I’ve always believed that, budget allowing, it is better to invest in well-made products.
That said, in every price-to-quality ratio, there is a tipping point where one has to ask, “Am I really getting that much more for my money?” It is a threshold that I decided to test this past summer by replacing my own sheets with a set of Sferra sheets.
So last year, in hopes of finding some heirloom sheets like the ones I inherited, I took the plunge into the luxury sheet market.
My newly acquired Sferra Giza 45 Percale sheets.
Right off the bat, several features set Sferra apart—the first being the fine detailing on the flat sheet.
Fine Detailing
You don’t need a fancy bedroom for Sferra sheets. My mother, who gained her bed-making experience as a chambermaid for some of Cape Cod’s finest old inns, taught me that a properly made bed features a generous turndown over the blanket.
The superior quality of Sferra’s craftsmanship (right) is readily apparent, especially when viewed next to my mid-priced sheets.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
The hemstitch detailing was a nice touch, but what really impressed was the superior craftsmanship of the sheets, most notable in the finish around the top border, which features exquisitely stitched, diagonal (mitered) seams.
Superior Fabric
The difference between Sferra’s fine weave (top) and that of my budget sheets (bottom) is stark.
According to The Truth About Thread Count, it “is the most highly graded cotton fiber of the Egyptian cottons. It is the longest, thinnest, strongest of all the ‘Giza’ grade cottons.” Giza 45 cotton is also more uniform with fewer irregularities, resulting in a smoother finish.
More Generous Size
Though I like a more informal, relaxed look in my summer bedroom, I still appreciate a well-made bed complete with square corners and an ample turndown. Sferra sheets, on the other hand, are generous without being oversized.
Sferra’s dimensions perfectly accommodate both a generous fold down at the top, and secure bottom tuck, as well as a good square corner at the sides.
The finer weave in Sferra sheets results in a smoother finish that only improves with use. As the seasons changed, I found it hard to part with my Sferra Giza 45’s, so I transferred them to my winter bed.
Smoother Feel
Extended Wear
Even after a summer of salt and sunscreen, my Sferra sheets are still bright white. As with all fine percales, my Sferra sheets do wrinkle in the wash. If you prefer a natural fiber that is less prone to wrinkling, then you might opt for sateen See: Sferra Giza 45 Sateen Sheets.)
The Take Away on Sferra
Happy at last, with Sferra on my summer bed. In the end, each person has a different price-to-quality threshold, depending on his or her budget, priorities, and experiences.