Materials
These two varieties of cotton are valued for their long staples, or fibers. Long staples are desirable because they are less likely to pill, hold the structure of the weave better, and overall lead to a softer, more durable sheet. If a fabric is made with short staple cotton, it is common for the staples to start to poke out over time, leading to a decrease in the softness and comfort.

'Sateen is thicker in nature which makes it a great option for the colder months,' says Aja Tilghman, division merchandise manager, Lulu & Georgia. 'Through a more intricate weaving technique, sateen provides both an extra soft feel and has the ability to better trap heat, making sure you stay warm on those chilly nights.'
Thread count refers to the number of threads (both horizontal and vertical) in one square inch of material. Generally speaking, the greater the number, the smoother, more durable the sheet. At one point thread count played a large part in what type of sheets sleepers bought, but it’s becoming more important to focus on the overall quality instead.
Different fabrics and weaves have different characteristics and therefore have a different feel. The best bed linen is made with the highest quality natural materials and woven to the highest standards.
