What is Brushed Microfiber? Brushed microfiber feels like very soft flannel. It has a soft, velvety texture created by scraping metal brushes over its surface during the manufacturing process. Some forms of this fabric are brushed on both sides for even more softness!
Like cotton, high-quality microfiber sheets are soft and comfortable. However, microfiber tends to have a silkier feel when compared to cotton. It is common for microfiber to be “brushed”—this involves gently lifting each fiber to create a soft, velvety texture.
Polyester and microfiber are two completely different materials—polyester is the stretchy material that makes up a good majority of clothing, and microfiber is for cloths and cleaning rags. Right? Not exactly. Experts say they are actually closely related and more alike than different.
It also has a long lifespan when properly used and maintained, and is lint-free. Microfiber has only a few limitations — it comes with a much higher upfront cost than cotton, and it requires special laundering. But cleaning experts say, when compared side-by-side, microfiber is clearly superior to cotton.
Microfiber is also cheap and soft, but neither warm nor breathable: Microfiber sheets have the same issue. They are synthetic, and are usually soft, but are neither warm nor breathable. Brushed microfiber sheets = micro flannel. Brushed microfiber sheets are the same as micro flannel.
Microfiber is a synthetic material woven with fibers that are thinner than silk. It has a range of uses in athletic wear, cleaning supplies, and bedding. Microfiber sheets are primarily made of polyester, but they can also be made of nylon or cellulose.
The answer is yes. Microfiber sheets trap body heat and are therefore considered hot. If you find yourself feeling cold at night a microfiber sheet set, depending on your budget, might be your best bet for a satisfying night's rest.
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.
Microfiber has a smooth and slippery feel, similar to silk or satin. With this in mind, microfiber tends to trap more heat compared to cotton. The heat retention can be great if you live in a colder climate, or if it's wintertime.
The biggest concern regarding microfiber is microplastic pollution. This occurs because all microfiber products can shed the microscopic microfibers in the wash and can make their way to the ocean.
Brushed microfiber feels like very soft flannel. It has a soft, velvety texture created by scraping metal brushes over its surface during the manufacturing process. Some forms of this fabric are brushed on both sides for even more softness!
Some microfiber products are made of 100 percent polyester, while others are made of a blend of polyester and another synthetic fabric, usually nylon. Microfiber is a type of polyester fabric, but microfiber and polyester aren't the same.
The pros of choosing microfiber over polyester are:
Microfiber can be a warmer choice as needed. The absorbency is great for wicking away sweat and keeping you feeling fresh. You still get the same great non-fading colors as polyester. It is not as expensive as some natural materials.
While sateen sheets are considered to be the softest, that typically comes with a larger price tag and a higher risk of pilling. Percale sheets may not have the silk finish associated with their sateen counterparts, but they are still extremely soft and have the added benefit of getting softer over time.
A good quality microfiber sheet set will be double brushed (meaning brushed on both sides) making it very soft to the touch. When comparing sheet sets, you will want to take into consideration the components.
Overall, yes, microfiber is a less breathable material and can make you hot and sweaty. Still, it is also a great material option for those who enjoy a warmer sleep experience.
Polyester microfiber is more breathable and absorbent, but natural materials, like cotton, tend to be the most breathable and absorbent. Additionally, if you have allergies to synthetic materials, you may want to steer clear of polyester .
The best sheets for hot sleepers are often cotton and made with a percale weave. These sheets wick moisture away to keep sleepers cool and comfortable all night long. Microfiber sheets aren't very breathable and can lead to nighttime sweating.
Sheets made of microfiber — fabric composed of extremely fine fibers of polyester — are affordable and soft, and they resist pilling more than traditional polyester fabric does. However, polyester is less breathable than cotton and is probably not the best choice for those with sensitive skin.
Looking for sheets with a reasonable thread count (200-600 for most styles) will typically produce the best results. Be sure to modify your expectations somewhat depending on the material used. Excessively high thread counts (600-800) likely won't change much beyond the price tag.
Organic bamboo bedding, like bamboo bed sheets, is incredibly soft to the touch. In fact, bamboo bedding is even softer than cotton. Bamboo bedding is also more comfortable than tradition bed sets because it is more breathable.
White sheets assure guests that the bed is clean and fresh. And because they look and feel so clean, they also give the impression of luxury—even if the hotel itself is rather inexpensive.
Microfiber is another super-soft fabric that can feel warmer when you're chilly in the winter, especially with a few blankets on top of it. But in the summer, it's all light and cool because the fabric wicks away moisture.
What types of sheets sleep the coolest? 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.
In general, experts recommend flannel, fleece or cotton sateen sheets during cold nights, as they can be made from materials that trap body heat and provide greater insulation for cold nights.