Here I’m taking a look at sheets from Pillow Guy, both the Classic Cool and Crisp Set and the Luxe Soft and Smooth Set.
I’m going to show you what they’re both made of, how they feel, and which sleepers might be compatible with which one.
Table of Contents
First Impressions
I’ve got both Pillow Guy’s sheet sets on the bed right now. I did a little mix and matching so that we can get the sense of both of them at the same time.
I’m testing the Classic Cool and Crisp as the fitted sheet and two pillow cases. Then I’ve got the Luxe Soft and Smooth, which I think should be renamed to Silky and Smooth, because it’s so silky. It’s luxuriously silky, and it’s got a very lustrous sheen.
If you’re someone who prefers that silky hand-feel and a lustrous sheen to your bed sheets, this one is probably going to be the right pick for you.
Meanwhile, the Crisp and Cool sheets set is definitely living up to its name. It’s got that freshly-ironed, button-down shirt kind of feel.
Super crisp but also it’s feeling light and breathable, which is giving me the good signs that it’s going to help me sleep cool.
Materials
Now that we’ve taken a first look, let’s go ahead and dive deeper into what each sheet set is made of.
First, let’s talk about what the Cool and Crisp sheet set is made of.
First of all, its 100-percent long staple cotton, which gives you great durability.
The general rule of thumb when you are shopping for cotton bedding is the longer the fiber – also known as staple – the more soft and durable the finished product will be.
It features a 400-thread count and a percale weave.
When it comes to thread count, there is a misconception that you need a super high thread count of 800 or a thousand in order to enjoy a nice soft set of sheets, but that’s just not the case. In fact, a 400-thread count is actually considered to be luxuriously soft.
I would definitely say these sheets are no exception.
As far as what percale means, when you’re on the hunt for cotton bedding, you’ll notice that you’re frequently posed with two options – percale and sateen. These terms refer to the weave style used to make the bedding.
In this case, we’re dealing with the percale weave, which gives you that crisp, cool, classic cotton feel that often feels like a freshly-ironed, button-down dress shirt.
Compared to a sateen weave, percale does have a reputation for being more breathable, better for hot sleepers or hot weather. I’m definitely feeling that to be the case with this sheet set. When I was bellowing it over the mattress, I feel a lot of air flowing through the fabric. I’m getting a good sense that it’s going to help keep me cool.
When it comes to the Luxe Soft and Smooth sheet set, it’s made from 100-percent TENCEL and features a sateen weave.
With a sateen weave, you’re getting this silky, smooth hand-feel and a lustrous sheen. It’s important to remember that with sateen, usually you’re going to get that shiny, silky-looking feel.
With percale, you’re going to get a matte appearance and more of a crisp feel.
These are definitely some of the silkiest and shiniest sateen sheets I’ve ever tested. Again, if you’re into that lustrous look, these are probably going to be right up your alley.
We know it’s silky and smooth, but what is TENCEL?
TENCEL is actually the trademark name for lyocell, which is a sustainably sourced material made from dissolving wood pulp. In this case, the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees.
Eco-friendly sleepers, this might be a particularly good pick for you.
Not only is this a sustainable sourced material, but the whole TENCEL production process is environmentally friendly.
Another thing that’s great about TENCEL is lyocell fibers are famous for being super durable, naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, moisture wicking.
For all of these perks, TENCEL is often blended with cotton, so you’re boosting that durability and bringing those nice hypoallergenic properties to the table as well.
Because these sheets are made from 100-percent TENCEL, you get to enjoy TENCEL in all of its glory.
What You Get?
Now, we know what both of these sheet sets are made of, but what comes with each set?
The Crisp and Cool set is a four-piece set that comes with one top sheet, two pillow case that feature envelop closures, and one fitted sheet capable of accommodating mattresses up to 16-inches deep, so nice deep pockets.
Then the Soft and Smooth Luxe sheet set is a six-piece set that comes with everything that the Crisp and Cool set comes with, plus two additional pillowcases.
Pros
Let’s go ahead and recap the highlights and potential pitfalls of each sheet set, so you know which one is best for you.
There’s a lot that I’m liking about both of these sheet sets, but to be completely honest with you, I do prefer the TENCEL.
Why?
First of all, it’s got this gorgeous lustrous sheen that I personally find to be irresistible, a luxuriously silky-smooth hand-feel.
At the end of the day, bedding is really about your preference.
Not to mention, it’s made from 100-percent TENCEL, which is a very eco-friendly material but also comes with all these wonderful perks.
It’s very absorbent. It’s hypoallergenic, antimicrobial. It’s working extra hard to keep those allergens at bay.
Meanwhile, the percale sheet set is also nice. It’s very breathable. Between the two, it is going to be a better pick for those of you who run hot. It’s also very crisp and offers that classic crisp, cotton feel.
Again, if you know that you’re more into a matte appearance with a crisp hand-feel, definitely go with the percale.
Regardless of which set you choose, they’re both very durable.
You’ve got the long-staple cotton, which is bringing great durability to the game. Also, TENCEL lyocell fibers are known for their durability. Either set is built to last.
Additionally, each set comes with pretty easy wash care. All you got to do is throw it in a cool, gentle cycle with mild detergent, tumble dry on low heat, and that’s it.
It does make wash care pretty easy for both sets.
Another thing that I like about this brand is that both sheet sets come with a 30-day sleep-free guarantee, which basically means you have 30 full nights to get the sense of whether or not these sheets are the right fit for you.
If throughout the course of that 30 days you decide that you’re not satisfied, you can just send them on back and you’ll be fully refunded.
Cons
Of course, there are a few things to think about before you make your purchase.
First of all, price. While it is true that long-staple cotton and TENCEL do often tend to come at higher price points because of superior durability, these sheets are actually more expensive compared to others that I’ve tested in their category.
We got the percale set ranging for about $200 to $250 and the TENCEL sheet set ranging from $300 to $350.
Frankly, that’s just not going to be in everyone’s price range.
Of course, you do have that nice 30-day trial period, so test them out. You might just decide that they’re worth the dough.
Something to think about the sateen sheet set. While TENCEL does bring these great moisture-wicking properties to the table, a sateen weave does tend to produce a thicker sheet that lies heavier on the body and is usually less breathable as compared to percale.
I’m definitely finding that to be the case with these sheets.
The sateen sheet set, while it is very silky smooth, is definitely going to be better for folks trying to keep warm or better for cooler weather as it does lie heavier on the body and does not produce as much air flow.
When it comes to the Crisp and Cool percale sheet set on the other hand, it does wrinkle very easily.
This is not unique to this particular sheet set as a percale weave does have a reputation for just wrinkling easily.
Luckily, it is machine wash and dryable. If I were you, I would pull them out of the dry cycle as soon as the cycle is finished. Stretch it out over your mattress. That should serve to keep the wrinkles at bay. However, if you can’t stand a single wrinkle, you can iron on a low heat.
Alex P. Davis has a BA in Interior Design from The New York School of Interior Design and 10 years of experience expertly designing sophisticated interiors.