Nothing beats slipping into a freshly made bed after dealing with a long day. But to get that calm, relaxed feeling, your bed needs to be as comfortable as you can make it. The right set of sheets can make the difference between a restful night’s sleep and an uncomfortable one. Learn all about different sheet materials to find a set that is best for you.
Classic and comfortable, cotton has been a popular choice for bedding since the 19th century. It’s practicality and beneficial features make it a natural choice for a good night’s sleep. But not all cotton is the same.
Most cotton sheets just labeled “cotton” are made from the American upland plant, the most widely produced form of cotton. A natural fiber, cotton is a comfortable, naturally hypoallergenic fabric that is lightweight, soft, and breathable, making it a great all-year fabric.
Cotton takes a lot of land and water to produce, and it is prone to shrinking. Because it is absorbent, cotton tends to retain moisture rather than wicking it away. Cotton is also not a colorfast fabric, so it may fade more quickly. That being said, it is comfortable, stands up well to washing, and because it is a natural fiber, it is fully biodegradable.
Organic cotton sheets differ from regular cotton in a few ways. First, it is non-GMO, and it is grown and harvested without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and processed without harsh chemicals.
However, genuine and certified organic cotton can be difficult to come by. It is usually more expensive than regular cotton and may have a rougher texture due to the way it is harvested. But organic cotton also tends to use less water and have less of an environmental impact.
Egyptian cotton is considered one of the most luxurious fabrics available. Unlike regular cotton, Egyptian cotton is made from the Gossypium barbadense plant grown exclusively in Egypt. Egyptian cotton features a “long-staple” fiber. These extra-long fibers can be spun into finer, stronger threads than regular cotton, and can be woven more tightly. This results in a softer and more durable fabric that won’t fray or pill. In fact, Egyptian cotton sheets can last for over a decade with proper care. When choosing Egyptian cotton sheets, be aware that the higher the thread count, the tighter the weave, and the more luxurious the sheets.
Egyptian cotton is more expensive than other fabrics, it wrinkles more easily, and has more finicky care instructions than other fabrics (many Egyptian cotton sheets need to be air dried). Nonetheless, the durability and softness of Egyptian cotton mean that it lives up to its reputation for luxury.
Prized for its comfort and durability, Pima cotton is a long-staple cotton (also the Gossypium barbadense plant) grown primarily in the United States and Peru. Much like Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton features long fibers that are ideal for creating fine thread that doesn’t pill or fray. Pima cotton sheets are also more resistant to heat during washing, making them more durable than other kinds of cotton. The thread count for Pima cotton indicates the quality and luxury of the fabric, so the higher the thread count the better.
Pima cotton is sometimes referred to as Supima cotton. Supima cotton is a registered trademark for Pima cotton that meets strict standards, including confirmation that all Pima cotton used it pure and grown exclusively in the United States with a verified supply chain.
Pima cotton is also pricey, and not quite as smooth as Egyptian cotton, but its durability and comfort generally prove it is well worth the price.
Many fabrics are hard to place into one category as they are either blended with other fabrics or defined by weave rather than material. These fabrics can be comfortable, versatile, and a huge benefit to your bedtime routine.
In general, flannel can be made from wool, cotton, or polyester. However, most flannel bed sheets are made from cotton. This fabric is characterized by its soft feel and insulative properties, meaning you stay warm and cozy. Flannel is typically brushed on one or both sides to raise fine fibers that trap air for warmth and give the fabric its extra soft feel. The quality of flannel is determined by the GSM (grams per square meter) rather than by thread count. The heavier the fabric, the better.
Flannel is not as durable as other cottons, and it is far more susceptible to issues with lint. Flannel is also not a good choice for those who sleep hot as it is designed to trap heat. But it’s softness and warmth make flannel sheets an ideal choice for colder areas and seasons.
Cotton blend sheets are woven with a combination of cotton and a secondary material, commonly polyester or another synthetic fiber. Blending materials allows you to receive many of the benefits of both cotton and the synthetic fiber while cutting down on cost. For instance, while cotton is lightweight and breathable, it is not as colorfast or wrinkle resistant as synthetic fabrics. Polyester is durable and wrinkle-resistant, but it is also much rougher than cotton. Blending the two allows for a sheet that is easier to maintain than cotton, but softer and more breathable than polyester.
Cotton blend fabric is comfortable, however it will never be as soft or breathable as pure cotton. Blended cotton sheets may also pill and stain more easily. Keep in mind that the ratio of cotton to polyester (or other fiber) can also play a big role in how comfortable the sheets are. The affordability and crisp feel of cotton blend sheets can make them a practical choice for your home.
Known for its softness and stretch, jersey knit is a soft, cozy fabric. Originally made from wool, modern jersey knit is usually made from cotton or a cotton blend fabric, though it can be made entirely from synthetic fibers. Rather than woven, Jersey is a knitted fabric. This construction provides the material with considerable stretch. The single knit fabric is smooth on one side and more textured on the other for a comfortable feel similar to a cozy t-shirt. Besides being soft, jersey knit sheets are wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for.
Jersey knit sheets can shrink or stretch out, depending on care. They also don’t offer the durability of other sheets. But the softness, comfort, and warmth of Jersey knit make them a wonderful choice, especially for colder months.
Satin refers to the specific weave rather than a particular fabric. Originally satin was made from silk, but most modern satin is made from polyester or cotton, or a blend of materials including silk. The weaving technique used to produce satin features a different ratio of vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) yarns than other fabrics, with more warp yarns floating over a single weft before being woven in. This creates a fabric with a shiny top and a matte back. The smooth surface and beautiful drape of satin sheets creates a luxurious experience. The weave of satin means that it is easy to snag and, because it is so slippery, it can be more difficult to keep your bed looking neat. It can also be a slip hazard if you like to wear silky pajamas. Genuine silk satin is also difficult to care for and can be prohibitively expensive. However, satin is exceptionally good for hair as it reduces fizziness, it’s extra durable, and because it’s not naturally insulative, it’s a great option for those who sleep hot but still like to be covered.
Cotton isn’t the only natural fiber available for bedding. Other natural bedding predates cotton by several centuries, but it still offers timeless luxury.
Similar to cotton, linen is a natural fiber produced from plants. Linen is woven from the stems of the flax plant and has been in use for centuries. Flax produces a fabric with a rich texture that, though not as soft or as smooth as cotton, still provides a luxurious experience, especially as it softens with time and washing.
The structural integrity of flax allows for an extremely durable fabric with a much looser weave, meaning that linen quality is usually determined by GSM rather than thread count. This loose weave allows for better breathability, making it a perfect choice for those who sleep hot. Its high absorbency and moisture wicking properties are also great for those who like to be cooler while they sleep.
Linen sheets are usually very expensive because they are both high quality and difficult to produce. Like cotton, linen can shrink in the wash, so it is important to follow all care instructions. Linen also wrinkles very easily which can be a challenge for those who prefer their bedding to look crisp. Though many feel that the naturally wrinkled texture gives an effortlessly elegant, lived in look to their bedding. The comfort, style, and durability of linen generally means it is worth the investment in price.
Silk is an ancient material that is produced by boiling and unraveling the fibers that make up the cocoons of silkworms. After being unwound, these fibers are then twisted into silk thread. Silk is extraordinarily strong, sumptuously soft, and moisture wicking for more comfortable sleep. Silk sheets are also great for hair as the smooth feel prevents frizz and snags. The protein found in silk helps to retain the natural moisture of hair and skin, keeping it hydrated.
Silk is the most expensive option for sheets, and the production of silk usually means that the silkworms are destroyed in the process, so it is not a vegan or vegetarian-friendly product. There are some varieties of silk such as Ahimsa and Balkal silk that do not kill the worm, but they are more rare and more expensive. That being said, silk has wrinkle-resistance, an opulent feel, and hypoallergenic properties that make it a great option for those who love lush texture, and for those who are prone to allergies.
Sheets made from synthetic fibers have long been an affordable alternative to those made from natural products. Synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon are all petroleum-based fibers that provide extremely durable and lightweight sheets that are available in a variety of textures and styles.
Though genuine fleece comes from sheep, most fleece sheets are made from synthetic fibers. Fleece is warm and lightweight, with a soft surface that has been napped to create a wooly texture. Fleece sheets are often made of microfleece, which has a finer texture and a slightly more breathable construction. The synthetic fibers are fantastic at trapping heat and provide moisture wicking properties.
Fleece is not very breathable, making it too warm for many people during the summer months. It also has a tendency to pill and to accumulate static electricity. But it’s softness, warmth, and quick-drying properties are all selling points for those who like plush comfort.
Microfiber is usually produced from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, but is sometimes made from processed wood pulp. Microfiber is wonderfully soft and easy to care for as it is wrinkle resistant and stands up well to washing. Like other synthetic fabrics, microfiber quality is measured by GSM. Microfiber can be brushed for an almost velvety texture or remain unbrushed for a smooth feel. These sheets feel thin, but they are surprisingly warm and strong.
Microfiber sheets can be staticky and tend to absorb scalp and skin oils that create stains. They also often last only a few years, while some other materials like linen or long-staple cotton can last for decades. However, microfiber is light, soft, and extremely affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Microplush is a knit fabric made from extremely soft, extra-long, and super fine polyester or acrylic fibers. The fibers are knit or woven to create a plush fabric with a velvet-like feel. Microplush retains heat well, making it ideal for when you are sleeping in cold climates. It is also colorfast, stain resistant, and machine washable.
Microplush sheets can shed, stretch, and be overly heavy. But the extra soft texture provides an extremely cozy feeling that will wrap you in luxury.
Semi-synthetic fabrics, also known as viscose, were originally invented as an alternative to silk. Semi-synthetics use natural materials that have been treated and broken down with enzymes or other chemicals and reshaped to form a new fabric. Though all semi-synthetics use a similar process, slight variations in process and materials create different results.
Rayon from bamboo is made from bamboo cellulose that has been broken down with chemicals and then extruded and spun into smooth, soft fibers. These fibers are then woven into a comfortable fabric that is smooth, soft, and pill-resistant.
Rayon from bamboo sheets can be expensive, and though bamboo is a sustainable material, the chemical processes used to produce the rayon can have a harmful environmental impact if not handled correctly. However, rayon from bamboo is moisture wicking, antibacterial, and breathable, making it a fantastic choice for those who suffer from allergies and those who sleep hot.
Lyocell, sometimes known by the brand name Tencel, is made from wood cellulose, usually sustainable eucalyptus, that has been broken down by chemicals, extruded, and then spun into fibers. However, lyocell uses a closed loop manufacturing process that uses non-toxic solvents that are almost entirely reused instead of being disposed of, so it has less of an environmental impact during production. This creates a biodegradable material that is moisture wicking, antibacterial, and incredibly soft and smooth.
Tencel sheets can be very expensive, it can shrink and be damaged by intense heat, and the dying process can involve harsh chemical treatments not involved during the original production. But the soft, durable fabric is also wrinkle resistant and incredibly comfortable with a wonderfully silky feel.
Modal sheets are made from beechwood, a highly renewable wood that has been treated with chemicals to create a cellulose pulp that is extruded and spun into fibers. Modal is often, but not always, produced using a closed loop process, meaning many of the chemicals are recycled. Modal is a soft, breathable fabric that absorbs a lot of moisture without feeling sweaty or sticky.
Modal can be prohibitively expensive, and the chemical treatment can negatively impact the environment if not handled correctly. It is also prone to wrinkling and is not as durable as other semi-synthetic fabrics. However, modal is also an extremely silky and comfortable fabric that will enhance your sleeping experience.
