• Mattress Guides
    • Best Mattresses

    • Best Mattresses of 2023
    • For Side Sleepers
    • For Back Pain
    • Mail Order Mattress
    • Cooling Mattresses
    • Eco-Friendly Mattresses
    • Mattress Types

    • Fiberglass Free Mattresses
    • Memory Foam Mattresses
    • Hybrid Mattresses
    • Innerspring Mattresses
    • Soft Mattresses
    • Firm Mattresses
    • Mattress Reviews

    • Amerisleep Review
    • Zoma Review
    • Vaya Review
    • Avocado Review
    • Eight Sleep Review
    • Mattress Guides

    • Mattress Buying Guide
    • Mattress Sizes
    • Mattress Foundation Sizes
    • Bed Frame Sizes
  • Bedding Guides
    • Comforters & Blankets

    • Best Comforters
    • Best Down Comforters
    • Best Duvets
    • Best Blankets
    • Pillows

    • Best Pillows
    • Best Memory Foam Pillows
    • Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
    • Best Body Pillows
    • Comparisons

    • Cotton vs. Microfiber
    • Duvet vs. Comforter
    • FAQs

    • How to Wash Pillows?
    • How Often to Replace Every Type of Pillow
    • How Long Does it Take to Dry Clean a Comforter?
  • Mattress Resources
    • Mattress Comparison

    • Memory Foam vs. Pillow Top
    • Memory Foam vs. Spring
    • Memory Foam vs. Latex
    • Hybrid vs. Memory Foam
    • Gel Memory Foam vs. Latex
    • Size Comparison

    • King vs. California King
    • King vs. Queen
    • Queen vs. Full
    • Full vs. Twin
    • Twin vs. Twin XL
    • Solutions

    • Mattress Quiz
    • How to Fix a Sagging Mattress
    • How to Fix a Too Soft or Too Firm Mattress
    • How to Dispose of an Old Mattress
  • Sleep Health
    • How-To

    • How to Power Nap
    • How to Stop Snoring
    • How To Wake Up Early: 8 Benefits To Waking Up Early
    • How to Sleep on Your Back
    • Dreams

    • How to Lucid Dream: Techniques, Benefits, and Risks
    • Night Terrors vs. Nightmares
    • What is a Fever Dream?
    • Natural Sleep

    • Natural Herbs For Sleep
    • Essential Oils for Sleep
Home / Bedding Guides / Cotton vs. Microfiber Sheets: What’s the Difference?
Bedding Guides

Cotton vs. Microfiber Sheets: What’s the Difference?

by Rosie Osmun CERTIFIED SLEEP COACH Comment on Cotton vs. Microfiber Sheets: What’s the Difference?

Eachnight may earn commissions for products you purchase through our links. Our articles and reviews include affiliate links and advertisements, including amerisleep advertising. Learn more

Updated November 8, 2022

Climbing into a cozy and comfortable bed at the end of a long day can promote relaxation and help you fall asleep quickly. High-quality bedding, particularly the type of sheets you choose, can play a big role in making your sleep space feel more inviting.

Sheets rest directly on the skin, so you want those made of a soft yet breathable material that won’t irritate the skin. Bed sheets also need to withstand the wear and tear that comes with multiple washes, so they should be made of a strong, durable fabric.

For many years, cotton has been the go-to material for bed sheets. However, there are now many other fabrics and blends to choose from. Microfiber has become increasingly popular for its durability, but how does it compare to cotton in terms of breathability?

In this article, we answer this question and highlight the differences and similarities between cotton and microfiber bed sheets. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to choose the perfect new sheet set.

Cotton Sheets

Since cotton is a completely natural material, it is breathable, absorbent, and keeps sleepers cool throughout the night. Cotton is also hypoallergenic and frequently recommended for those with skin allergies. Plus, cotton sheets are readily available in various thread counts, various weave patterns, and a wide selection of price points. Below, we explain how cotton measures up in terms of breathability, feel, durability, and variety.

Breathability

100 percent cotton has a natural breathability, meaning air can circulate through this fabric quickly and easily, regardless of climate, body heat, or how much pressure is applied to the material. Cotton is also absorbent and quick-drying to prevent night sweats and sleep disruptions due to overheating. These features make cotton sheets ideal for those who sleep hot.

Feel

Cotton sheets have a smooth finish, which is soothing to the skin, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema. Cotton is comforting and cozy, but it also won’t exaggerate already irritated skin.

Durability

Cotton sheets are often made with a strong interlocking weave to make them incredibly durable without sacrificing softness. They can withstand constant washing without pilling or losing their shape. Most high-quality cotton sheets last between 2 to 3 years before they start to become too thin to withstand washing.

Variety

Cotton sheets are popular, and manufacturers use this soft, breathable material in many different ways. To help you make sense of the various types of cotton sheets on the market, we outline the most common variations available.

  • Thread count: Thread count refers to the number of threads woven per square inch of fabric. Sheets with higher thread counts are softer and smoother. However, don’t be fooled by brands claiming to sell sheets with a thread count over 500. For the threads to remain strong and durable, most thread counts max out at 500. Most high-quality cotton sheets will have a thread count between 300 and 400.
  • Extra-long staple cotton: There are three cotton species, Upland cotton, Egyptian cotton, and Pima cotton. Upland cotton sheets are the most common. However, Egyptian and Pima cotton sheets are considered superior to Upland because they have extra-long fibers, also known as “extra-long-staple cotton,” making these sheets finer, softer, and more durable.
  • Weave: Cotton is woven in several different patterns to change the durability and feel. The most popular cotton weaves for sheets are percale, sateen, and flannel. Percale sheets have a crisp, cool feel, similar to linen. It is also ultra-breathable and won’t pill. Sateen sheets are silky and smooth, while flannel sheets are cozy and warm, perfect for cooler climates.
  • Organic certifications: Cotton sheets with a USDA or GOTS certification are grown and harvested without pesticides or herbicides. These sheets tend to have a higher price point, but it may be worth the extra cost if you have severe allergies or skin sensitivities. Our organic cotton vs regular cotton guide compares the two in great detail.

Microfiber Sheets

Microfiber is a synthetic material that feels similar to silk due to its small, thin fibers. This fabric is made with various types of polyester fibers, such as nylon and Kevlar. Although microfiber is not made with natural fibers, some microfiber sheets are made with a blend of polyester and natural materials, such as ground wood pulp.

Let’s take a closer look at how microfiber sheets compare to the breathability, feel, durability, and variety of cotton sheets.

Breathability

Although microfiber is synthetic, it is also very breathable. This material is manufactured to wick away heat and moisture to regulate body temperature and keep you cool and comfortable all night. Microfiber repels water and prevents it from soaking into the material. In fact, microfiber is used in athletic clothing because its moisture-wicking properties keep active individuals cool and dry.

Feel

Like cotton, high-quality microfiber sheets are soft and comfortable. However, microfiber tends to have a silkier feel when compared to cotton. It is common for microfiber to be “brushed”—this involves gently lifting each fiber to create a soft, velvety texture. Most microfiber sheets are made with a percale or sateen weave to make them smooth to the touch.

Durability

Microfiber sheets are woven with high-tech machines to create a super tight weave that is durable and won’t pill. This material also repels liquid, so microfiber sheets are less likely to develop stains from spills and accidents.

In terms of care, microfiber sheets are low maintenance and easy to wash. They can withstand high temperatures without losing their shape or deteriorating. Plus, microfiber sheets tend to be more resistant to wrinkles than cotton ones.

Variety

Like cotton sheets, there are a wide variety of microfiber sheets on the market. However, microfiber is not available in organic or long-staple cotton varieties because it is synthetic rather than natural. Also, the thread count of the fabric does not apply to microfiber the way it does to cotton. To help you shop, we outline the types of microfiber sheets available and what to look for when you shop.

  • GSM (grams per square meter): Instead of thread count, microfiber sheets come with GSM ratings, which relates to the fabric’s weight. A GSM over 100 indicates a high-quality material with durability and strength, while a GSM below 90 is considered low-quality.
  • Brushing: To give microfiber a soft, velvety feel, many brands brush the fibers. As you shop, you may come across sheet sets labeled as “double brushed,” meaning the material has been brushed on both sides for maximum comfort.
  • Weave: Most microfiber sheets are made with percale or sateen weave. Both of these weaves are used to make the sheets more durable and give them a crisp feeling. Unlike cotton, microfiber sheets are not available with a flannel weave.

Final Verdict

As you can see from our list above, cotton and microfiber sheets have many similarities and differences. The following chart provides a side by side comparison of the two in the four categories covered above—breathability, feel, durability, and variety.

FeatureCottonMicrofiber
BreathabilityLight, airy, with plenty of air circulation to prevent heat-trappingMoisture-wicking and absorbent to keep sleepers cool and dry
FeelSoft, crisp, and soothing, perfect for those with sensitive skinSilky, smooth, slippery feel due to the small, thin fibers; ideal for those who experience night sweats
DurabilityNaturally strong and durable without sacrificing softness; lasts 2 to 3 yearsStain and wrinkle-resistant lasts 2 to 3 years
VarietyAvailable in organic varieties, high thread counts, and strong weavesAvailable in brushed varieties and percale or sateen weaves

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you change your sheets?

Experts suggest washing your sheets once every two weeks. If you frequently experience night sweats, you may want to wash your sheets once a week to prevent contaminants and other bacteria from building up in your bed. Most bedding is easy to wash and dry at home; however, be sure to read the care instructions before laundering.

What kind of sheets do hotels use?

Most hotels use high-quality cotton sheets with a 300 to 400 thread count cotton. Higher-end hotels may use Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton sheets for a more comfortable and luxurious feel.

What kind of sheets are crisp?

Cotton sheets with a percale weave have a smooth, crisp feel. A percale weave consists of a simple one under one over pattern to create a tight-knit, smooth fabric. Sheets made with a percale weave are also strong and durable and less likely to pill with multiple washes.

What kind of sheets are best for hot sleepers?

Hot sleepers are typically most comfortable on 100 percent cotton, microfiber, or Tencel sheets. For those who frequently experience night sweats, microfiber or Tencel can help keep sleepers cool and dry. Cotton also has natural breathability to prevent heat-trapping and sleep disruptions.

What is the best mattress type for hot sleepers?

The best mattress for hot sleepers are those made with plant-based memory foam or cooling gel-infusions. Hybrid mattresses, which have a spring coil base, also have more air circulation to prevent overheating. Those made with traditional memory foam or poly-foam tend to trap heat and moisture.

What are Tencel sheets?

Tencel is a fabric made from cellulose fibers, specifically wood pulp fibers. Tencel is produced with recyclable and eco-friendly materials and is often blended with cotton. Bed sheets made with Tencel are soft, wrinkle-resistant, and have a luxurious, silky feeling.

If you want an in-depth comparison of cotton and Tencel fabric, check out our Tencel vs cotton sheets guide.

Conclusion

Now that you understand the specifics of both cotton and microfiber sheets, you can decide which are the best sheets for you. Ultimately, your personal preferences should determine which type of bed sheets you purchase. If you have sensitive skin or suffer from eczema or psoriasis, cotton sheets may be less likely to trigger a flare-up. However, if you frequently experience night sweats, microfiber sheets with moisture-wicking abilities can help you stay cool and dry throughout the night.

About the author
Rosie Osmun CERTIFIED SLEEP COACH

Rosie Osmun is a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a certificate in International Relations.

For more than 15 years, she has been involved in the beauty, health, sleep, and wellness industries. Her work has been featured and published in Healthline, Byrdie, Lifehacker, Men’s Journal, Eating Well, Medical Daily, and BedTimes Magazine.

Rosie is also experienced in brand development, marketing, product development, and product testing. She has worked with a variety of direct-to-consumer and lifestyle brands, which gives her a more holistic understanding of what good materials and quality are.

Find more articles by Rosie
Author Social Links Follow: Author Linkedin Author Twitter

Comments

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s the best mattress?

Best Mattress

We’ve spent countless hours finding the best mattresses out there so you don’t have to hunt for them.

See Our Best Mattress Picks

Bedding Guides

Best-Cooling-Sheets
14 Best Cooling Sheets for Hot Sleepers in 2023
Jasmin Lee
Bed Pillow Sizes Guide
Malik Karman
what-is-a-comforter
What is a Comforter?
Kiera Pritchard

EachNight Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

The EachNight writing team is devoted to creating articles that are not only entertaining and easy to understand but also as impartial, accurate, and well-sourced as possible. Whenever possible, we strive to have our articles fact-checked by our independent review board. We also do not tolerate plagiarism or ill intent from our contributors.

Here are the medical and factual guidelines that a EachNight article must adhere to:

  • We draw upon only reputable and respectable sources when researching our articles’ topics and endeavor to only link to highly authoritative sources. Such sources would include peer-reviewed medical and academic journals, medical and academic associations in good standing, and interviews with or blog posts from certified medical professionals.
  • We may link to news articles or peer-reviewed medical blog posts about studies when appropriate, but always attempt to connect directly to the studies these pages discuss.
  • Our scientific information, conclusions, and analysis are always supported by at least one reputable source.
  • We strive to make any potential conflicts of interest attached to any studies or sources clear to our readers. When applicable, we also try to include conflicting research or questions that may throw a study’s conclusion into doubt to clarify that scientific understandings often change and progress over time.
  • Our articles typically link to other articles and resources on our site. This is solely for easier navigation, and we do not promote our website as a medical resource. Try to speak with your physician if you have medical concerns.
  • Any necessary background information on a topic will be included when appropriate.
  • Our goal is for every one of our medical-related articles to be reviewed by our independent board of experts. Should they spot any medical or health-related misinformation or errors, we will strike it out from the final published article.

What’s a Certified Sleep Coach?

Our writers are sleep coaches certified by the Spencer Institute, which has been training coaches since 1992. Becoming a certified sleep coach means that our writers are well-versed in various sleep science matters, taking us beyond being just a group of mattress reviewers. The certification allows us an in-depth understanding of what we’re talking about when it comes to advising readers on better sleep habits.

About Us

Our simple goal is to provide the information you need to get better sleep each night. We provide a full-circle approach to sleep and wellness that incorporates mental, physical, and environmental well-being.

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Expert Review Board

Our Guides

  • Mattress Guides
  • Mattress Reviews
  • Best Mattress
  • Mattress Quiz
  • Sleep Health
  • Sleep Calculator
  • Mattress Sizes

Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out about content, features and more happening at eachnight.

You must enter a valid email.
Each Night Logo

Copyright © 2023 eachnight. All rights reserved.