While spending a night at the hotel, have you just been there thinking about why their bedsheets are so soft, smooth, and luxurious? Something about curling up in those fresh white sheets makes you feel relaxed — it turns back the clock! The best part is — you don’t have to reserve a hotel stay to revel in the luxury. You can re-create that cosy five-star vibe at home. But why do hotel bedsheets feel so soft, and how can you experience that same softness for yourself?

 

The Secret Lies in the Fabric

The most common reason hotel bed sheets feel so soft is that they are made from percale material. Most hotels opt for high-quality cotton, like Egyptian or Supima. These cotton varieties have longer fibres to yield smoother, softer fabric resistant to pilling.

• Some hotels also utilise percale or sateen weaves — each has its appeal.
• My percale sheets feel crisp and cool, like cotton that’s been freshly ironed.
• Sateen sheets feel silky and smooth, providing a glossy touch of luxury.

If you’re focusing on those hotel touches, check for the 100% cotton sheets with a good weave type. Steer clear of synthetic blends, as they won’t be as breathable or soft.

Thread Count Matters — But Not Too Much “When consumers are shopping for sheets, they’re always looking for the sheet with the highest thread count that falls within budget,” Mr Oscar said.

 

You’ve likely heard people say a stronger thread count leads to softer sheets. That’s part of the answer, but not the sole factor. All thread count refers to is the number of threads woven together in a square inch of fabric.

 

Hotels typically use sheets with a thread count of 300 to 600. Anything above that can sometimes make the sheets heavy and less breathable. It’s all about balance — good-quality cotton with a middling thread count feels soft and breathes.

So, when shopping for sheets, aim for high thread count 400-500 cotton sheets for comfort and durability.

 

Professional Washing and Ironing

However, hotels depend not only on the fabric but also on the method they use to wash and treat sheets, which has a significant impact. They launder their sheets in hot water with a gentle detergent and fabric softener, then press and iron them to give them a crisp, smooth look.

At home, you can follow a similar regimen:

• Regularly wash your sheets in warm (not hot) water.
• Use a gentle, fabric-friendly detergent.
• You can also add some white vinegar while rinsing to soften the material naturally.
• Use the right fabric softener — too much can build up and make sheets less breathable.
• Iron or steam your sheets once dry to achieve that hotel-like crispness.

 

Hotels Replace Sheets Frequently

Another secret: Hotels change their sheets more often than we do at home. Fresh sheets are smoother and feel newer. After multiple washes, old sheets may become rough.

If your sheets feel rough or have become faded, it’s the ideal time to purchase a new set. Go for quality over quantity — one or two great cotton sheets can last years if washed and stored correctly.

 

Layering Adds to the Comfort

There is a bit of magic to hotel beds in how they layer their bedding counterpane. Hotels often use:

• A fitted sheet
• A flat sheet
• A plush duvet or comforter
• Soft, fluffy pillows

This multiple layering provides a pure, luxurious look and feel. Then tuck it in with a fitted sheet (plus a flat one), ensuring everything is tightly tucked. And don’t forget a lightweight duvet or blanket plus lots of puffy pillows for that cloud-like comfort.

 

Final Thoughts

Shop Hotel quality bedsheets because they are made of high-quality cotton, have been cared for properly and have undergone professional washing. And with the right fabric, medium thread count and some elbow grease added in, you can take that five-star comfort home to your bedroom.