100% Cotton bedding is naturally hypoallergenic, and breathable, making it the most desirable option for allergy sufferers. People with allergies or sensitive skin often find that Polycotton bed sheets make them itch.
Cotton has a clean, cool, and soft feel and gets softer with every wash. These sheets are a good option for those with sensitive skin. These sheets are easy to clean and less likely to shrink.
If you use a sheet set every day of the year, you'll need to replace it after about two years. However, luxury cotton sheets, like percale and sateen, can offer another year or so of use. And with linen, you'll get three to five years — sometimes more.
Low-quality bedding is often made with short cotton fibers, which poke out of the weave and can make them feel rough.
In general, cotton sheets should feel breathable and soft. Cotton sheets sleep cool, making them a great pick for hot sleepers.
Several of the sleep experts I spoke to suggested linen sheets. According to Dr. Joshua Tal, a psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders, they are very breathable and “pick up cool air.” Oks says that since linen is made of a looser weave than, say, a cotton sheet with a high thread count, it traps less heat.
Fabrics made from natural fibers are more breathable and cool than synthetics, whether used for bed linens or clothing. Natural fibers include wool, cotton, linen, and silk.
Luckily, cotton sheets are very easy to care for. Simply toss them in the washing machine with your favorite detergent on a warm water setting for the best results. Line dry or tumble dry on low or medium heat and promptly remove from the dryer for less wrinkles.
Yes, certain sheets can soften over time. Linen and luxury cotton sheets tend to break in and get softer with age. On the other hand, low quality sheets will likely pill and wear out, which can make them feel coarser over time.
Good quality sheets will become softer after every washing, drying and ironing cycle. For ultimate softness (and durability) buy good quality cotton sheets with a high thread count.
However, cotton bed sheets can incur their share of wrinkles. Cotton/poly sheets wrinkle much less, but because they are not made of all natural fibers, they don't feel as nice and comfortable as cotton sheets. It is not mandatory to iron cotton sheets, but when they are ironed, they look and feel much nicer.
Cotton clothes have the advantage of being soft and comfortable, durable while breathable. It is a natural fibre that can be produced on a large enough scale to clothe millions around the globe whilst still being affordable and accessible.
It is particularly good if you have sensitive skin as it is gentle and is less likely to irritate your skin making it a fine choice for bedding. Cotton is a long lasting material meaning you will not have to replace it as frequently as you would if your bedding were made out of other materials.
Wash Multiple Times
Yes, it sounds like a lot of work and it may not be so environmentally-friendly, but that double wash can do wonders when it comes to the softness of your sheets. Generally speaking, good quality sheets will continue to become softer after every wash, dry, and iron cycle.
Brand new sheets (of any material) usually come with a chemical coating that make them look and feel crisp (i.e. stiff) so they look better in the packaging. Older sheets can feel rough if they were washed and/or dried improperly. Sheets that have been in storage for a long time can dry out and feel rough.
As a result of the manufacturing process, new sheets tend to be a little stiffer than those that have been in your linen closet for years. Fortunately, the quality of Egyptian cotton bedding means that it gets softer with every wash without every pilling, tearing, or becoming scratchy to the touch.
Percale sheets made from long-staple Egyptian-cotton are famously lightweight sheets. This naturally cool and breathable cotton is the best bed sheet material for night sweats. Also worth noting, the soft-to-the-touch material will have you sleeping better in general as well.
Cleaning cotton sheets once a week is usually often enough to ensure a healthy sleeping environment but not so much that you'll break down the fabric prematurely. Weekly washes should include your pillowcases, fitted sheet and top sheet if you use one, as these pieces are in direct contact with your skin.
Over time, high heat will cause your comfortable cotton sheets to shrink and even tear. If you have the space and warm weather conditions, line or hang dry your wet sheets. Plus — there's nothing better than the smell of crisp sheets that were dried in the wind.
Cotton is a natural, breathable fibre and so can shrink when it is heated as the tension that is applied to the fabric during construction is released by heat from the washing machine, tumble dryer and even sunlight (yep!)
Linen and cotton are both great options for hot, sweaty sleepers. Both fabrics are breathable (and therefore, cooling). "Fabrics like bamboo are breathable and cool, even in warmer seasons," Holliday-Bell explains.
For people who get hot during sleep, choosing sheets made of bamboo, cotton, or linen — breathable fabrics that wick away moisture from the body and help maintain a comfortable temperature — can help.
Woven cotton or linen nightwear is ideal. Silk is especially good at helping you stay cool at night. Avoid nightwear made with synthetic fabrics – check the label if you're unsure. Cool down with a shower.