For the best night’s sleep, you want bed sheets made out of just the right material so they’re comfy and easy to care for. Read on to learn more about some of the most popular bed sheet materials and find the right one for you.
Bamboo Sheets
What they are:
Most bamboo sheets are actually rayon and are made of a chemically treated material created from bamboo.
Why you’ll like them:
Bamboo sheets are silky smooth and very strong. They’re good at wicking away moisture instead of soaking up sweat, which can lead to discoloration in other fabric types. They are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Things to consider:
Because some bamboo sheets are made using chemicals, they may not be as environmentally friendly compared to other options. Cost can also be a factor with bamboo sheets as they are often more expensive than other materials.
Care information:
Use a gentle detergent, cold water, and low drying temperature, and remove the sheets as soon as the dryer stops to prevent wrinkling. Avoid fabric softener, bleach, and dryer sheets.
Cotton Sheets
What they are:
Cotton is definitely the most popular sheet material, and there are a variety of cotton options.
Types of cotton sheets:
- Egyptian cotton is the most well-known for quality and features extra-long fibers for a soft and smooth feel. Egyptian cotton is generally considered the gold-standard of quality sheets.
- Organic cotton is untreated and woven from cotton raised without pesticides, making it a great choice for people who have chemical sensitivities or allergies.
- Pima cotton’s fibers are medium to extra-long and provide a softness and natural sheen.
- Supima is a trademarked name for materials woven from 100% American Pima cotton.
- Upland cotton is what most 100% cotton sheets are made of if the type of cotton is not specified. It has shorter fibers than Egyptian and Pima cotton, so it may not be as soft, but these sheets will be more affordable.
Why you’ll like them:
Cotton sheets are durable and easy to clean. They provide softness and comfort while also being breathable, long-lasting, and generally affordable.
Things to consider:
Pay attention to the types of cotton listed and the percentages – some sheets may say they are Egyptian cotton but only contain a small amount mixed in with other cotton fibers. Upland cotton sheets may not be as soft, but still deliver comfort and value. Cotton sheets are prone to wrinkle and can take some time to reach their ultimate softness.
Care information:
Use a gentle detergent, cold water, and low drying temperature to help your sheets last for years. Avoid fabric softener and bleach as it may damage the strength of the material.
Flannel Sheets
What they are:
Flannel sheets are made from woven cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. The fibers are often combed for extra softness.
Why you’ll like them:
Flannel sheets are cozy and warm, making them an ideal choice for colder climates and seasons because they trap body heat – plus you can turn the thermostat down a little. Flannel also comes in a wide variety of patterns and price points and doesn’t wrinkle easily.
Things to consider:
Flannel sheets are measured in grams per square meter (GSM) or ounces per square yard, not thread count. A rating of 170 GSM or five ounces will make for a warm, long-lasting sheet.
Care information:
Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Dry sheets on low to keep them soft and reduce pilling.
Linen Sheets
What they are:
Linen sheets are made of a thicker fiber than most cotton sheets, making them strong and durable for years of use.
Why you’ll like them:
Linen is very breathable and also absorbs moisture to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Things to consider:
Linen sheets have a lower thread count than standard sheets, so under 200 thread counts are not abnormal. Shoot for 120 or higher for a quality set. Linen also wrinkles easily and should be air dried to avoid pilling and retain its quality.
Care information:
Pre-wash linen sheets to prevent pilling. Wash in lukewarm or cold water on a gentle cycle using a very mild, natural detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Linen sheets can go in the dryer for short amounts of time, but it’s recommended to hang dry or dry flat to help them last.
Satin Sheets
What they are:
Satin sheets feature a specific type of weave to make it feel smooth and luxurious. Satin sheets can be made from a variety of fabrics including wool, cotton, polyester, silk, or a blend.
Why you’ll like them:
Satin sheets feel silky and cool to the touch, which makes them a good choice for warmer climates and seasons.
Things to consider:
Satin sheets can be expensive, and the style may not match with the rest of your décor, they also may not be as durable as other types of sheets.
Care information:
Follow the care instructions with the sheet set as different materials may require different washing instructions, otherwise hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent and hang to dry. Most satin sheets should not be put in the dryer. Handle with care as wet satin can tear easily.
Silk Sheets
What they are:
Silk sheets are made from a fiber created by the silkworm. This luxurious material is smooth but strong.
Why you’ll like them:
Silk sheets have big impact with their luster and shine. They also don’t catch on the skin as easily as satin and can help prevent bedhead and tangled hair in the mornings.
Things to consider:
Silk is not measured by thread count, but by mommes (abbreviated as “mm”), which is determined by how much the silk weighs. Higher momme sheets will be heavier and thicker, and 19-mm silk is considered to be a good balance of strength, shine, and affordability. Silk can also be blended, so look for 100% silk to be sure you’re getting the material you want.
Care information:
Wash by hand in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent the first few times to protect the sheen and soften the fibers. After that, machine wash with the delicate cycle and cool water and line dry or dry on the lowest temperature possible to reduce wear. If necessary cool iron on the reverse side to remove wrinkles.
Microfiber Sheets
What they are:
Microfiber sheets are made from tightly woven synthetic fibers that are generally polyester or nylon.
Why you’ll like them:
Microfiber sheets are thin but strong, feel soft, and help retain body heat. The tight weave helps prevent stains and wrinkles and holds color so your sheets look bright longer.
Things to consider:
If you have a pet, microfiber may not be for you – it can often attract pet hair and lint. Some people may not like the distinct texture of microfiber, and this fabric may also be prone to pilling over time. Microfiber also wrinkles easily and can become staticky.
Care information:
Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets, and do not iron. You may wish to wash microfiber sheets separately from other cotton items to avoid lint transfer.
Jersey Sheets
What they are:
Jersey sheets are generally made of cotton or a cotton/synthetic blend that is knit instead of woven.
Why you’ll like them:
They feel like sleeping in your favorite t-shirt. Jersey sheets also have some stretch so they’re often a good choice for deep mattresses. They’re generally a bit warmer than cotton sheets, but not as warm as flannel.
Things to consider:
They’ll also act like your favorite t-shirts. Over time, jersey can stretch out and become misshapen, and they can also be susceptible to pilling and holes easier than other materials.
Care information:
Use cold water to preserve bright colors and a gentle cycle wash and medium heat dry to minimize stretching.
Blended Fabric Sheets
What they are:
Most sheets made of fabric blends include cotton, with cotton and polyester being the most common blend.
Why you’ll like them:
Sheets made of blended fabrics are durable, wrinkle-resistant, and generally more cost-conscious.
Things to consider:
Blends that are over 30% synthetic materials are less breathable and may feel thick to some users. Any blended fabric sheet is going to feel less luxurious than 100% cotton.
Care information:
Each blend is different, so follow instructions on the label. Generally blended fabric sheets can be machine washed and dried.
