The Wirecutter Show

Episode: "The Insider's Guide to Better Bed Sheets (Encore)"

Date: September 24, 2025
Co-hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset, Caira Blackwell, Rosie Guerin
Guest: Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter Bedding Reporter

Overview

This “encore” episode is a deep dive into the art and science of choosing better bed sheets. Hosts Christine, Caira, and Rosie are joined by Wirecutter’s bed and bedding expert Jackie Reeve. Jackie shares her expertise from years of testing, demystifies sheets marketing lingo (thread count, “Egyptian” cotton, etc.), and offers practical advice to help listeners make more informed—and more satisfying—sheet purchases. Whether you’re hunting for cozy winter flannel, cool summer linen, or just want sheets that last, this episode arms you with knowledge for every budget.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Deceptive World of Sheet Labels

• Not All Cotton Is Equal: The term “Egyptian cotton” is used as a marketing ploy and doesn't necessarily indicate quality ([00:36], [16:58]).
  “Egyptian is just the country it comes from... It doesn’t say anything about the quality.” — Jackie ([00:36]; repeated [17:28])
• Staple Length Matters: Long staple and extra-long staple cotton fibers result in stronger, smoother, more durable sheets ([12:18]–[15:41]).
• Thread Count Isn’t Everything: High thread count is an overrated metric and often misleading; ideal ranges are 250–300 (percale) and 400–600 (sateen) ([18:01]–[19:00]). “People have this real idea that the higher the thread count, the better the sheet. It doesn’t work that way.” — Jackie ([18:07])

Types of Sheets & Materials

Weaves: Percale vs. Sateen

• Percale Sheets
  • Crisp, cool, breathable, and lighter; classic hotel “feel.”
  • Can feel scratchy and wrinkle easily ([26:52]–[29:31]).
  • Best pick: L.L. Bean percale ([27:53])
  • “It’s gonna lie on top of your body, almost sort of float over you.” — Jackie ([27:05])
• Sateen Sheets
  • Silkier, warmer, and heavier, drapes close to the body, less prone to wrinkles ([28:17]–[29:50]).
  • Best affordable pick: JCPenney sateen ([29:31])
  • “It has a really silky smooth feel. So if you don’t like a crisp sheet, Sateen is the way.” — Jackie ([29:09])

Cotton: Quality and Sustainability

• 100% Cotton Is Recommended: It breathes best, is versatile, and lasts longer than poly blends ([10:44]).
• Pima, Supima, Giza: Pima/Supima are American long-staple cottons, nearly identical in feel; Giza from Egypt is also premium, but the “Egyptian” label alone doesn't guarantee quality ([15:41]–[17:38]).

Non-Cotton Options

• Linen: Most breathable, made from flax, ideal for hot sleepers, but can be scratchy ([30:42]–[31:34]).
• Flannel: Brushed cotton, warm and fuzzy, holds heat, can pill but top pick is L.L. Bean ([31:48], [33:00]).
• Bamboo: Not recommended due to greenwashing and durability issues ([37:07]). “Absolutely not...they just don’t hold up in the wash.” — Jackie ([37:14])

Sheet Additives, Certifications & Label-Watching

• Oeko-Tex Certification: Indicates sheets have been tested for harmful substances, with Target leading in additional ‘Made in Green’ certifications ([19:21]–[20:29]).
• Finishers and Conditioners: Used to make sheets feel smooth out of package; washes out after a few launders ([20:29]–[21:40]).

Testing & Product Recommendations

• How Jackie Tests Sheets: Multiple family members, repeated washing, damage simulation with tools (pinking shears), even dog tug-of-wars ([33:42], [33:57]). “I have put my family through a tremendous amount of testing…my poor husband has suffered through a lot of sheets.” — Jackie ([22:41])
• Return Policies Matter: Because sheets change after washing, being able to return them is key ([21:48], [24:12]).
• How Long Good Sheets Last: Quality sheets can last 7–10 years ([38:54], [38:59]).

Shopping Tips and Deals

• Best Times To Buy: Black Friday, January white sales, President’s Day ([36:07]).
• Budget-Friendly Advice: JCPenney sateen is almost always on sale; bargains at TJ Maxx/HomeGoods are a gamble ([36:40]).
• Decoding Other Marketing Buzzwords:
  • Cooling sheets: Don’t trust claims—coatings wash out ([37:41]).
  • Antimicrobial & silver: Not effective at typical concentrations; just wash your sheets regularly ([38:11]).
  • Washing frequency: Change weekly, but sheets don’t need to be washed every single week ([38:48]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the confusion of labels:
  “It is very individual to the person. It might feel fine to us and not to someone else.” — Jackie ([09:36])

• On the marketing of Egyptian cotton:
  “Shout out to the Egyptian cotton lobby, though.” — Caira, joking ([00:44]; echoed [17:34])

• On the dangers of relying on thread count:
  “My dad’s gonna be crushed...he loves being that person...finding the greatest deals on 1200 thread count sheets.” — Caira ([19:00])

• On flannel sheets:
  “If you get into a cool bed, your body is what is warming up those sheets...flannel is like taking all that nice body heat and it holds onto it.” — Jackie ([32:59])

• On home testing sheets:
  “I have this tool I use called a pick glass...you put the sheet under it and it highlights one inch...I’ve used that to count threads on sheets. No, you have not.”
  “Counting’s a young man’s game.” — Jackie & hosts ([33:57]–[34:32])

• On “cooling,” “antimicrobial,” and bamboo sheets marketing:
  “There’s basically no shortcut to having to wash your sheets. You have to change your sheets.” — Jackie ([38:27])

• On favorite personal purchase (outside bedding):
  “They are overalls made out of sweatpant materials...it’s like wearing a blanket all day, but you can leave the house in them.” — Jackie, on “swoveralls” ([39:25])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [07:59] — Sheet shopping confusion; why we buy the “wrong” sheets
• [08:41] — Explainer: Percale vs. sateen; why the feel matters
• [10:44] — Why 100% cotton is recommended
• [12:18]–[15:41] — Long staple vs. short staple cotton explained
• [16:43]–[17:38] — Pima, Supima, Giza, and “Egyptian” cotton demystified
• [18:01]–[19:00] — The truth about thread count
• [19:21]–[20:29] — What is Oeko-Tex certification and why look for it?
• [21:48]–[24:12] — The importance of washing, finishing chemicals, and return policies
• [26:52]–[29:50] — Percale vs. sateen: textures, use cases, and Wirecutter picks
• [30:42]–[31:34] — Linen explained
• [31:48], [33:00] — Flannel explained and top picks
• [33:42], [33:57] — How Jackie actually tests sheets
• [36:07]–[36:40] — When and where to find sheet deals
• [37:07]–[38:47] — Quick-fire: bamboo, cooling sheets, “antimicrobial” claims, care basics
• [38:59] — How long high-quality sheets last
• [39:25] — Jackie’s favorite recent non-sheet buy: “swoveralls”
• [40:30]–[41:49] — Hosts reflect: Key takeaways and favorite analogies

Summary Takeaways

• ‘Egyptian cotton’ is not a guarantee of quality—look for the specific cotton type and staple length.
• The best, most breathable, and durable sheets are generally 100% cotton with ‘long staple’ fibers.
• Choose between percale for cool, crisp summers and sateen for drapey, cozy winters.
• Thread count should not be your north star—focus instead on weave, material, and certifications.
• Be prepared to wash new sheets several times before judging their feel, and favor brands with strong return policies.
• Look for Oeko-Tex certification for peace of mind about sheet safety.
• Skeptical of bamboo, “cooling,” and antimicrobial claims—none can replace classic, well-made cotton.
• Smartest shopping: Wait for deals and try not to overpay for marketing hype.
• Top-tested picks include L.L. Bean and JCPenney for affordable, lasting quality.
• Every household can have sheets that last a decade—if you choose wisely and care for them.

For more info or product picks, read Jackie Reeve’s bedding guides at nytimes.com/wirecutter.