What Are the Best Bed Sheets for Summer?
On the warmest summer nights, cool bed sheets can be the difference between sweaty tossing and turning and restful sleep. Explore our guide and learn the best materials for summer bed sheets, and find tips for layering a cool, comfortable bed.
What to Look for When Choosing Cool Summer Sheets
Certain keywords can help clue you in to which sheets are best for hot weather. Consider these qualities when shopping for summer bed sheets.
- Lightweight: Weight is one of the most important factors when choosing summer sheets. The heavier the sheets, the warmer they’ll be, so lightweight, airy options are your best bet for staying cool when the temperatures rise.
- Breathable: Breathable fabrics allow air to easily pass through so you don’t get too hot or stuffy underneath. To find breathable bed sheets, look for natural materials instead of synthetic ones—think cotton, linen, and TENCEL™ Lyocell.
- Moisture Wicking: Moisture-wicking materials draw moisture away from your skin and facilitate its evaporation through the fabric and into the air, making them perfect for humid conditions or for those who sweat while they sleep.
What Is the Best Thread Count for Cool Summer Sheets?
Thread count impacts the weight of a fabric—the lower the thread count, the looser the weave, and the lighter the material. The highest quality percale sheets will have a thread count between 200 and 400; but sheets made with certain fibers, including linen or TENCEL™ Lyocell, are unlikely to even list a thread count at all.
What Are the Best Summer Sheet Fabrics?
The best fabrics for summer sheets feature natural fibers and loose weaves. Linen, cotton percale, TENCEL ™ Lyocell, and Rayon made from bamboo are among the coolest bed sheet materials for summer.
| Fabric | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Linen | Lightweight, breathable, gets softer over time |
| Cotton Percale | Crisp and cool to the touch, lightweight, comfortable, and durable |
| TENCEL™ Lyocell | Moisture wicking, breathable, and exceptionally soft |
| Rayon Made from Bamboo | Highly absorbent and quick drying, buttery soft |
How to Layer a Bed for Summer
Certain keywords can help clue you in to which sheets are best for hot weather. Consider these qualities when shopping for summer bed sheets.
- Choose cooling bedding essentials. From mattress pads to pillows, look for bedding basics filled with cooling gel foam or specially engineered fibers designed to draw heat away from your body and keep you cool when temperatures rise.
- Add linen, cotton percale, TENCEL ™ Lyocell, or Rayon made from bamboo bed sheets in designs that suit the season: Choose breezy white sheets to achieve an airy aesthetic, bring sunny style to the bed with bright solid hues, or opt for patterns inspired by summer.
- A single top bedding layer should be sufficient for warm summer nights: Cold sleepers can cuddle up beneath a lightweight down or down alternative comforter, while those who tend to sleep hot may find that a quilt or coverlet offers the appropriate level of comfort.
- Fold a lightweight cotton or linen throw blanket at the foot of the bed in case the temperature unexpectedly dips.
Start with lightweight, breezy bed sheets as the basis for the best summer bed, then add just the right amount of layers for restful, comfortable sleep. For more bedding advice and ideas, explore our other Guides.