How to Find the Perfect Bedding Sheets for Your Skin Type and Season

How to Find the Perfect Bedding Sheets for Your Skin Type and Season
Rise & Fall’s origin story began with a quest for better sleep, sparked by our founder Jed's lifelong battle with restless nights. Determined to find a solution, Jed discovered that a major piece of the puzzle lies in choosing high-quality bedding crafted from natural materials, and in particular the right materials for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to select the perfect bedding sheets that are tailored to your needs.

In the realm of luxury textiles, few materials command the reverence that cashmere does. This extraordinary fibre represents more than clothing – it embodies a legacy of craftsmanship, comfort and conscious luxury that aligns perfectly with Rise & Fall's values of simplicity, integrity and longevity.

Understanding what cashmere is opens the door to appreciating why this material has captivated the fashion obsessed for centuries. Our complete guide explores the journey from fibre to finished garment, helping you understand the value in luxury cashmere clothing that will grace your wardrobe for years to come.

What Is Cashmere?

Cashmere fibre is a precious natural material renowned for its exceptional softness and lightweight warmth.

The extraordinary nature of cashmere yarn lies in its microscopic structure. Each fibre measures approximately 14-19 microns in diameter, around half the diameter of human hair, creating its characteristic softness that makes cashmere so coveted. This fineness, combined with the fibre's natural bunching, creates tiny air pockets that provide exceptional insulation.

 Where Does Cashmere Wool Come From?

Cashmere comes from the cashmere goats found in the harsh, mountainous regions of Central and East Asia. This specific breed has adapted to the extreme temperatures found here (which can fall as low as -30°C), leading to the evolution of a soft undercoat, or cashmere wool, as we know today.

Cashmere origin traces primarily to:

  • Inner Mongolia, China: Considered to be where the world’s best grade-A cashmere comes from. The goats develop the finest undercoat, producing the finest yarns and measuring in at 15.5 microns and 34-36mm in length. While considered as the gold standard for cashmere production, these luxurious fibres make up less than 10% of the world's cashmere supply.
  • Kashmir (India): The historical cashmere wool origin that gave the fibre its name.
  • Nepal, Iran and Afghanistan: Additional sources known for quality cashmere clothing materials.

Our range of trans-seasonal cashmere goods come directly from Mongolia’s most renowned manufacturers. Having a close relationship with them, not only allows us to create the most buttery-soft cashmere but we can support fair pay and safe working conditions. With no middlemen and no crazy markups, we’re able to pass the savings straight onto our customer. Just exceptional value with integrity” (Susan Ramaty, Rise & Fall’s Design Consultant).

What is Cashmere Typically Used For?

The versatility of cashmere extends far beyond traditional sweaters, encompassing an entire wardrobe of luxury pieces, from delicate scarves to structured coats. Cashmere wool clothing includes:

  • Sweaters and cardigans
  • Wraps and scarves
  • Lightweight, layerable pieces
  • Statement coats

At Rise & Fall we craft pieces that honour the fibres natural versatility, creating a collection that moves effortlessly from professional settings to intimate gatherings.

How Is Cashmere Manufactured?

The transformation from wool to garment involves a meticulous process that determines the final quality of cashmere yarn:

  • Combing and Collection: Unlike sheep shearing, cashmere collection involves careful combing during the goats' natural molting season. This gentle process preserves fibre integrity while ensuring animal welfare.
  • Sorting and Washing: Raw cashmere undergoes careful sorting by colour, length and fineness. Multiple washing stages remove natural oils and impurities without impacting fibre quality.
  • Dehairing: The most critical step separates the precious cashmere undercoat from coarser guard hairs. This process requires specialised machinery and expert oversight to preserve the finest fibres
  • Dyeing, Carding and Teasing: Fibres are dyed using low-temperature methods, then carded to align them uniformly. Teasing creates the loft that gives cashmere its characteristic volume.
  • Spinning: The prepared fibres are spun into cashmere yarn with careful attention to tension and twist, ensuring strength without compromising softness. Using long Mongolian fibres means the yarns have fewer ties and exposed ends, resulting in exceptional quality and unparalleled softness.
  • Weaving or Knitting: Finally, the yarn is transformed into fabric through weaving or knitting techniques that give the material structure.

The Difference Between Cashmere & Other Wools?

Why Bedding Matters

Did you know your bedding plays a pivotal role in both the health of your skin, as well as the overall quality of your sleep? For instance, high quality bedding minimises skin irritation and allergies by limiting exposure to harmful chemicals and irritants often found in lower quality materials. Good examples of high quality bedding materials are bamboo and cotton, both of which are completely natural. Additionally, both cotton and bamboo are examples of breathable fabrics. This means they facilitate airflow, thereby reducing the accumulation of sweat and bacteria which irritate skin. Temperature regulation is just one more of the many benefits of quality bedding.  Materials that breathe well maintain the body's ideal temperature throughout the night, further enriching sleep quality.

Exploring the Rise & Fall bedding collection:

Rise & Fall was established with a simple mission: to create the best sheets going. We spent thousands of hours researching the best manufacturers in the world so that we could partner with them, and bring exceptional quality bedding to our customers at an incredible price. Today, our range encompasses a variety of luxurious bed sheets designed to meet a wide array of preferences and needs. Our collection includes:

Luxury Fitted Sheets

Our luxury fitted sheets are our best-selling product for a reason. Our research revealed that the number one complaint among fitted sheet users was their tendency to come off during the night. To address this, we've designed the deepest fitted sheets on the market, complete with an extra-grippy elastic around the edge, guaranteeing that our Luxury Fitted Sheets will stay in place all night long

Rise & Fall bedding set in White with Navy Piping

Cotton Single Bed Sheets:

We offer both flat sheets and fitted sheets in a range of sizes, including single. Available in Crisp & Cool organic cotton, with a matte finish, or ultra-luxurious Soft & Smooth cotton.

Organic Bed Sheets:

Our organic cotton bed sheets are a great option for those with sensitive skin. They are available in a wide range of sizes, and in all four of our signature colourways. 

Soft Fitted Sheets:

If you’re looking for a true hotel-luxury experience, then the Soft & Smooth fitted sheet is the way to go. Our Soft & Smooth range is made with 600 thread count cotton in a sateen weave, giving it a subtle silkiness that is gentle on your skin. 

Soft King Size Sheets:

For those seeking a luxurious sleep experience, king-size sheets offer an expansive canvas of comfort. Opting for soft and smooth cotton materials can transform your bed into a cloud of indulgence. The right king-size sheets blend functionality with opulence, providing ample room to stretch and relax while ensuring the fabric feels gentle against the skin. When choosing sheets, consider the thread count for an indication of softness and durability. Additionally, proper care extends the life of your sheets, so look for options that offer ease of maintenance without sacrificing the silky touch you desire.

Cotton Flat Sheet

A versatile addition to your bedding ensemble, that can be used in place of a duvet in the summer months. Like all our sheets, the cotton flat sheet is available in Crisp & Cool or Soft & Smooth, to suit your preferences. 

Mattress Bed Sheets:

Complete your bedding set with the perfect fit. Our fitted sheets have been designed to fit any mattress. They’re extra deep, accommodating mattress toppers, and the extra-grippy elastic system ensures that the sheet will ping to the mattress for a snug fit. 

Affordable Luxury Bed Sheets:

Indulge without breaking the bank. One of our primary objectives is to make world class sheets that have a luxury quality without a luxury price tag. By partnering directly with our manufacturers, we’re able to offer the world’s finest bed sheets without the luxury markup. 

Rise & Fall bedding set in Olive

How to choose the best bedding sheets for your skin type and season:

When choosing the best bed sheets for you, there are multiple factors you can consider. This can be overwhelming, so we’ve broken down some of the key things to think about, especially if quality sleep and skin sensitivity are your main concerns: 

Material: the most common materials for bedding are cotton or linen. Cotton bedding is known for its softness, breathability, and durability, making it comfortable for a wide range of climates. It tends to get softer with each wash. Linen, made from the flax plant, is highly breathable, making it ideal for warm weather. It has a unique, slightly textured feel and is known for its durability and longevity. Linen also has moisture-wicking properties and can improve with age, becoming softer over time. The choice between cotton and linen often comes down to personal preference regarding texture, thermal regulation, and care requirements.

Weave: sateen or percale? Sateen and percale weaves offer distinct feels and functionalities for bedding. Sateen weave, characterised by a one-yarn-under and three-yarns-over pattern, gives sheets a silky, smooth surface with a luminous sheen. It's known for its drape and warmth, making it ideal for cooler climates. Percale weave, on the other hand, employs a one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under pattern, resulting in a crisp, breathable fabric with a matte finish. It's lightweight and cool to the touch, perfect for warm sleepers or climates.

Thread Count: what to consider? Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, combining both the length (warp) and width (weft) threads. While a higher thread count can indicate a softer and more durable sheet, it's not the only measure of quality. Extremely high thread counts can sometimes lead to denser, less breathable fabrics. The ideal thread count varies by material, with 200-800 being a generally preferred range for cotton. The best choice depends on a balance of softness, breathability, and durability.

For sensitive skin: choose bedding sheets that are made from organic cotton, which is hypoallergenic, breathable, and soft. Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or microfiber, which can cause irritation or allergies. 

For summer: choose bedding sheets that are lightweight, cool, and moisture-wicking. Opt for a percale weave, which is crisp and smooth, or linen, which is airy and durable. Avoid flannel or sateen sheets, which can trap heat and make you sweat.

For winter:  choose bedding sheets that are warm, cosy, and insulating. Opt for a flannel or sateen weave, which are soft and plush, or a jersey knit, which is stretchy and comfortable. Avoid percale or linen sheets, which can feel cold and stiff.

The Rise & Fall Difference

For our sheets, we go to India’s finest bedding manufacturer, which supplies some of the world’s biggest luxury brands and hotels. They source extra long staple cotton and weave it into remarkably soft, durable and breathable bedding. The factory is run entirely on renewable energy, recycles 99% of its water, uses no harsh chemicals (Oeko-Tex 100 certified) and offers its predominantly female workforce unlimited free education. What’s more, we are now a certified B Corp. This means that across the board we meet third party certified standards of sustainability. So when you buy Rise & Fall sheets, you can do so knowing you’ve made an eco-conscious choice. 

In addition to our eco-credentials, we have also spent thousands of hours working with our factory to produce the best designed sheets available. Not only are our sheets made from the very best materials (high thread count cotton and European Flax linen), but they also feature nuanced design details that really set them apart from others. For instance, the extra-grippy elastic on the fitted sheet is unique to Rise & Fall, and means your sheets will never ping off in the night. Whilst convenient, this also ensures an undisturbed, restful night’s sleep. Additionally, each of our sheets features a ‘short side’ label, so that when it comes to making the bed you’ll no longer have to spend unnecessary time finding which way around your sheet goes. 

Rise & Fall bedding set in Pebble

Caring For Your Sheets

To ensure your bedding remains in top condition, adhere to these guidelines:

  • Washing Instructions: Opt for gentle wash cycles with mild detergents to keep sheets clean without causing damage.
  • Storage: Store your bedding in a cool, dry place, avoiding plastic containers to maintain breathability and prevent mildew.
  • Maintenance: Regularly check for and mend any small tears or loose threads to prevent further damage, and follow specific care instructions based on fabric type to extend the lifespan of your bedding.

Elevate your sleep experience with Rise & Fall luxury bedding sheets. By investing in quality bedding tailored to your needs, you not only enhance your comfort but also contribute to a more restful, rejuvenating night's sleep. Discover the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and style with Rise & Fall, and transform your sleep.