Can’t get a good night’s sleep? Your bedding may be to blame. Bedsheets and pillowcases can be made out of all kinds of fabrics. These materials each have their own properties when it comes to temperature regulation, allergy reduction, moisture absorption and softness. But just which is the best bedding material?
In this guide will pit five of the most popular fabrics choices against one another: cotton, bamboo, linen, silk and flannel. It’s time for a fabric face-off. A bedsheet showdown. A pillow fight! Will there be a winner? Or does every material have its unique pros?
Cotton
Our first contender is cotton. This material is often viewed as a good all-rounder and as a result is the most commonly used bedding material.
It’s made from the fluffy fibers of a cotton plant and is both soft and breathable – providing warmth in the winter and helping to cool the body down in the summer. This allows cotton sheets to be used all year round (obviously, don’t keep the same sheet on your bed all year! Wash and replace every 1 to 2 weeks.)
Not all cotton is made equally, and this is important to consider when investing in good quality cotton sheets. The ‘thread count’ affects the softness, wrinkle-resistance and durability. It also affects the price. Low quality cotton with a thread count of 50 can be quite cheap, but may irritate sensitive skin and be prone to piling. Egyptian cotton meanwhile has a thread count of over 400 and is regarded as the softest and most durable option, however it costs a little more (especially the real Egyptian stuff).
Something important to consider before you buy cotton: it is not the best bedding material for those that sweat a lot. It tends to soak up moisture and get clammy, and therefore sweaty sleepers may want to avoid using it in summer.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a newcomer that has been gaining a lot of popularity. It has many of the same properties as cotton – but with the added advantage of being moisture-wicking and in some cases more eco-friendly.
Sweaty sleepers will find that bamboo sheets remain mainly dry. Bamboo is also naturally anti-microbial, helping to fight off bacteria and keep used sheets more hygienic. On top of this, bamboo’s breathability keeps it fairly cool on a hot night. When used for pillowcases, this means that you won’t be searching for the cold side.
While often a greener option than cotton, some varieties use a lot of chemicals and aren’t quite as durable. Try to look for 100% bamboo viscose for the best quality bamboo sheets. You will have to pay more for bamboo bedding than you will for cotton, which is also something else to consider.
Linen
Linen is made from flax plant fibers. It’s one of the most breathable options, offering superior ventilation to both cotton and bamboo in the summer heat. It’s also one of the most eco-friendly bedding materials.
On top of this, linen bedsheets are very long-lasting. In fact, they can last decades with the right amount of maintenance, also getting softer with age.
Unfortunately, linen doesn’t always start off that soft – you need to break in this material. Some sleepers find it too rough on the skin (although it’s worth noting that it is hypoallergenic, so shouldn’t trigger skin allergies). Linen also wrinkles very easily and so it is not suitable for those that like to have super-smooth sheets (unless you’re willing to iron them every morning).
Silk
One of the most luxurious bedding materials you can buy is silk. Its slippery smooth softness cannot be beaten by any of the other fabrics in this post. Variants like Mulberry silk are particularly favoured for not irritating the skin or hair – this fabric is known to reduce bed hair and help ease skin conditions.
Silk also has the advantage of staying cool in the summer heat. In the winter, it meanwhile retains its warmth. This allows it to be used throughout the year in all climates.
The most popular silk bedding accessory is silk pillowcases – these cases stay cool, prevent hair getting messy and can reduce irritation for people with conditions like acne and eczema. Accessories like silk eyemasks are also popular as they are often much more comfortable than cotton options.
Silk is spun from silkworms, and not everyone finds the way it is harvested to be ethical (a potential drawback for some people). It’s also quite delicate and requires careful washing, plus it comes at a higher price tag.
Flannel
Last but not least, let’s introduce this popular heavyweight: flannel. It actually is the heaviest material listed so far, and the thickest.
Made from brushed cotton or wool, flannel has a distinct soft fuzzy feel. Combined with its thickness, it makes the perfect insulating material for a cold winter’s night. It traps heat in, creating a toasty cocoon, and it’s a favourite in many cooler climates.
Of course, flannel’s heat-retaining properties and lack of breathability make it the worst material you could choose on hot stuffy nights. It’s best to only use this fabric when the temperature is below 18℃.
Using flannel sheets in winter could reduce the need to turn up the heating at night, potentially lowering energy bills. Along with flannel bedsheets and pillowcases, you can buy flannel duvet covers, or you can use a flannel sheet as a lighter duvet substitute.
Is there a clear winner?
Ultimately, it’s hard to pick an objective best bedding fabric, as they all have their pros and cons. However, certain fabrics are certainly better for certain situations and certain types of sleeper.
Bamboo is likely to be the best option is you sweat a lot, while silk is the best option if you have sensitive skin. For beating the summer heat, linen has the best ventilation properties, while flannel sheets offer the best insulation in winter.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an all-round decent material that can be used in all seasons, cotton is a reliable choice for most people.
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