I’ve been thinking recently about upgrading my life a little bit. I’m a little less pressed for cash than I have been in years past, and while I don’t want to go wild, I do want to improve things a bit in my life. In particular, I’m curious about upgrading my clothes and bedding for both style and comfort. I feel like I own too many old worn-out tee shirts and that my sheets are too scratchy and low-quality.

What I’d like to ask the experts is this: what’s the best way to get a high-impact result from a little extra spending on these sorts of items?

A lot goes into the look and comfort of your bedding and clothing. But perhaps the largest single factor, experts say, is the type of material being used.

The pros at Leibona know materials well – products from Sofia Cashmere and other luxury brands are available on their site – and they point to fabrics and materials as one major part of the luxury experience that lower quality products just can’t fake. Imitators can steal designs or emulate styles, but when it comes to materials, the proof is in how it feels. You’ll notice the upgrade at every-level, whether you’re swapping an old department store shirt for a decent one from a fast-fashion chain or swapping that second shirt for an even nicer one from a high-end specialty designer.

How much you want to spend is up to you, of course, but the best way to get bang for your buck when it comes to comfort is to focus on fabrics. Look for high thread counts in sheets, and look for luxurious materials like cashmere and merino wool in clothing and other products. Don’t be afraid to shop in person and touch the fabrics you’re considering – while some fabrics are universally recognized as being high-end, this doesn’t mean that all people feel the same way about all fabrics. To some degree, this is a matter of taste.

Fabric is a popular answer to your question among experts, but it’s worth noting that it’s not the whole story. You’ll want to pay attention to other factors, too. With clothing, fit is key – which is why high-end designers and clothiers recommend securing the services of a tailor, at least for your priciest purchases. You’ll also notice that higher-end stores feature more flattering and comfortable cuts of clothing – though you’ll want to find the right store for you, as we’re not all the same shape!

Simple fabrics in classic colors are always safe, but it’s also worth noting that you’ll want to pay attention to design choices. Here is another high-impact area for spending, and another place where the expertise of true luxury brands matters.

Ultimately, of course, you’ll want to weigh all of these factors and decide which ones matter most to you! You are a unique individual, and when it comes to upgrading your life, only you can decide what the right move is.

“Nature uses only the longest threads to weave her patterns, so that each small piece of her fabric reveals the organization of the entire tapestry.” – Richard P. Feynman