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If you’re shopping for new bedding you know that there are a ton of options out there. Even with suggestions from experts (check out our best sheets of 2022 article for some of those), it can be totally overwhelming choosing the right sheets for your needs. Luckily, Mattress Clarity is here to help. Below, I’ve broken down the eleven most popular sheet fabrics to help you narrow down your search for the best bed sheets for your needs. There’s a fabric out there for everyone, whether you’re on the hunt for high-quality cooling sheets or cozy wintertime bedding. Once you’ve chosen the fabric you prefer, take a peek at all our sheet reviews to find a great pair for you! Bed Sheet Material Comparison
CottonCotton sheets are some of the most popular and widely-available on the market. There are several different types of cotton fibers, including Upland, Egyptian, and Supima. Pure cotton sheets are all made of natural fibers and hypoallergenic, which makes a cotton sheet set a great choice for sleepers with sensitive skin. But all three types of cotton have some differences, so I’ll break each down below. And if you want to learn even more about cotton, take a look at some of our articles about cotton weaves. Our percale vs. sateen sheets article is a great place to start learning about different types of weave. Upland CottonUpland cotton is the most common type of cotton. In fact, over 90% of the cotton we use in the United States is Upland. So Upland sheets will feel similar to your favorite t-shirt. Upland cotton is typically grown in the United States and features medium to short-staple fibers. Pros
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Egyptian CottonEgyptian cotton sheets are made from long-staple cotton grown in (you guessed it) Egypt. Most people find them softer and more durable than other cotton bed sheets. Like Pima cotton sheets, Egyptian cotton sheets are considered luxury bedding, and could be a great choice if you’re looking to splurge. Pros
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Pima Cotton (Supima Cotton)If you’re looking for middle ground between Egyptian and Upland cotton, Pima cotton is for you. It is still considered a luxury fabric, but has a slightly lower price tag than Egyptian cotton. Pima cotton is also grown in the southwestern United States, so it’s a great option if you prefer to shop American-made products. Pros
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FlannelFlannel is actually another type of cotton! But where cotton sheets are smooth and cooling, flannel sheets are warm and cozy. The fabric feels heavy and dense rather than lightweight, which makes it ideal for colder climates. Pros
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JerseyJersey is a soft and stretchy fabric that is medium to light-weight. It can be made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. Jersey is a knit, rather than woven fabric, which means it will feel very soft and broken-in. Pros
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MicrofiberMicrofiber is made of wood pulp, nylon, or polyester polymers. It has a tight weave and feels lightweight and smooth. High-quality microfiber sheets will feel similar to cotton sheets, but may be less expensive than a cotton set. Pros
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LinenLinen sheets are known for being ultra-cooling and absorbent. If you’re looking for a breezy, beachy feel these are the sheets for you. Linen is made from the flax plant, which has thicker fibers than cotton, making it super durable. Pros
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SilkSilk is made from silkworms and feels smooth, cooling, and luxurious. It is also an especially popular fabric in pillowcases, because its smooth texture protects curly or textured hair overnight. Men with facial hair can also benefit from a silk pillowcase. Pros
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BambooBamboo fabric is made by turning the bamboo plant into wood pulp and turning the pulp into bamboo rayon. Bamboo sheets are hypoallergenic, cooling, and super soft. Some sleepers describe the feel as a blend of cotton and silk. Pros
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PolyesterPolyester is a synthetic fabric that is found in a lot of athletic clothing. Many bed sheets are made of polyester/cotton blends to make the polyester fabric feel softer or more breathable. Pros
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TencelTencel is made of cellulose and eucalyptus wood pulp. It is a natural fabric that many mattress brands use because of its great cooling properties. It’s a great pick for folks who like the feel of cotton, but want something just a bit more cooling. Pros
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FAQsWhat is the best bed sheet material for hot sleepers?We recommend silk, linen, bamboo and Tencel fabrics for especially hot sleepers. Many hot sleepers do well on cotton sheets too. What is the softest bed sheet material?Bamboo and Egyptian cotton are some of the softest bed sheet materials available. What is the best bed sheet material for winter?Flannel sheets are the warmest wintertime option. If you want something just a tad more breathable but still cozy, try out a jersey sheet set. What is the best bed sheet material for summer?Linen, Tencel or bamboo sheets are ideal for the summer months. Check out our best cooling sheets article to find a few suggestions! What is the best bed sheet material for dog hair?Linen sheets are ultra-durable and don’t attract pet hair, so they’re a great option if you often have pets on your bed. Alternatively, silk does not attract pet hair either. But, silk is a more delicate fabric so you should stick to linen if you let your pets on the bed. Subscribe to Mattress Clarity!Get special coupons, discounts, and giveaways! Madison is an ex-mattress tester and current law student. When she’s not studying, she puts her accumulated mattress and bedding knowledge to good use writing articles for Mattress Clarity. A few of her favorite non-work activities include trying new restaurants, reading short stories, and watching too much reality TV. |