Sateen sheets tend to trap more heat than some weaves. While many sleepers find them comfortable for all-season use, people who usually sleep hot may prefer a more breathable option. Most Egyptian cotton sheet sets should be washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
Sateen sheets are more prone to heat retention than some alternatives. In winter, this may feel cozy to sleepers. Most individuals choose to use sateen sheets year-round, but especially hot sleepers may find them too warm. Since they regulate temperatures well, percale sheets are good for all seasons.
Sateen Sheets We love the silky smooth feel of a sateen weave just as much as anyone, but this one isn't a great pick for summertime. Because the weave is more dense, the fabric becomes less breathable and sleeps hotter.
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. Some of these can be quite expensive, and that's why many synthetic products exist.
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.
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.
In general, sheets made from linen, bamboo, and Tencel offer the coolest, most breathable feel. Cotton sheets that feature a percale weave are also known for being exceptionally lightweight and airy, perfect for hot sleepers.
If linen doesn't work for you, Fountain's recommendation is a percale weave cotton since the “one-over-one-under weave encourages airflow to keep you cool over the course of the night.” For a silky-smooth hand feel and fabric that feels initially cool to the touch, Fountain also recommends Tencel sheets.
Hotels opt for a percale weave over sateen as percale epitomizes the cool, crisp feeling typical of a luxury hotel suite. A percale weave is also naturally longer lasting as by definition, it's a tighter weave (one under, one over - in comparison, sateen is typically three over, one under).
You may think because percale sheets have a tighter weave that they are also warmer. However, due to the less thick yard used, Percale sheets will give you a cooler sleep experience. Percale sheets are better for those who sleep hot or live in warmer climates and will give you a crisp, cool sleep year round.
Using too much detergent causes a build up to accumulate, contributing to that unwelcome stiffness in the fabric. It may help to put your sheets through an extra rinse cycle to remove detergent residue. Take your brand new sheets and pop them in the machine before use.
The difference between Sateen and traditional cotton is the treatment of these fibers. In Sateen, the long cotton fibers are mercerized, meaning soaked in lye (sodium hydroxide) and then in an acid. This “seals” the fibers, making them more durable and longer lasting than untreated cotton.
But sateen is dryer than percale because it's drapier. It sits much closer to your body thus absorbing any excess sweat on the skin. If you shop for a cooling sheet at a store that only offers these two weaves, percale is a better bet.
There are a few different types of sheets that may be considered “cooling.” Some are simply made with breathable fabrics, such as eucalyptus sheets or cotton percale sheets. Others have moisture-wicking properties.
Quality cotton with a high thread count is what makes hotel sheets so crisp. Plus, the percale weave is the most popular weave for hotels which makes the sheets extra cool and extra crisp.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are great for hot summer nights because they're breathable and cooling. Synthetic fabrics like microfiber and polyester are good options for the best bed sheets for hot weather.
High Thread Count For Bed Sheets
1000 TC sheets are the warmest cotton sheets available on the market. Lower thread counts (250 TC-350 TC), on the other hand, provide cooler sheets but they must be made of high-quality cotton to retain a premium standard.
Since this weave exposes more of the thread, sateen sheets tend to be smooth and lustrous. The sateen weave is also tighter than many alternatives, leading to higher average thread counts and a more substantial feel. To some sleepers, this feels cozier.
Temperature Control
Sateen sheets tend to sleep warmer due to their heavier weave, although temperature regulation also depends on thread count and the type of material. The percale weave is highly breathable, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.
Egyptian cotton sateen is a delicate, coveted piece of fabric that excites you with its polished appearance. In simpler terms, it is an Egyptian grown extra-long-staple fabric used in luxury bed linen. It boasts of a lustrous appearance and a soft touch that makes it particularly durable.