There are many different types of sheets out there and it is difficult to know which keep you warm, and which keep you cool. After reviewing all the different sheets on the market, I have decided to piece together this detailed article answering all your questions about sheets that help you stay you cool.
The best sheet materials to help you stay cool include bamboo, cotton, rayon, linen, ramie, and hemp. Avoid the sheet fabrics that will trap heat, this can make your nights very uncomfortable during the summer heat.
Now let’s get into more details about choosing “cool sheets” by answering a few important questions you may have on your mind.
What Makes a Bed Sheet Breathable?
A fabric’s breathability is defined by its ability to absorb moisture from your skin and release it through evaporation. This evaporation is what makes you feel cool during hot summer nights. Sheets made of cotton, rayon, linen, ramie, or hemp are all breathable. The natural fibers are the best option when it comes to breathability. Additionally, you can have breathable sheets made of other materials if they have an over-and-under weaving pattern. However, polyester sheets will never be as breathable as ones made of natural fibers.
Does Thread Count Affect Temperature?
When purchasing sheets, you might run into a variety of different thread counts. A 500-thread count, for instance, means that the sheets have 500 threads in one square inch. A 1000-thread sheet does not mean it will feel more luxurious than one with 500 threads. This is because every thread is made of strands called a ply.
The more threads per square inch, the more packed the sheets will be. This results in less air travelling through the sheets, which can lead to less breathability. Additionally, higher thread count sheets make the threads weaker, which can lead to it being lower-quality and piling more easily. A good rule of thumb is to buy 300 to 400 thread-count sheets.
Do Bamboo Sheets Keep You Cool?
Bamboo sheets are made of natural bamboo fibers, which naturally wick moisture in your sheets throughout the night. Bamboo fibers adapt better to temperature fluctuations. Therefore, your skin can breathe better at night since it regulates with your body heat. Additionally, bamboo is more breathable than cotton sheets because of the fibers natural ability to wick moisture.
Do Cotton Sheets Keep You Cool?
Cotton sheets are some of the most popular sheets made of natural fibers in the market. Much like bamboo fibers, cotton absorbs moisture and provides breathability. This breathability occurs because of the shape of the cotton fibers.
If you look closely, the fibers look like twisted ribbons, which keeps them from stacking tightly together when woven. This allows for small gaps in the fabric that provide space for air to pass through. As mentioned before, 300 to 400-count thread sheets are a good option that keeps you cool at night.
Are There Different Types of Cotton Sheets?
The softness of sheets comes from the type of cotton fiber used when weaving it. Long-staple cotton fibers make the sheets softer. Egyptian, Pima, and Supima cotton are all certified long-staple. However, the sheets do not have to be made of this type of cotton to be comfortable.
Some shorter fibers can still be comfortable and breathable. It is important that your sheets are made of 100 percent cotton, since that is what makes it breathable and comfortable. There are blended fabric, but they will not feel as cooling as 100 percent cotton sheets.
Are Bamboo Sheets Cooler than Cotton?
The bamboo fibers are made up of cross-sections with micro-gaps that retain moisture and provide ventilation. Additionally, the fibers adapt better to fluctuations in temperature. This allows the sheets to adapt to your body temperature and cool you down through the night. This type of sheets is a great option if you feel like your cotton or linen sheets are not breathable enough at night.
Do Linen Sheets Keep You Cool?
Natural linen fabric is another popular material for sheets. The fabric is light, breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic. Linen is good has temperature-regulating properties, which make it a great option for the hot summer months and the colder months of winter. Natural linen comes from flax plant fibers. These fibers provide great airflow, which allow linen sheets to be breathable.
Do Silk Sheets Keep You Cool?
Silk sheets are made of natural fibers that come from the working of the silkworm. Some silk sheets can be of a mix of silk and other fibers. Silk can absorb sweat and keep moisture away from your body. When silk is mixed with other fabrics, it can wick away sweat more efficiently.
Additionally, natural silk can retain body odor, which can result in your sheets smelling bad. When it comes to breathability, silk is porous, which allows for air to flow through it. This helps your sweat to evaporate and keep your skin cool throughout the night.
Do Satin Sheets Keep You Cool?
Satin sheets are made of a mix of silk, nylon, and polyester, which are all breathable fabrics. Silk is a smooth material that of small soft fibers that absorb moisture and continue to stay dry. Polyester is synthetic, it is also breathable. Nylon is made of plastic; it works well with other materials. This fabric is lightweight and waterproof, which also helps you stay cool throughout the night. This fabric is durable, breathable, and looks good.
Do Microfiber Sheets Keep You Cool?
Microfiber sheets are made of extremely fine polyester fibers. While they are comfortable, soft, and resist piling more than other fabrics made of polyester, they are less breathable than cotton. Additionally, this type of sheet is not suitable for people with sensitive skin.
There are some microfiber sheets that are made of a blend of polyester and natural fibers, which make them a bit more breathable. Microfiber does have moisture wicking properties that can help you stay cool at night.
The Best Bed Sheets for Keeping You Cool
Quickly review each bed sheet relating to keeping you cool. Hyper link the amazon url in your review stating they are available on amazon.
1. Hotel Sheets Direct 100% Bamboo Sheets
These bamboo bedsheets set are a great option from Amazon. This complete set comes with two pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet for you queen-sized bed. Additionally, the fitted sheet fits around mattresses up to 15 inches. These bamboo sheets are sure to keep you cool during hot summer nights for comfortable sleeping.
2. SONORO KATE 100% Pure Egyptian Cooling Bed Sheets
Egyptian cotton is one of the softest types of cotton in the market. This set (available on Amazon) comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. These sheets are a great option if you want to have cooling and comfortable nights of sleep. Additionally, these soft sheets are chemical free and great for people with sensitive skin.
3. Simple&Opulence 100% Washed Linen Sheet Set
These beautiful sheets made of 100 percent pure linen are a great option if you want to sleep well during hot summer nights. This four-piece set (available in Amazon) comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. These sheets are a great option for you to have cool summer nights and warm winter nights of sleep. The breathable linen is a great option if you are a look for soft and comfortable sheets.
Alternative Ways to Stay Cool in Bed
1. Use a Quiet Fan
A great way to stay cool during hot summer nights is with a fan. There are some good tower fans in the market that have timers if you have difficulty sleeping with a fan on. Additionally, you can put a bowl filled with ice water in front of your fan. This will help the can pickup the cool temperature from the water and spread it in the air.
2. Install Air Conditioning
If you tried a quiet fan, but your home is still too hot, you might want to consider buying an air conditioning unit. This will allow you to have cool hair whenever you need it.
3. Encourage Airflow
If your home is hot, you might want to just open all windows. However, it is important to consider which windows you are opening. A good rule of thumb is: if you have south-facing windows, you should keep the windows open at night. However, if you have north-facing windows, you should keep them shut. Otherwise, you will have hot air coming into your room at night.
4. Bring in Some Greenery
House plants make your bedroom look good and they help keep your house cool during the warmer weather. Plants consume hot air and release water into the air, this leads to evaporation which cools the room they are in.
Read Related: Bamboo vs Silk Pillowcases | What’s the Difference?
What Bed Sheets to Avoid During the Heat?
You should avoid thick sheets during the summer since they tend to trap heat rather than release it. Fleece and flannel sheets are made of thick fabrics that help you stay warm during any weather. Therefore, it is best you keep those for the colder winter months. Jersey sheets are another type that can trap heat. Although they can be cozy and stretchy, they can also be your worst enemy during hot summer nights.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.