101 Guide to Buying Sheets: Microfiber vs. Cotton

Are you getting ready to buy some new sheets for your bed? There are so many options out there, and it can be a little overwhelming. We want you to meet two of our favorite sheet fabrics – microfiber and cotton. These two materials are the most popular for bedding around the world. But which should you choose? To help you decide, we put together a guide highlighting the benefits of both options.

 

Benefits of Cotton

 

Breathability

 

Cotton is a natural material that lets air flow through more easily than other materials. Its fibers twist together like ribbons, which stops them from cramming together during the weaving process. This leaves plenty of open room for air to pass through. Want to experience the breathability of cotton? Check out our Carmen Collection 100% Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheet sets.

 

Soft against your Skin

 

Cotton is uber-soft and cozy. It’ll make you want to fall asleep instantly as soon as your head hits the pillow. What makes it so soft? The fluffy staple fibers of cotton are spun into thin threads. Hundreds of rows of threads are woven against each other, and the number of rows makes up the thread count of your sheets. For example, our Leila Collection 400 thread count, 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Sets are made with 200 horizontal and 200 vertical rows of thread. The higher the thread count, the softer your sheets will be.

 

Comes in Jersey & Flannel

 

Great Bay Home’s ultra-warm Jersey and Flannel Sheets are also made of cotton! You can take a look at our selection here.

 

Long-Lasting

 

Although cotton can be more expensive than your average sheet set, it makes up for it with the fact that it lasts a long time. Cotton staple fibers have high-tensile strength. This makes for a heavy-duty fabric that’s less likely to rip and tear than other materials.

 

 

Benefits of Microfiber

 

Quick Drying

 

Microfiber is a man-made fabric made from extremely fine fibers. Because of this, it dries quickly. This is perfect if you don’t want to risk having to run the dryer twice right before bedtime!

 

Durability

 

Like cotton, high-quality microfiber is durable due to its interlocking nature. So, while its thin fibers aren’t as strong as cotton staple fibers, microfiber sheets can still hold their own against tugging and pulling.

 

Wrinkle Free

 

Polyester and nylon polymers make up microfiber. The molecular fluidity of these synthetic materials gives them an innate resistance to wrinkling - unlike cellulose-based products such as cotton. In short - if you go with microfiber, you won’t ever feel the urge to iron your sheets.

 

Allergen-Repelling

 

The threads of these sheets are so tightly bound together that they make it difficult for allergens to sneak through. Are you someone who hates getting the sniffles? Try out our lightweight Emery Pre-washed microfiber sheets - you’ll be thanking us this spring.

 

Silky Smooth

 

These sheet sets have an incredibly smooth finish – smoother than any cotton. Want to get in on the microfiber action? Take a look at all the fun prints in our Newport coastal-themed or Mountain Ridge lodge-themed sheets.

 

 

Ok, so now that you’ve read our little 101 guide – you passed! You can officially say you’re a savvy sheet-shopper. You’re ready to head on out and buy the perfect sheet set for your bedroom. Don’t forget, cotton is breathable, super soft, and long-lasting, while microfiber is quick-drying, durable, allergen-repellent, wrinkle-free, and silky-smooth. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to find the sheet set that’s just right for your taste.

And remember, you can always explore Great Bay Home for a touch of inspiration.

 

 

As always…

 

We’ve Got You Covered,

 

-- GBH