How To Choose The Best Fabric For Bed Sheets - Everything You Need To Know

Slipping into bed after a long day is one of the best feelings in the world. After all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there's nothing more satisfying than snuggling in amongst comfy sheets and getting some deep sleep.

Did you know that on average we spend approximately a third of our life asleep? That's a major chunk of our existence and highlights the importance of getting good quality rest. A big part of optimising our rejuvenation and comfort in the bedroom boils down to choosing the right bed sheet fabric to best suit your snooze.

Quick Links

• Understanding Different Fabrics for Bed Sheets
  • Best Sheets for Summer
  • Best Sheets for Winter
  • Best Sheets for All-Season
• Factors to Consider When Choosing Bed Sheets
• Maintaining and Caring for Bed Sheets
• Waterproof Bed Sheets + Best Fabric For Kids' Bed Linen

Understanding Different Fabrics for Bed Sheets

Different sheet materials possess unique benefits that can take your slumber from bummer to wonderful. Choosing the right fabric for your bedding is essential for a comfortable and restful sleep. So, let's fill you in on the best fabrics to choose for your bed linens for every season.

Best Sheets for Summer

When the temperatures rise, it's important to have bed sheets that promote airflow, keep you cool, and wick away moisture. Here are three popular fabric choices for summer sheets:

Cotton

Let's hear it for the classics! Cotton is a widely used fabric for bed sheets, known for its breathability and comfort. It is a natural fibre that allows air to circulate freely, preventing you from feeling overheated during warm nights. Cotton sheets are lightweight and have excellent moisture-wicking properties, helping to keep you dry and cool.

Benefits of Cotton Sheets

1. Breathability: Cotton sheets allow air to pass through, ensuring proper ventilation and keeping you cool.
2. Softness: Cotton sheets are known for their soft and smooth texture, providing a comfortable feel against your skin.
3. Absorbency: Cotton sheets can absorb moisture, keeping you dry and preventing the buildup of sweat.
4. Durability: High-quality cotton sheets are durable and can withstand repeated washings without losing their shape or softness.

Types of Cotton Sheets

• Egyptian Cotton: Egyptian cotton sheets are renowned for their long fibres, which produce a luxurious and durable fabric. Egyptian cotton is known for its exceptional softness and breathability, making it an excellent choice for warm weather.
• Percale: Percale cotton sheets are tightly woven with a crisp feel. They are lightweight, breathable, and have a matte finish, providing a cool and comfortable sleep experience.
• Jersey: Jersey cotton sheets are knitted, resulting in a stretchy and cosy fabric. They are breathable and have a buttery soft, T-shirt-like feel.

Why Choose Cotton Sheets

Cotton sheets are a popular choice for summer because of their breathability, softness, and ability to regulate body temperature. They are available in a variety of thread counts and weaves, allowing you to find the perfect combination of comfort and durability for your needs.

Bamboo

Bamboo sheets have gained popularity for their eco-friendly properties and exceptional softness. They are made from bamboo fibres, which are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Bamboo sheets have excellent temperature-regulating capabilities, keeping you cool in hot weather.

Benefits of Bamboo Sheets

1. Breathability: Bamboo sheets allow for excellent airflow, promoting a cool and comfortable sleep.
2. Moisture-wicking: Bamboo fibres have natural moisture-wicking properties, keeping you dry by absorbing excess sweat.
3. Hypoallergenic: Bamboo sheets are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making them a great choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
4. Sustainability: Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource, making bamboo sheets an eco-friendly bedding option.

Why Choose Bamboo Sheets

Bamboo sheets provide a luxurious and silky feel while offering excellent breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. They are a great choice for individuals seeking a sustainable and hypoallergenic bedding option.

Linen

Linen sheets have long been favoured for their airy and lightweight nature, making them ideal for hot summer nights. Linen is made from flax fibres and offers a unique combination of breathability, moisture-wicking, and durability.

Benefits of Linen Sheets

1. Breathability: Linen sheets are highly breathable, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cool even in high temperatures.
2. Moisture-wicking: Linen naturally absorbs moisture, helping to keep your body dry and comfortable throughout the night.
3. Durability: Linen sheets are known for their exceptional durability and become softer and more comfortable with each wash.
4. Eco-friendly: Linen is a natural and biodegradable fabric, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Why Choose Linen Sheets

Linen sheets provide a crisp and luxurious feel while offering excellent breathability and moisture management. They are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed and effortlessly stylish look for their bedding.

Cotton vs. Linen Sheets

If you're struggling to choose between cotton or linen, see our detailed comparison of both bed linen fabrics here: Cotton vs. Linen Sheets - Everything You Need to Know.

Best Sheets for Winter

Winter means colder temperatures, so it's important to choose bed sheets that provide warmth and cosiness during this season. Here are two popular options for winter bed sheets:

Flannelette

Flannelette sheets are a great choice for winter due to their softness and insulating properties. Made from cotton or a cotton blend, these sheets are brushed on one or both sides, creating a fluffy and cosy texture. Here are some advantages of flannelette sheets:

Benefits Of Flannelette Sheets

1. Enhanced Warmth: Flannelette sheets have a brushed surface that traps body heat, providing extra warmth during colder nights.
2. Soft and Comfortable: The brushing process gives flannelette sheets a soft and velvety feel, offering a cosy sleeping experience.
3. Breathable: Despite their warmth, flannelette sheets are breathable, allowing air circulation and preventing overheating.

Why Choose Flannelette Sheets

Why choose flannelette sheets for winter? Flannelette sheets are perfect for those who enjoy a warm and snug sleep environment during the winter months. They provide excellent insulation and a snuggly feel, making them a popular choice for cosying up on chilly nights. For more information on the magic of flannelette, check out the comprehensive guide to flannelette bedding.

Teddy Fleece

Teddy fleece sheets are another fantastic option for winter bedding. Teddy fleece is a synthetic fabric that mimics the appearance and texture of soft teddy bear fur. It is typically made from polyester fibres, which are knitted or woven to create a thick and fluffy surface.

Benefits Of Teddy Fleece Sheets

1. Softness and comfort: Teddy fleece bed linen sheets are incredibly soft, making them incredibly comfortable to sleep on.
2. Insulation: Teddy fleece bed linen sheets provide excellent insulation, keeping you warm during the cold winter months.
3. Durability: Teddy fleece bed linen sheets are durable and long-lasting, making them a great investment for your bedding.
4. Low maintenance: Teddy fleece bed linen sheets are easy to care for and don't require any special treatment.

Why Choose Teddy Fleece Sheets

Teddy fleece sheets provide exceptional warmth and a luxurious feel. They are incredibly soft and cosy, making them perfect for snuggling up on cold winter nights. It’s also durable and easy to care for, ensuring long-lasting comfort throughout the winter season.

Best Sheets for All-Seasons

Microfibre

Microfibre bed sheets are an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable and affordable option that is easy to care for. Made from synthetic fibres and usually blended with polyester, these sheets are soft, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant. Unlike cotton sheets, which may shrink after washing, microfibre sheets maintain their shape and size.

Benefits Of Microfibre Sheets

1. Affordable: Microfibre sheets are economical, which means you can purchase several sets without breaking the bank.
2. Low Maintenance: They are also easy to maintain and require minimal ironing, unlike cotton sheets that often need to be ironed to remove wrinkles.
3. Hypoallergenic: Microfibre sheets are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin. They are also stain-resistant and can handle regular washing, which is ideal for kids' beds or for those with pets.

Why Choose Microfibre Sheets

Microfibre sheets are made from synthetic fibres, which do not retain heat in the same way that natural fabrics such as cotton do. As a result, they are ideal for keeping you cool during the summer season. The breathability of microfibre sheets means that they do not trap heat and moisture, allowing air to circulate and cool your body. This helps to regulate your body temperature and keeps you comfortable throughout the night.

During the winter season, microfibre sheets can still keep you warm. Even though they do not have the same insulating properties as natural fibres like cotton or flannel, microfibre sheets can be layered with other bedding to provide enough warmth and insulation.  For warmer climates in Australia where winter is not too cold, you may be able to use your microfibre bedlinens all year round. For climates that are susceptible to frosty winters, it is recommended to add a warmer blanket or comforter to ensure that heat is not lost.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bed Sheets

It can be hard to know what to look for when purchasing bed linen. When selecting bed sheets, several factors should be taken into account to ensure the best choice for your comfort and preferences. Consider the following:

Factor 1: Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch in a fabric. It is often associated with the quality and feel of bed sheets. A higher thread count generally indicates a finer and softer fabric. However, it's important to note that thread count alone does not determine the quality of bed sheets.

Ideal Thread Count Range For Different Bed Linen Fabrics

Factor 2: Comfort preferences

Your personal comfort preferences play a crucial role in choosing the right fabric for bed sheets. You should also consider if your chosen sheets match the fabric of your pillowcases and quilt cover for a harmonious bedroom look and feel.

What is the softest fabric for bed sheets?

Fabrics like Egyptian cotton, jersey, and flannelette are known for their exceptional softness and comfort. These fabrics offer a velvety feel against the skin, making them ideal for those who prioritise a soft and indulgent sleep surface.

Factor 3: Durability

As something that you'll be using daily (or rather, nightly), durability is an important factor to consider when investing in bed sheets. Bed sheets that are durable can withstand regular use and washing without losing their quality. They are less prone to tearing, pilling, or fading, ensuring long-term value.

The durability of bed sheets can be influenced by factors such as fabric type, weave, and construction. Fabrics like cotton and linen are generally known for their durability, while certain weaves, such as percale, provide added strength and longevity.

Maintaining and Caring for Bed Sheets

Proper maintenance and care of bed sheets are essential for their longevity and continued comfort. For a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to correctly wash and care for your sheets, head over to the sheet care section on our ultimate bed sheet guide.

How to fold fitted sheets

1. Hold the sheet with the elastic edges facing up and the corners in your hands.
2. Fold the sheet in half vertically, tucking one corner into the other to form a pocket.
3. Smooth out any wrinkles and fold the sheet in half again, creating a rectangle.
4. Fold the rectangle into thirds or quarters, depending on your storage preference.
5. Neatly stack the folded fitted sheets with your other bed linens.

Learn all about fitted vs. flat sheets here. Includes a sheet size guide, information on how to fold and care for fitted and flat sheets, as well as guidance on how to put a fitted or flat sheet on your bed.

Fitted Vs. Flat Sheets Guide

How to whiten bed sheets

Over time, white bed sheets may lose their brightness. Here are some tips to help whiten them effectively and keep them looking crisp:

1. Use a mild bleach alternative or oxygen-based bleach to remove stains and brighten white bed sheets.
2. Follow the instructions on the product packaging for the appropriate amount to use.
3. Soak the bed sheets in the solution for the recommended time.
4. Wash the sheets as usual, and avoid mixing them with coloured fabrics to prevent potential discolouration.

Waterproof Bed Sheets & Kids' Bed Linen

Waterproof bed sheets offer additional protection against spills, stains, and accidents. Waterproof bed sheets are especially useful for children's beds, elderly individuals, or individuals with incontinence issues. They provide peace of mind and help maintain the cleanliness and longevity of the mattress.

Best Fabric For Waterproof Bed Sheets

The best fabric for waterproof bed sheets is polyurethane laminated polyester or polyurethane-coated nylon. These fabrics are durable, waterproof, breathable, and washable, making them perfect for bed sheets that need to be protected from spills, stains, and moisture.

Benefits Of Waterproof Bed Sheets

1. Protection: Waterproof bed sheets create a barrier against liquid penetration, preventing stains and damage to the mattress.
2. Easy to Clean: In case of spills or accidents, waterproof sheets can be easily wiped clean or machine washed.

If protecting your mattress from moisture and spills is a priority, we also recommend investing in a quality waterproof mattress protector.

Best Fabric For Kids' Bed Sheets

• Cotton: This is the most popular fabric for kids' bed sheets because it is soft, breathable, and easy to care for. Moreover, it is durable, hypoallergenic, made from natural fibres and gentle on the skin.
• Microfibre: Microfibre sheets are an excellent choice for kids' beds because they are soft, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant. Additionally, they are affordable, easy to clean, and maintain their colour well over time.
• Flannel: Flannelette sheets are a cosy and warm option for your child's bed linen. Made from organic cotton, they are soft, breathable, and durable, and come in a variety of patterns and colours that kids will love.

Read Between The Sheets For A Better Night's Sleep

Choosing the right fabric for your bed sheets is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep. Certain fabrics that are popular choices may not be as conducive to a good night's sleep for everyone. This is why it's important to consider your own personal sleeping preferences when choosing the fabric for your bed linens. It's also a great idea to visit a bedding and bed linen store so that you can feel the fabrics prior to purchase and add your own tactile judgements into the equation. Once you've decided on the desired fabric for your bed sheets, head over to our ultimate bed sheet guide for detailed information on sheet care and maintenance, ensuring your bed linens stay soft and cosy for years to come.