Microfiber vs. Cotton Sheets: Which One Provides a Better Night’s Sleep?

Choosing the right sheets is a big deal for many people, and rightfully so! After all, we spend around 8 hours a night (hopefully) on them, which adds up to a lot of time spent with a specific fabric. This makes it crucial to pick the perfect material for your lifestyle—things like material, weave, and thread count play important roles in the decision-making process.

Material is arguably the most important factor, and cotton is still the undisputed king in the bedding world. It’s natural, soft, and loved by just about everyone. However, microfiber sheets are rapidly gaining traction, thanks to their budget-friendly nature. So, how do these two materials compare, and which one will offer you the best night’s rest? Below, we explore the debate between microfiber and cotton sheets.

What Exactly Is Cotton?

Cotton is one of the oldest and most significant materials in the textile industry. This natural fiber, made up of over 90% cellulose, is harvested from the cotton plant’s fruit capsules, explains Melanie Kaplan, director of product development at The Company Store, which manufactures its own line of cotton sheets.

Some of the most appealing qualities of cotton in bedding are its breathability, softness, and ease of care. Kaplan mentions, 'Cotton sheets come in a wide range of weaves and fabrics, making them perfect for every season—whether it's percale, sateen, jersey knit, or flannel.' She also notes that various cotton types should be considered when choosing.

Upland Cotton

Upland cotton, known for its short fibers, is the most commonly used type worldwide due to its affordability. It’s the dominant cotton variety grown in the U.S., making up 95% of the cotton cultivated here.

Pima Cotton

Pima cotton is cultivated in regions like Peru, Australia, and the United States. Known for its silky texture, it is considered one of the finest cotton varieties globally. Its extra-long fibers give it a smooth feel and make it highly resistant to tearing.

Supima Cotton

Supima is a cotton type grown exclusively in the U.S., and its production is highly regulated. This extra-long staple cotton produces soft, durable, high-quality fabric. Supima cotton stands out for its consistently excellent fiber quality, and its longer fibers compared to regular Pima cotton create an even smoother, more luxurious texture.

Egyptian Cotton

Egyptian Cotton is a luxurious extra-long staple cotton (it’s technically a variety of Pima!) handpicked in Egypt. Bedding made from Egyptian cotton is renowned for its softness and exceptional durability. Additionally, this fabric becomes softer and improves with every wash. However, be cautious—some manufacturers may label their cotton as Egyptian when it’s actually sourced from India or China, so always ensure the cotton is certified before purchasing.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is cultivated in an environment free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides for at least three years. It’s used to create various fabrics such as percale, sateen, flannel, and jersey. To ensure the authenticity of organic cotton, look for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard and Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which verify that the sheets have been thoroughly vetted.

Cons of Cotton

While cotton is an excellent choice, it does have a few drawbacks. For example, cotton wrinkles easily. Additionally, not all cotton sheets are created equal—some brands produce lower-quality sheets that are more prone to pilling or tearing. Cotton sheets can also be quite expensive, with some sets costing over $300.

Cotton Weave and Thread Count

Keep in mind that the weave of your cotton sheets is just as essential as the material when it comes to temperature regulation. If you tend to sleep hot, a percale weave is your best option as it allows for better airflow. For those who feel cold, flannel or jersey weaves are ideal. For a middle ground, a sateen weave provides the perfect balance.

As for thread count, higher isn’t always better. Thread count simply refers to the number of yarns per square inch of fabric. When evaluating thread count, focus on the quality of the cotton and the type of weave. For instance, if you're considering sateen sheets, aim for a lower thread count (around 400) to ensure your sheets are soft and flowing, not stiff.

What is Microfiber?

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber made from polyester, nylon, or wood pulp. These sheets tend to shrink less than natural fibers and are less prone to wrinkling. They are also designed to be exceptionally soft and silky. Additionally, microfiber sheets are very budget-friendly. Like cotton, microfiber comes in different weaves, such as percale or sateen, which can affect temperature control and durability.

Cons of Microfiber

A drawback of microfiber sheets is that they tend to trap more heat than materials like cotton, so if you’re a hot sleeper, they may not be the best choice. Another issue is that they can become quite staticky after being pulled from the dryer.

Perhaps the most significant downside of microfiber sheets is their environmental impact. The fibers release tiny microplastics during washing, which end up in our waterways, polluting oceans and lakes. While there are attachments available for washing machines that filter these microplastics, they are not biodegradable. This means that even if they don't end up in the ocean, they will still land in landfills, where they remain for a very long time.

So Who Wins in the Microfiber vs. Cotton Debate?

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal sleep habits, preferences, and lifestyle. There are several factors to consider when making your decision.

Softness

Both microfiber and cotton are soft, but if we had to pick, microfiber feels softer initially. It's often described as silky to the touch. However, cotton sheets become softer with each wash, although they tend to be less durable than microfiber.

Breathability

Cotton takes the lead when it comes to breathability. Its natural fibers allow better airflow, while microfiber tends to trap heat, making it less ideal for hot sleepers.

Maintenance

Both microfiber and cotton sheets are relatively low-maintenance and don’t require special care. However, microfiber sheets are less likely to shrink or develop pills after washing, unlike cotton.

Affordability

Microfiber sheets are usually much more budget-friendly, often priced under $100. In comparison, cotton sheets span a wider price range, with top-tier sets frequently priced above $200.

Environmental Impact

Cotton is a sustainable, biodegradable resource, while microfiber is not. Microfiber sheets release microplastics that pollute our waterways, and it's important to note that synthetic fibers often involve more chemicals in their production.