Wrinkle free sheets remain smooth after washing and drying. This type of sheet doesn't require any ironing to achieve that nice crisp and smooth look. The sheets are available in several types of fibers, some with natural properties that prevent wrinkles.
The Look of Crisp, Smooth Sheets
If you've ever marveled at the sharp bed sheets in a hotel, you may have been tempted to explore the manufacturer so you could enjoy the same soft, wrinkle free look at home. Hotel sheets are typically 100% cotton and untreated (chemically) for wrinkles, although some hotels do iron them out. A bed made with these crisp, smooth sheets is far more inviting psychologically and physically than sheets that are wrinkled.
Sheet Fibers and Wrinkles
The fibers in a wrinkled sheet are no longer straight and smooth. A bed made with wrinkled sheets will be very uncomfortable when compared to the softness and smoothness of a hotel bed. Instead of being soft, the fibers of a wrinkled sheet have become kinked, bent and crooked from the wash and then the dryer. That wrinkling creates a rougher feel and is less conducive to a restful sleep.
The Joy of Wrinkle Free Sheets
Chances are you don't iron sheets the way your great-grandmother might have or use a laundry service that irons and folds sheets like your favorite hotel. Yet, sleeping on crisp sheets is one of the small pleasures in life that most people enjoy and want. The advent of wrinkle free or, more recently, wrinkle-resistant sheets combines that desire with modern manufacturing processes to give you several options.
Wrinkle Free Fabric Choices
According to C&EN (Chemical & Engineering News) the first formula for wrinkle-free cotton was created in the early 1900s, but it wasn't until the 1970s that wrinkle free sheets first appeared on the market. However, those formulas were too strong and weakened the cotton fibers. Over the next decades technology advanced and the different methods and formulas improved.
Cotton Sheets and Wrinkle Free Chemicals
If you purchase wrinkle free cotton sheets, the fabric has been treated so the cotton fibers are locked and won't bend or misshapen during washing and drying cycles. A low urea-formaldehyde formulation is one method used to bond the cotton fibers so they return to their pre-washed smoothness. In response to consumer concerns about sleeping on chemically treated sheets, the textile industry has reduced the amount of formaldehyde and other chemicals used in these sheets.
A few newer methods are under patent review that could potentially produce chemical free or less harmful chemically treated sheets. There are several processes that are free of chemicals but still offer wrinkle resistant sheets. There are also some wrinkle resistant sheet sets that are certified not to contain any harmful chemicals, such as the certified sheet sets offered by Cuddledown. Check labels and website descriptions and disclaimers prior to deciding on a set of sheets.
Polyester and Other Options
The introduction of polyester that has non-wrinkle properties was embraced by the textile industry since many consumers didn't wish to have formaldehyde against their skin. Many shoppers simply choose a different fabric or blended fabric for their sheets instead of opting for the treated cotton. A sateen finish to a cotton fabric can be manufactured with a wrinkle resistant finish that doesn't contain harmful chemicals. There are several fiber blends used for sheet fabrics that offer you a wide range of choices.
Maintaining Sheets for Optimum Use
There are a few things you can do to ensure your sheets serve you the way they were intended.
- Launder sheets every one to two weeks. This will keep your sheets fresh and free of dust mites and skin cells.
- The more often you wash sheets, the more relaxed the fibers become. This will soften sheets and reduce wrinkling.
- Purchase more than one set of sheets so you can change them out more often and reduce the wear of a single set of sheets.
- Avoid high heat settings on washer and dryer.
- Remove sheets immediately from dryer to reduce wrinkles.
Shopping for Wrinkle Free Sheets
Determine what type of fabric you want for your set of sheets. When shopping, be sure to check the package so you fully understand what each set contains and the fabric content.
Royal Velvet® 500tc Wrinkle-Free Solid Sheet Set
This luxurious damask sheet set can be found at JCPenney. The 500 thread-count sheet set is advertised as cotton. However, one customer comments that the fitted sheet contains 4% spandex in the FLEXFIT® stretch panels. The spandex is credited with keeping the sheet snuggly in place.
- Sheets have a wrinkle-free finish.
- The sheet set fits up to a 17" deep mattress.
- Sheets are washable.
Other features included in this set:
- Sheet set: The set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases (standard size for full and queen and king size for king and California king set).
- Sizes: This set is available in full, queen, king and California king sizes.
- Colors: There are five colors offered, including cool white, ivory, palmetto red, authentic khaki,and blue spruce.
- Customer reviews: JCPenney customers are pleased with their purchases, reporting that the sheets are strong yet soft. Some state that the sheets "aren't quite wrinkle free" or "have very little wrinkling". Several customers ordered additional sets.
- Shipping: Free to ship to home or store.
- Price: Around $120 - $170 retail ($70 - $100 sale)
Sweet Home Collection 1500 Supreme Collection Extra Soft
Amazon sells a Sweet Home Collection sheet set that is made from 100% double brushed (for softness) microfiber.
- Pillowcases are embroidered.
- Deep pocket fitted sheet fits up to a 16" mattress.
- No ironing is needed and they are hypoallergenic.
- Machine wash and dry.
Other features included in this set:
- Sheet set: The twin and twin XL sheet set contains one flat, one fitted and one standard pillowcase. The other sets include one flat, one fitted and two pillowcases. The full and queen have a standard size pillow case while the king and California king have king size.
- Sizes: Available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king sizes.
- Colors: Over 40 different solid or stripe colors are offered.
- Customer reviews: Amazon customers are pleased with the sheet sets. Some commented that the sheet were soft and cozy, "not full of wrinkles" and several customers were so pleased that they ordered additional sets.
- Shipping: Prime membership includes free shipping.
- Price: Around $20 to $25 Prime
Walmart's Best Selling Split King Sheet Set
Walmart's best selling wrinkle free sheet set for a split king size bed is the five-piece Elegant Comfort ® 1500 Thread Count Egyptian Quality Super Soft Wrinkle Free sheets. The sheets are advertised as being thick and soft. The packaging and description is a little misleading if you don't read carefully. The fabric is actually a microfiber that has the feel and appearance of a 1500 thread count Egyptian quality sheet.
The set includes:
- Deep pocket fitted sheet fits up to 16" mattresses.
- 1500-thread count microfiber
- Micro-ventilated weave is designed to repel sweat and stains.
- The cotton is breathable and hypoallergenic.
- Machine wash and tumble dry for easy care.
Other features included in this set:
- Sheet set: This five-piece set includes one flat sheet (108" x 102"), two fitted sheets (39" x 80" each), and two king pillowcases.
- Sizes: This set is available for a split king bed only at Walmart, but you can pick up other sizes from twin to king, at Amazon.
- Colors: Navy at Walmart and multiple colors through Amazon.
- Customer reviews: Walmart doesn't feature any customer reviews for this sheet set, but Amazon customers who also purchased the set are overall pleased. Some customers misread the title that seems to have since been changed on Amazon to eliminate the Egyptian Quality found on Walmart's listing. Customers state the sheets are very soft and wrinkle free.
- Shipping: Free shipping is to a home only.
- Price: Around $30
Cuddledown Scroll Jacquard Sateen
Cuddledown offers an elegant wrinkle free Scroll Jacquard Sateen sheet set. The Jacquard sateen is made from a 400-thread count long staple 100% combed cotton fabric. The sheets are wrinkle and shrinkage resistant. The finishing touches of a satin stitch can be found on the flat sheets and pillow cases.
- Fitted sheets fit up to 16" deep mattresses.
- Oeko-Tex® certified to be free of all harmful chemicals and healthy for use.
- Machine wash and tumble dry.
- Monogramming for flat sheets and pillowcases is available at an extra cost.
Other features included in this set:
- Sheet set: The set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases (standard size for twin, full and queen) (King size for king).
- Sizes: This set is available in twin, full, queen and king.
- Colors: Available in 10 colors like beachrose, brandy, harbor, ivory, lake, navy, terracotta, waterlily, white, and wisteria.
- Customer reviews: Cuddledown customers are thrilled with their purchases. Some customers have multiple sets and say, "We have five sets of these sheets" and "I now have nine sets of these sheets in all different colors." Customers state the sheets have "no wrinkles", "washes well", and have "generous sizing".
- Shipping: The standard rate is less than $40.
- Price: Around $210 to $270
Zen Bamboo Luxury Bed Sheet Sets
Amazon features an eco-friendly Zen Bamboo Luxury Bed Sheet four-piece set that is a blend of fibers. The wrinkle resistant finish makes this a highly prized choice for customers.
- Fabric is hypoallergenic
- Finished to be wrinkle resistant.
- The fabric is a bamboo and microfiber blend.
Other features included in this set:
- Sheet set: The set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases (standard size for full and queen with king size for king and California king set).
- Sizes: This set is available in twin, full, queen, king, and California king.
- Colors: Multiple colors, from burgundy to sky blue to olive
- Customer reviews: Overall, Amazon customers are pleased with the sheet set. Some complained about the fabric pilling after a few weeks of use; however, most customers are enjoying set. Comments include "soft and cool to the touch", "great value for the money and several purchased additional sets." The Sleepy Deep review states, "no matter how many times you wash them, they will still be soft, wrinkle free, and dust mite free."
- Shipping: Prime members get free shipping.
- Price: Around $28 to $30 Prime
Jersey Knit Bedding Collection
The Company Store features the Jersey Knit Bedding sheet set that is made from 100% cotton jersey fabric. The collection includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcases, duvet cover, and sham, each sold separately so you can create your own set with the number of pieces you need.
- Fitted sheet fits up to 14" deep mattress.
- Sheet fabric is soft like a t-shirt.
- Sheets are stretchable and breathable while being wrinkle-resistant.
Other features included in this set:
- Sizes: This set is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen and king.
- Colors: Available in 18 different solid colors.
- Customer reviews: The Company Store customers are very pleased with the quality and colors. Customers comment there is no piling or shedding and that the sheets are "practically wrinkle free".
- Shipping: Shipping based on order amount starting around $6 up to $23. Order over $400 incur an 8% shipping charge.
- Price: Around $40 to $70 and duvet around $90 to $150.
Houzz Polyester and Cotton Blend Sheet Set
Houzz features a 650TC Wrinkle-Free sheet set in a sateen weave highlighted by a wrinkle free finish. By adding polyester to the cotton blend, wrinkles are not a problem for taking sheets directly out of the dryer and onto the bed.
- The fabric blend consists of 70% cotton fibers and 30% polyester.
- Fitted sheets fit up to an 18" deep mattress.
- Flat sheets and pillowcases feature 4" of hemming and piping.
- Machine wash and dry.
Other features included in this set:
- Sheet set: The set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and one pillowcase (twin and twin XL). The full and queen set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases (standard size). Finally, you'll get one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases (king size) for king, king split, California king and California king split bed.
- Sizes: This set is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, king split California king and California king split sizes.
- Colors: Available in eight colors: gold, gray, ivory, linen, sage, taupe, white and blue
- Customer reviews: Houzz customers are pleased with their purchases. Many ordered additional sheet sets. Customers report "no wrinkles" and that the sheets are soft and durable.
- Shipping: Free shipping.
- Price: Around $50 to $90 ($200 regular price for all sizes)
Life Without Wrinkled Sheets
It's truly the small things in life that can affect you the most. Wrinkled sheets no only look unkempt, they are harsher against the skin. Choosing the right wrinkle free sheets for your bed can mean the difference of an uncomfortable fitful night or a restive sleep.
