4 Reasons Why Cotton Bedding Is Better Than Polyester

Cotton sheets are everywhere. They are exceedingly popular and for a good reason. They’re some of the best bedding options on the market, and with them, you can expect crispness, strong fibers, and many other benefits. However, other materials are looking to claim the throne. Polyester is a leading candidate, but as you’ll see, it doesn’t measure up. There are many ways cotton makes for better bedding than polyester blends; we’ll go over many of them here. Read below to find out more.

Why Is Cotton a Better Choice?

As you’ll see below, cotton is a better choice in many areas. It’s hypo-allergenic, breathable, and a luxurious choice—especially if you choose our American-made luxury cotton sheets. Furthermore, its moisture-wicking properties will keep you dry all night. Learn more about the benefits below.

It’s Hypo-Allergenic

When we say the term “hypo-allergenic,” what do we mean? A hypo-allergenic fabric has less of a chance of causing an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, many people are susceptible to chemical sensitivities and even autoimmune diseases. Hypo-allergenic sheets make chemical rashes and autoimmune flare-ups less likely. Natural cotton fabric is typically bleach-free, and it makes a perfect gift if you know someone who has asthma or allergy flare-ups. Cotton sheets are also perfect for anyone with sensitive skin for the same reasons.

It’s Breathable

If you’ve tossed and turned all night because you can’t seem to get comfortable, your bedding is likely the culprit. This is often because bedding traps heat. This is a natural consequence of bedding that isn’t breathable. Sheets that aren’t breathable—such as polyester—trap heat, making you extremely uncomfortable if you are a hot or cool sleeper. Our temperatures vary, and if your sheets are too hot, they may make you uncomfortable.

However, cotton sheets don’t have this problem. Cotton sheets are naturally breathable, making them perfect for keeping people warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you struggle with staying comfortable at night, then cotton bedding is for you.

It’s Luxurious

We see cotton sheets everywhere, but you’re more likely to see them in places where luxury is the norm. You’ll likely experience the crispness of fresh new sheets in hotels, spa rooms, and other high-class places. However, you can get this high-end experience at home. For instance, our percale cotton sheets will leave you feeling luxurious whenever you’re about to fall asleep.

Imagine yourself sleeping on clouds, and you’ll know how you’ll feel when you lay between our sheets. This is important since your sheets set the stage for how you’ll feel when you wake up in the morning. Cotton sheets, especially our 100 percent cotton sheets, will get you on the right foot every morning. You’ll have a restful evening and an even more peaceful morning when you choose 100 percent crisp cotton bedding. This is why cotton is better bedding than polyester blends: you can sleep like a king or queen in the comfort of your home.

It’s Moisture-Wicking

In addition to tossing and turning at night because of discomfort, we have to ask ourselves, what results from bedding that traps heat? The answer is sweat. When you have cotton bedding, night sweats are no longer an issue since cotton has moisture-wicking properties. This means you will wake up feeling cool and dry every morning. There’s nothing worse than waking up in a puddle of sweat. Why would you want to experience that? Choose cotton bedding instead to skip that unsavory experience.

Downsides of Polyester Bedding

Now let’s look at the downsides of polyester bedding. We’ve alluded to the consequences of polyester throughout this article, but it’s time to go more in-depth. While polyester has some benefits, the negative points far outweigh the positive ones, and they could cost you comfort. Cotton is the superior option; we’ll show you why below.

It Lacks Breathability

As we alluded to above, one of the most negative consequences of polyester sheets is their lack of breathability. This can be a serious problem for hot sleepers since the lack of breathability makes it so that their sheets are hot in summer. Because of this, they’ll often wake up in a puddle of sweat, feeling immensely uncomfortable and, frankly, gross.

It Holds Odors

So what is the result of a person who sweats heavily at night? Eventually, the fabric will begin to trap and hold odors. Unfortunately, this can lead to the bedding permanently trapping these odors, especially if you don’t wash your sheets often. You could wash them several times in a row, and they’ll still have an odor.

We must also consider the bacteria and dead skin cells that are likely in the fabric. This won’t be good for your health, no matter how you look at it. If you want to stay dry and healthy, it’s far better to stick with cotton instead. Cotton bedding is breathable enough that you don’t have to worry about any odor issues unless you completely neglect washing them.

There Are Environmental Concerns

Unfortunately, for all our environmentalists and people trying to “go green,” blended polyester isn’t biodegradable because it isn’t a natural fiber. This means that it could take up to 1000 years to decompose. Due to its hazardous chemicals and plastic microfibers, it can deposit a ton of waste into the soil, air, and water.

Compare this to cotton, which biodegrades fairly quickly. Even the way that we produce polyester causes problems. Polyester produced without wastewater treatment systems releases dangerous substances into the environment. These include antimony, titanium dioxide, and cobalt.

We've tested more than 130 different sets of cotton and cotton-blend sheets in The Lab and our homes, spending hours upon hours sleeping, tossing and turning, and making the bed to evaluate sheets' quality, breathability, durability, and value.

In all of that testing, we’ve learned that high-quality cotton sheets are comfortable and durable, but also wonderfully breathable—which makes them a favorite of ours no matter the season. Cotton sheets also tend to get softer with each wash, making them a great long-term investment.

Whether you prefer a super crisp percale or a smooth sateen, these 100 percent cotton sheets have outperformed the competition in our tests, making them well worth your hard-earned cash.

Editor's Note: This article was revised in December 2024 with a new product pick and updated shopping considerations.

• Comfortable for hot and cold sleepers
  

• Holds up well over time

• Luscious drape

• Nothing!

After sleeping on hundreds of cotton sheet sets, we still come back to this sateen set from Lands’ End—even after two years of consistent use. Its quality construction, luxurious feel, and comfortable sleep experience make this sheet set a standout pick. We were shocked our favorite set would be from a legacy brand holding its own among dozens of trendier direct-to-consumer brands.

This sheet set showcases the classic characteristics of sateen: a silky-smooth texture and a beautiful, flowing drape. The sheet set’s Supima cotton composition, the highest-quality cotton grown in the United States, is one of the biggest factors separating it from other sets on our list. 

The Supima cotton has a soft feel that only improves with washing, yet maintains its thickness and durability. We were pleased these sheets suited both hot and cold sleepers; we think they offer excellent comfort and breathability. 

These sheets are also treated with a “no wrinkle finishing process,” which should leave them with a pressed finish straight out of the dryer for up to 30 washings. We never noticed major wrinkles on these sheets, aside from the wrinkles they had from being folded in the packaging. They also maintained their sateen sheen after washing, unlike other sheets we’ve tested that lose their luster after one wash. 

Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cali. king, split king | Certifications: None listed | Care: Machine wash

• Thick elastic band

• Great for warm weather

• Easy to remove stains

• More prone to wrinkles

We love the Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set for those who prefer percale cotton sheets. This set stood out in our testing for its lightweight feel and classic crisp finish. 

We tested these sheets over the span of six months, and they continue to be a favorite in our rotation. We love how breezy these sheets felt for warmer evenings, and they also kept a cold sleeper comfortable without needing extra blanket layers. However, we didn’t reach for them as much when the temperatures dropped. We also easily removed muddy paw prints from the sheets, so you shouldn’t have to worry about them holding onto stains.  

The fitted sheet covers mattresses up to 15 inches deep, which was more than enough room for us, and the wide elastic band prevented the sheet from sliding or bunching on the mattress surface. 

These sheets do wrinkle quite a bit out of the wash, which is typical for percale (and not a dealbreaker for us!), but we were disappointed by how wrinkly they got. We recommend removing the sheets from your dryer as soon as possible to avoid excess wrinkles. 

Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cali. king | Certifications: GOTS certified, Fair Trade certified factory | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

• Inviting, double-brushed texture

• Launders well

• Soft upon arrival

• May be too warm for year-round use

For an ultra-soft sheet set that doesn’t need a break-in period, we love the Quince Organic Brushed Cotton Sheet Set. Despite its percale weave, these sheets lack the typical smooth finish. That’s because of the material’s double-brushed construction, which makes for a cozy and plush feel. However, we found it still feels structured and substantial as you’d expect from percale.

We like that you don’t have to wait for this sheet to feel sumptuously soft—this one felt great out of the package. These sheets do feel a bit thicker and heavier than your average percale sheet, but lighter than flannel options like the L.L.Bean Organic Flannel Sheet.

If you’re a hot sleeper, we think this set may be overly warm for year-round use. The material is a bit hefty for warmer temperatures. That said, we found these sheets to be breathable enough and didn’t have an issue overheating, especially when using these during the northeast fall season.

After around a month of testing, we found these sheets launder very well, with no changes in texture or quality. And considering this sheet set is made from organic cotton in a Fair Trade-certified factory, we think the sheet set offers great value at its price point.

Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 200 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: Fair Trade | Care: Machine wash cool, tumble dry low

• Soft and fleecy texture off the bat

• Strong and durable construction

• Heavyweight yet breathable

• Lots of lint with first wash

• Too warm for year-round use

With an ultra-soft texture that’s cozier and thicker than percale and sateen options, flannel sheets are a great pick if you’re looking to add a bit more heft to your bedding. Our top pick within this category is the L.L. Bean Organic Flannel Sheet Set, which has been a favorite of ours for over a year now.

This sheet set is made from 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton, and both sides are brushed to create a fuzzy and plush feel we can’t get enough of. We’ve tested these sheets since 2023, and they became one of our go-to’s, especially when temperatures dropped. 

That said, although flannel can get a bad rap for being too stifling, we found the medium weight to be suitable for transitional periods, too. They feel fleecy and lived in like your favorite flannel upon arrival—that’s right, no break-in period needed.

They’ve also held up impressively well despite consistent use. We haven’t experienced any pilling or changes in quality. These launder very well but expect quite a bit of lint buildup upon the first wash. 

Weave: Flannel | Thread Count: Not applicable | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Certifications: GOTS, Control Union | Care: Machine washable

• Soft and cozy texture

• Highly breathable

• Sturdy construction

• Not as cooling as some other options we tested

If you’re looking for high-quality bedding at a reasonable price point, we recommend the Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.)

This set performed exceptionally well during both our lab and at-home tests, and was up to par with many of the other luxury and high-end options we’ve tried. The texture of these sheets is lightweight and impressively soft, with a brushed surface that creates lifted fibers, making them cozier than a typical percale but less silky than sateen. 

We were impressed with the high-quality construction of these sheets; they’re medium-weight and sturdy. Although these sheets were highly breathable for us, they weren’t the coolest. While most sleepers should find them suitable for year-round use, hot sleepers might find them too insulating during warmer seasons.

These sheets have held up exceptionally well over the span of six months, with no color fading or visible signs of wear. The texture and quality have not changed despite consistent use and numerous rounds of laundering. 

Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Certifications: None listed | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

• Silky smooth texture

• Softens with each wash

• Breathable and temperature-regulating

• Slight shrinkage and loss of sheen post-wash

Get that hotel-quality feel you love, right in your own bedroom. Chateau Home Collection’s Egyptian Cotton Sheets are made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton yarns with an 800-thread count, resulting in a super-soft luxurious texture (and making them a favorite among all the cotton sheets we’ve tested.)

We love the silky smooth feel paired with sturdy construction, which creates an expensive look and feel. The long-staple Egyptian cotton fabric wicks away moisture to keep you cool through the night, offering ample breathability, despite a hefty weight. 

We definitely warmed up to a comfortable level underneath the sheets, but never felt stifled or overly hot. We recommend these sheets for year-round use, as they do a great job of regulating body temperature.

While these sheets performed generally well when testing for durability, we noticed they lost some of the glossy finish and shrank a bit after the first wash. This wasn’t a huge issue for us, though, as they got softer and softer with each wash throughout the six-month testing period.

Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 800 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Care: Cold water, gentle cycle, low tumble dry

• Lightweight and breathable

• Durable Supima cotton launders well

• Doesn’t hold onto stains

• Longer break-in period

The Buffy Supima Cotton Sheet Set is a great pick for hot sleepers that only gets better with time. We’ve used this sheet set for six months now, and they’ve quickly become one of our favorites. 

The material is made from long-staple Supima cotton, which gives us confidence in its longevity. The percale weave also gives it a smooth, structured feel. Although these sheets weren’t the softest upon arrival, we found that they loosened up over the testing period, with a notable improvement in texture.

Where these sheets really shine is their breathability. They feel fresh getting into bed at night and never feel like they cling to the body, even when spring transitioned to summer. We love that the sheets feel super breathable and lightweight, making them a great pick if you tend to sleep hot.

We were also impressed by how stain-resistant and easy to clean these sheets were. They launder very well, and even after six months, the sheets have stayed crisp white with no snags or tears. 

Weave: Percale | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: OEKO-TEX certified dyes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Final Verdict

Cotton sheets truly come down to your weave and texture preference, so we selected two overall best sheet sets for this category. Our overall best sateen sheet set, the Lands’ End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, stunned us with its premium construction and luxurious finish that lasted for over six months. If you prefer a crisp percale, the Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set, is outstanding in the percale category. It maintained its crisp texture and kept us comfortable all night.

How We Tested the Sheets

We’re continually testing hundreds of sheets here at The Spruce, both in The Lab and at home. 

When we’re assessing each cotton sheet set, we examine factors such as fiber quality, thread count, and weave, all of which significantly impact the overall appearance and texture of any sheets. 

We paid a lot of attention to texture when testing the cotton sheets, and we found in general, our favorite cotton sheets got even softer with time. While cotton can wrinkle, we identified sets with particularly noticeable wrinkling, often influenced by the weave.

To assess breathability, we asked testers with varying body temperatures to rate the airflow of each material. We had our team of hot, cool, and typical sleepers  use the sheets throughout multiple seasons in a variety of climates, and report if they had issues with overheating while using the sheets. Although cotton tends to be naturally temperature-regulating, this largely depends on the weave and construction of the sheet set.

In our testing, we found that cotton sheets were surprisingly durable, holding up as well as linen and outperforming eucalyptus and bamboo sheets. In addition to sleeping on the sheets, we performed a spill test and poured coffee, oil, and foundation over each sheet in the lab, noting how easy the stain was to remove. We also judged whether there were any signs of wear, imperfections, wrinkles, or shrinkage post-wash.

Over the course of six months or more, we also considered how the sheets changed in texture after consistent washes, our sleep quality during that time, and whether or not we would recommend the products to friends or family members.

The Spruce Team Finds the Best Cotton Sheets

What to Consider When Shopping for Cotton Sheets

There Are Many Types of Cotton

While there are many qualities in sheets to look at such as weave type and thread count, your comfort outweighs anything else—and that detail comes down to the kind of cotton your sheets are made from.

"I really think it does all come down to personal preference," says Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton. "When it comes to being happy at the end of the day, we’re going to be looking at texture and sleeping temperature.” Brakefield says keeping your sleeping style in mind while shopping for sheets will also lead to finding a set of sheets that work best for you.

Cotton sheets are known for being soft, breathable, and affordable. Not all cotton is created equally, so you’ll want to consider your preferences and budget when shopping for cotton sheets. If you want the best of the best, choose extra-long staple cotton, often used in Egyptian, Pima, or Supima cotton sheets, which are considered premium options.

Egyptian cotton sheets are made of long, fine fibers to give the sheets their softness. This type of sheet is also durable and will wash well. Our best high thread-count pick, the Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets, is made with Egyptian cotton, and we love them for their silky smooth texture and sturdy construction. 

Supima cotton is a luxury, soft cotton grown in the United States. To receive the Supima name, the cotton must have been sourced through a specific supply chain. Our overall best sateen, pick, the Lands’ End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, is made with Supima cotton.

You can also look for eco-minded options, like sheets made with 100 percent organic cotton that meets third-party certification requirements, such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Our overall best percale pick, the Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set, is both GOTS and Fair Trade-certified.

Know the Nuances of Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric. A higher thread count indicates a more tightly woven fabric and can impact a sheet set’s softness, drape, and breathability. That said, a higher thread count isn’t always better, since thread count can be manipulated during the manufacturing process. 

Additionally, different materials will have varying thread count ranges due to the size of the yarn. For example, cotton, which has thicker yarns compared to ultra-fine microfiber, will generally have a lower thread count because fewer cotton threads can fit into the same amount of space.

Most of the top options we tested fall between 200 and 400. This makes for the softest, most breathable cotton sheets.

While thread count isn’t the only measure of a sheet set’s quality and texture, it should certainly be considered. If you do prefer a higher thread count, check out the Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets (our best high thread count pick), which boasts an 800 thread count.

If you’re stuck trying to decide between bamboo and cotton sheets, we totally get it. They’re two of the most popular materials used to make bed sheets. What’s more, it can seem like there’s little difference between them: Both are made from plants, and both are known to be comfortable and long-lasting. So how are you supposed to choose between the two?

That’s what this article is all about.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about bamboo sheets, cotton sheets. We’ll explain important differences, similarities, and who should use each one.

Bamboo Sheets: Soft, Durable, and Cooling

Bamboo bedding is one of the most luxurious types of bedding you can find. It’s widely renowned for its smooth, silky feel.

As the name suggests, bamboo bed sheets are made from natural fibers of the bamboo plant, which grows incredibly fast without any pesticides or fertilizers. As such, it’s a highly sustainable plant, and bamboo sheets are considered environmentally-friendly.

The strands of bamboo fiber used in bamboo sheets tend to be very long, making the sheets very soft, flexible, and durable. They also have cooling properties. The material is moisture-wicking and breathable, allowing body heat to escape instead of trapping it. Bamboo is a great choice for hot sleepers.

In fact, hot sleepers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the cooling effects of bamboo sheets. Sleep scientists suggest the ideal temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, but many of us aren’t able to keep our bedrooms that cool, especially during the summer. Bamboo sheets can help you stay cooler throughout the night.

Bamboo is also an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic, and it has a very gentle feel. Those with skin allergies or other skin sensitivities will love the soothing feel of bamboo fabric. You should always check the washing instructions before cleaning, but properly cared for, bamboo sheets will get even softer over time.

So what’s the catch? Often, the biggest drawback of bamboo sheets is the price. They can be very expensive, and they’re often blended with cheaper fabrics to make them more affordable.

The only exception we can find to this rule are our Hush Iced cooling sheets. With 100% organic bamboo, these are luxury bed sheets for a fraction of the price of typical luxury sheets.

At Hush, we’re very picky about our materials. We make sure the bamboo is harvested at just the right time of year to fully capture the bamboo’s natural cooling properties. The end result is one of the most cooling and luxurious bed sheet materials you can find. Thousands of customer reviews agree that our sheets are incredibly cooling and soft.

Another complaint people sometimes have about bamboo is the process used to make it, which sometimes involves harsh chemicals. Many of these chemicals are unnecessary additions added to make cheap bamboo feel nice. We don’t use any unnecessary chemicals in the manufacturing process for Hush Iced sheets.

Instead, we take every precaution possible to make sure our sheets are as environmentally friendly as possible. Only the bare minimum processes are used to make our sheets. Plus, we make sure all the water used during the process is recycled so chemicals aren’t leaked into sensitive areas.

Bamboo linen is another option that avoids chemical processing to make the bamboo fabric, but it’s not considered as soft as viscose bamboo, and it’s less wrinkle-resistant. Bamboo linen is also usually more expensive than viscose bamboo.

Cotton Sheets: Breathable, Comfortable, and Widely Available

Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics used to make bed sheets ⁠— as well as clothing, towels, and many other household items. The quality can vary widely, but it is generally known for being very comfortable and breathable.

Unlike bamboo, cotton is often grown with the help of pesticides and fertilizers. If you want more sustainable cotton, you can look for organic cotton, but this tends to cost more.

There are three main types of cotton: Upland cotton, Pima cotton, and Egyptian cotton. Egyptian cotton is typically thought of as the highest-quality cotton, which means Egyptian cotton sheets are often even more expensive than bamboo sheets. Egyptian cotton sheets tend to have longer fibers and are more flexible and durable than other types of cotton.

Pima cotton is also considered a luxurious material. Like Egyptian cotton, it’s grown exclusively in places with warm, dry climates, such as the southwestern US. And like Egyptian cotton, it’s also often hand-picked, which allows the long cotton fibers to maintain their flexibility and durability. Pima cotton is almost always less expensive than Egyptian cotton, with very similar quality.

Finally, the most common type of cotton is Upland cotton. It’s also the cheapest of the different types. The cotton fibers are not as long as those used in Egyptian and Pima cotton, making Upland cotton less strong and durable. It generally won’t last as long as the more expensive types of cotton. It does have a soft feel, but it’s not as luxurious as the other types.

While a lot depends on the type of cotton used to make sheets, cotton sheets overall tend to be very comfortable and durable. They’re easy to care for, and they can usually withstand repeated washing. They also tend to be breathable, but don’t expect them to be as cooling as bamboo sheets.

Bamboo vs Cotton Sheets: How to Choose

So, how do cotton and bamboo compare to each other? As we’ve seen, bamboo is the more luxurious choice, though it’s generally more expensive. However, Egyptian cotton is even more expensive than bamboo.

Upland cotton is the least expensive of these materials, so this may be the best choice for those on a budget. If you’re interested in trying bamboo but don’t want to spend a lot, you can also try a bamboo and cotton blend, which will generally be less expensive than pure bamboo.

If you have sensitive skin or are a hot sleeper, bamboo is the superior choice. It’ll keep you cooler than cotton will, and it’s hypoallergenic and very soothing to the touch. Cotton is also breathable and soft, especially high quality cotton, but not as much as bamboo.

Those who prefer to buy organic may also prefer bamboo. While you can find organic cotton, it’s not as easy to grow as bamboo and thus not as sustainable. Bamboo is a great choice for the environmentally-conscious, since it’s so easy and sustainable to grow. If you’d like to test out high-quality bamboo sheets, check out our Hush Iced sheets.

Of course, apart from the type of fabric, there are other important things to consider when choosing a new set of sheets. For instance, thread count is one of the main factors that determines how soft, durable, and luxurious a set of sheets will feel. A high thread count generally means more softness and durability.

Our Hush Iced sheets have a thread count of 300, but because our bamboo has longer fibers than cotton, it feels more like a 1,500 thread count. In general, cotton sheets need a higher thread count to be comparable to bamboo sheets.

Another important factor that affects quality is the blend of fabrics. Many bed sheets that call themselves “bamboo sheets” or “cotton sheets” actually contain a blend of different materials. For instance, cotton often has polyester added to it to make it cheaper. Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum byproducts, and it’s less soft and comfortable than cotton.