With summer arriving in the Southern Hemisphere, now is the time to start thinking about changing your bedroom linen and duvet. Even though the warm summer air can help promote a serene sleep, you need bedding that suits those uncomfortable hot, sticky summer nights. This is why it is important to do some research about the type of fabrics that are available, and choose bedding that will promote a constant body temperature throughout your night's sleep.
To start with, think about choosing a fabric made from natural fibres. Natural fabrics tend to breathe better than synthetic fabrics, let air circulate and wick away moisture, therefore keeping you cooler throughout the night. Examples of natural fabrics include bamboo (rayon), cotton and its' blends, silk, and wool. Of course natural fabrics such as wool and flannel would be too hot for summer as they are too thick and tend to trap body heat.
Bamboo is a fairly new linen on the market, it is a very soft fabric that is naturally anti-bacterial and is three times more moisture absorbent than cotton. Many consumers choose bamboo because of the environmental claims that it needs no pesticides, fertilisers or other chemicals to grow. These claims are debated online however, so buyers should be careful about where they source their bamboo linen from.
If you choose cotton, be aware that the thread count doesn't necessarily represent the quality of the product. While 20 years ago a high thread count meant better quality, these days high thread count linen at low prices are ‘too good to be true'. Fibre quality, yarn size and finishing techniques are more important in determining true quality cotton linen. Long staple cotton fibres are stronger and finer, therefore creating the highest quality cotton. Higher yarn size also means a finer yarn, and after the cotton yarns are woven they need to be finished by singeing and mercerizing to prevent pilling and to make the fabric stronger.
While many people choose cotton as a breathable summer fabric, silk is also a fabric that both breathes and moves moisture away from the skin. Just like cotton and bamboo, silk is a natural fibre and even though it is a lightweight material silk provides you with a night time warmth without the excess weight. Silk also naturally adjusts to your body temperature and actually has temperature regulating properties. Like bamboo, silk is much softer than cotton and because of its smooth, fine surface, silk fibre feels incredibly soft against the skin.
Once you have chosen your fabric type, you can then have fun with your summer colour options. Currently in New Zealand vintage styles are back in vogue, this includes floral and patchwork quilts. Pastels are a great option in warmer months because they look classy at the same time as making a room cool and soothing. Similarly, a nautical theme looks great in summer because of the fresh look it gives a room. And of course you can never go wrong with plain white linen for a beautiful, classic look to your room.
To start with, think about choosing a fabric made from natural fibres. Natural fabrics tend to breathe better than synthetic fabrics, let air circulate and wick away moisture, therefore keeping you cooler throughout the night. Examples of natural fabrics include bamboo (rayon), cotton and its' blends, silk, and wool. Of course natural fabrics such as wool and flannel would be too hot for summer as they are too thick and tend to trap body heat.
Bamboo is a fairly new linen on the market, it is a very soft fabric that is naturally anti-bacterial and is three times more moisture absorbent than cotton. Many consumers choose bamboo because of the environmental claims that it needs no pesticides, fertilisers or other chemicals to grow. These claims are debated online however, so buyers should be careful about where they source their bamboo linen from.
If you choose cotton, be aware that the thread count doesn't necessarily represent the quality of the product. While 20 years ago a high thread count meant better quality, these days high thread count linen at low prices are ‘too good to be true'. Fibre quality, yarn size and finishing techniques are more important in determining true quality cotton linen. Long staple cotton fibres are stronger and finer, therefore creating the highest quality cotton. Higher yarn size also means a finer yarn, and after the cotton yarns are woven they need to be finished by singeing and mercerizing to prevent pilling and to make the fabric stronger.
While many people choose cotton as a breathable summer fabric, silk is also a fabric that both breathes and moves moisture away from the skin. Just like cotton and bamboo, silk is a natural fibre and even though it is a lightweight material silk provides you with a night time warmth without the excess weight. Silk also naturally adjusts to your body temperature and actually has temperature regulating properties. Like bamboo, silk is much softer than cotton and because of its smooth, fine surface, silk fibre feels incredibly soft against the skin.
Once you have chosen your fabric type, you can then have fun with your summer colour options. Currently in New Zealand vintage styles are back in vogue, this includes floral and patchwork quilts. Pastels are a great option in warmer months because they look classy at the same time as making a room cool and soothing. Similarly, a nautical theme looks great in summer because of the fresh look it gives a room. And of course you can never go wrong with plain white linen for a beautiful, classic look to your room.
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