My favorite sheets are from Cologne & Cotton in the UK. I first bought them about 15 years ago, and they're still going strong. I prefer their percale (they've only recently started selling sateen - the young like it). It'd Portuguese percale - the kind that gets silkier and silkier over time. It irons like a dream - even on the first washing (many brands seem to have a coating that sets wrinkles). Yes, they DO need to be ironed. My DD only irons the top hem of her C&C sateen sheets and they look lovely.
I love the drawn thread embroidery at the top of the pattern I buy. But most of all, I love the SIZE. In the UK, sheets are wider and much longer than the same size in the US. C&C sheets have a 24" turn back at the top, which means if one likes to pull the covers up over ones ears, it will not come untucked at the bottom. It's wide enough for two big people who are side sleepers to still be covered - no more tug of war with the covers at night!
I wait until they are on sale and that helps cover the shipping costs. I'm going to London in April and will bring back more to avoid shipping. They're simply the best.
BTW, they are NOT expensive! No, not as cheap as Target, but no where near the price of Sferra or Porthault or Pratesi. They're quite affordable. And the pillow cases are all french back at no extra cost!
Q