Get Ready for January White Sales

With Christmas and after-Christmas sales soon ending, we now look forward to replenishing our linen closets as those annual January white sales will soon be starting in stores everywhere.

What are January White Sales?

January White Sales are sales on linens, including towels, sheeting, and blankets. What's more, they include pillows, bathroom accessories, as well as other bedding items, although white sheets remain the most widely sold item.

History of January White Sales

The tradition of January White Sales began in Philadelphia in 1878 when shop merchant John Wanamaker reduced the white linens in his department. However, it wasn't until the late 1950s that prints, as well as colored sheets, were also included in January White Sales.

Tips for Buying Linens

You may be enticed by the word "sale", but you still need to know how to shop for good linens. A few tips include....

*Thread count---Note that the higher the thread count, the higher quality is the sheet. Sheets range in thread count from 80 to 700, with sheets with a higher head count feeling softer, but more expensive. .However, softness is a feature that most consumers look for when buying sheets, with breathable fibers coming in second place. A thread count of 180 to 200 provides good comfort, as well as wears well.

*Soft Sheets---If you prefer soft sheets to crisp ones, then you should look for 100% cotton. However, keep in mind there are several varieties of thread counts, as well as cotton fabrics, which determine a sheet's quality. Generally, though, the higher the thread count, the softer to the touch is the fabric.

*Crisp Sheets---If you'd rather have crisp, cool sheets, cotton blends are best, with cotton/polyester sheets the most favored among customers. Although they're pricier, they're more durable when washed. However, be aware that cotton/poly blended sheets have a thread count of 180 or lower tend to pill easier, and not last as long.

Tips on Buying Towels

*Thick or then? Decide whether you prefer thick or thin towels. Although thick towels are more preferable, they can take up much more room in a linen closet. However, there's a more recent fiber, known as Modal, that although is absorbent, is also more lightweight and takes up less space in your linen closet.

*White towels are preferred--- Although towels come in an assortment of colors and designs, white towels get rid of lint easier and quicker.

*Prefer 100% pure and natural cotton---The most popular towels that are more stain resistant are 100% pure and natural towels, which are soft, as well as highly absorbent. Besides being softer, cotton towels endure longer than synthetic towels.

*Towels for Babies and Small Children---Select unbleached organic cotton towels for babies, as well as young children as they're not only fluffier, but also more absorbent and thicker than bleached towels. Be aware that organic cotton is grown on land free of toxic synthetic pesticides, as well as fertilizers and herbicides. Because they're chemical free, they don't produce static electricity.

Tips for Buying Pillows

*Synthetic pillows---Keep in mind that synthetic (or man-made) pillows bounce rather than sinking under your head. They're also more affordable than pure down pillows.

*Pure down pillows-Although more expensive, pure down pillows are considered more comfortable by many consumers. They keep their shape better are last for a long time.

Finally, if you think you have enough linens and towels, keep in mind that you should replace your sheets, towels and linens regularly. If you don't you risk bed mites taking over your linens and invading your body.