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What Is the Best Material for Bed Sheets? (Top 11 Compared)

Most people spend significant time researching pillows and mattresses, but when it comes to bed sheets, they buy the cheapest ones they can find.

Buying low-cost bed sheets is a massive mistake because bed sheets have just as much if not more impact on sleep comfort. If you’ve ever spent the night at a fancy hotel with expensive sheets, you understand what I’m saying.

So, what is the best material for bed sheets? Cotton? If so, which type of cotton? Silk? Polyester? Flannel? Linen? A blend of various materials?

In this article, I compare the top 11 best materials for bed sheets and explain the pros and cons of each. Plus, I share the latest innovations in bed sheet materials. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which material is best for you.

Let’s jump right in!


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Best Material for Bed Sheets: Key Takeaways

Are you in search of the ideal bed sheet material? This guide compares the top 11 materials to help you make an informed choice. Here’s a quick recap of each option. You can find even more details below, including links to the best-selling brands.

Upland Cotton: Upland cotton, known for its affordability, is the most common material used in standard bed sheets. It’s softer than many alternatives but tends to pill over time due to its shorter fiber length. While it provides comfort at a low cost, Upland cotton is less durable compared to higher-quality cotton types. Skip ahead to learn more about Upland Cotton.

Egyptian Cotton: Egyptian cotton is celebrated for its luxurious feel and exceptional breathability. Grown and handpicked from Egypt’s rich soil, it boasts longer fibers, contributing to its softness and strength. However, Egyptian cotton is notably expensive, and there’s a risk of encountering counterfeit products in the market. Skip ahead to learn more about Egyptian Cotton.

Pima Cotton: Pima cotton is highly regarded for its quality and durability. Predominantly grown in the southwestern United States, it features medium-to-extra-long fibers that make it softer and more durable than Upland cotton. However, some Pima cotton products may be blended with lower-quality cotton, impacting their overall quality. Skip ahead to learn more about Pima Cotton.

Supima® Cotton: As a premium variant of Pima cotton, Supima® cotton offers superior comfort, strength, color retention, and hypoallergenic properties. This rare cotton type is strictly regulated to ensure quality and is known for its long fibers that contribute to its durability and softness. Its high cost reflects its premium status. Skip ahead to learn more about Supima Cotton.

MicroCotton®: MicroCotton® is distinguished by its remarkable absorbency and plush feel. However, its availability is limited, and it often carries a high price tag, making it a luxury choice. Skip ahead to learn more about MicroCotton Cotton.

Flannel: Flannel sheets are an excellent choice for colder months, offering warmth and comfort at an affordable price. They’re typically made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. Despite their coziness, flannel sheets are not ideal for warmer seasons due to their heat retention. Skip ahead to learn more about Flannel.

Silk: Silk sheets are synonymous with luxury. With its cool, smooth texture and hypoallergenic properties, silk is gentle on the skin and hair. Silk’s natural temperature-regulating properties make it suitable for year-round use. However, silk sheets require careful maintenance and are among the more expensive options. Skip ahead to learn more about Silk.

Tencel®: Made from wood pulp, Tencel® is eco-friendly and known for its moisture absorption and soft texture. While gentle, it may not be the best choice if you have sensitive skin, as it’s not entirely hypoallergenic. Skip ahead to learn more about Tencel.

Bamboo: Bamboo sheets are appreciated for their softness, durability (no pilling), and breathability. They are made from bamboo fibers, which are sustainable but processed using chemicals, raising some environmental concerns. Bamboo sheets offer a cooler sleeping experience, ideal for warm sleepers. Skip ahead to learn more about Bamboo.

Linen: Linen sheets, made from flax fibers, are known for their strength and longevity. They tend to be slightly stiff initially but soften over time with use and washing. Linen is highly breathable, making it an excellent choice for hot climates, but it tends to wrinkle easily. Skip ahead to learn more about Linen.

Polyester: As a budget-friendly synthetic option, polyester sheets are durable, stain-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant. However, they are less breathable than natural fibers and can irritate extremely sensitive skin. Skip ahead to learn more about Polyester.

Bottom Line

The best bed sheet material for you depends on your budget and specific needs. Luxury options like Egyptian, Pima, and Supima cotton offer unparalleled comfort and quality, while materials like Upland cotton, flannel, and polyester provide practical and economical alternatives.

Comparison Chart

If you’re in a hurry, the chart below provides a quick overview of the pros and cons of each bed sheet material.

Bed Sheet MaterialProsCons
Upland CottonInexpensive, soft, widely availableMade with short fiber cotton, likely to pill
Egyptian CottonStrong, soft, flexible, breathableExpensive, many knock-offs
Pima CottonStrong, soft, flexible, grown in USExpensive, often blended with regular cotton
Supima® CottonStrong, comfortable, retains color, US grown, hypoallergenicVery expensive
MicroCotton®250% more absorbent than Upland cottonDifficult to find, expensive
FlannelExtremely warm, inexpensiveToo heavy for warm seasons, not breathable
SilkExtremely soft, comfortable, naturally hypoallergenicVery expensive, requires delicate care
Tencel®Absorbs moisture extremely wellNot 100% hypoallergenic
BambooSoft and silky, durable, breathableNot 100% natural (chemicals used to process the bamboo fibers)
LinenExtremely strong, gets more comfortable over timeFeels slightly stiff, wrinkles easily
PolyesterInexpensive, durable, stain and wrinkle-resistantDoes not absorb water, less cooling

Upland Cotton

Unless you see Egyptian, Pima or Supima on the label, you are likely buying Upland cotton.

Upland is the most widely grown cotton in the world and is used for the majority of standard bed sheets and other cotton clothing.

Upland cotton fibers are not as long as Egyptian, Pima, or Supima, which means the Upland cotton sheets aren’t as soft, durable, or flexible.

The main advantage is that Upland cotton is significantly cheaper than the premium, long fiber types.

The main disadvantage—the shorter fibers of Upland cotton are more likely to break out of the weave, causing pilling and a coarser texture.

Pros:

  • Significantly less expensive than Egyptian, Pima, and Supima.
  • Still very soft, comfortable, and breathable.
  • Widely available.

Cons:

  • Made with short fiber cotton that is rougher and less durable.
  • More likely to pill and become coarse over time.

Highest-rated Upland Cotton Bed Sheets:

cotton in a field ready to be harvested

Egyptian Cotton

Egyptian cotton sheets, as the name suggests, are made from cotton grown in Egypt.

The properties of Egyptian cotton are different from cotton grown in other areas of the world because of the climate and the way it is harvested.

Egypt has a warm and dry climate, which is ideal for cotton.

Additionally, Egyptian cotton is handpicked, which causes less stress on the fibers and keeps them straight and long. Unlike regular cotton, which is harvested by machine, Egyptian cotton maintains extra-long fibers that result in a softer and more flexible fabric.

Egyptian cotton is expensive and considered a luxury. But, if you have the budget, it is one of the best materials you can buy.

These are my favorite Egyptian cotton sheets from Comfy Sheets (link to Amazon). They are incredibly soft and surprisingly affordable. 

Pros:

  • Stronger, softer, and more flexible than regular cotton.
  • Porous, which makes it breathable and comfortable.
  • Handpicked which guarantees the highest level of purity.
  • It is considered a luxury material because of its superior comfort.

Cons:

  • Expensive. A set of Egyptian cotton sheets can cost anywhere from $100 to thousands depending on the size and thread count.
  • Many manufacturers claim to use Egyptian cotton, but instead, use knock-offs or blends of Egyptian and standard cotton.

Highest-rated Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets:

  • Comfy Sheets 1000-Thread Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets (view on Amazon)
  • True Luxury 1000-Thread-Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets (view on Amazon)
  • Mayfair Linen 800-Thread 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets (view on Amazon)

Pima Cotton

Similar to Egyptian cotton, Pima is a high quality, long fiber cotton that is ideal for bed sheets because it produces ultra-soft, durable, and breathable bed sheets.

The main difference is that Pima cotton is grown in the Southwestern part of the United States. The desert climate in the Southwest is very similar to the climate in Egypt.

Pima cotton is named after the Native America Pima tribe who grew cotton in Arizona centuries ago.

Pima cotton sheets are considered higher quality than standard cotton but are less expensive than Egyptian cotton.

Pros:

  • Similar strength, comfort, and quality as Egyptian cotton.
  • The majority of it is grown in the United States.

Cons:

  • More expensive than regular cotton.
  • Often knocked-off or blended with cheaper cotton.

Highest-rated Pima Cotton Bed Sheets:

  • Peru Pima 415 Thread Count 100% Peruvian Pima Cotton Sheets (view on Amazon)
  • Peru Pima Temperature Regulating 600-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Sheets (view on Amazon)

Supima® Cotton

Supima is the trademarked name for Pima cotton that is held to extremely high quality and purity standards. The name Supima comes from combining Superior and Pima.

The Supima Association was formed to promote American-grown extra-long-staple cotton and ensure that the materials used to create the product, in this case, bed sheets, have been sourced through a licensed supply chain.

To be considered Supima, cotton must be grown in the US, and the fibers need to be extra long (1.5 inches compared to 1 inch).

These are some of the best-selling Supima cotton sheets you can get on Amazon. For more information on Supima, check out their official site

Pros:

  • Superior comfort, strength, and ability to retain color.
  • Light and breathable, ideal for hot weather.
  • Guaranteed to be grown and harvested in the United States.
  • The Supima®  label guarantees that it made with extra-long fibers, unlike Egyptian, which only references the place of origin.
  • Hypoallergenic, resistant to mold and dust mites.

Cons:

  • More expensive than regular cotton. In some cases, more costly than Egyptian cotton.

Highest-rated Supima Cotton Bed Sheets:

  • Threadmill Home Linen 1000 Thread Count Supima Cotton Sheets (view on Amazon)
  • Casper Sleep Soft and Durable 400 Thread Count Supima Cotton Sheets (view on Amazon)

MicroCotton®

MicroCotton is the trademark of fine cotton produced in India.

It was initially developed for making towels due to its ability to dry quickly and produce minimal lint but has since been used to make bed sheets because of those same benefits.

MicroCotton is known to be super absorbent, which will keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night.

To learn more about their process, check out MicroCotton’s site.

Pros:

  • Made with extra-fine long-staple cotton, similar to Pima.
  • Manufactured with proprietary spinning technologies.
  • Very soft and 250% more absorbent than regular cotton.

Cons:

  • More expensive than standard Upland cotton sheets.
  • Very few manufacturers use it, so MicroCotton sheets are difficult to find.

Highest-rated MicroCotton Bed Sheets:

Flannel

Flannel sheets are known for their ability to keep you warm in the cold winter months.

Flannel is made from wool, cotton, and other materials.

During the manufacturing process, the cotton and other materials are brushed, which raises the nap, softens, and makes 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 the quality of flannel is measured in weight, specifically ounces per square yard. The heavier, the better.

If your thinking about buying flannel sheets, these are some of the top-selling ones on Amazon with thousands of excellent reviews.

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.

Highest-rated Flannel Bed Sheets:

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 that produce a fabric that is soft, cool, smooth, luxurious, and hypoallergenic.

If you are looking for the best sheets you can buy, silk will be at the top of your list. Check out this set from ElleSilk on Amazon. It’s a great set if you’re looking to treat yourself or as a gift from someone special.

Silk Bed Sheets

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.
  • It requires delicate care.

Highest-rated Silk Bed Sheets:

Tencel®

Tencel is a brand of fabric that is made out of the cellulose in eucalyptus wood pulp.

It is an all-natural fabric but is often mistaken as synthetic because the process of transforming eucalyptus wood pulp into a bed sheet is highly complex and requires sophisticated manufacturing technology.

Like cotton, Tencel is very soft, breathable, and wicks away moisture.

Unlike cotton, it is not hypoallergenic, and the chemicals used in the manufacturing process can cause issues for some people.

Pros:

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

Highest-rated Tencel Bed Sheets:

Bamboo

When most people think about sheets, bamboo (that’s right, panda bears’ favorite snack) is typically not the first material that comes to mind.

But, believe it or not, bamboo sheets have been gaining popularity in recent years — and for good reasons.

They are incredibly soft like cotton, but also have a smooth feel, like silk.

Bamboo fibers are very long and, in most cases, stretch across the entire sheet, unlike some cheaper materials that have short, woven fibers. Its long fibers prevent pilling and give bamboo sheets superior durability.

Bamboo sheets are hypoallergenic and nonabsorbent—they wick away sweat and bodily fluids, keeping you dry throughout the night. They are also extremely breathable, so you’ll stay cool in the 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.

On the flip side, 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, which is a semi-synthetic fiber.

Although the chemicals used in the manufacturing process are disposed of and have no adverse effects on the sheets, it’s important to understand that most bamboo sheets are not 100% natural.

In the past, some brands labeled their sheets 100% bamboo, even though the fibers were actually semi-synthetic rayon/viscose derived from bamboo. Since then, the Federal Trade Commission has since put their foot down and stopped companies from making that claim unless the product is actually made from 100% bamboo.

When you shop for bamboo sheets, check to see if the label says “100% bamboo” or “Rayon/viscose made from bamboo.”  There’s nothing wrong with the latter, but it’s good to know what you’re getting before you buy.

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 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.

Highest-rated Bamboo Bed Sheets:

Linen

Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant.

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.

Highest-rated Linen Bed Sheets:

Polyester

Polyester sheets are not as common as cotton, but their main advantages are that they are less expensive and more durable.

Polyester is a man-made material that is produced by a chemical reaction between coal, petroleum by-products, alcohol, and carboxylic acid. It results in a material that is soft, extremely durable, and water/wind resistant. 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, 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.

Highest-rated Polyester Bed Sheets:

  • Mellanni Polyester Bed Sheets (view on Amazon) *Best-seller by far*
  • TEKAMON 1800 Thread Count 100% Microfiber Polyester Sheets (view on Amazon)

Bonus: The Latest Innovation in Bed Sheet Materials

In recent years, enhancements in textile engineering in the athletic, active and outdoor spaces resulted in new fabrics that work with the physiology of the body while it’s in motion.

But there hasn’t been much innovation in bed sheet materials — until now.

Nollapelli, an innovative start-up in the bedding industry, developed a new type of fabric that supports the body when it is at rest.

This patent-pending fabric is made from an ideal union of natural, eco-friendly fibers, silky polymers, and fine Pima cotton. That combination of materials creates an optimal environment for skin, hair, and sleep by balancing moisture, temperature, and friction.

The moisture naturally released by our bodies at night can affect both the temperature of the sleep environment and the friction between skin, hair, and fabric. And how your bed sheets manage moisture, temperature, and friction determines how well you’ll sleep.

100% natural fabrics can be supremely soft, but they absorb and hold onto moisture, creating damp discomfort and a stickier surface against skin and hair.

And while 100% synthetic fabrics can be super durable and easy to care for, they can wick away too much moisture, leaving skin and hair dehydrated.

Nollapelli brings together the best of both worlds by combining 45% micro Tencel and 20% Pima cotton with 35% nylon. The result is a fabric where the side in direct contact with your body stays cool, dry, and smooth, while the underside absorbs and quickly dissipates any excess moisture.

Nollapelli’s unique material is cool to the touch and stays cooler throughout the night. And according to the Sleep Foundation, they are one of the best cooling bed sheets you can buy.

No more sticky, sweaty sheets that disrupt sleep or waking up with dehydrated skin and hair. Instead, Nollapelli provides a more comfortable and restorative sleep, so the body at rest will stay at rest.

The only downside to this new material is the cost (view current prices). Nollapelli sheets are much more expensive than sheets made of Upland cotton, polyester, or flannel. In some cases, they are even more pricey than Egyptian cotton and silk sheets.

However, if you have the budget, the comfort and restful sleep you’ll experience makes the cost well worth it. Plus, Nollapelli offers a 30-day risk-free trial. If you’re not 100% satisfied, you can return the sheets for a full refund.

Learn more about this innovative bed sheet material on Nollapelli.com.

Best Cooling Bed Sheet Material

Natural fibers like linen, bamboo, or lightweight cotton are the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers. These fibers help to regulate your body temperature and keep you cool.

Linen is a fine, light fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It has been used to make clothes and other textiles for thousands of years and is especially popular in hot climates. Its absorbent yet quick-drying properties allow the fabric to absorb sweat or humidity without becoming damp.

Bamboo fabric is softer than cotton and has been compared to silk or cashmere. Bed sheets made from bamboo fabric are durable, lightweight, and absorbent, making them ideal for hot and humid environments.

Lightweight cotton is a classic choice for summer bedsheets, especially those with a percale weave. Cotton fabric is absorbent and breathable, allowing it to effectively release heat and absorb sweat while you sleep.

Best Bed Sheet Material for Winter

Flannel sheets are the best for winter, thanks to their warmth and wonderfully soft texture.

Traditional flannel is made from either brushed (or “carded”) wool or heavy Worsted yarn. It was invented in 18th-century Wales and has remained popular in cold climates worldwide. High-quality flannel is still made from wool, but nowadays, you can also find cotton or synthetic flannel sheets.

Good-quality flannel sheets are heavy, soft, and “fuzzy” to the touch. This fuzziness is achieved via brushing, and this process also creates a soft web of fibers that trap body heat and provide an added layer of warmth as you sleep.

It also does an excellent job of “wicking” moisture from the skin, so flannel sheets are a good option for sweaty sleepers.

Best Bed Sheet Material for Summer

Lightweight cotton sheets are the classic option for hot summer nights, but other natural materials like bamboo fiber and linen have been gaining popularity in recent years.

If you plan to buy cotton sheets for your summer bedding, purchase a lightweight option with a percale weave. Percale refers to a tight, thin cotton weave that typically comes in a thread count of 200+. This type of cotton sheet is more breathable than other options, which makes it better suited for hot summer nights.

Linen is another good choice, especially for naturally hot sleepers. Linen sheets naturally have a looser weave that allows heat to escape. The downside is that linen sheets aren’t as soft as cotton, and low-quality linen can have a rough texture that some people find uncomfortable.

Bamboo sheets are naturally temperature-regulating due to their weight, texture, and weave. They are lightweight and incredibly smooth, so heat doesn’t get trapped between fibers like with flannel or brushed cotton sheets. Bamboo sheets are also quick-drying and absorbent, and their smooth texture makes them cool to the touch.

Softest Bed Sheet Material

Silk is hands-down the softest sheet material out there. However, bamboo sheets can offer a similar feel to silk at a much lower cost.

Real silk is made from the cocoons of the silk moth. While extracting the silk fibers, the cocoons are carefully processed (often by hand) and cleaned of all residue. The fibers are shiny, smooth, and durable. Silk is one of the few fabrics made from animal rather than plant fibers, and the animal proteins found in silk are naturally smooth and incredibly fine. These natural qualities are what give silk bed sheets their legendary texture.

Bamboo fabric is made via a process similar to tencel. Bamboo stalks are soaked and then pulped, and the cellulose fibers are removed from the pulp and woven together. Since these fibers are fine and light, they give the fabric a silky soft texture that has been compared to cashmere.

Best Bed Sheet Material for Your Skin

Silk is the best bed sheet material for your skin because it is hypoallergenic, and its texture prevents your skin from stretching and wrinkling due to friction as you sleep. In fact, beauty experts recommend a silk pillowcase to keep your skin and hair healthy.

Silk’s naturally smooth texture allows your skin to move against it without irritation and prevents friction-related blemishes like acne, rashes, or dry patches. Silk sheets are also less absorbent than other options, so you lose less moisture and your skin stays hydrated while you sleep. 

Best Hypoallergenic Bed Sheet Material

Bamboo, silk, percale cotton, and Tencel are all hypoallergenic.

To be hypoallergenic, sheets have to be dust and mold resistant. Smoother, more water-repellent fabrics attract fewer dust mites and are less likely to create the moist environment that mold spores love.

Lighter, smoother fabrics are also less likely to pull or scratch your skin, making them an excellent option for people with eczema or otherwise irritable skin. Since bamboo, silk, percale cotton, and Tencel sheets are all made from organic materials, they tend to contain lower volumes of industrial chemicals like formaldehyde, which many people are allergic to.

Best Pill-Free Bed Sheet Material

Silk and linen are the best pill-free bed sheet materials.

Fabric “pills” are caused by broken fibers that bunch up and tangle. You’ll often find fabric pills in areas where your feet or pajamas rub up against the sheets, and they tend to appear in spots where the fabric is wearing thin.

The stronger, smoother, and more tension-resistant a fabric is, the less it will tend to pill. Silk and linen are highly durable fabrics with tough, tight fibers that aren’t as sensitive to friction. If you move around a lot while you sleep, you may want to consider these options to avoid issues like pilling or thinning.

Best Wrinkle-Free Bed Sheet Material

Linen and silk sheets that won’t hold tension or get “starchy” are your best bet for wrinkle-free sheets. Microfiber sheets are also less prone to wrinkling because of their smooth texture and the anti-wrinkling chemicals added during production.

Linen and silk are both friction-resistant and wrinkle-resistant. These fabrics aren’t sprayed with starch during production, making them less likely to stiffen and form wrinkles from the tension.

Sateen cotton sheets are another excellent option if you’re set on cotton sheets but don’t like wrinkles. Sateen is made from Egyptian cotton threads woven using the same method as satin. This process creates a smooth texture that resists friction and wrinkles.

What Does Thread Count Mean and Why Does It Matter?

When you go shopping for bed sheets, besides the material, one of the critical decisions you need to make is what thread count to choose.

Thread count means the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch of fabric.

In general, the higher the thread count, the softer and more comfortable the sheet. However, companies understand this perception and often manipulate the number by using tricks in the manufacturing process that don’t improve comfort.

Aim for a thread count between 200 and 800, but remember to pay close attention to the materials, weave, and finish to understand the full picture.

Does Weave Type Matter?

Short answer, not really. Weave type is another factor that you might come across during the shopping process, but it’s less important than thread count. It can still make a small difference, so it’s worth understanding the three most common weave types:

Sateen – A weave that produces soft and lustrous but can be less durable.

Combed – In this type of weave, they comb the cotton and eliminate all of the short fibers leaving only the long ones that result in the softest and most durable material, similar to Pima and Egyptian.

Percale – Percale is a weave that is considered standard. It produces a soft and very durable sheet that has a minimum thread count of 180.

The Verdict: What Is the Best Material for Bed Sheets?

If you can afford expensive sheets, Pima, Supima, Egyptian Cotton, and Silk are the best materials. All four materials are incredibly soft, comfortable, moisture-absorbing, and adapt well for use throughout the year.

Personally, my favorite material for bed sheets is Supima cotton. Supima rises to the top for me because it’s grown in the US and is guaranteed to be 100% pure and natural.

Unlike Egyptian cotton, Supima cannot be knocked off, so you know you are buying sheets that are made from high-quality material and will last.

Pima is the same as Supima, but like Egyptian, Pima is known to be imitated by companies using a blend of cotton and other materials.

Silk sheets are very comfortable but, in my opinion, too delicate.

There are so many options to choose from, but if you are looking to invest in a good night’s sleep, below are the Supima and Egyptian cotton sheets that I own and highly recommend.

I also highly recommend checking out Nollapelli sheets, which are a combination of micro Tencel, Pima cotton, and nylon. They are available exclusively on Nollapelli.com.

If you’re on a budget and want the best value, Delilah Home’s 100% organic cotton sheets are incredibly soft, comfortable, and affordable. They’re 50% thicker than most cotton sheets and made in Portugal. Check them out on DelilahHome.com.

What’s your favorite bed sheet material?

Now that you understand the pros and cons of each material, it’s time to pick one and improve the quality of your sleep.

What is your favorite type of sheet? Do you have any go-to brands? Please let us know in the comments section or contact us directly; we would love to hear your feedback.

If you found this article helpful, you should check out:

Andrew Palermo Founder of Prudent Reviews

Andrew Palermo - About the Author

Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. He began his career in marketing, managing campaigns for dozens of Fortune 500 brands. In 2018, Andrew founded Prudent Reviews and has since reviewed 600+ products. When he’s not testing the latest cookware, kitchen knives, and appliances, he’s spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Connect with Andrew via emailLinkedIn, or the Prudent Reviews YouTube channel.

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14 thoughts on “What Is the Best Material for Bed Sheets? (Top 11 Compared)”

  1. Very interesting comparisons and information. I will definitely access this website again for product information.
    Thank you and happiest of holidays to you and your family this year and into the new one!

    Reply
  2. What is the most durable material – have two Siamese cats that sleep with us and their claws are hard on our bedding.

    Reply
    • Egyptian, Pima, and Supima cotton are the most durable due to their long, strong fibers. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune to damage from sharp claws. Definitely stay away from silk. Good luck!

      Reply
  3. I was browsing Cuddledown website and saw 100% combed cotton Italian voile sheets. Never heard of Italian voile. What’s your opinion?

    Reply
    • Hi Lynn,

      Cotton voile is very lightweight (lighter than regular cotton), so it’s a great material for sheets in the summer and in warm climates.

      Combed cotton is even softer than regular cotton because it goes through the extra step of combing where the short fibers and impurities are removed.

      So, I’m willing to bet the sheets you were looking at are quite soft, comfortable, and lightweight.

      Hope this helps!
      Andrew

      Reply
  4. I love the feel of hotel sheets and would like to know what are the easiest to iron sheets in this quality? What would you recommend? Thank you.

    Reply
      • Hi Jenn,

        Microfiber sheets have pros and cons.

        Pros: comfortable, easy to clean, wrinkle resistant, durable, affordable

        Cons: less breathable than cotton, the fibers store electrons that attract hair, made from synthetic materials, not the best for sensitive skin

        I prefer cotton (even upland cotton) over microfiber.

        Hope this helps!
        Andrew

        Reply
  5. I found a fitted sheet and two pillow cases when going through our old linens. These were amazingly comfortable and wanted to find a top sheet to go with them. The label is pure white – I cannot make out the writing at all. But the fabric feels like cotton, thick and soft, almost a waxy type of feel. But incredibly comfortable. The fabric is also very dense. It doesn’t feel like a crisp percale, and it does feel combed. Do you have any idea what this is? I have no clue.

    Reply
    • Hi Jo – Thanks for the comment. It’s hard to say without seeing or feeling it myself. Whatever it is, enjoy it! – Andrew

      Reply
  6. My daughter gave me some sheets that say they are 100% Modal and are made in Turkey. Was just wondering what Modal is and if you’ve heard of this material or not. There was no brand on them since they were handed down.

    Reply
    • Hi Ruthy,

      Great question!

      Modal is a fiber made from the wood pulp of the beech tree. It’s similar to cotton but more absorbent and breathable. Manufacturers use it to make activewear, underwear, bed sheets, and many other products.

      Modal is resistant to shrinkage, fading, and pilling which makes it a good material for bed sheets. The downside; modal bed sheets are not totally natural (makers add chemicals to it during processing) so it’s possible to have an allergic reaction when your bare skin is exposed to it.

      You can learn about Modal here.

      I hope this helps!

      Andrew

      Reply

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