I received a set of these sheets as a gift - they were NOT what I expected or remembered from my LL Bean store visits in the past. The "280 count percale" in the description is composed of threads twisted together, giving the fabric more bulk, crisp structure, and probably making the sheets more durable. However, the twisted thread technique makes them MUCH rougher to the touch. I can only surmise that LL Bean has redesigned the sheets recently, since a reviewer from last summer called them "satiny," which they are NOT manufactured to be, currently!
I do not recommend if you want a classic percale sheet. Of course if you want durability and don't mind a rough fabric, these may be for you.
(I will be returning this set to LL Bean, sadly...)
I normally buy LL Bean flannel sheets and have always been very pleased with the quality. I ordered two sets of Pale Green Pima Percale 280 Thread Count Sheet for my sons last summer when they were on sale, and they were possibly the worst sheets I've ever purchased -- anywhere. They were so thin and slippery they wouldn't stay tucked in, and they wrinkled horribly after washing and drying.
I rarely return anything to LL Bean, but I've actually thought about stuffing these in a box and returning them on principle. I think I'll probably just donate them to charity.
I purchased these sheets because the reviews were wonderful. And I loved them when I first got them... crisp, colorful, etc. But I have washed them several times; the crispness is gone and the pillow cases have shrunk out of shape so that the seams are no longer straight. I am disappointed to say the least, and although I will keep these, I wouldn't purchase them again unless they were on sale at a bargain price.
I wanted some nice, cool, crisp sheets, so I thought I'd give these a try. I'm happy with them, so I decided to buy more today. I bought the moss green color and it looks good with my other bedding.
