There are two components to bed sheets: fabric type and thread count

• Fabric: The basic component of fabrics are materials like wool, cotton, silk, polyester, rayon, etc. Wool, cotton and silk are naturally occurring materials from sheep, cotton plants, and silkworms, respectively, while polyester and rayon are (usually) synthetic.

Different sheets are made from different blends of these materials. For example, Jersey sheets have that t-shirt feel and are used mostly for teenage/young adult/college student bedding. It is usually a cotton-polyester blend but the mix depends on the manufacturer.

100% cotton sheets and cotton blends are probably the most common types of sheets. Cotton is valued for moisture absorption/heat regulation and easy laundry care. But all cotton is not the same - it depends on what type of cotton plant was used to make it, because the cotton fibers can vary widely in length. The longer the cotton fiber, the softer/more durable the fabric. That's why you get labels like "Egyptian cotton" or "Pima cotton". They are valued higher than a standard cotton which uses shorter fibers.

• Thread count: The number of parallel threads in a square inch of fabric. A higher thread count is considered more durable and softer.

Here's why: Think about a wicker chair. If the wicker is woven wide apart, when you sit on it you will sink in between where the wicker is woven together. The closer together the wicker is, the less space to sink into, and the more comfortable the chair will be.

This is the same for thread count, but on a much much smaller scale. The individual threads will undergo less stress because they are closer together, and it will feel smoother because there's not as much space in between the threads.

Even with a fabric description - type of fabric and thread count - quality can vary. My personal advice is to go to the store and look at different kinds of sheets within your budget.

Think about whether you are too warm, too cold, or just right when you sleep. Pick a fabric that will balance with your sleeping temperature - don't get flannel sheets if you burn up at night.

Then, touch your options. You should feel a subtle difference between the types - some will feel smoother, others softer. Buy the ones you want to roll around in.

My personal favorite sheets are a 500 thread count Pima cotton, but I also love my cheap jersey sheets from college. Don't get caught up in the hype of bedsheets - noone will care except you and anyone in your bed.