What do microfiber sheets feel like

Learning a bit about each type of fabric will help you select the bedding best suited to your tastes. Microfiber lacks breathability and traps heat.

It works great in chilly weather or for people who like to sleep warm! Cotton has naturally porous fibers and allows air to pass through its weave quite easily.

It provides a cooler sleep. Bamboo sheets rank somewhere between the other fabrics for breathability. It has natural air gaps in its fibers but is not quite as breathable as cotton. Microfiber sheets feel soft and satiny. They also have remarkably lightweight and thin texture. If you like to feel an airy, silky cloud is wrapped around you, you might like the kind of comfort microfiber sheets provide!

Cotton sheets have been the winner of the comfort contest for a long time. They provide a smooth, crisp feel. The best cotton sheets have special long-staple fibers that twist into smooth, strong yarns and have a luxuriously soft texture. Bamboo sheets offer a softer texture than cotton. This may be hard to believe, but, several fabrics, like rayon, come from wood pulp!

This fabric makes a great, soft sheet that also provides comfortable airflow, as you saw earlier. Microfiber wins all the contests for durability, so long as you purchase a quality fabric with a high GSM.

The synthetic fibers in this fabric do not fade, rip, or tear easily. They can hold up to a lot of washing as well.

Cotton lasts a long time. It does wear out eventually from washing, as its natural fibers relax and loosen eventually. The good news is that the softening of the natural fibers makes these sheets more comfortable over time! Bamboo sheets last quite a long time with the proper care. Some companies claim that a typical bamboo sheet may last up to six years! They do require some finicky cleaning procedures, though.

Friction and long-term wear can cause little nubbins of thread to appear on the surface of some fabrics. This pilling may irritate your skin if you like super-smooth sheets. Microfiber has excellent pilling resistance. This depends somewhat on the thread count and GSM of the fabric, though.

Low thread count sheets tend to have a looser, coarser weave, which can catch and pill more easily. Cotton fabric does pill over time. Again, high thread count makes a difference here! Generally speaking, though, synthetic fabrics resist pilling much better than cotton. Temperature control usually depends on the breathability and moisture-wicking properties of your sheets.

Microfiber sucks at breathability. On the other hand, it does great at moisture-wicking and can provide relief for anyone who sweats a lot while sleeping. They are both highly durable and often hold colors well. Cotton becomes softer with every wash, though it is more prone to breaking down with time due to its natural fibers.

Cotton might also shrink with first washing and is more prone to wrinkling. However, microfibers are more likely to stain due to their highly absorbent nature, unless otherwise specified. Both microfiber and cotton sheets are durable and smooth-feeling options, with a variety of options when it comes to price points, style, and quality. Despite their similarities, there are a number of things to consider when you are making the final decision between the two of them.

Cotton is a more breathable and allergen-free option, while microfiber is usually more durable. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn More. Cotton Sheets. March 3, Written by Keith Cushner. Quick Overview Quality sleep plays a key role in both physical and mental health. What is Microfiber? Pros and Cons of Microfiber Sheets. Pros Lightweight Durable when accompanied by a tight weave Machine washable.

Cons Highly absorbent, and therefore more prone to staining More likely to generate static Durability and temperature dependent on thread count and weave.

What is Cotton? Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets. Pros Comes in a wide-range of options Breathable and cool Good for those with allergies All-natural Soft. Cons More expensive Natural fibers are not as durable.

When you buy a quality set, both microfiber and cotton will generally have the same care requirements. The cotton sheet with a high thread count will be much more durable than one with a low thread count. Low-quality cotton linens tend to pill and will grow less comfortable over time.

The benefit of investing in quality cotton sheets, though, is their ability to become more supple and comfortable as time goes by, as well as the durability and ease of care. Individual microfiber threads are weak on their own. However, microfiber sheets are a tightly woven and thin fabric, therefore giving this tightly woven material a durable quality.

Lower quality microfibers do risk being ripped after a few months of use, but going with high-quality microfiber increases the strength and quality of these linens, even with daily washing. Feel, from a user's point of view, is perhaps the most crucial quality of the linen that you choose for your bedding. The feel is significant, with many seeking a silky-smooth feel against their skin, for both cotton and microfiber sheets, the higher the thread count or, the smaller the denier, the higher the quality.

Sheets are an investment that will be used for many years, and you want sheets that are easy to care for, attractive, and, most of all, soft and comfortable. 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. For the threads to remain strong and durable, most thread counts max out at Most high-quality cotton sheets will have a thread count between and Extra-long staple cotton: There are three cotton species, Upland cotton, Egyptian cotton, and Pima cotton.

Upland cotton sheets are the most common. 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. Sateen sheets are silky and smooth, while flannel sheets are cozy and warm, perfect for cooler climates. 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. Breathability Although microfiber is synthetic, it is also very breathable.

Feel Like cotton, high-quality microfiber sheets are soft and comfortable. Variety Like cotton sheets, there are a wide variety of microfiber sheets on the market.

A GSM over 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. 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. Feature Cotton Microfiber Breathability Light, airy, with plenty of air circulation to prevent heat-trapping Moisture-wicking and absorbent to keep sleepers cool and dry Feel Soft, crisp, and soothing, perfect for those with sensitive skin Silky, smooth, slippery feel due to the small, thin fibers; ideal for those who experience night sweats Durability Naturally strong and durable without sacrificing softness; lasts 2 to 3 years Stain and wrinkle-resistant lasts 2 to 3 years Variety Available in organic varieties, high thread counts, and strong weaves Available in brushed varieties and percale or sateen weaves Frequently Asked Questions How often should you change your sheets?

What kind of sheets do hotels use? What kind of sheets are crisp? What kind of sheets are best for hot sleepers? What is the best mattress type for hot sleepers? What are Tencel sheets? Conclusion Now that you understand the specifics of both cotton and microfiber sheets, you can decide which are the best sheets for you. Cancel reply.