Why is this sheet so expensive?

[nereo]

The subject title is funnier if you say it outloud with a faux accent.

But seriously, why are bedsheets so expensive?  I mean, they are the most uncomplicated of all the textiles to make. 
Or more importantly, has anyone had luck finding sheet sets for ~$30 in the US that are still a decent quality (300+ threadcount)?  Costco and Target sell queen sets for ~$60.  Specialty stores are even more.   We bought a set online for $40 but it didn't even last six months before it came apart, and I don't want to get burned like that again.  Overstock.com has several in the $30-40 range but again, I don't want to wind up with another sheet set that I need to replace a few months later.

[Beckyemerson]

Try marshals or Ross.

[Russ]

If you're patient you can find super high quality hotel linens for cheaps on eBay.

Also maybe make sure you're not gross when you go to bed and then don't wash the sheets as often

[Another Reader]

Bedding is all marketing.  300 threads of what?  Cottons vary.  So do the looms.  Thread count does not always correlate to quality.  What's in the package may vary because the contents may be sourced from different manufacturers over time.  Since the quality of everything, including sheets, has gone down the toilet, I buy clearance sheets at Target when the price is $8.00 or less.  Often I can find the queen size for $5.00.  I bought three sets of flannel sheets at Target about three years ago for $15 each, thinking they would last a year.  The first set is still going strong.  The pillowcases are undersized, but they work.  This year, the flannel was very thin and did not have much nap. Didn't need them anyway.  The last cotton percale sheets I bought were iffy, but at $4.00 each, the set, including cases, was $12.00.  This will probably be their last year. 

[Argyle]

Another_Reader, what's the secret to finding clearance sheets at Target?  Do they appear at a certain time of the year, or how do you find them?

[nereo]

Bedding is all marketing.  300 threads of what?  Cottons vary.  So do the looms.  Thread count does not always correlate to quality.  What's in the package may vary because the contents may be sourced from different manufacturers over time.  Since the quality of everything, including sheets, has gone down the toilet, I buy clearance sheets at Target when the price is $8.00 or less.  Often I can find the queen size for $5.00.  I bought three sets of flannel sheets at Target about three years ago for $15 each, thinking they would last a year.  The first set is still going strong.  The pillowcases are undersized, but they work.  This year, the flannel was very thin and did not have much nap. Didn't need them anyway.  The last cotton percale sheets I bought were iffy, but at $4.00 each, the set, including cases, was $12.00.  This will probably be their last year.

I agree with you that thread-count isn't necessarily a measure of quality - hence my current set that last me only a few months before wearing through.  But how do you know what's good quality and what's not then?  I like costco and target because of their return policies - haven't ever seen clearance sheets at my target (Costo doesn't do clearence AFAIK) but I admittedly try to go shopping only once a month or so.
Same goes for shopping on ebay - how to know what are quality and what is junk? I'd rather pay $40 for a set that lasts a few years than $10 for a set that falls apart after a half a year.

to the other poster that suggested I'm not "gross when going to bed" - thanks, but I don't think that's the problem.  I'd like to think my hygene is decent and I swim most evenings and shower, so I'm certainly not sweaty and gross when getting into bed.  I don't think over-washing is the problem here, and we line-dry the sheets.  It's definitely a quality issue.

Marshall's/Ross is a great suggestion - if only they were in my area. 

[Another Reader]

End of season is the best time, although Target changes out their own brands a lot.  I just circle through the bedding aisle whenever I go.  Clearance items may be on the regular aisles or on the end cap units away from the main aisle.  Flannel is more predictable, usually late December, early January.  It does look like Target is trying to move upmarket, however.  When I went this morning, they had towels on "sale" at $9.49.  I have never paid more than $4.00 for towels there. 

As I said, there really is no way to guarantee you are getting quality.  This stuff is almost all manufactured overseas now, and is sourced from the cheapest mills at the time.  With sheets, I have given up trying to buy "quality" and I go with price.

[Russ]

to the other poster that suggested I'm not "gross when going to bed" - thanks, but I don't think that's the problem.  I'd like to think my hygene is decent and I swim most evenings and shower, so I'm certainly not sweaty and gross when getting into bed.  I don't think over-washing is the problem here, and we line-dry the sheets.  It's definitely a quality issue.

ha sorry, didn't mean to imply that you were

[horsepoor]

Agree on not relying on thread count to determine quality.  We bought some higher thread count (400?) sheets at Ross, I think, and the corners were ripping out and the seams on the pillow cases coming undone within a couple months.

When Sierra Trading Post was having a big 45% off shindig after Christmas, I splurged a bit and spent around $60 for some 220 thread count organic cotton sheets.  They are clearly much better quality, with heavier material and better workmanship, and as far as I can tell, will last us for years.  They are Coyuchi brand.  I will snag another set if I can find them again at such a deep discount.

[SweetLife]

Because if you have slept on those lovely expensive sheets you never want to sleep on anything else lol... ;)

But BEWARE! I read an article recently after I bought "100% Egyptian" cotton sheets 1200 count ... and found out that they were not 100% Egyptian anything and definitely weren't 1200 count! ... Manufacturers have gotten savvy to some people's love of quality sheets and have started "twining" thread (so three twined threads) are easier to make up 1200 count that one thread at a time ... which makes the real so so wonderfully lovely to sleep under!!! Really nice sheets also LAST ... even if you wash them 1x per week (which is minimum) ... so buy 2 sets of lovely sheets and alternate them ... THe last set I bought (14 years ago ...) were $140 worth every penny :)

[nereo]

Really nice sheets also LAST ... even if you wash them 1x per week (which is minimum) ... so buy 2 sets of lovely sheets and alternate them ... THe last set I bought (14 years ago ...) were $140 worth every penny :)

Ok... so how do you know what are really nice sheets?  Brand/buying tips/things to look for?
My inherent problem is that I have NO way of telling online or in the store what sheets will last me years and what sheets will fall apart before christmas. 

[nereo]

When Sierra Trading Post was having a big 45% off shindig after Christmas, I splurged a bit and spent around $60 for some 220 thread count organic cotton sheets.  They are clearly much better quality, with heavier material and better workmanship, and as far as I can tell, will last us for years.  They are Coyuchi brand.  I will snag another set if I can find them again at such a deep discount.

Thanks for the tip on Coyuchi.  No Sierra Trading Post near here but I can keep an eye out fo them or search online.

[kyanamerinas]

If you're patient you can find super high quality hotel linens for cheaps on eBay.

how do you do this? just search hotel linen or what? any particular time to look? sorry for question bombardment but sounds like a good strategy for plain linen.

[Beckyemerson]

No Ross or Marshall's? Bummer. I am surprised you have a costco. Just in case you travel somewhere with one of these stores and think to stop by... I shop by price and the feel of the sheet, not brand or thread count.

Target sheets can be found on clearance February and late summer (I.e. Right after back to school). Look on inside end caps. I would check other times as well because they sometimes phase out brands or colors and those will go on clearance.

As for Costco, their stuff does go on clearance but it is less noticeable. If the price ends with .97 it is on clearance.

[Left]

I mean, they are the most uncomplicated of all the textiles to make. 

exactly, get some fabric and sew one together :P

If you are in a biggish city, try the local chinatown. There's a lot of knockoffs there but well, it's cheap. The quality may or may not be bad, it's the thing with cheap chinese products. Some last, some don't, you have to check out the quality for yourself. I picked up some silk sheets there for $40 years back and I still have them. Online, it would be something like http://www.aliexpress.com/item/best-selling-high-quality-4pcs-imitated-silk-satin-bedding-set-bed-sheet-set-quilt-cover-duvet/1043744459.html Note, they call it high quality, it isn't more than likely. And they call it a duvet, no reason you can't use it as a bed sheet... It's nice and cold to sleep on :) If you care about the elastic bands to keep it on bed, sew some on or buy those corner clips. I don't bother, even with them there I somehow roll around and pull it out anyways, I just push it back under mattress in morning

edit: and don't expect real silk either, not at that price. But I still find it easier to sleep on than cotton

[iris lily]

I thought I had purchased a nice set from Target at a reasonably price. I was surprised that they seemed very nice. But recently the bottom sheet turned nto shreds. It is shredded! I think they were a few years old, but shreds?

I've not had that happen before. I suppose I will buy again from Target but I will expect far less of the product.

[horsepoor]

When Sierra Trading Post was having a big 45% off shindig after Christmas, I splurged a bit and spent around $60 for some 220 thread count organic cotton sheets.  They are clearly much better quality, with heavier material and better workmanship, and as far as I can tell, will last us for years.  They are Coyuchi brand.  I will snag another set if I can find them again at such a deep discount.

Thanks for the tip on Coyuchi.  No Sierra Trading Post near here but I can keep an eye out fo them or search online.

Sign up for their emails, and you'll get notices when they're doing 45% off sales (and they don't show up to direct traffic to their front page).  The emails get kind of annoying, but you can unsubscribe whenever you want.

[taekvideo]

I didn't even realize sheets wore out... mine never have o.O
Maybe you guys toss and turn too much lol...

[plantingourpennies]

Maybe also consider if you're washing them or drying them in harsh conditions.  The only pair I ever had that got ruined went through a couple of loads with the white bath mats and extra bleach.  That was apparently too much on the delicate fabric and they quickly showed thin spots and not too long later had holes.

Fwiw, I've had good luck with overstock - the two sets I got from there have lasted many years, while the BBB set was the one that died a quick death after the bleaching episodes.  (On the plus side, the holes are perfectly positioned to make a ghost Halloween costume.).  I usually aim for 300+ thread count and sateen.  Reviews that talk about how thick and heavy the cotton is are a plus. 

[Emg03063]

I got fleece sheets on clearance at big lots for about $15.  They are awesome!

[iris lily]

I didn't even realize sheets wore out... mine never have o.O
...

Exactly! Until these Target sheets I've never had them wear out. The color and pattern got very light, but they didn't rip.
But now I will admit to getting bleach on them in error, and perhaps like the PP said, this was the culprit.

[libertarian4321]

I have sheets.

I paid maybe $20 (at most) for them.

I have no freaking idea what the "threadcount" is, nor do I give a rat's ass.

It's a sheet, people.  Get a grip.  No one is going to come into your bedroom and count the threads.  You will not be publicly shamed for having a less than adequate thread count.  Don't be embarrassed if your thread count doesn't meet the accepted standard.

Don't make the purchase too complex.  I'd bet 90+% of the consumers out there "counting threads" couldn't tell a "300 thread count" sheet from a 150 thread count (or whatever a "lesser" sheet is supposed to have).

[deborah]

I have winter sheets and summer sheets. Winter are flannel - one set is flimsy and the other is nice and thick and superior (in a fit-for-purpose way). Summer are cotton. All were bought at sales at least 50% off (but none were $4). The thread count is the tightness of the weave. A high thread count is crisp, a lower thread count is better on those extremely hot summer nights - I actually prefer a slightly lower thread count for my summer sheets because of global warming (our summer that has just been broke all records for heat - throughout Australia).

[former player]

I'm using the beautiful quality linen and cotton sheets I inherited from my aunt and grandparents.  I hoping I've got enough to last me a lifetime, and so far it's looking good - I've only had to retire 2 sheets in the last 10 years.

Assuming you are not as fortunate, I would suggest ringing up the ritziest hotel you know of/have stayed at, and asking the housekeeper what sheets they buy, as they will be professional quality which will stand up to repeated laundering and should last a lifetime in a private home.

[totoro]

I'm using the beautiful quality linen and cotton sheets I inherited from my aunt and grandparents.  I hoping I've got enough to last me a lifetime, and so far it's looking good - I've only had to retire 2 sheets in the last 10 years.

Assuming you are not as fortunate, I would suggest ringing up the ritziest hotel you know of/have stayed at, and asking the housekeeper what sheets they buy, as they will be professional quality which will stand up to repeated laundering and should last a lifetime in a private home.

I have some of those same wonderful sheets.  The quality is really high, unfortunately they don't fit a queen bed - biggest is double because that was what my grandparents slept on.  Very common back then.

Sheets are something I'm willing to spend more on.  I pay less attention to thread count.  Instead I feel the fabric and visually check the quality.  I agree with ordering the same sheets as a nice hotel uses - some hotels sell them:
 
http://canada.shopmarriott.com/index.aspx

And here is a website with different hotel sheets:
http://www.pillows.com/hosuprpa.html

Sorry, doesn't help with the where to get cheap plus quality though.

[ak907]

But seriously, why are bedsheets so expensive?  I mean, they are the most uncomplicated of all the textiles to make. 
.... I don't want to wind up with another sheet set that I need to replace a few months later.

Happy to see this brought up, I have noticed this with sheets as well as a number of other commodity products (towels anyone). Even Costco linens have been terrible in my experience, they are expensive, and the last set I bought got worn through in about 6 months.
Fortunately I have found a solution for now, though it is not useful for others. There is a junk market near my house every weekend during the summer and there is a man there that sells sheets $10 a piece or 3 sets for $25, and no only are they cheap and comfortable they have proved to be the most durable I have found.
It is very frustrating how certain commodity products like this have been bid up to luxury prices, only to often have less than luxury feel and very poor durability. It would be nice if there was a reliable, cost effective place you could go to get such products.

[NeverWasACornflakeGirl]

Even Costco linens have been terrible in my experience, they are expensive, and the last set I bought got worn through in about 6 months.

I'm sorry you've had such bad luck with Costco.  We've bought three sets of sheets there and all have been wonderfully comfortable and durable.  The Kirkland sheets were the most expensive, but also the thickest and most durable.  The other brand we bought there (Charisma) was less expensive, more comfortable, and less durable (they developed a small hole after about six months).

For the OP, if you don't have Ross or TJMaxx, what about Odd Lots/Big Lots or Gabriel Bros?  They're all overstocked merchandise, a lot of it the same brands you'd find in department stores.  You can find really great deals at either one.

[RetiredAt63]

My sheets were bought at liquidation outlets - I went by feel.  Both sets are going on 5 years (one summer, one winter) and no problems.  My parents' sheets were 100% cotton, much more solid, and they are still going strong on the guest bed.

The thought of a sheet having holes after 6 moths is mind-boggling.  But even on liquidation I didn't pay $10 or $20, they were more.  I hate shopping, I would rather pay a bit more when I do find something I like and then not have to do it again for years and years.

[norabird]

Tuesday Morning stores apparently have good discounted sheets if you can get to a location.

I was trying to buy some sheets on ebay a while back and was really discouraged by the cost. And even after trying to research quality it's still hard to pick out which statements mean anything. But I think it's probably worth paying more for a good brand. Marimekko for instance...finding them on sale is tough though!

[chicagomeg]

These ones from Kohl's are holding up well and are of a nice thick material:

http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-c25048/chaps-home-dalton-700-thread-count-egyptian-cotton-sheet-set.jsp

I got them buy one get one free plus some percentage off plus Kohl's cash back so I think they came out to be about $25/set. So far so good. I wash them every 1-3 weeks and have two sets. 

[geekette]

Y'all are going to think I'm INSANE, but these sheets are the best I've ever slept on.  Bought a set at a B&B in '08.  The manufacturer accidentally shipped 2 more at the innkeeper's rate.  LOVE THEM.

They won't last as long as some cotton/poly sheets, especially if you have rough heels and apparently jog in your sleep, as I do...  Now I make sure to file down my heels to cut down on wear, and that seems to be helping.  The nice thing is that you can order just bottom sheets, which I will probably be doing, just as soon as I see if I can get some sort of discount from joining their email list.

I have bought cheaper sheets, which end up feeling like sandpaper.  Call me a princess, if you must.

[NeverWasACornflakeGirl]

I have bought cheaper sheets, which end up feeling like sandpaper.  Call me a princess, if you must.

Daaaamn, Princess!  Those are some expensive sheets!!  ;-)

[jbcivics]

If you are in the market for sheets, you should really read this article from Sweethome

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-sheets-new/

Even if you don't go with their overall recommendation (which is kind of pricey), it has a ton of good information on what makes good sheets good, and how to care for them. They also have a cheaper option recommendation.

Overall, I find Sweethome and its sister site for technology, Wirecutter, to be super helpful resources. If i'm going to buy a product, I want to know it will last, and they tend to have very comprehensive and relatively systematic reviews of product categories with several recommendation for different budgets.

Good luck!

[bugbaby]

Burlington Coat Factory. I've had amazing luck at any random times: eg. 300tc bombay cotton King for $40

[NeverWasACornflakeGirl]

If you are in the market for sheets, you should really read this article from Sweethome

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-sheets-new/

Even if you don't go with their overall recommendation (which is kind of pricey), it has a ton of good information on what makes good sheets good, and how to care for them. They also have a cheaper option recommendation.

Overall, I find Sweethome and its sister site for technology, Wirecutter, to be super helpful resources. If i'm going to buy a product, I want to know it will last, and they tend to have very comprehensive and relatively systematic reviews of product categories with several recommendation for different budgets.

Good luck!

This is a great link!  Thanks!!

[SweetLife]

I thought I had purchased a nice set from Target at a reasonably price. I was surprised that they seemed very nice. But recently the bottom sheet turned nto shreds. It is shredded! I think they were a few years old, but shreds?

I've not had that happen before. I suppose I will buy again from Target but I will expect far less of the product.

Lol... sheath claws pre-bed ???

[SweetLife]

Y'all are going to think I'm INSANE, but these sheets are the best I've ever slept on.  Bought a set at a B&B in '08.  The manufacturer accidentally shipped 2 more at the innkeeper's rate.  LOVE THEM.

They won't last as long as some cotton/poly sheets, especially if you have rough heels and apparently jog in your sleep, as I do...  Now I make sure to file down my heels to cut down on wear, and that seems to be helping.  The nice thing is that you can order just bottom sheets, which I will probably be doing, just as soon as I see if I can get some sort of discount from joining their email list.

I have bought cheaper sheets, which end up feeling like sandpaper.  Call me a princess, if you must.

I'm with Princess Geekette ... pricey yes ... heavenly to sleep on = worth it :)
BUT be warned .... once you have slept on wonderful sheets ... you will always want wonderful sheets :)

[AllChoptUp]

.....Really nice sheets also LAST ... even if you wash them 1x per week (which is minimum) ... so buy 2 sets of lovely sheets and alternate them ... THe last set I bought (14 years ago ...) were $140 worth every penny :)

Bold is mine...wanted to ask if weekly washing is the norm out there.  Certainly isn't at my house.  Did I miss a memo?

[EMP]

They won't last as long as some cotton/poly sheets, especially if you have rough heels and apparently jog in your sleep, as I do... 

This could be a sign on a sleep disorder.  A lot of people with sleep apnea jerk their legs and feet when they wake up.  And if you're waking up 100+ time an hour, like my hubby, you'll go through sheets pretty quickly.   

[Threshkin]

.....Really nice sheets also LAST ... even if you wash them 1x per week (which is minimum) ... so buy 2 sets of lovely sheets and alternate them ... THe last set I bought (14 years ago ...) were $140 worth every penny :)

Bold is mine...wanted to ask if weekly washing is the norm out there.  Certainly isn't at my house.  Did I miss a memo?

I must have missed the same memo!  Weekly sheet washing reminds me of people who think towels need to be washed after every use.

To the posters who commented on replacing sheets because the stitching came out.......It is very easy to re-sew.

It you wreck a sheet or anything else with bleach.....Take your lumps and don't complain.  It is not the fault of the product.  It is your own fault for not reading or following the directions.  Or for using bleach in the first place!

[Thegoblinchief]

We've had sheets wear out, but always after enough years that I couldn't for the life of me say where I'd gotten them.

Our sheets get washed every few months, the kids sometimes more (summer). I believe most of them have been bargain basement Target sheets or Kohl's with their frequent coupons.

I'd never buy online unless it was coming from a review site like the Sweethome. Most packaging lets you feel the fabric - check tightness of the weave, thickness of the material, and whether it feels coarse.

I don't understand jersey cotton or flannel sheets. Way too warm and sweaty, even in the winter months. Different strokes I guess.

[geekette]

They won't last as long as some cotton/poly sheets, especially if you have rough heels and apparently jog in your sleep, as I do... 

This could be a sign on a sleep disorder.  A lot of people with sleep apnea jerk their legs and feet when they wake up.  And if you're waking up 100+ time an hour, like my hubby, you'll go through sheets pretty quickly.   

No apnea, but restless legs and sometimes leg cramps.  Believe it or not, a bar of Ivory soap under the bed sheets helps a lot with that.  Before trying that, I was jolted out of bed with excruciating leg cramps several times a week. 

[chicagomeg]

.....Really nice sheets also LAST ... even if you wash them 1x per week (which is minimum) ... so buy 2 sets of lovely sheets and alternate them ... THe last set I bought (14 years ago ...) were $140 worth every penny :)

Bold is mine...wanted to ask if weekly washing is the norm out there.  Certainly isn't at my house.  Did I miss a memo?

I must have missed the same memo!  Weekly sheet washing reminds me of people who think towels need to be washed after every use.

To the posters who commented on replacing sheets because the stitching came out.......It is very easy to re-sew.

It you wreck a sheet or anything else with bleach.....Take your lumps and don't complain.  It is not the fault of the product.  It is your own fault for not reading or following the directions.  Or for using bleach in the first place!

Once a week at my house, at least in a perfect world. I learned it from my mom, who is admittedly something of a germ nut. Her reason is that it kills dust mites (she always uses bleach, as do I) and my dad suffers from bad allergies so it's supposedly helpful to him.

[greenmimama]

The last set I bought was fleece from Gander Mt. on a great clearance, but the very first time I dried them, they melted in quite a few spots, we still use them but I was so bummed, we love the feel and warmth of the fleece, even my DH who is usually warm, loves them.

The set before that I bought organic cotton set from BB&B, they didn't even last a year before they had 2 large holes in the fitted sheet, it was really strange. But the top sheet was really large, like they had mistakenly put a King size top in the Queen size package, so I cut off one side and patched it with the extra part of the top sheet, hopefully we can get another year out of them, because they are comfortable and have a nice silkie feel to them.

[nordlead]

Target puts the Fieldcrest sheets on 50% sale every Black Friday. I went last year (on Friday morning actually around 6-7AM with no real crowds at the time even though they opened up on Thursday), and picked up 4 sets (two for my mom). Held on to them for a few weeks so they could restock and exchanged them for the colors we wanted. I think I paid $35 for a deep queen set.

So far they've held up well and they are the best sheets we've ever owned. We're at the 5 month mark so we'll see.

[higgins2013]

Get the Costco sheets - they're high-quality and will last a long time even as you wash them weekly.  That's the easy answer.  They're equivalent to high-end 300-thread count Peacock Alley sheets (a very expensive brand).  There's a discernible quality difference between those high-thread count Costco sheets and Target's percale sheets, evident both visually as well as by touch-feel.  Cheap sheets are wasteful and gross.  Best place to get high-quality sheets can be a non-profit thrift store where wealthy people donate their stuff; go find that store, read the labels, check the merchandise and save a bundle.

[galliver]

I want to second Ross, Marshalls, TJMaxx, HomeGoods (run by TJMaxx), and Burlington. Also fixing the stitching if it comes apart (aren't sheets "the easiest to make ;) ) I'm shocked that people's sheets wear out so quickly (6mos? 1yr? wow.)

No apnea, but restless legs and sometimes leg cramps.  Believe it or not, a bar of Ivory soap under the bed sheets helps a lot with that.  Before trying that, I was jolted out of bed with excruciating leg cramps several times a week.

My experience with leg cramps is they indicate either dehydration, or deficiency in calcium or potassium. You've probably looked into it, but that's 2c for you.

[geekette]

No apnea, but restless legs and sometimes leg cramps.  Believe it or not, a bar of Ivory soap under the bed sheets helps a lot with that.  Before trying that, I was jolted out of bed with excruciating leg cramps several times a week.

My experience with leg cramps is they indicate either dehydration, or deficiency in calcium or potassium. You've probably looked into it, but that's 2c for you.

Definitely all been checked, but thanks.  My potassium's always normal, I have too much calcium in my blood, and if I drink any more water, I'll never sleep ;-).

[horsepoor]

.....Really nice sheets also LAST ... even if you wash them 1x per week (which is minimum) ... so buy 2 sets of lovely sheets and alternate them ... THe last set I bought (14 years ago ...) were $140 worth every penny :)

Bold is mine...wanted to ask if weekly washing is the norm out there.  Certainly isn't at my house.  Did I miss a memo?

I must have missed the same memo!  Weekly sheet washing reminds me of people who think towels need to be washed after every use.

To the posters who commented on replacing sheets because the stitching came out.......It is very easy to re-sew.

It you wreck a sheet or anything else with bleach.....Take your lumps and don't complain.  It is not the fault of the product.  It is your own fault for not reading or following the directions.  Or for using bleach in the first place!

The only problem with repairing is that it makes an already tight fitted sheet even tighter because of how it's sewn right on the edge with a serge stitch.  The pillowcase seams that ripped were just annoying because they were indicative of poor quality, since they happened so when the sheets were quite new.

The more expensive sheets accommodate our thicker mattress better, so there is less stress on the corner seams.

Far as washing, yup, I keep two sets and change them out every Sunday night.  But then, one of our dogs jumps on the bed at night and in the morning, and I'm sure he hangs out there if we leave the bedroom door open during the day too.  I love the feeling of sliding into a freshly made bed with clean sheets at the end of the weekend.

[NeverWasACornflakeGirl]

Far as washing, yup, I keep two sets and change them out every Sunday night.  But then, one of our dogs jumps on the bed at night and in the morning, and I'm sure he hangs out there if we leave the bedroom door open during the day too.  I love the feeling of sliding into a freshly made bed with clean sheets at the end of the weekend.

Yep!  Love the feeling of clean sheets!