during these weekends as well. Stores often bundle bedding with mattress purchases for additional savings.
By keeping an eye on these notable times, you can find great deals on bed sheets throughout the year.
Related Reading
- What to Look for in a Down Comforter
- Duck Down vs Goose Down
- Bed Sheet vs Bed Cover
- What Comes in a Sheet Set
- What Color Bed Sheets Should I Get
What To Know Before Buying Bed Sheets?
Like most bedding products, sheets have a limited lifespan. The average lifespan of a bed sheet is one to two years, but sheets that don’t get used very often may last for as long as three to four years. A sheet’s lifespan also depends on several factors, including:
-
Material: Different types of materials have varying degrees of durability. Some of the most common types of bed sheet materials include:
-
Linen: This is a hardy, all-natural fabric made from flax plant fibers. Unlike other types of fabrics, linen softens with each wash. Linen sheets can last upwards of five years.
-
Brushed cotton: This lightweight and breathable material makes it a suitable fabric for summer sheets. Sheets made with 100% cotton, especially high-quality cotton like Egyptian or Pima, can last up to 10 years.
-
Bamboo: Bamboo sheets are soft and more sustainable than other materials. When you follow care instructions, they can last up to 10 years.
-
Silk: Silk requires delicate care, but 100% silk sheets can last for up to 10 years before needing replacement.
-
Polyester: Synthetic materials like polyester tend to be more affordable but have a shorter lifespan than other materials. You can expect polyester sheets to last between one and three years.
-
Microfiber: Like polyester, microfiber sheets are inexpensive but more likely to show signs of wear and tear within a few years.
Weave Construction Affects Sheet Lifespan
The construction of your sheets also affects their lifespan. Some of the most common weaves include:
-
Sateen: Made from long-staple Egyptian cotton with a slight sheen and a satin weave, sateen sheets can last for years with proper care.
-
Percale: Percale refers to the style of weave used in this luxury bedding. With a tight weave, percale sheets are smooth, soft, and durable. Sheets with a percale weave may last longer than those with a sateen weave.
-
Satin: This smooth, glossy weave is most commonly achieved with silk, which has a long lifespan when correctly cared for.
-
Flannel: This brushed pattern of cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers is designed to keep you warm and cozy in colder weather. Since you likely won’t use these year-round, they may last upwards of four years. This weave is prone to pilling, so you may consider replacing them more often.
Thread Count: What Does It Mean, and How Does It Affect My Sheets?
Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Typically, the higher the thread count, the softer and denser the fabric will feel. This is because higher thread counts are often the result of using finer threads.
That doesn’t mean that low-thread-count fabrics are of inferior quality. Depending on the material, the ideal thread count for sheets may vary. Anything with a thread count higher than 500 may be just as comfortable as sheets with a lower thread count.
Proper Care and Storage for Bedding Sheets
Washing your sheets regularly helps remove a portion of the sweat, dirt, and dust they accumulate, but over time, your wash cycle can wear out your sheets, regardless of their material.
A good practice to make my sheets last longer is to rotate different sets of sheets every time I wash them. That means I’ll need to make a larger upfront investment, but I won’t have to replace them as often.
How Sheet Care Affects Longevity
How often I wash my sheets will ultimately affect their longevity as well. I should wash them regularly to keep them clean, but over time, wash cycles will naturally wear them out.
The way I store my sheets can also affect their longevity. It can be tempting to seal sheets away in plastic storage bins to prevent dust build-up, but plastic can cause yellowing, trap moisture, and promote the growth of mold and mildew. The best practice for storing sheets is to keep them in a cool, dry space. Ideally, I should store my sheets in a cloth bag to prevent dust buildup.
Budget and Quality Considerations for Buying Sheets
Also, consider your budget and how long you want your sheets to last. “One hundred percent linen sheets are often more expensive but offer greater longevity. Plus, they become softer with washing and usage,” Madeline Miller, a product specialist at The Laundress, explains. “Cottons that are blended with synthetic fabrics are a more affordable, durable choice but feel less sumptuous.”
Ek recommends checking the stitching to ensure the product is of high quality and can withstand regular use and washing. She also recommends reading the fabric-care tag and choosing sheets that are easy to care for. “Beyond that, it is personal preference,” she says, “and some fabrics or weaves will have different benefits in terms of feel and breathability.”
What Thread Count Should I Aim For?
When it comes to thread count (the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric), the Sleep Foundation recommends a thread count between 200 and 800 for optimal sleep. Anything with a thread count of less than 200 won’t feel as soft and could make your sleeping experience less pleasant.
Beyond that, go with what feels best to you. Consider investing in a set of silk pillowcases for a luxurious feel, which also promotes smoother skin and healthier hair.
Related Reading
- How Long Do Bed Sheets Last
- Duvet Thread Count Guide
- GSM vs Thread Count
- Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
- Microfiber vs Flannel Sheets
-
Best Sheets for Sensitive Skin
Get Deep Sleep Every Night with Our Cloud-like, Soft, Fluffy Duvets
Yumerest's PureFlow Duvet transforms your bedroom into a luxurious sanctuary, enveloping you in cloud-like softness with its exceptional 5kg filling, which promotes deeper and more restorative sleep.
Tradition Meets Restful Innovation
Crafted by expert artisans using techniques perfected since 1946, our duvets combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to deliver an unparalleled sleeping experience.
The PureFlow bundle, featuring our heavenly duvet, elegant cover, and calming sleep mist, creates a complete sleep sanctuary that helps busy professionals and parents finally achieve the rejuvenating rest they deserve.
Enjoy deep sleep every night with our cloud-like fluffy duvets.
