What Material Is Best for Bed Sheets? Top 14 Choices for Ultimate Comfort

Many folks focus strictly on plush pillows and warm blankets when creating a cozy bed. While these elements are essential, the material of your bed sheets deserves equal, if not more, attention. If you’re wondering how to make your bed more comfortable, sheets directly touch your skin, and their fabric can soothe or irritate your body. Select the perfect bed sheet material that feels luxurious and inviting for ultimate comfort and better sleep quality. But how do you choose with so many options on the market, from cotton to linen to bamboo? This article will help you answer this question. Keep reading to learn what material is best for bed sheets so you can find the perfect option for your ideal sleep environment.

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Why Do My Bed Sheets Irritate My Skin?

There are several reasons for your skin to react negatively to your sheet material, with one of the most common causes being that you’re sleeping on synthetic bedding. The synthetic material traps heat and moisture, which can lead to discomfort. In contrast, choosing natural, breathable, and hypoallergenic textiles like:

• Cotton

• Bamboo

• Eucalyptus silk

It can help with this issue. Suppose this isn’t the case and your sheets are manufactured from all-natural materials. In that case, you may wash your bedding with a harsh detergent that includes chemicals that are prone to irritating.  

What to Look for When Buying Bed Sheets for Sensitive Skin 

When choosing bed sheets for sensitive skin, you’ll need to consider various factors that can directly affect your comfort and skin health.  

Material  

The type of material your bed sheets are made of will play a pivotal role in interacting with sensitive skin. Natural fibres like bamboo, eucalyptus silk, and cotton are excellent choices due to their breathability and hypoallergenic bedding properties. 

Of course, it’s also essential to pick sheets that offer silky elegance (anything too abrasive or rough can become scratchy and cause itchiness). The above examples all get softer over time.  

Thread Count  

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. While a higher thread count is often associated with softer sheets, it's not necessarily the sole quality indicator. 

For example, once you reach a specific thread count, the level of additional luxury is often indistinguishable; anything over 300 is typically considered high quality. To learn more, explore our guide to bedding thread counts.  

Breathability  

Another essential factor to consider when browsing skin-friendly bedding is breathability. Breathability relates to the ease of air circulation, which prevents night sweats. It’s vital for sensitive skin, as it can help reduce irritation and allergies.  

Certification  

You should also look for bedding with credible certifications like OEKO-TEX. These accreditations are granted after rigorous product testing and ensure that the bed sheets and bedding are free from harmful chemicals and produced using environmentally friendly practices.  

Size  

It might sound obvious, but selecting the correct size bed sheets is essential for comfort. Ill-fitting sheets often quickly impact sleep quality. To find out how big your sheets should be, accurately measure the dimensions of your mattress, including the depth, and account for mattress topper thickness (if applicable).  

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What Material is Best for Bed Sheets?

While materials like Egyptian cotton and 100% mulberry silk are known for making high-quality sheets, there’s no single best material. Instead, the best material is the one that optimally matches your preferences and needs. Sheets are made from various fabrics, including cotton, linen, polyester, and bamboo-derived rayon. 

They are also woven in various ways. Both the material and weave affect how a sheet feels and functions. We’ll analyze materials and weaves commonly used in sheets, highlighting properties such as breathability, ability to wick moisture, heat retention, and softness. 

1. Cotton

Cotton is the most common fabric used for sheets. It generally has excellent breathability and moisture-wicking abilities. Cotton sheets are typically durable and easy to maintain. There is a range of cotton types and fabric weaves, each with its own properties. 

Types of Cotton

Weave

2. Linen

Linen is derived from the flax plant, which provides long textile fibers. As a result, linen is highly durable. Linen sheets offer excellent breathability and moisture-wicking abilities, making them a good choice for sleepers looking for effective temperature regulation.

New linen sheets may be slightly coarse to the touch, but the material softens after multiple washings. Sheets made from linen wrinkle easily, though they can be ironed if you’re looking for a crisp, smooth appearance. Linen sheets are soft, breathable, and even more absorbent than cotton.

Its fibers are thicker than cotton fibers, which give it superior strength and make it crisper than cotton, especially in the beginning, before several weeks of use and washes.

Linen is considered one of the most durable fibers in the world. Despite starting slightly stiff, it loosens up over time and becomes wonderfully soft and supple while maintaining its strength.

Pros

• Soft and very comfortable. Gets increasingly more comfortable over time.

• Silky with high luster giving it an element of luxury.

• Natural fibers that are hypoallergenic, ability to resist bacterial growth.

• Extremely strong and gains strength when wet.

Cons

• Difficult to weave, which makes it more expensive to produce and more costly for consumers.

• It can feel slightly stiff, especially in the beginning.

• Wrinkles very easily.

3. Flannel

Flannel sheets are often soft and heavy, offering excellent heat retention. Flannel does not describe a textile’s material origin but rather a process. Flannel is made from:

• Wool

• Cotton

• Other materials
  

During manufacturing, cotton and other materials are brushed, the nap raised and softened, and the material denser. This process creates a soft and comfortable yet heavy fabric that traps body heat more effectively and keeps you warm. The quality of regular cotton is measured by thread count (more on that in a minute), but flannel quality is measured in weight, specifically ounces per square yard. The heavier, the better.

Pros

• Extremely warm, ideal for winter.

• Soft and comfortable.

• Available in festive winter patterns.

• Very affordable.

Cons

• Too heavy for use in the summer and warm climates.

• By design, not as breathable as lighter cotton.

4. Polyester

Polyester sheets are less common than cotton sheets, but their main advantages are that they are less expensive and more durable. Polyester is a man-made material produced by a chemical reaction between coal, petroleum by-products, alcohol, and carboxylic acid. This reaction results in a soft, extremely durable, water/wind-resistant material. These properties make polyester ideal for rain jackets and athletic apparel, but much less desirable for bed sheets.

Polyester is often mixed with cotton to achieve ideal softness for sheets, but even with cotton added, it remains less breathable and rougher than standard cotton.

Pros

• Inexpensive.

• Durable.

• Stain-resistant, which makes them an excellent choice for kids.

• Wrinkle resistant.

Cons

• Less comfortable and breathable than cotton and other materials.

• It can irritate sensitive skin.

• It does not absorb water, which makes it less cooling. 

5. Bamboo

Bamboo sheets are rarely made directly from bamboo fibers. Instead, they are made from rayon, a material derived from bamboo pulp via a chemical process. Bamboo-derived sheets are very soft and offer excellent breathability, making them a great choice for those who want to sleep cool. They are also relatively durable and offer some stretch.

Bamboo sheets are hypoallergenic and nonabsorbent. They wick away sweat and bodily fluids, keeping you dry overnight. They are also highly breathable, so you’ll stay cool in hot summers. If you’re concerned about sustainability, you’ll be happy to know that bamboo is one of the fastest-growing and most abundant plants on earth. 

What to Know About Chemicals and Labels When Buying Bamboo Sheets

There are some concerns regarding chemicals used in the manufacturing process of bamboo sheets. In most cases, manufacturers harvest high-quality bamboo, shave it down, and transform it into a pulp using a variety of chemicals. That pulp is then turned into fibers to make bamboo rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber.

When you shop for bamboo sheets, check if the label says “100% bamboo” or “Rayon/viscose made from bamboo.” The latter is fine, but knowing what you’re getting before you buy is good.

Pros

• Soft like cotton, and smooth like silk.

• Its long fibers make it stretchy and incredibly durable (no pilling).

• Hypoallergenic and moisture-resistant.

• More breathable than cotton.

Cons

• Chemicals are used in the manufacturing process.

• Most bamboo sheets are not 100% bamboo unless labeled as such.

• More expensive than standard Upland cotton; similar cost to Egyptian cotton.

• Since bamboo is more breathable, it doesn’t retain heat as well as cotton.

• Bamboo rayon sheets are usually pricier than cotton sheets.
  
  

6. Silk

If you are looking for incredibly soft, luxurious sheets and don’t mind paying a premium, silk is a great option. Silk is made from silkworms, which produce a:

• Soft

• Cool

• Smooth

• Luxurious

• Hypoallergenic fabric

This makes silk great for sleepers who prefer extremely soft sheets and those with sensitive skin. In addition, silk has excellent temperature regulation and moisture-wicking capabilities. 

Silk sheets are more expensive, and caring for them requires following specific instructions to prevent damage to the material. Silk should be washed in a delicate cold cycle and air dried. Even with careful maintenance, silk sheets may wear out faster than sheets made from other materials. 

Pros

• Extremely soft and comfortable.

• Most luxurious sheets you can buy.

• Naturally hypoallergenic.

• Removes moisture from the skin quickly.

Cons

• Most expensive sheets you can buy.

• Requires delicate care.

7. Microfiber

Microfiber is a type of polyester with fine, tightly woven fibers. It may also be brushed, which lends the material a soft, velvety feel.

Microfiber sheets are affordable and a good choice for sleepers who want a warm and soft sleep surface. Like polyester, microfiber is wrinkle-resistant and easy to clean and maintain.

Microfiber is not as breathable as cotton, so sleepers prone to overheating at night should consider sheets made from other materials. Microfiber sheets are also not suitable for people who value all-natural materials. 

8. Tencel® 

Tencel is a brand of fabric made from cellulose from eucalyptus wood pulp. It is an all-natural fabric but is often mistaken for synthetic because transforming eucalyptus wood pulp into a bed sheet is highly complex and requires sophisticated manufacturing technology.

Tencel is soft and breathable like cotton and wicks away moisture. Unlike cotton, it is not hypoallergenic, and the chemicals used in its manufacturing can cause issues for some people. 

Pros

• Soft and comfortable. In some cases, softer than cotton.

• Absorbs moisture exceptionally well.

• Stronger than cotton, especially when wet.

Cons

• Not 100% hypoallergenic.

• More expensive than cotton due to the complex manufacturing process.

• It can feel somewhat clammy compared to regular cotton.

9. Satin

Although satin is crafted from synthetic fibers, it is a top-tier material to consider for your bed sheets. It brings a similar romantic vibe to silk while costing much less. Satin offers a respectable level of comfort, but it mostly stands out thanks to its luxurious appearance. This material type packs good breathability and manages to remain cool to the touch in most situations.

Regarding disadvantages, it’s worth mentioning that satin is inferior to natural silk in some regards. The material tends to cling to the skin, affecting overall comfort. Perhaps the weakest point of satin is its durability. It doesn’t last as long as more premium fibers. Satin can be either woven or knit. Opting for woven varieties is typically recommended because the fabric is smoother.

10. Jersey

Jersey is a soft, stretchy medium-to-light-weight fabric made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. It is knit rather than woven, meaning it will feel smooth and broken in.

Pros

• Jersey is super stretchy, which makes it easy to put on your fitted sheet. It also means this fabric is wrinkle-resistant.

• Jersey feels cozy and warm, which can be great for winter.

• Jersey is affordable, so budget shoppers may want to check it out.

Cons

• Shoppers who want a cooling set of sheets should look elsewhere. Jersey can sleep hotter than other fabrics.

• Jersey is less durable than other fabrics because it is knitted.

• The wash might shrink Jersey sheets, so remember to wash them in cold water.

11. Lyocell

Compared to cotton, lyocell is more cooling, moisture-wicking, and breathable. Lyocell bed sheets are made from wood pulp, mostly from eucalyptus, oak, and birch trees. They have a very cooling feel and are ultra-absorbent, making them an excellent choice for those who sweat at night.

Lyocell is considered a type of rayon fabric. This means it begins with wood pulp but goes through chemical processing. However, unlike some other synthetic fabrics, the production of lyocell doesn’t create any harmful byproducts. It’s considered a semi-synthetic fabric.

Lyocell bed sheets tend to be expensive, on par with some of the more luxurious fabrics on this list. If you can find a lyocell blend – often containing cotton and/or polyester – these tend to be much less expensive. But it’s worth trying pure lyocell if you want very cooling sheets and have the budget.

Bed Sheet Material Comparison

12. Vinyl or Plastic (Apart From Polyester)

Vinyl or plastic sheets sometimes emit an unpleasant chemical smell, especially when they are new. This can be off-putting for many people and can even cause headaches or respiratory issues if you don’t have a high tolerance for these scents.

Vinyl sheets can also be pretty noisy when you move around at night. This may disrupt your sleep, particularly if you’re a light sleeper.

Last but not least, these materials are generally not as soft or comfortable as natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. They may feel sticky or clammy against the skin, leading to a less enjoyable sleeping experience.

13. Low Thread Count Cotton (Less Than 200)

Low-thread-count cotton sheets (typically less than 200 threads per square inch) will most likely feel rough and less comfortable against the skin compared to higher-thread-count cotton like Pima or Egyptian Cotton.

Low-thread-count cotton sheets also wrinkle more often and do not look as smooth and polished on the bed as sheets with higher thread counts, which can affect the overall aesthetics of your bedroom.

14. Low Quality Microfiber

Low-quality microfiber sheets generally wear out more quickly than high-quality microfiber or other materials like Egyptian Cotton. One wacky thing about them is that they pill (form small, round balls on the surface), constantly fade, and sometimes tear.

Low-quality microfiber sheets sometimes contain harmful chemicals or dyes that are problematic for individuals with allergies or sensitivities. These can cause skin irritation or even respiratory issues in some cases.

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What About Thread Count? (Is Highest Always Best?)

Thread count measures the number of threads woven together in a square inch of fabric. A higher thread count usually means softer sheets. However, thread count only tells part of the story. Higher thread counts may be produced using double- or triple-ply threads that don’t reflect a sheet’s quality. 

Sheets with inflated thread counts may feel heavier and less breathable.  It’s also important to note that while higher thread counts may produce softer sheets, this characteristic alone won’t determine a sheet’s performance. Shoppers should also evaluate the material and weave of the sheets they are considering.

Is a Higher Thread Count Better?

While noting a sheet’s thread count is essential, shoppers should remember that a higher thread count isn’t always better. Depending on the material, most sheets function best within a specific thread count range. After a certain point, extra thread count may not convey any additional benefit. For example, a thread count over 600 may not affect the sheets' feel, performance, or durability. 

Shoppers should also note manufacturers who advertise sheets with thread counts over 900. Manufacturers can manipulate the definition of thread count to boost the number on the packaging. For example, while a weave with double- or triple-ply threads has two or three fibers, the manufacturer counts each thread twice to thrice, inflating the overall thread count. Manufacturers who employ these tactics may be selling lower-quality sheets.

What Thread Count Should You Look For?

The best thread count for sheets depends significantly on the material used. Take a look at the chart below for the full breakdown.

Note: The thread count of linen sheets often does not correspond to quality, so many linen sheet manufacturers do not list a thread count.

What About Grams Per Square Meter?

Certain fabrics are measured in grams per square meter, or GSM. The higher a material’s GSM, the denser or thicker a material will be. Flannel, for example, is often classified according to GSM. One of flannel’s primary characteristics is its warmth, and a flannel’s insulative potential will be directly related to its GSM. The following list provides ideal GSM ranges for sheets made from various fabrics. Linen: 170-190 GSM Flannel: 170+ GSM Microfiber: 90-120 GSM Jersey: 150 GSM 

What About Silk Measurements?

Silk fabric is measured in the form of momme. Momme measures the weight in pounds of silk 100 yards long by 45 inches wide. Silk may also be measured by denier, which describes the weight of a single fiber. However, it’s not as common to come across the denier unit when shopping for silk sheets. 

• Momme: Momme describes the tightness of the weave. The higher the momme, the denser and more durable the silk. Look for silk sheets in the 17 to 22 momme range. 

• Denier: Denier measures the weight in grams of a single 9,000-meter-long fiber of silk. Manufacturers do not commonly use this measurement. 

Which is Better, Higher or Lower Counts?

As previously noted, bed sheets with a higher count tend to be warmer, more durable, and softer. However, they also tend to be less breathable and heavier, so you should consider your preferences when deciding on the thread count, momme count, or GSM.

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