Home / Expert Recommended Best Fabric For Bed Sheets: Definitive Guide

Posted by Live Linen on February 6, 2024

Expert Recommended Best Fabric For Bed Sheets: Definitive Guide

Choosing the best fabric for sheets so that you stay cuddled up in your favourite blanket is not as difficult as it sounds. Read on to learn how you can stay warm and cool for all seasons by picking the most comfortable sheet fabric.

How many times have you woken up in the middle of the night, not because of your dreams but because of your uncomfortable bedsheet? Well, if the number is too high, you need to make a switch to something that gives you a long night of comfort. Being rested properly is a crucial step in ensuring that you embark upon the new day with hope and zeal.

But how do you make the proper pick with so many fabric options available out there? Each sheet comes with its own unique features, so how do you choose? What are the factors that set them apart from each other?

So, without further ado, let us take you through this enlightening journey where you will learn about the different bed sheet fabric types, their pros and cons, as well as their thread count in detail. As a bonus, we will also tell you which is the best sheet fabric for hot sleepers as well as cold ones. So read on!

Understanding the Different Types of Fabric for Sheets

Cotton

Cotton, one of the most widely used fabrics in the whole world, is nothing short of a reigning monarch in this field. Apart from being comfortable and affordable, it offers several benefits.

Type of Cotton Fabric	What is Special About It?
Egyptian Cotton	This fabric is a hallmark of luxury that is primarily known for its softness. It displays super long fibres, which in turn offer softness and breathability. They are durable and mostly used for luxury bedding.
Pima Cotton	A pioneer in foreign artistry, Pima cotton is durable and soft. It is not very different from Egyptian cotton and also has long fibres.
Supima Cotton	Another American cotton, Supima cotton, is mostly an ordinary blend that brings together strength and softness. This, too, has long fibres, which contributes to its soft texture.
Organic Cotton	Nothing beats the refinement of organic products, and Organic cotton is not far behind. Organic cotton is considered by some as the best material for bed sheets as it is made from pesticide-free cotton.

Not just the source and cultivation but even the weave of cotton sheets adds another layer of factor when picking a good bed sheet material.

Percale is a crisp weave that offers a gentle embrace along with a matte finish. If you have felt the most comfortable in your hotel rooms, it was probably a percale weave sheet.
Sateen weave is similar to silk, as it also has a smooth texture and subtle sheen. It is heavier than silk fabric but still, you get to experience regal opulence.
Twill is another cotton weave that uses a diagonal weave pattern. This not only makes your fabric super strong but also helps you get softness along with a textured feel.

Flannel

Don’t you just love the cosy feel of some fabrics that are like cuddling with your pet? Well, if you relate to this, then flannel is the fabric for you.

One of the softest fabrics for sheets, especially the chilly nights, flannel turns your bed into a cosy cuddle. Mostly made from cotton, it has to undergo a special brushing process to raise the fibres that bring you the ultimate soft and fuzzy surface.

Pros

Exceptional Warmth: There is nothing better than Flannel sheets for staying warm in the harsh, cold weather. These sheets have a top-brushed surface, which makes them super soft and the best sheet fabric for winter.
Durable and Long-Lasting: Not just softness, flannel is also a highly durable fabric! Most of you already love flannel sheets because they’re tough. And, if you care for them well, they will continue to keep you warm despite the washes and long usage.

Cons

Potential Overheating: Like all good things have a flip side; even flannel sheets tend to overheat on some days. No one can debate their greatness for the cold weather, but it might get too warm for some of you. Using them for hot days is a big no.
Piling Over: Another issue that all of you who have used flannel will relate to is the gradual piling of the sheets. If you use and wash flannel sheets frequently, the brushed surface makes them prone to pilling. This makes them coarse, as well as visually unappealing.

Linen

When talking about the best fabric for sheets, how can we stay away from the forever love we have for linen?

Linen, a timeless and classic fabric, adds a magical allure to your bedding. Made from the robust flax plant, linen offers you a unique textured weave that screams purity in all forms. The sheets are woven brilliantly to make them both durable and luxurious. One of the best fabrics for bedding, it presents you with a perfect mix of comfort and elegance.

Pros

Breathability: Linen’s loose weave makes it super porous, allowing you to breathe through the sheets. It is one of the best fabrics to sleep in for all seasons. The fibre’s natural texture lets the air circulate freely, keeping you cool on warmer days and warm during chilly nights.
Texture and Aesthetic: Linen presents itself with a textured surface, which adds a subtle rustic appeal to the fabric. If you are looking for refined sophistication, then linen should be your go-to choice for bedding. The natural drape and slight wrinkles create a relaxed vibe that integrates well with a myriad of bedroom styles.
Durability and Longevity: Fabrics deteriorate, but linen lasts. The beauty of linen is that every time you wash it, it becomes softer and softer! And what’s better is that it does not lose its strength on the way. If taken care of, they can last for decades, making them a sustainable choice for both your elegance and the environment.

Cons

Wrinkling: Although the wrinkles of linen enhance its natural charm, they can be a hassle to care for at times. But, once you learn to manage them, they will add to your natural aesthetics.
Initial Stiffness: Like a new pair of shoes, new linen bedsheets also have an initial stiffness. Once you break them in, or in this case, sleep in them and wash them, they get softer every time.

Polyester

Polyester, a petroleum-based synthetic fabric, is stocking up stores more than you know. Athletic clothing, leisure clothing, bedding, whatever you see, has some amount of polyester in them. But is it a wise choice?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is not cultivated from crops. It has a strong, durable nature which makes it a good bed sheet material. Most importantly, it is easy on your pocket, which is great for some people. But what is more important for you – cost-effectiveness or unparalleled comfort? Let’s discuss.

Pros

Affordability: Since polyester is synthetic and produced in large quantities, the overall cost of production is very low compared to other organic fabrics.
Durability: The best part about polyester is that is it strong and durable and doesn’t easily deteriorate with every wash. The fibres are stretch-free and shrinkage-free and, thus, last long.

Cons

Less Natural Feel: Even though polyester sheets might feel soft to you on the surface, they do not have a gentle nature. The softness is a facade, and those of you with sensitive skin might end up waking with slight rashes due to the fabric. You can also forget the ample breathability that you achieve in linen or cotton. After all, nature will always be superior.
Environmental Impact: Petroleum might be a boon in the energy sector, but if it is used to make fabrics, it is not only ruining the environment but also the people who use it. Its production is energy-consuming, and its disposal is an even trickier job. If you use polyester regularly, you will gradually lose out on the finesse of natural fabrics.

Bamboo

A super plant, Bamboo is nothing short of a miracle for the planet. This robust plant can grow in all possible conditions, and be used for everything you can imagine. It is no surprise that its fibres are widely used to make fabrics, especially in bedding. No wonder it is considered the best fabric for cool sheets.

Pros

Eco-Friendly: This highly sustainable resource grows rapidly with minimal water and pesticide, thus protecting the environment you thrive in.
Silky and Soft Texture: If luxury is your thing, bamboo sheets can excel in that. if you are prone to allergies, then these sheets are the best choice as they are resistant to dust mites.
Thermo-Regulating Properties: Bamboo sheets are renowned for their natural thermo-regulating properties. So stay cool in summer and warm in winter by using this best bed sheet fabric for summer.

Cons

Care Sensitivity: The gentle bamboo can sometimes become difficult to care for. Although the plant grows easily, the sheets need regular tending, and you need to follow strict instructions.
Wrinkling: Although bamboo sheets are generally resistant to wrinkles, you can still see some creasing if not kept properly.

Silk

Silk, the queen of fabrics, is often associated with luxury and opulence. This natural fibre is not grown from plants but is a by-product of silkworms. A dream to be draped in the finest silk is what most people want, but is it really worth it? Let us help you decide.

Pros

Smooth and Gentle on Skin: Majorly, silk sheets are known for their ultra-soft and smooth feel. This makes you feel regal and luxurious immediately, as you associate yourself with royalty, who prefer silk for all needs and purposes.
Natural Temperature Regulation: Like any natural fabric, even silk holds the ability to manage your body temperature in all seasons.
Hypoallergenic: Soft and supple, how can this beauty be against your gentle skin? Silk is inherently hypoallergenic, which is great for people with allergies.

Cons

Cost: All good things cost high, and silk tops the chart in this regard. No wonder it was the chosen fabric by royalty and is now just a delicate dream.
Delicate Care Needed: As gently as they are created and woven, the maintenance required is also the same. Silk sheets need gentle treatment to maintain their weave and look ethereal at all times.
Prone to Snagging: You might have seen that your linen or cotton dresses do not snag instantly, but your silk gown does. This is because its delicate weaving makes it easy for it to be pulled and shown on the fabric.

Microfiber

You must have seen a diverse shift in bath and bedding options with the introduction of microfibre fabrics in recent times. These synthetic fibres are even smaller than the smallest cotton, silk or linen fibre, and thus the name. Made from finely woven synthetic fibres, typically polyester or its blends, the fine threads are densely packed. This helps you to experience a smooth and soft fabric.

Pros

Affordability: Budget-friendly pricing, picking these sheets is practical for some of you who want affordable softness.
Soft and Smooth Texture: Since the fibres are woven very tightly, they create a soft and smooth surface. This gives off an almost velvety texture, perfect for you to experience luxury without spending a lot.
Wrinkle Resistance: These super soft sheets do not wrinkle, which makes their maintenance easy for you.

Cons

Durability: Although durable, these sheets cannot be compared to natural fibres. You will see piling and wear signs in a shorter time span, especially with lower-quality microfiber sheets.
Environmental Impact: Again, since it’s a synthetic material, it will do more harm than good to the planet.

Tencel

Tencel, or lyocell, is another natural fabric that is made from wood pulp. The centre of the eucalyptus tree holds enough fibres which led to the creation of this sustainable element. These sheets are celebrated for their silky feel and breathability and are also considered as one of the best types of fabric for bed sheets.

Pros

Sustainability: Sustainable with minimal waste, Tencel production uses a closed-loop system. So the 3Rs – Recycle, Reduce, Reuse play a big role here.
Softness and Comfort: Anything that is so good for the environment has to be good for you as well. Tencel sheets exude a luxurious feel, perfect for a heavenly nighttime experience.
Breathability: Super breathable and airy, this fabric dissipates heat. It’s great for those of you who want a cool fabric to sleep in.

Cons

Cost: Once more, the cost comes in between the benefits of the fabric. The sustainable factor and the quality of the material spike up the price.
Care Sensitivity: These sheets also require some care, although they are mostly durable and lasting.

How Does Thread Count Affect Your Choice of The Best Fabric for Bedding?

Fabric thread count, an important metric in selecting fabrics for different purposes, is simply the value of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. You can measure it by counting the number of threads woven in the horizontal (weft) and the vertical (warp). But you should note that the final word count consists of both the warp and weft and not just one side count.

What is the Best Thread Count for Bedsheets?

Different types of fabrics have different thread counts depending on their texture, their origin, and their weave. Ideally, an average thread count of around 200 – 400 works very well for various purposes. The bedsheets you see in most hotels have a thread count in the same range as well. The best fabric for sheets within this range offers you a uniform balance of comfort, breathability, and longevity.

Is a Higher Thread Count Better?

Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the softer and durable the sheet will be. However, this is not an accurate statement as there are several factors at play. Yes, a high thread count exudes luxury, but a super high thread count is not practical to have either. Beyond a certain point, extremely high thread counts may not enhance your comfort or durability. Hence, thread count alone doesn’t determine the overall quality of sheets. You need to consider factors such as the fibre type, weave, and finishing processes of the fabrics.

Know more about how thread counts affect your decision in choosing the best material for bed sheets.

What Thread Count Should You Ideally Look For?

As discussed, the ideal thread count depends on your personal taste and your surroundings. However, we have detailed a basic structure for you to understand the different thread counts for fabrics:

Ideal Thread Count	Fabrics Associated	Major Features
80 – 200	Linen and Flannel	Super soft, durable, and lightweight. Also, exudes luxury.
200 – 400	Cotton and its weaves, Tencel	Standard range, soft, less durable, but breathable in all seasons.
400 – 600	Silk, Bamboo	Luxurious range, super soft, lightweight, and opulent.
600 and above	Mostly Synthetic Fibres	Available, but they do not necessarily enhance your comfort or provide softness.

How to Choose the Best Fabrics to Sleep In?

If you want to sleep all cosy and carefree, then you need to choose the best fabric for bed sheets. So, we have compiled a quick to help you with your selection:

Understand Your Sleep Temperature

Some of you may prefer to keep your AC at 16 degrees, while the rest of you will shiver all night, even if the fan is full. Understanding your sleeping temperature and your environment is important for you to pick the right fabrics. For warmer climates, pick cooling fabrics like linen and Tencel, but if you are in higher altitudes, you should prefer flannel or silk.

Pick the Ones with Low Maintenance

No one likes to spend extra time caring for their belongings. And similarly, when it comes to bedding, choosing to go practical should be your strategy in this bustling lifestyle. Of course, never compromise on comfort, but find the right balance between care and comfort with different fabrics.

Opt for Wrinkle-Resistant Sheets

A neat and smooth bed doesn’t just look good but also invites you to unwind after a long day. And isn’t it better to elevate your space and make it look more polished with wrinkle-free sheets? When picking your next sheet set, make sure you pick the ones that keep you comfortable at al times, while sleeping and while maintaining them.

Choose Pill-Resistant Fabrics for the Smoothest Sheets

The horrifying visual of a pilled sheet is not only unruly but also uncomfortable. Smooth sheets, on the other hand, help you create an inviting atmosphere and offer a great sensory appeal. Make sure that you pick sheets made from pill-resistant fabrics that ensure you enjoy your sleep over a gentle caress.

Best Sheet Fabric for Summer

Sleeping during summer with air conditioning is a great experience. But do you know what can make it better? A cool and refined touch of the best sheet material for summer. They keep you cool naturally by making sure that your skin breathes and that the sheet circulates air. It also avoids trapping heat and ensures that you sleep comfortably all night long.

Linen, cotton, tencel, and bamboo are some of the best sheet fabrics for summertime.

Best Sheet Fabric for Winters

When winter nights set in, snuggling in blankets that offer warmth and cosiness is the best feeling ever. The best sheet fabrics for winter envelop you in a warm cocoon, just like your grandma’s hug. These fabrics have great insulating properties to keep you snug as the temperatures drop. Moreover, you can opt for sheets with a higher thread count for added insulation during chilly nights.

Flannel, linen, silk and polyester are good options for sheet fabrics to cover up in winter.

Best Sheet Fabric for Hot Sleepers

Fabric	Description
Cotton	Breathable and promotes air circulation. Ideal in hot climates.
Linen	Natural cooling properties that wick away moisture and allow heat to escape.
Tencel	Silky-smooth and moisture-wicking, keeping hot sleepers cool and comfortable.
Bamboo	Breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally temperature-regulating. Ideal for hot sleepers.

Best Sheets for Cold Sleepers

Fabric	Description
Flannel	Soft and warm, perfect for winter nights, it provides extra insulation.
Microfiber	Retains warmth, is soft and cosy, and is suitable for cold sleepers seeking comfort.
Jersey	Knit construction offers warmth and a comfortable, stretchy fit for cold nights.
Sateen Cotton	Smooth texture with a luxurious feel, providing a touch of warmth without overheating.

Conclusion

If you have reached the end, you probably have a fair amount of knowledge on the different types of bed sheet materials available and how they behave in different settings. Each fabric has its own set of nuances and now it’s on you to make your pick.

To conclude, we would like to stress prioritising your personal sense of style and comfort above anything else. Your bedtime experience should be carefree and relaxed, helping you to rejuvenate for the next day. Compromising comfort by making the wrong pick will not only disrupt your peace but also hamper your progress.

Among the plethora of options, choose the most comfortable sheet fabric that cradles you to sleep every night. And, if they exude refined elegance, and align with requiring low maintenance, then that is an added bonus for you!