According to experts, cotton provides better cooling than many other materials. Researchers also recommend using cotton materials during summer to support cooling contact.
What type 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.
Linen and cotton are both ideal fabrics for sleeping in the heat. They are woven from natural fibers (cotton is cotton, while linen is woven from the flax plant) that breathe remarkably well, which is key for staying cool. In the summer you may want a percale weave.
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.
Most of the sleep experts I spoke to agreed that sheets made of natural fibers, like cotton and linen, are your best bet for sweaty sleepers because they're the most breathable (and therefore cooling). When it comes to cotton, the weave of a fabric matters, too.
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.
What fabrics should be avoided during the summer? According to Draddy, you should avoid wearing dark-colored fabrics and natural fibers such as wool, silk and cashmere on hotter days. "These fabrics can trap heat and moisture and are not ideal for warmer temperatures," says Jaime King, fashion designer for Maurices.
With summer approaching, which one should you wear to stay cool and avoid sweating? Cotton is a lot more breathable than polyester and will keep your body temperature lower in summer with air flowing on your skin. However, polyester is moisture-wicking and will keep you dry when you are sweating.
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.
If you are a hot sleeper, I'd recommend sticking to cotton. Cotton sheets are naturally cooling and breathable. Polyester sheets feel lightweight and smooth. Cotton sheets can range in feel, but generally feel soft, cooling, and a little thicker than polyester.
“Invest in either a tall, floor standing fan, or just use your desk fan,” says Neil. “This will get cool air circulating around the room, which will cool you down. Or better still, put a pack of frozen peas in front of the fan so you get icy blast of cold air.”
Bamboo sheets are cool, breathable and absorbent
They are also cooler to the touch than cotton sheets. Beyond that, bamboo can absorb 40% more water than cotton. So a bamboo sheet is a great choice to absorb sweat.
100% linen bedding is possibly the best option when it comes to keeping cool on hot summer nights. Linen fabrics are super absorbent making 100% linen bed linen valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness.
Supima cotton stands for “superior cotton,” which is a step above Egyptian cotton in quality and feel. The fibers have superior durability and can stand up to washings easily. You will find that because supima cotton is so soft, your night's sleep will be comfortable and easy.
Microfiber traps heat more easily than cotton. The material is better suited for colder climates and people who tend to sleep cold. Cotton's natural fibers assist in regulating temperature for a cool and dry sleep. They are ideal for sleepers who run hot at night.
Bamboo has high moisture absorption, is anti-microbial and very breathable. Cotton is less absorbent and breathable than bamboo.
Choose light colors: Wearing light colors that reflect the sun's rays rather than absorb them (as dark colors can) helps keep you cool. Look for shirts, shorts, pants and hats in white, tan or khaki.
Garments made of cotton can be very comfortable to wear in the heat. The fabric can retain a lot of liquids that slowly evaporate and makes the garment cooler. Thin and light cotton fabric is preferred over thicker and darker ones. Look for garments that are made from 100% cotton.
Polyester. While not a great choice for lounging around in during the summer, especially with the likes of cotton and linen offering superior alternatives, polyester is an excellent wicking material that can be used to draw sweat away from the body and allow it to evaporate much more quickly.
Cotton: Quality, lightweight cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics, offering some airflow for drying out any dampness. Because cotton is a natural fiber, it absorbs moisture (drawing it away from your skin) rather than repelling it (forcing the sweat to sit on your skin).
Solid Plastic and Solid Phenolic are the best materials for high moisture areas. Solid Plastic material is composed of non-porous HDPE (high density polyethylene) that has a homogenous color composition throughout each component.
Linen comes from the flax plant, and it has a distinctive homespun feel. It's popular in hot places because it can absorb a lot of sweat and dry out quickly. A linen sheet can take up slightly more moisture than lyocell or bamboo. The downside is that it feels even hotter than cotton.