Another aspect to scrutinize is the type of weave. Bed sheets may be produced as cotton percale or cotton sateen, each with its own advantages. Percale sheets use a one-over-one-under weave to produce sheets with a crisp feel and matte finish.
Linen bed sheets are a luxurious option that offer a light and airy feel, perfect for warmer weather.
Plus, some fabrics don’t even use thread count as a measure, such as silk, jersey, or flannel.
It would seem that the duvet continued to be used by Europeans, for in the 18th century, Thomas Nugent, an English writer included in his European travel book ‘The Grand Tour’ a description of what appears to be a duvet whilst in the German state of Westphalia.
For a very long time, cotton was the go-to choice for bedding because, in general, it is durable, affordable, soft, easy to care for and is comfortable to sleep on.
Whilst linen may not initially feel as soft as cotton, it does get softer with each wash. Choose pre-washed - garment washed or stone washed - linen if you want that softer feel straight away.