Cotton vs. Microfiber Sheets: What’s the Difference?
Good bed sheets are essential when it comes to getting comfortable sleep. Not only do bed sheets affect your comfort, but they also protect your bed sheets from stains, wear, and moisture.
Two popular types of bed sheets include cotton and microfiber. Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from cotton plants, while microfiber is made up of synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon.
We break down the distinct differences between cotton and microfiber sheets so you get a better idea of which works better for you and your mattress.
What are Cotton Sheets?
Cotton is a durable fiber harvested from cotton plants. Civilizations have harvested and used cotton for thousands of years and even today, it’s one of the most popular fabrics.
Although it may not seem like it, cotton is a very versatile material. Based on how the cotton is treated after being harvested, it can either feel soft or rough and be durable or weak.
The best cotton sheets generally have longer staples, meaning the cotton fibers are longer and finer, yet still durable. Having such fine cotton means the fabric turns out softer. Some examples of long-staple cotton sheets include Egyptian or Pima cotton. These types of sheets generally have higher thread counts, meaning there is more cotton per square inch of fabric.
Cheaper cotton sheets feature short staples and the most common type is Upland cotton. Short-staple sheets generally feel coarse, scratchy, and are at a higher risk of pilling. Shorter-staple cotton is less fine and has a lower thread count than long-staple cotton.
Pros of Cotton Sheets
Available in countless varieties, both affordable and luxurious
Natural fabric
Good for people with allergies
Low maintenance
Durable
Breathable and moisture-resistant
Cons of Cotton Sheets
Potentially inflated thread counts
Some variations are expensive
Save with Free Shipping on the Amerisleep Percale Cotton Sheet Set with our discount code
Shop Now
What are Microfiber Sheets?
Microfiber bed sheets are composed of finely woven fibers made from wood pulp, polyester, or nylon polymers. They’re affordable and soft, yet they’re more durable than traditional polyester sheets. As a synthetic fabric, microfiber is less likely to wrinkle or shrink compared to all-natural fabrics like cotton.
Microfiber is measured by its denier, or each fiber’s thickness. A fabric’s denier must be less than 1 denier in diameter to be considered microfiber.
A microfiber sheets’ weave affects its durability and quality. Microfiber sheets with a flat weave are durable, resistant to stains, and repel moisture. Conversely, microfiber sheets with a waffle weave are highly absorbent and trap heat, which isn’t a reliable bed sheet.
Still, sleeping on microfiber is an all-around good choice if you want soft and smooth sheets, but don’t want to pay a high price. Good-quality microfiber sheets with a flat weave are good on a child’s bed in case of accidents.
Pros of Microfiber Sheets
Low maintenance
Flat, tightly woven microfiber is durable
Soft and lightweight
Cons of Microfiber Sheets
Absorbs moisture
Prone to stains
Staticky
Traps heat
Waffle-patterned microfiber is prone to moisture
How to Choose Between Cotton and Microfiber
Cotton-vs-Microfiber-Sheets
Choosing between cotton or microfiber might be a bit difficult. We recommend weighing the pros and cons between both types of sheets, but also considering their feel, durability, maintenance needs, and price.
Feel and Comfort
Cotton is known for its soft, fresh, and crisp feel, especially when you first start sleeping on a new sheet set. With every wash, cotton gets just a bit softer and softer. Based on the thread count of the cotton sheets, they’ll feel either softer or rougher. Higher thread counts typically feel softer, while lower thread counts feel rougher.
Microfiber has a smooth and slippery feel, similar to silk or satin. With this in mind, microfiber tends to trap more heat compared to cotton. The heat retention can be great if you live in a colder climate, or if it’s wintertime. Otherwise, it can get uncomfortable.
Durability
Cotton sheets with high thread counts generally last much longer than cotton sheets with lower thread counts. Lower thread counts tend to pill more, making them less comfortable, so you’ll need to replace them sooner. On the other hand, higher quality cotton gets softer with each wash without causing the cotton to wear down.
Microfiber sheets with a flat weave fare better long-term than microfiber sheets with a waffle weave. They can withstand frequent washes without deteriorating or pilling. Flat weaves are also less likely to wrinkle or shrink when washed and dried.
Maintenance
Both microfiber and cotton sheets are fairly easy to wash. Most of the time, both microfiber and cotton sheets are safe to toss in the washing machine and dryer on the warm water setting. Unless the sheets clearly state having other care needs, it’s safe to assume they’re machine washable. However, be sure to check the laundry care instructions first.
With this in mind, microfiber is more likely to feel staticky after being washed and dried. Microfiber with a waffle weave is also more likely to absorb moisture and it can be hard to remove stains. Some types of microfiber may also need to be washed on a low-temperature setting.
Price
Microfiber sheets and cotton sheets are both available in a wide range of price points, with affordable and luxurious variations. Still, microfiber sheet sets are cheaper on average than cotton sheets since they are synthetic.
