Cozytown Linens Blog

Quality sheets are an investment, so it’s important to purchase the right sheets for your bed. The material you choose will affect how long your sheets last, how much they wrinkle, how they feel when you sleep on them, and how much they cost. With that in mind, let’s examine the pros and cons of two of the most popular materials on the market: microfiber vs cotton sheets.

Benefits of Microfiber Sheets

Microfiber is a blend of ultra-fine synthetic fibers that was first created in the 1950s and has since become widely used in a variety of products, from cleaning cloths to athletic clothing to bed sheets. The fibers are made from polyester, nylon, and cellulose and must be no larger than one denier thick. These thin fibers give microfiber sheets a soft, silky texture.

Microfiber sheets are also very durable due to the fibers being so closely woven together. And they generally come at a lower price point than cotton sheets, so they’re more affordable. Plus, microfiber is wrinkle-resistant and doesn’t stain easily, so microfiber sheets are often easier to maintain than cotton.

Drawbacks of Microfiber Sheets

Because microfiber sheets are made of synthetic fibers, you’ll need to be careful when laundering. Drying on a hot setting may damage the synthetic fibers, so it’s best to dry on a medium setting or line dry your sheets.

According to Hibermate, many bed linen fabrics have a tendency to pill, but microfiber sheets are less likely to pill due to the content of the fabric.

When it comes to your sleep experience, microfiber tends to be less breathable than cotton. And that means microfiber sheets are also hotter to sleep on. So if you tend to be a hot sleeper, microfiber sheets will likely create a very uncomfortable experience. Additionally, some people are sensitive to the synthetic fibers and chemicals in microfiber sheets. So contact dermatitis could be a concern.

Benefits of Cotton Sheets

Cotton is a safe, all natural material that has been used for thousands of years and it’s one of the best materials you can choose if you want bed sheets that keep you cool. Cotton bed sheets are soft, comfortable, and breathable. So in contrast to microfiber sheets, cotton bed sheets will help you stay cool and dry all night long.

At Cozytown Linens, we use premium Pima cotton because of its long strands, which can be woven many times. This creates soft, yet durable cotton bed sheets that will help you enjoy restful nights for years to come. And because cotton is a natural fiber, it’s much less likely than microfiber to cause allergies or skin irritation. 

Drawbacks of Cotton Sheets

The benefits of cotton bed sheets have helped them remain a popular choice for centuries, but they do have a few drawbacks. High-quality cotton sheets tend to be more expensive than microfiber, so they do require a greater investment. They are made from natural fibers, so they also tend to be less durable than microfiber or blended fabrics. 

Additionally, cotton bed sheets are prone to wrinkling. So you may need to iron them or try these helpful Bed Sheet Care Tips to minimize wrinkles. Alternatively, if the benefits of cotton bed sheets appeal to you, but you hate ironing, opt for a cotton/polyester blend instead. Our 50/50 Blend Sheet Sets offer the natural softness of cotton combined with the no-iron convenience of polyester.

Need a little more guidance in selecting the perfect bed sheets for you? We’re always happy to help! Contact us here, and we’ll reach out to you soon!