The 8 Best Materials for Bed Sheets for a Restful Night's Sleep

When it comes to getting a solid night of sleep, there are plenty of considerations from your mattress to bedding and more. But if you're struggling to fall and stay asleep, you may want to take another look at your sheets.

With so many options, as well as materials, thread, count, ply, and weave to choose from, we're here to share some expert advice and the eight best materials to make getting a restful night's slumber that much easier.

Finding the right sheets can be overwhelming but we tapped some experts to find out what the best materials for bed sheets are.

Cotton

Cotton, the most common material for sheets, is popular for a reason.

"It’s ideal for year-round use given that it’s breathable and durable, and it only gets softer with time," designer Audrey Scheck says.

"Cotton sheets tend to come in multiple colors and patterns and they tend to be the most durable choice," says interior designer Emma Beryl Kemper.

But, it's important to pay attention to the quality of cotton sheets, which can vary based on the type of cotton used and thread count. Egyptian cotton, handpicked unlike traditional machine-picked cotton, is the highest quality available and extremely soft.

"It's luxurious, yet has a crisp feel and cool comfort," says interior designer Michelle Yorke. Upland, a common lower-quality cotton, is often what is used for 100-percent cotton products.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to cotton. An added benefit? Bamboo sheets are excellent for those with sensitive skin or allergies as they are hypoallergenic. They're lightweight, breathable, and ideal for those who live in hot climates.

"They're a temperature-regulating material," Beryl says. "They are also very durable since the sheets are made from long fibers that go the length of the sheet rather than smaller fibers woven together, which makes them less likely to tear due to everyday use."

Linen

Linen is a breathable, comfortable choice, and is also antimicrobial.

"The downside of linen sheets is that they will take time to soften, and they tend to wrinkle easily," Scheck says.

"Linen is also more durable than cotton so these sheets will last longer," Beryl adds. "Linen can be more expensive but the lifespan is worth the price tag."

Flannel

Flannel is a go-to winter staple for sheets because it can hold in heat longer than traditional cotton sheets. Beryl also notes that flannel has a fuzzy, soft feel that makes it extra cozy in winter.

"Flannel needs only a little more maintenance then traditional cotton or percale cotton because putting them in the dryer on high heat can lead to possible shrinking or a less soft feel," Beryl says.

Tencel

Tencel is a product crafted from wood pulp from Eucalyptus trees. This environmentally friendly material "is soft and silky, and it is often considered very comfortable," Scheck says.

It’s a great choice for those who value sustainability and are also conscious about not compromising on comfort. 

Silk

"Known for their soft touch and comfort, silk is more comfortable than traditional cotton," Yorke says.

Silk sheets are luxe and come with a higher price tag, but they're highly breathable too. Beryl explains that silk sheets are smooth and have an almost slippery feel, which makes them a good choice for people who don't want their hair to get too messy while they sleep.

Cotton Percale

Percale is still a cotton sheet, it's just a different way of weaving the yarn. Percale sheets are crisp and cool like cotton.

"They tend to have a matte finish and can be a bit more breathable because of the way the yarn is woven," Beryl says. "If you want a bit more of a luxury feel but want the softness and breathability of cotton, cotton percale sheets are the way to go."

Satin

Satin is a synthetic material that has a luxurious look and feel and shiny surface. It's less likely to absorb sweat than say a cotton sheet, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.