T-Shirt Sheets: A Cozy Choice for Winter Bedding

The first time I heard of t-shirt sheets was right after Hurricane Katrina. I was having trouble sleeping at that time (understandably), and I saw t-shirt sheets in the Land's End catalog. I really wanted a set because they sounded so comfortable, but there were more important things to buy. Land's End stopped offering them and I forgot about them for a while.

But then I saw t-shirt sheets advertised at Target and I remembered wistfully looking at that catalog and wanting to treat myself. (I consider a cozy bed the best luxury of all.) The set was less than $20 on sale and I decided that was a small enough investment to take a chance. I've used them almost exclusively ever since and my 300 thread count sheets from Macy's languish in the closet and wonder what they did wrong.

For the past few years, I've been looking for ways to get a better night's sleep. I've invested in a memory foam mattress and matching pillow, hung curtains to block light, used a white noise machine to block sound... if someone recommended it, I tried it. I kept hoping each new change would make a dramatic difference in the quality of my sleep, but I eventually realized that there is no magic bullet, because there are so many factors that affect sleep quality. So I revised my expectations and began looking for little pieces of the puzzle that would add up to a better night's rest.

I'm not sure when I made the connection that softer sheets help, but it makes sense: the more comfortable you are, the better you'll sleep. I started with 300 thread count sheets, which felt great but were expensive -- I got one set but couldn't afford a spare. So I was excited to discover t-shirt sheets are incredibly comfortable and more affordable. I find them even softer than my high-thread count sheets, and the top sheet snuggles close around me in a way that I find very soothing; I feel safe, cocooned in softness. And temperature-wise, they're just right for the Southern climate, where in fall and winter it can be 30 degrees one night and 70 degrees the next; they're pleasantly cool on warm nights, while in cooler weather, they don't hold a chill the way pure cotton does.

For a long time, it was difficult to find t-shirt sheets, even on Amazon. But I'm excited to say that I'm finally starting to see more options -- particularly more affordable choices that are competitively priced compared to cotton or flannel sheets.

I've had my Room Essentials jersey sheets from Target for almost four years now and I've used them very regularly, especially in spring and fall. Sadly, the bottom sheet started to show some wear after the first year or so, developing light pilling across the middle. While it's disappointing, I do think it's to be expected; I've had pure cotton sheets in this price range do the same thing. If pilling is a concern for you, I'd suggest you try a more expensive brand or avoid jersey knit entirely.

I also noticed a tiny hole recently in one of my sheets. I worried that it might spread, but surprisingly, it hasn't. One of my pillowcases also has a hole in the corner where the stitching unraveled; it's not really bothering me, but I'll mend it sooner or later just so it looks tidy.

Frankly, I'm amazed at how well this set has held up, given what I paid for it. After so many years, I feel like I've definitely gotten my money's worth. And I feel confident that t-shirt sheets can last just as long as pure cotton and cotton blends.

I highly recommend that you give t-shirt sheets a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.