There are some fabrics that are seasonal, and if you want to be comfortable year-round, you need to have sheets for both summer and winter. There are a lot of good sheets for winter to keep you warm, but when looking for something that will keep you cool during those warm summer nights, satin is the way to go.
If the satin sheet is crafted from rayon / polyester / other synthetic material, then cotton sheets will feel cooler than satin, especially if its a percale cotton sheet.
Opt for percale weaves, as they're more breathable and airy than sateen picks. Linen: Like cotton, linen is also a natural fabric that is popular for its loose weave, providing excellent airflow. Note that linen sheets tend to be less soft than other materials.
Satin sheets provide a unique tactile sensation with a combination of unusual softness and coolness. Perfect for a warm summer night cool silk satin refreshes skin and does not stick to skin that is overly warm or damp. Instead, it glides over the skin and provides just the right amount of covering without adding heat.
Satin is a cool and smooth fabric that can help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Additionally, satin does not absorb moisture like cotton, so it can help keep sweat from soaking into the bedding.
The Disadvantages of Satin
Satin can be difficult to sew and work with because of its shiny, slippery texture. Satin can also snag, this because of the way the threads interlace, creating those longer runs in one direction.
There are a lot of good sheets for winter to keep you warm, but when looking for something that will keep you cool during those warm summer nights, satin is the way to go.
The Pros and Cons of Satin
Satin is a long-staple material that's both luxurious to the touch and durable, but it does have disadvantages, including reduced breathability and challenging wash and dry instructions.
Coolest Temperature
Crisp, percale cotton sheets are the best sheets for hot sleepers. They're a common choice for hotels and guesthouses, thanks to their fresh feel and cooling properties. And you, too, can enjoy a hotel quality of sleep with these cool, white percale cotton sheet sets.
Satin feels cool to the touch, whereas silk warms up with body heat. For those who prefer to sleep on a cool surface, satin is the better choice. Satin is easy to launder and will look beautiful for years. Silk's thin, delicate fibers usually require hand washing and hanging to dry, and will degrade over time.
Linen is perfect for summer because it feels light on the skin and wicks away moisture even better than cotton. In our guide to the best linen sheets, we recommend the Cultiver Linen Sheets. This set is one of the softest we've tried and comes in the widest range of colors and prints.
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.
Some bed sheets may cause a person to overheat if the fabric is non-breathable and heavy. Some synthetic materials may not suit someone experiencing night sweats, along with satin and some cotton blends, as they can retain heat quite effectively.
Silk is naturally temperature regulating.
This is why silk sheets are great for staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As a petroleum based manmade fiber, satin lacks the natural breathability, absorbency, and comfort of silk.
Close-fitting tops and certain fabrics, like silk or satin, show sweat stains more than others.
Natural fabrics, especially cotton, are a safe choice for people with moderate sweating. Some synthetic fabrics are better for people with heavy sweating. Bamboo sheets are also a good choice, despite the hype.
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.
Choose a detergent for delicate fabrics to wash silk and satin sheets. A gentle setting in cold water works best. Take care not to use any harsh chemicals that can damage the delicate fabric such as bleach, or fabric softener. Silk and satin sheets should not be put in the dryer, as heat may cause damage to them.
They are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Satin sheets are known for being smooth and shiny, providing a luxurious feel against your skin. They are also wrinkle-resistant, making them a great choice for those who don't have time to iron their bedding every day.
Satin pillowcases offer an array of potential benefits to sleepers. The wrinkle-resistant fabric may prevent hair damage, support healthy skin, and limit exposure to allergens and bacteria. While these possible advantages are common with satin pillowcases, performance varies depending on the type of material.
Satin. A long time ago, satin was made of silk. But now, it's mostly polyester and rayon, neither of which are breathable. So even though satin feels cool to the touch, it's not a good fabric for summer.
To be fair, polyester satin is cool when it's cold. But when it's hot, it's scorching. Given its non-breathable fabric and dense weaving, all the moisture only gets trapped inside. So when you have a naturally warm bedroom, sadly, a satin pillowcase won't do you any more favors.
Temperature regulation
Because satin is a man-made fibre, and often synthetic, it lacks the same breathability you find with silk, and so doesn't regulate temperature quite as effectively. Silk is a natural temperature regulator, thanks to the tube-like fibres that allow air to efficiently flow through.