Which bedsheet material is the best? Does luxury come at a premium price? Let’s talk fabrics, thread count, and luxury bedding experiences.
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Fabric Guide | Which Bedsheet Material Is the Best?
Cotton
Why we like it: Soft, breathable, durable
Cotton remains to be one of the more popular and best bedsheet materials. It boasts breathability, durability, and a whole lot of comfort.
One of the pros of this bedsheet material is that it holds up well in the wash. Unlike other types of fabrics, it doesn’t take much to care for this fabric. You can easily remove stains in the washing machine and don’t need to be cleaned at specific temperatures or dried in specific methods.
It’s the equivalent of a wash-and-wear haircut. With minimal care and structural integrity built to last, it’s a great bedsheet to keep handy.
In the market for something with a more luxurious, silky feel?
There are different variations of cotton sheets designed to either be more flexible, durable or with a more luxurious feel.
Egyptian Cotton
Why we like it: Smooth, luxurious finish, durable, lightweight, breathable
Egyptian cotton is a great bedsheet material if you’re looking for something smooth and silky but are not in the market for actual silk. Made with longer fibers, Egyptian cotton feels smoother and is more durable than regular 100% cotton. But these premium features come with a premium price tag.
Do plenty of thorough research before purchasing Egyptian sheets. This bedsheet material is actually pretty rare and pricey. There are brands that falsely advertise cheap cotton as Egyptian cotton to get away with higher pricing.
Authentic Egyptian cotton should feel smooth to the touch with a crisp appearance.
Ultimately, if the cotton is not sourced from Egypt, it is not Egyptian cotton. Egyptian cotton is longer and more flexible than regular cotton.
Wash your Egyptian cotton sheets in cool water and dry gently. Air dry it if you can and wash it separately. This allows the fibers to maintain their integrity as too much friction may damage the fabric.
Pima Cotton
Why we like it: Soft, durable, less expensive sister of Egyptian cotton
While Egyptian cotton is grown and handpicked in Egypt, Pima Cotton is grown in the Southwestern region of the United States. Just like Egyptian cotton, Pima sheets are made of long fibers. So you get the same durability and softness you can get from its Egyptian counterpart.
Another advantage of Pima cotton is that while it is slightly more pricey than standard cotton sheets, it is less expensive than Egyptian cotton. So you reap all the benefits of Egyptian cotton without the higher price tag.
However, take caution as many misleading brands may promote their sheets as Pima Cotton but are actually blended with standard cotton.
Authentic Pima Cotton should have a smooth and silky feel with fibers approximately 50% longer than that of standard cotton. Pima cotton may have a thread count between 200-400.
What about Thread Count?
It’s important to note that thread count will only matter if you’re talking about cotton fabrics. And while it is one measure of fabric quality, with new advancements in fabric construction, it just isn’t as important as it used to be.
So if you’re not in the market for 100% cotton sheets, focus instead on the:
- feel
- fiber content
- construction
- care instructions
- resistance to pilling
- resistance to wrinkling
- breathability
These are far better determinants of whether you’ll enjoy your new bedding. Also, keep in mind that cotton jerseys, microfiber, and silk fabrics are constructed differently. The concept of thread count does not apply to these fabrics.
Linen fabrics are thicker and therefore naturally have a lower thread count. But this does not mean that linen fabrics cannot be comfortable bedding. In fact, linen is a popular fabric that grows softer and softer with every wash.
However, if you’re looking for the perfect combination of breathability and durability, then you’re an excellent candidate for 100% cotton bedsheets.
A higher thread count could mean that your sheets are:
- denser, warmer, and more suitable for cold environments
- softer and smoother
- snag-resistant
- slightly heavier, but not uncomfortably so
Serta offers premium bedsheets that instantly elevate your master bedroom to a hotel suite. Made with 100% cotton, your sheets will contribute to an indulgent sleep experience and restful slumber. Boasting a 700-thread count, these sheets will stand up against daily wear and tear and morning coffee spills while maintaining their crisp and pristine appearance.
But even an impressive and astronomical thread count won’t mean much if the yarn is of poor quality. So make sure to brands that are known for quality and reputation for using only the highest quality materials. Scour customer reviews and do thorough research before bedsheet shopping.
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Polyester Blends
Why we like it: Low maintenance, wrinkle-resistant, water-resistant, most affordable
Do you live with young children? Then, polyester may be your best bet.
Polyester blends combine natural cotton fibers with polyester fibers to create an affordable, low-maintenance, and soft bedsheet. It’s not as soft as 100% cotton sheets and may feel somewhat rough to the touch.
On the other hand, it’s resistant to water spills and wrinkling. You can easily toss this into the wash and not worry about ironing and steaming your sheets afterward. One downside, however, is that you may need to wash this bedsheet frequently.
Polyester blends absorb grease easily and could instantly stain your pristine sheets. Also, these sheets may not be as comfortable as other sheets. Another downside is that polyester sheets are more likely to pill with frequent washing.
And despite being blended with natural cotton, polyester blend sheets are not breathable. They may trap heat and moisture within the layers of your beddings and leave you waking up in the middle of the night in a pool of sweat.
Linen
Why we like it: Cool, breathable, softens with every wash
Linen sheets are a popular summer fabric with a texture that looks as cool as it feels.
Yes, linen sheets may feel quite rough, but take comfort in the fact that the stiff fabric softens over time. After a few rounds in the tub, you’ll have soft and summer-friendly sheets that may help you stay cool and cozy.
In addition to being summer-friendly, linen is also known to be a skin-loving hypoallergenic fabric. With linen beddings, you can say goodbye to allergy-caused sleepless nights!
If you’re looking for a bedsheet that brings a relaxed atmosphere to your bedroom and aren’t worried about wrinkling, then linen could be an excellent bedding choice.
Silk
Why we like it: Breathable, luxurious
Silk sheets are excellent at keeping you cool during warm months and warming you up during cool months. The fabric is breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, and lightweight. This makes it an ideal option for all types of sleepers—even those that are sensitive to allergens.
The material features a heavenly, smooth, and lustrous finish, but many find the price tag equally sky-high. However, whether the price tag is justifiable rests solely on your budget and preference.
The fabric is also an excellent design piece as it gives your bed an instant facelift, injecting luxury and a sophisticated feel to your master bedroom.
Momme is the equivalent of thread count when it comes to silk. Silk sheets usually have a momme between 17-22.
Bamboo
Why we like it: Silky, breathable, moisture-wicking
Bamboo is a common and fast-growing plant, so manufacturers can produce bamboo sheets sustainably. It’s a great alternative to silk as it has a soft and smooth finish but is not as expensive. The natural sheets are priced similarly to Egyptian cotton but aren’t as expensive as 100% silk.
Bamboo bedsheets are well-loved for their breathability, smooth texture, and durability.
Because they’re breathable and moisture-wicking, they make great summer beddings, helping keep you and your bed cool and fresh throughout the night.
The material is also known to be largely hypoallergenic, making it a great cotton alternative for those that struggle with allergies.
Verdict | Which Bedsheet Material Is the Best?
Truthfully, there is no one answer.
Different fabrics provide different feels. Ultimately, it will depend on your sleeping preference or how warm you like to sleep.
Sleepers that like to keep warm may prefer denser bedsheets like cotton sheets with high thread counts. However, sleepers that tend to run hot at night may prefer to lie in breathable fabrics that stay cool like linen or silk. In addition to looking at the fabric type and construction, bear in mind that not all manufacturers are made equal. Manufacturers may treat the same piece of fabric differently and could produce far different outcomes.
Read through customer reviews from sleepers that have washed their sheets multiple times. Look at what they say about how it holds up against washing and the daily wear and tear.
You poured a hefty investment into your duvet and mattress. But unless you choose the best bedsheet material, your bed might not meet your expectations.
Overall, the breathability and comfort of your bed is a team play between your beddings and mattress. Beddings that stifle airflow could render your mattress’ airflow system null. And a rough bedsheet could make your bed uncomfortable even if you invested in a mattress with a premium pillow top layer.
Take time to choose the right material. Your bedsheet is a thin line between a great and luxurious bed.
Which do you think is the best material for bedsheets? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you.
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