How to Choose the Best Material for Bed Sheets

When it comes to choosing bed sheets, finding the right material is crucial: Different fabrics offer different benefits in terms of softness, comfort, breathability, and temperature control. Consider how fiber, weave, and thread count can influence the feel of a fabric when deciding which is best for you. Whether you're looking for bedding to suit your sleeping preferences or simply want options that offer easy care, use this guide to learn how to choose bed sheet fabric.

Choose Your Sheet Fabric Based on Sleep Temperature

Each fabric type offers different benefits—some are cool and lightweight, perfect for hot sleepers, and others provide extra warmth for people who tend to sleep cold. To find the best bed sheet fabric for your preferred sleep temperature, consider how the material is made.

Woman sleeping in white bedding

To produce material, fibers are twisted together to create threads which are then woven into fabric. Different weaving techniques create distinctive fabric types, from percale and sateen to elegant jacquard weaves with varying levels of warmth.

Thread count measures the density of a fabric—the number of threads per square inch—and can be an excellent way to cater your sheets to your preferences, whether you’re a hot or cold sleeper. The higher the thread count, the heavier—and warmer—the material. If you find yourself throwing off the covers at night, you might appreciate the lower thread count that makes for cool, breathable bed sheets. But if you are a cold sleeper who tends to need layers to sleep comfortably, you may find that heavier, higher thread count sheets are best for your rest.

Thread count isn’t the only factor when determining which sheets are coolest or warmest: different fabrics offer distinct benefits—from style to feel to breathability—so explore our favorite bed sheet materials to find the type that suits your preferences.

When determining which sheets are coolest for hot sleepers or warm weather, breathable natural fibers are an ideal choice. Even better, these popular warm-weather sheet fabrics pair well with a lightweight cotton quilt or coverlet so hot sleepers can layer to stay comfortable, even when cooler sleeping temperatures arrive.

Consider these fabric options for hot sleepers or summer nights:

Sheet Fabric Feel Top Benefits
Linen Lightweight and airy Breathable and moisture-wicking
Cotton Percale Smooth and crisp Provides ample airflow
Supima® Cotton Rich and smooth Breathable and durable
TENCEL™ Lyocell Ultra-soft Cool and moisture-wicking
Rayon Made from Bamboo Soft and smooth Naturally hypoallergenic and breathable

Heavier materials and fabrics with a higher thread count—like cotton flannel, jersey knit, and sateen—make the warmest sheets for winter weather. Cold sleepers often prefer to snuggle up under warm, soft sheets layered with our incredibly cozy down comforters.

For the comfiest winter sleeping conditions, consider these sheet fabric options:

Sheet Fabric Feel Top Benefits
Cotton Sateen Buttery soft Heavy and warm
Egyptian Cotton Crisp and smooth Great year-round option
Cotton Jersey Knit T-shirt soft Breathable, yet retains heat well
Cotton Flannel Velvety soft Insulating without added bulk