If you have recently bought new bedding, you must have seen the high-end price tags associated with it.
So you may wonder, why does a simple bedsheet or duvet cost so much?
So, Why is Bedding So Expensive?
Generally, the price tag will be expensive if an item uses high-quality raw materials during the manufacturing process. Some bedding types, like Egyptian cotton, use high-quality materials and come with higher thread counts. Therefore, the consumer has to pay the price for these.
It’s also worth noting that big brands can sell their bedding at higher prices than off brands. But, this doesn’t always guarantee company. Two different companies may deliver the same number of thread counts and use 100% organic cotton. In this instance, the manufacturing cost is almost the same. So, there wouldn’t be that huge price difference. The only difference is the brand name.
Four Things That Influence the Price
1. Fabric
How much you pay for your bedding depends on the materials used during the manufacturing. Different materials cost different amounts to produce.
Therefore, bedding companies take this into account when deciding the price of a product.
For instance, cotton is readily available compared to other materials. Therefore, it is pretty inexpensive and effective.
2. Fabric Quality
The type of material is one thing. The quality of the fabric is another matter altogether. For instance, all cotton isn’t created equally.
Egyptian cotton is the most recognized and said to be the finest, thanks to the favorable conditions that allow it to flourish.
Egyptian cotton fibers are long, solid, and durable. Pima cotton is another type of high-quality cotton grown in America.
Generally, high-quality cotton is more expensive than poor quality one.
But, the problem is that most stores aren’t straightforward on the type of cotton they use. Some misrepresent the origin and quality of the cotton.
You may find a bedsheet labeled Egyptian cotton in the store, but in reality, the cotton doesn’t come from Egypt.
3. Craftsmanship
The kind of craftsmanship that goes into making the bedding influences its price. Some manufacturers produce their products in masses.
Therefore, they end up with many pieces at once.
Such items are mostly affordable since the manufacturer didn’t use much work to produce them.
But, manufacturers that take time making their products, such as European luxury bedding, will charge expensively for this extra labor.
The good thing is that you get durable and high-quality items.
4. Thread Count
Thread count is another issue influencing the price. Generally, materials with higher thread counts are said to be of better quality than those with lower thread counts.
However, this may not always be the case.
Thread count is the total of number of threads (vertical plus horizontal) of a given fabric measured per square inch.
For example, if a fabric has 100 vertical and 100 horizontal threads, its thread count is 200.
But, the yarn used when making a piece of fabric is way more important than the weave’s density.
A fabric could have a low thread count and still be of better quality than one with a high thread count.
It’s also worth mentioning that thread count is not a surefire way of determining the fabric’s quality.
A consumer may think they are purchasing a sheet with an 800 thread count only to find out that it has a 400 thread count with two-ply yarn.
Although this practice is illegal, some manufacturers still do it.
Does Thread Count Matter?
If you’re wondering whether thread count matters when buying bedsheets, duvet covers, or bedding, the answer is it depends on your preferences.
In most cases, products with a low thread count are sold inexpensively and are easier to find than those with a higher thread count.
But, we must mention that sometimes cheap may not be comfortable to sleep on.
The crucial thing to look for is the fiber used to make the product. It is better to buy an Egyptian cotton sheet with a thread count of 400 than standard cotton with the same thread count.
Usually, the latter will feel coarse and rough compared to the first one.
Also, don’t opt for the lowest thread count you find in the market. Chances are it won’t be that durable and comfortable.
If you are looking for cotton bedsheets or bedding, opt for those with a thread count of 400 for a decent experience. These will be comfortable and allow you to wash them easily.
People are different. So, while some may enjoy cotton, others prefer silk.
Expensive bedding can cost you a lot of money initially, but if you are getting excellent quality, you will save a lot in the future.
Sheets with a thread count of at least 400 will give you service for about 7-10 years with proper care.
How Much Should You Spend on Bedsheets?
The amount depends on the size of your mattress and the material you choose.
For instance, if you’re buying a bedsheet for a King-Size bed, expect to spend around $100-$150 on good quality bedsheets or Duvet covers.
Please avoid overly inexpensive products as they may not be of good quality.
We are not saying that expensive is always best. But, in most cases, you may find it helpful to spend extra coins for better quality.
Is Expensive Bedding Worth it?
Whether to buy an expensive or inexpensive product is a personal decision you should make depending on your needs. But these pros and cons can help you make the right choice.
Expensive bedding is a huge initial investment. Again, such bedding types need you to take extra care. Otherwise, you will ruin them pretty quickly.
Buying luxury bedding is a commitment that you want to keep in the long term. So, you need to be careful about the choice you make.
However, the good thing about buying luxury pieces is that you are guaranteed comfort and durability in most cases.
Expensive bedding is made to last with unparalleled workmanship. They use the best textile artisans to produce such pieces. Therefore, you will have the best product offering value for your money.
Overall we think that expensive bedsheets are worth it, considering you are getting quality. But please take note of the material used and the thread count before you purchase.
References
https://www.verolinens.com/why-do-luxury-linens-cost-so-much/
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/why-are-linen-sheets-expensive-36804288
