Sleep is serious business, and having the best quality sheets can make a huge difference in the quality of your slumber (and thus your overall well-being). One of the biggest factors to consider is the material. There isn't one type that's best for everyone, so it's important to understand the differences when you're shopping around:
- Cotton: With the exception of silk, 100 percent cotton sheets usually feel the smoothest against your skin, making softness their biggest asset. The downside is they don't wick moisture very well, so they're not great for hot sleepers.
- Polyester: If you get sweaty at night, polyester is a good choice because it wicks moisture and dries quickly. It's not traditionally as soft; however, microfiber styles often feel comparable and pill less. On top of that, they're super affordable.
- Silk: Pure silk sheets are the pinnacle of softness and difficult to beat when it comes to that smooth feeling. That said, they come with a hefty price tag.
- Linen: Made from flax fibers, linen is without question the most durable material for bedding. However, it's among the most expensive, too. It's also not as soft out of the box — you need to wash it several times to bring out the comfort.
What's a good thread count for sheets?
After considering material, you may be wondering: Is thread count important when buying sheets? The answer depends on the weave. With cotton sheets, high-quality plain weaves often have lower thread counts (think: 200 to 300) because the design doesn't allow for much density, according to The Wirecutter. Sateen weaves, on the other hand, often increase in quality with higher thread counts (aka 300 to 600), becoming softer and less prone to snags. That said, sheets of either kind tend to get thicker and less breathable at higher thread counts, so you should probably be wary of any thread count that's too high.
To help you find the right pick, I've made a list of the best quality sheets in a variety of materials below.