Cotton, linen or silk? Which bed sheets are best for you

With autumn fast approaching, the temptation to cosy up and hibernate all day is only going to get greater. What better time to invest in a fresh set of sheets?

Cotton, linen or silk? When it comes to choosing the best type of fabric for your bedding, there are a myriad of different materials to choose from – but what sheets are really best for you? We’ve broken down some of the most popular options so you’ll always wake up on the right side of the bed.

Blended cotton

Blended cotton refers to a blend of man-made polyester (or rayon) and natural cotton. Blended cotton sheets are a good choice for those looking for an affordable option. Not only are blended cotton sheets cheaper, but they are easier to care for, fast drying, durable (synthetics last longer than cotton) and require minimal ironing.

However, one of the disadvantages with poly blends is that they are more inclined to pill and are far less breathable, making it a less-than-desirable option for sweaty sleepers.

Pure cotton

Pure cotton sheets are the most popular choice for bed sheet fabrics, as they wick moisture away from your skin so you never wake up feeling hot and clammy.

Cotton fibres are either short-staple or long-staple (“staple” refers to the length of the individual fibres). At the top end of the scale, you have long-staple cotton such as Pima (extra long) and Egyptian cotton (the longest), which are your strongest, most durable options. They feel luxurious and are less likely to pill and lint than short-staple fibres.

Organic cotton

Organic cotton feels similar to standard cotton, but is processed using only sustainable practices – without any pesticides.

If you’re looking for organic, opt for products that bear the logo of a governing body such as the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Bamboo

Another bed sheet material to consider if you’re looking for sustainable options is bamboo. Bamboo sheets feel soft, silky and are highly durable – while also boasting eco-credentials. Derived from bamboo grass, the world’s fastest growing plant, it requires no pesticides to grow and uses far less water than standard cotton crops.

Linen

Due to the rising popularity of raw and natural materials, linen has become the fashionable fabric of the moment. Coming from the flax plant, another natural fibre and notoriously temperamental crop, linen is usually more expensive than even the best Egyptian cotton.

Linen is twice as durable as cotton and is naturally hypoallergenic. It’s also moth resistant and boasts thermal properties – keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. The fabric is highly breathable and absorbs 20 per cent of its weight in moisture before feeling damp. Though prone to creasing, linen sheets also boast a natural, unprocessed look and the texture softens over time.

 

Jersey

Jersey cotton sheets are an affordable yet comfortable choice. They’re knitted, not woven, so don’t have a thread count. They’re stretchy, durable and tend to feel warmer. A cosy and inexpensive choice for the cooler months.

Flannelette

Flannelette is a great choice if you’re looking for winter bedding. Like jersey, flannelette is cotton that is knitted, not woven. The key difference is that it’s brushed or rubbed, creating a napped surface and slight pile that feels extra soft and fuzzy.

Silk

Silk bed sheets are breathable, antimicrobial and anti-allergenic, which makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers and those with skin conditions such as asthma. It feels luxurious and is considered a better insulator than Egyptian cotton.

Look out for a momme weight of 19 to 25 mommes, which indicates a superior quality sheet. You do, however, need to take proper care of it. Silk bedding ought to be hand washed the first few times you use it, then washed on a cool, delicate cycle with only gentle detergent.