In general, sheets made from linen,
Cotton sheets are not only ideal for keeping you cool in the summer heat. They're also the best bed sheets for winter. Cotton has the unique quality of being cool in summer yet warm in winter and always breathable, for supreme comfort at night.
After testing dozens and dozens of sets in our ongoing quest for the best sheets, we've found that a set in linen or percale cotton (which is more breathable than sateen) is a great way to round out your bedding collection and extend the life of your everyday sheets by giving them the summer off.
For hot sleepers, we narrowed down the best materials to cotton, linen, satin, and silk. Dr. Peters says these materials work well because they allow heat to dissipate and feel airy and breathable. They're also durable and long-lasting.
Don't choose high thread counts.
However, thread count greatly affects heat and higher thread counts create hotter sheets. In fact, 1000TC sheets are the hottest cotton sheets you can buy. Conversely, lower thread counts (250TC-350TC 10cm2) create cooler sheets but must be made from good cotton so they last.
Types of rayon include viscose, lyocell and modal, which are known for being moisture-wicking and feeling silky and cool to the touch — ideal for cooling sheets!
Cotton sheets are the most popular natural sheets
You can't go wrong with cotton sheets for coolness. Cotton's two biggest strengths are: it transmits heat well, and it absorbs moisture well. It cools you down better than any other natural material. It is also more durable and affordable than most alternatives.
Opt for natural sheets: Just as cotton pyjamas are better than polyester at keeping you cool, 100% cotton sheets and duvet covers are more effective than synthetic alternatives. From sheets to duvet covers and pillowcases, aim for an all-natural sleep environment to help manage menopausal night sweats.
Type of fabric
Picking out a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry at night is essential if you're particularly prone to night sweats. Think natural materials like silk, cotton, and linen.
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.
Yes, bamboo is a very breathable fabric. In most cases, you'll find that bamboo sheets keep you cooler throughout the night. Bamboo stays about 3 degrees cooler than cotton on average. It's breathable enough to allow your body heat to easily escape.
Silk Regulates Body Temperature Better than Cotton
When you sweat, silk wicks away moisture and keeps you cool; when you're not, it insulates and maintains warmth. This is why silk sheets are great for staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
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.
Put your sheets in the freezer.
Pop your sheets — or even just your fitted sheet or top sheet — into a resealable plastic bag and into the freezer. Put them on your bed right before bedtime, and you'll enjoy a cool start to the night.
Things like alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine and smoking can be sweating triggers. Keep your bedroom cool and sleepwear light. Adjust the thermostat, use fans, open windows (if it's cold outside), wear breathable pajamas and use lightweight bedding. Cool yourself down.
Cooling pajamas should be breathable to help heat dissipate away from the body as you sleep. Cotton, Tencel, silk, and linen are all breathable fabrics. Polyester, a common material in pajamas, is not as breathable.
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.
Durability – Viscose from bamboo fabric is known for its durability. It is less likely to pill with use, especially if you take proper care of your bedding. Meanwhile, Egyptian cotton is also easy to take care of, much like regular cotton, but tends to wear out faster than bedding made of bamboo viscose.
The Feel — Percale fabric has a cool, crisp handfeel, and sateen fabric feels silky and smooth. The Weight — Percale is lighter and more breathable than sateen; sateen weaves produce a thicker sheet that lies heavier on the body. The Warmth — Percale bedding tends to sleep cooler than sateen bedding.
Egyptian cotton is more breathable, moisture-wicking and absorbent than normal cotton, which helps to regulate your body temperature, making it ideal for balmy summer nights, and all year round comfortable sleeping.
A Woven Percale Sheet Set
The reason this tight weave still helps to reduce body heat is that the yarn it's spun from is extremely thin and lightweight. This universal breathability is what makes percale sheets one of the most popular choices for cooling bedding.
Hot sleepers may also appreciate Egyptian cotton's breathability and moisture-wicking. Individuals who like a silky feel and finish might find sateen sheets more comfortable. Since sateen sheets tend to be heavier and warmer, they could also be ideal for people who often sleep cold.