How To Choose the Best Bedding Fabric for You From Different Bedding Fabric Types
People have used bedding for thousands of years, and over that time, the types of bedding fabric used have changed. Today, we’re aware of different factors to consider when choosing between different bed sheet fabric types, and what’s best for one person might be less than ideal for another, depending on their location’s climate, whether they have allergies, and the airflow in their home.
Understanding the benefits and characteristics of different bed linen fabric types is the best way to ensure you find the best bedding for your needs. Let’s take a closer look at some popular bedding fabrics, how they differ, and what to consider when shopping for bedding.
Discover sheet sets that deliver comfort and help you get the rest you need.
The Best Bedding Fabric Types for Bed Sheets
Multiple fabric types have been used to make bed sheets over the centuries. Today, popular options include the following:
- Natural fibers
- Bamboo
- Cotton
- Linen
- Silk
- Synthetic fibers
- Microfiber
Flannel and twill can be made from natural fibers, such as cotton or synthetic fibers.
Bamboo
Several benefits of bamboo sheets may prompt you to put bamboo sheets at the top of your list. The benefits include the following:
- Breathability
- Durability
- Eco-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
Bamboo may be the perfect choice if you are willing to spend a bit more for an environmentally-friendly fabric that promotes skin health and lasts.
You can clean bamboo sheets in your washing machine and air or tumble-dry them, so they’re easy to care for.
Shop for luxurious bamboo sheets today at Southshore Fine Linens.
Cotton
Most people have slept on cotton sheets at some point because it’s the most common bedding fabric used. Types of cotton bed sheets include the following:
- Egyptian
- Organic
- Pima
- Regular
- Supima
Supima, Pima, and Egyptian cotton are among the types of cotton with long staple fibers that are considered the highest quality cotton sheets available.
The weave pattern affects airflow and breathability. Types of weave patterns used with cotton sheets include percale and sateen.
Cotton sheets offer several benefits, including the following:
- Affordability: Affordable cotton sheets are available.
- Breathability: Breathable fabrics allow good airflow. Breathability is essential for moisture wicking, which means moisture is pulled away from your body through the sheet.
- Durability: Cotton is a durable and long-lasting material. Consequently, you’ll save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace your sheets frequently.
- Moisture-wicking: Sheets with moisture-wicking properties allow sweat to pass through the sheet and evaporate. Moisture-wicking prevents you from overheating and getting sticky and uncomfortable while you’re sleeping.
Southshore Fine Linens cotton sateen sheets deliver luxury at an affordable price. Our cotton sheets are also convenient. They’re machine washable and safe to put in your dryer, so you can easily care for them when you do laundry.
Flannel
Flannel sheets do a better job of trapping air and holding heat in. Since they're designed for warmth, flannel may be an ideal option if you live in a cold climate or have cold winters; however, you may overheat if you use flannel in a warmer climate.
Since flannel can be made from natural or synthetic fibers, you'll need to consider the type of fiber used to understand the pros and cons. Fabrics made from synthetic fibers are treated with harsh chemicals, which can harm sensitive skin.
Flannel is prone to pilling. This means small pill-shaped bundles of fabric form on the surface. You can help prevent pilling by washing flannel sheets separately, using cold water, washing on a gentle cycle, and rinsing the sheets twice. Since they require extra care, some people prefer cotton sheets to flannel.
Linen
Linen sheets offer multiple benefits, including the following:
- Breathability
- Durability
- Environmentally-friendly
- Hypoallergenic properties
- Softness
Linen sheets get softer the more you use them, increasing your comfort while you sleep. They tend to last longer but typically cost more than cotton sheets. You can machine wash linen sheets; although you can tumble dry them on low, air drying is the best option.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a synthetic material. Consequently, whether made from polyester or nylon, it may be made with harsh chemicals and is not hypoallergenic. Microfiber sheets are durable and breathable. They’re also very light, which has pros and cons. Light sheets are easy to use when making beds and are perfect for a warm summer night. However, light sheets can also bunch up easily, particularly if you toss and turn while you sleep.
Microfiber sheets are smooth, affordable, and wrinkle-resistant. You can also wash microfiber sheets in your washing machine.
Silk
Silk sheets are breathable, so they’ll help keep you cool at night. They’re also hypoallergenic, making silk an excellent material for people with acne or allergies.
Silk has contentious origins, and the production method used to make silk may be why you choose a different fabric. Another reason to consider a different fabric is price. Silk is one of the more expensive fabric options. You may not consider silk bed sheets since you can enjoy the same breathability, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic benefits as cotton or bamboo.
Comparing Bed Sheet Fabrics
One way to determine which sheet fabrics to choose is to identify important considerations for your needs and look for fabrics that effectively meet those needs.
Suppose you’re considering cotton and microfiber sheets. You may consider things like breathability, cost, and allergies when comparing cotton vs. microfiber. Cotton sheets are more breathable, while microfiber sheets can be very affordable. However, the chemicals used to create microfiber sheets can irritate your skin. Cotton sheets, on the other hand, are hypoallergenic.
Suppose you’re comparing cotton to bamboo sheets. Both fabrics are breathable, although cotton performs better when breathability and moisture-wicking properties are considered. However, bamboo is more environmentally-friendly because it grows faster and it takes more water to produce cotton sheets.
Other Things To Consider When Choosing Bed Sheets
In addition to fabric, you should also consider the following when choosing bed sheets:
- Calming colors: Some colors stimulate the mind, and others inspire creativity. The best colors for the bedroom make it easy to rest and relax, so it’s ideal to choose soothing bedroom colors. Blue, gray, green, and tan are among the best bedding colors because they promote being calm.
- Heat absorption: It’s common knowledge that dark colors retain more heat than light colors. Heat absorption is an important consideration if you live in an area with warm temperatures year-round or extreme heat during part of the year. Choosing dark-colored bedding, including sheets, can make it hard to cool down, particularly if you don’t have central air or prefer turning your air conditioning off at night to save on your electric bills.
- Patterns: Eye-catching patterns may be interesting, but they can stimulate the mind the way colors, such as bright yellow and red can. Bold patterns may distract you when you’re trying to rest. Consider softer patterns, such as sweet florals or Aztec dreams, if you want patterned sheets suitable for your sleep space.
- Sustainability: Some sheet fabrics require high water use for production or the use of harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment. Hemp, linen, organic cotton, and bamboo are among the most environmentally-friendly fabrics.
- Thread count: The thread count identifies how many threads a square inch of fabric contains. A higher thread count yields sheets that are more durable and long-lasting. However, sheets with a lower thread count are more breathable. These are essential factors when choosing sheets for different seasons and climates. Someone living in a cooler climate may prefer the benefits of a higher thread count. In comparison, someone in a warmer climate may favor sheets with a lower thread count.
Choosing Sheets for the Rest You Need
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your health. Choosing the best features for your sleep space will help you to relax, unwind, and stay comfortable all night, enabling you to get the sleep you need. With the best bedding fabric types, you can create the perfect retreat for the restful sleep you need.
Shop for bamboo, cotton, and microfiber bed sheets today.
Sources:
Egglestone, R. (2024). How Is Silk Made? The Ethical Dilemma of Its Origins.
Kittmer, L. (2018). What Colors Absorb More Heat?
Koltuska-Haskin, B. (2023). How Colors Affect Brain Functioning.
Reeve, J. (2024). What Is a Good Thread Count for Sheets?
