Choosing bed sheets used to be straightforward—you bought cotton and called it a day. Today, walking down the bedding aisle (or scrolling through online options) presents a dizzying array of materials: Egyptian cotton, bamboo lyocell, French flax linen, Tencel, microfibre, and more. Each promises the best night's sleep, but which one is actually right for you?
The truth is, there's no single "best" material. The ideal sheet fabric depends on your sleeping temperature, skin sensitivities, budget, ethical priorities, and personal texture preferences. Let's explore each major material so you can make an informed choice.
Cotton: The Classic Choice
Cotton remains the world's most popular bed sheet material for good reason. It's natural, breathable, durable, and available at every price point. However, not all cotton is created equal.
Types of Cotton
Egyptian Cotton: Grown in the Nile River Valley, genuine Egyptian cotton features extra-long staple (ELS) fibres that produce exceptionally smooth, strong, and lustrous fabric. It's considered the gold standard of cotton bedding but commands premium prices. Be cautious of mislabelling—look for Cotton Egypt Association certification.
Pima/Supima Cotton: Grown primarily in the American Southwest, Pima cotton has long-staple fibres nearly as fine as Egyptian cotton. Supima is a trademarked name for American-grown Pima cotton, guaranteeing authenticity. It offers excellent quality at slightly lower prices than Egyptian cotton.
Upland Cotton: The most common cotton variety, Upland has shorter fibres than Egyptian or Pima. It's more affordable but may pill more quickly and feel less luxurious. Quality varies significantly between manufacturers.
Cotton sheets are ideal for those who want a classic, crisp feel, prefer natural materials, and want bedding that improves with washing. Perfect for Australia's temperate climates.
Bamboo: The Eco-Friendly Alternative
Bamboo sheets have surged in popularity, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers and hot sleepers. Bamboo grows rapidly without pesticides and uses less water than cotton, making it more sustainable. The resulting fabric is silky-soft and naturally temperature-regulating.
Types of Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo Viscose/Rayon: The most common type, made by dissolving bamboo pulp in chemicals to create fibres. While the source is sustainable, the manufacturing process uses harsh chemicals. The resulting fabric is soft and affordable but may be less eco-friendly than marketing suggests.
Bamboo Lyocell: Uses a closed-loop process that recycles 99% of the solvent used in production. It's more environmentally friendly than viscose and produces a slightly different texture—often described as cooler and crisper.
Bamboo Linen: Made mechanically without chemicals, preserving bamboo's natural properties. It's the most eco-friendly option but rare and expensive, with a texture similar to traditional linen.
Bamboo excels at moisture-wicking and temperature regulation, making it ideal for hot sleepers or Australia's humid coastal climates. It's also naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.
- Hottest sleepers: Linen or bamboo lyocell
- Sensitive skin: Silk, bamboo, or certified organic cotton
- Budget-conscious: Quality microfibre or Upland cotton
- Luxury seekers: Egyptian cotton sateen or mulberry silk
- Eco-priority: GOTS-certified organic cotton or bamboo lyocell
Linen: The Breathable Luxury
Made from flax plant fibres, linen is one of the oldest textiles in human history—and for good reason. Linen sheets are incredibly breathable, naturally antibacterial, and famously durable. A quality linen set can last decades, actually improving with each wash.
Linen's unique texture feels slightly coarse initially but softens beautifully over time into a relaxed, lived-in comfort that many people adore. It regulates temperature exceptionally well, staying cool in summer and providing warmth in winter.
The downsides? Linen wrinkles easily (though many consider this part of its charm), has a higher initial cost, and the texture isn't for everyone. French and Belgian linens are considered the finest, with European Flax certification ensuring quality.
New linen sheets feel stiff and may have a natural "crunch." This is normal! Wash them several times before judging the feel. After 5-10 washes, quality linen becomes incredibly soft while retaining its cooling properties.
Silk: The Ultimate Indulgence
Silk sheets represent the pinnacle of luxury bedding. Made from silkworm cocoons, silk is naturally hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, and incredibly gentle on skin and hair. Dermatologists often recommend silk for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
Silk quality is measured in "momme" (mm), with higher numbers indicating heavier, more durable fabric. Bedding typically ranges from 16-25 momme, with 19-22 momme being ideal for sheets—substantial enough to last but still luxuriously lightweight.
Mulberry silk, produced by silkworms fed exclusively mulberry leaves, is the highest quality. Charmeuse weave creates the classic shiny, slippery silk feel, while silk habotai offers a more matte finish.
The catch? Silk requires careful maintenance (often hand washing or dry cleaning), stains easily, and comes with a significant price tag. It's also not as temperature-regulating as often claimed—while silk feels cool to the touch, it doesn't breathe as well as cotton or linen.
Microfibre: The Budget Option
Microfibre sheets are made from finely woven synthetic fibres, typically polyester. They're affordable, wrinkle-resistant, fade-resistant, and easy to care for. For guest rooms, kids' beds, or those on tight budgets, microfibre offers decent comfort at rock-bottom prices.
However, microfibre has significant drawbacks. It's not breathable, trapping heat and moisture—making it unsuitable for hot sleepers or warm climates. It's derived from petroleum products and contributes to microplastic pollution when washed. The fabric can also feel "synthetic" and may become rougher over time.
If choosing microfibre, look for "brushed" microfibre, which undergoes an extra process to create a softer feel. Denier count indicates fibre fineness, with lower numbers meaning finer, softer fabric.
Tencel/Lyocell: The Modern Hybrid
Tencel is the brand name for lyocell fabric made by Lenzing, an Austrian company. Produced from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood pulp using a closed-loop process, Tencel combines the softness of silk with the breathability of cotton and the sustainability credentials of bamboo.
Tencel is gaining popularity in Australia due to its excellent moisture management and cooling properties—perfect for our warm climate. It's also produced in a more environmentally responsible way than bamboo viscose, making it a strong choice for eco-conscious consumers.
How to Choose Your Material
Consider these factors when selecting your sheet material:
Sleep temperature: Hot sleepers should prioritise linen, bamboo lyocell, or Tencel. Those who get cold might prefer cotton sateen or even flannel in winter.
Skin sensitivity: Silk and bamboo are gentlest on sensitive skin. Look for OEKO-TEX certification to ensure fabrics are free from harmful chemicals.
Maintenance preferences: If you want low-maintenance bedding, cotton or microfibre work well. Silk and some linens require more careful handling.
Environmental values: Organic cotton, bamboo lyocell, or Tencel offer the best sustainability credentials. Avoid conventional cotton (pesticide-intensive) and standard microfibre (plastic-based).
Budget: Microfibre and basic cotton are most affordable. Linen and silk require larger investments but often last longer, potentially offering better value over time.
Still unsure? Our sheet finder quiz can help match you with your ideal material based on your specific needs and preferences.