Sorry for the long review, but when you have a lot to say, it is usually a good thing. And one note…this is not my first set of sheets from this company. For years I have looked for sheets I would love, and finally I think I have found them. First, I can not stand microfiber sheets as I get pretty hot when I sleep, and once I took a moment to read about how bad they are for the environment I just had to avoid them. Polyester sheets are even worse. Who wants to breathe in carcinogens when you sleep? These sheets, from California Design Den, are 100 percent long staple cotton. FYI short staple cotton, like Upland cotton, is a shorter fiber and used in things like denim and flannel because it is soft and strong. Long staple cotton makes up a much smaller percentage of cotton grown in the US and has a much more lux feel (think Egyptian and Pima cottons). A longer fiber results in a smoother fabric surface and a softer, silkier feel. Of course, being a natural fiber, cotton has some downsides. It is biodegradable-which is a good thing- but it will be prone to wear over time. I really think we need to get over the idea that a set of sheets will last forever! If a set of sheets lasts a few to several years it had done its duty! Also, these sheets will be prone to wrinkles. While I have an aunt that insists on ironing her sheets, I am much to lazy to do that, but the option is yours.
This Queen sheet set comes with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and 4 standard pillowcases. I love that it has 4 pillowcases and not just the standard 2. A small detail, but one I love. As I said before, I get very hot when I sleep. This may be too much information for some but I am in the throes of Menopause and these sheets are a game changer. I love that cotton sheets are breathable and they do not trap heat next to my body. They also help wick away moisture when I sleep. Some women will totally understand how much it means to have sheets that makes us more comfortable when our bodies are changing in crazy ways. I actually prefer to use the same sheets year around and just change the cover on top. In summer I use a soft, thin blanket and in winter I use a down duvet. No matter when I crawl into these sheets they are soft, cozy, and smell like my favorite detergent and fabric softener. I know fabric softener increases wear, but I love the way my sheets feel and smell. These sheets easily fit my deep mattress, and they are well sewn. I have not had a problem with them ripping as I stretch them over the mattress, which has been a problem with other cotton sheets. Honestly, when I took these out of the package I knew I had found what I was looking for. The packaging is thin cardboard (made of 100 percent recycled material) and NOT PLASTIC. The sheets themselves were wrapped in tissue paper and NOT PLASTIC. They felt soft and fresh right out of the package and have only gotten better. I have moved these to the top of my lists when I am looking for wedding gifts, or gifts for my friend’s kids that are going off to college. I no longer spend ages on line reading reviews about sheets and thinking if I spend a lot of money I might get my set of dream sheets. I am done wasting time. These sheets are the bomb. Great quality, great price. What more do you need?