Choosing the right bedding is an important part of getting a good night’s sleep. And considering that we each spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, the time it takes to make an informed decision is more than worth it.
And today’s consumers have more options than ever. Bedding now comes in virtually every color and pattern imaginable, with plenty of options for decorative flair.
But arguably the most critical factor in your decision is the simplest: fabric. Bed sheets can be made of several different fabrics, with the most popular options today being cotton and microfiber.
If you haven’t yet given the latter a chance, you might be wondering how they stack up to cotton. And if that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place.
On this page, you’ll learn what microfiber is and how it compares to other options available, as well as how you can find the best microfiber bed sheets without breaking the bank.
What Is Microfiber?
Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made up of extremely thin, finely-woven fibers. Those fibers are often polyester, but microfiber can also be made of nylon or natural materials like cellulose or wood pulp.
The fabric was first developed in the 1950s but didn’t reach American consumers until the 1970s. This means that when compared to cotton, which has been around for centuries, its history is a relatively short one.
As a result, many shoppers still aren’t sure what microfiber is, and how it compares to other more well-known fabrics. But microfiber has come a long way over the past five decades and has grown immensely in popularity.
Among manufacturers, this popularity is primarily due to technological advances that have made production easier and more cost-effective. Among consumers, that popularity is mainly due to the comparatively low price that comes from cost-effective production.
But if you’ve never used microfiber bed sheets, you might be wondering how they compare to more traditional options.
Of course, the standard indicator of quality with bed sheets is thread count. Thread count indicates the total number of threads woven together in every square inch. Generally, the higher the thread count, the higher quality the fabric.
Like cotton, microfiber bed sheets come in a variety of thread counts. But because its unique property is the fineness of its fibers, it’s also rated by “denier,” or thickness. To be considered microfiber, it must be one denier or less in diameter.
This is finer and thinner than silk, which is roughly 1.17 deniers in diameter. To put that into perspective, that’s about one-fifth the diameter of a human hair.
Today, we use this fabric for many purposes, ranging from clothing and cleaning textiles to furniture upholstery. But one of the most popular is microfiber bed sheets — and you can keep reading to learn why that is.
Microfiber Sheets Pros and Cons
If you’re considering purchasing microfiber bed sheets, you may be wondering what the pros or cons of this fabric are.
To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of five of the best qualities of this fabric, as well as three potential downsides you should be aware of in order to make an informed decision.
With that in mind, let’s get to the pros:
1. Microfiber sheets are affordable
One of the most significant upsides of microfiber bed sheets for most consumers is that they’re affordable. Thanks to their cost-effective manufacturing process, they tend to be less expensive than cotton overall.
Of course, much like with bedding in any fabric, microfiber bed sheets come in a wide range of quality and cost. This means that microfiber isn’t always the least expensive option, especially if you’re comparing high-quality microfiber with low-quality cotton.
Still, when looking at the overall range of costs for bed sheets, microfiber is a more affordable choice— making it ideal for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option.
2. Microfiber sheets are comfortable
In terms of comfort, microfiber sheets are hard to beat. They’re soft, smooth, and silky, and tend to be more lightweight than cotton.
Plus, the fabric is naturally moisture-wicking, making it an excellent option for those who tend to sweat while sleeping. In fact, microfiber often gets used for athletic clothing due to its ability to wick perspiration from skin.
So if you’re looking for a soft set of sheets that keeps you dry at night, microfiber could be the way to go.
3. Microfiber sheets are durable
The right sheets can be a long-term investment. High-quality bedding can last for years and ultimately save you money on replacing cheaper, low-quality alternatives.
That’s certainly the case with high-quality microfiber, which is an extremely durable fabric. Because the weave of the microfiber is so tight, it doesn’t pill like regular polyester — and will stay looking nice and new for far longer.
Microfiber also holds dye better than cotton, meaning that it’s less likely to fade and look worn over time.
4. Microfiber sheets are easy to clean
Some fabrics can be a pain to care for and wash. Fortunately, that isn’t the case with microfiber, which can be washed and dried in standard machines.
Plus, because the fibers get so tightly woven, it doesn’t absorb as much water as cotton and other natural fabrics — meaning that it requires less time to dry. It’s also naturally wrinkle-resistant, which eliminates the need for ironing.
Microfiber’s water-resistant property also prevents it from absorbing beverages and other liquids, making it much less likely to stain.
5. Microfiber sheets are eco-friendly
Because they typically make microfiber from synthetic fabrics, it requires no pesticides to produce. This is a significant advantage over cotton, which often gets treated with pesticides in the growing process.
And while almost all synthetic fibers require less water to produce than cotton, microfiber uses even less when you take the dyeing process into consideration.
Microfiber made of polyester is solution-dyed (or “dope-dyed”), meaning that the color is added to the fibers before they weave them into the fabric. This process reduces water usage by 89%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 62%.
Finally, it’s worth noting that because microfiber is naturally wrinkle-resistant, sustainably-minded consumers don’t need to use chemical-laden products to avoid wrinkles and creases.
Of course, these advantages don’t mean that microfiber bed sheets are the right choice for everyone. So if you’re looking to make an informed buying decision, you should also be aware of these three potential downsides.
1. Microfiber typically isn’t biodegradable
Despite microfiber’s pesticide-free, water-conserving production, it isn’t perfect in terms of sustainability. That’s because they make most microfiber from synthetic materials like polyester, which aren’t biodegradable.
That said, they can also make microfiber with natural materials like wood pulp. So for eco-conscious consumers, there are still options to consider.
It’s also worth noting that regardless of the material, making sustainable purchases requires investing in durable, high-quality products.
So if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your bedding, look for options that will last. This way, you avoid purchasing low-quality products that end up in a landfill within a few years — eliminating the need to purchase even more resource-using products in the near future.
2. Microfiber is heat-sensitive
When caring for microfiber, it’s important to know that it’s a heat-sensitive fabric. As a result, it shouldn’t be dried for too long, or at too high of temperatures. It also shouldn’t be pressed with a hot iron.
Fortunately, this isn’t an issue for those with microfiber bed sheets, as long as you dry them on a low heat setting for a short period of time. And because of their wrinkle-resistance, there’s no need to iron them in the first place.
3. Microfiber tends to be warm
Because it’s woven so tightly, microfiber doesn’t allow for as much airflow as natural fibers like cotton and bamboo. This means that it retains heat more than those fabrics, and may not be the ideal choice for those that tend to get hot while sleeping.
For those who like to be warmer while sleeping, on the other hand, it could be a perfect choice. That’s also the case for anyone looking for a warmer set of sheets for colder months.
Common Questions About Microfiber Bed Sheets
If you’re considering purchasing microfiber bed sheets, you may have a few questions. After all, it’s a relatively new fabric when compared to cotton, and many consumers have yet to try out this fabric for themselves.
Here, we’ve answered a few of the more common questions about microfiber sheets, so that you can determine whether they’re the right choice for you.
Is microfiber breathable?
If you’ve read about microfiber’s ability to repel water due to its tightly-woven fibers, you might be wondering whether that same property keeps it from being breathable.
After all, that’s a significant concern for those that tend to get uncomfortably hot at night. And it’s true that due to their construction, microfiber bed sheets aren’t quite as breathable as those made of natural fibers like cotton.
So while their moisture-wicking properties can prevent sleepers from feeling sweaty, microfiber sheets may not be the right choice for those looking for the most breathable option possible.
Are microfiber bed sheets toxic?
Consumers today are more conscious of and concerned about all of the places in which chemicals could be living in their homes. And considering the amount of time the average person spends sleeping, it makes sense that you’d want to avoid purchasing bed sheets that put your health at risk.
Unfortunately, many consumers are led to believe that microfiber bed sheets are “toxic,” merely because they make them from synthetic fibers. That just isn’t the case.
Many wellness-centric blogs and publications are now touting microfiber cloths as an essential for chemical-free cleaning.
Of course, this isn’t to say that there aren’t any chemicals involved in the production of microfiber. But while manufacturers do use certain chemicals in the process of creating the fabric, this isn’t a quality that’s unique to microfiber.
Standard textile manufacturing practices involve the use of certain chemicals for all fabrics, including those made of natural fibers like cotton. In fact, cotton textiles often contain chemicals that you don’t find in microfiber, like chlorine bleach and herbicides like glyphosate.
So if you’re looking to reduce the number of chemicals found in your home, it’s not necessarily safe to assume that natural fabrics are the best choice for your bedding. Instead, take the time to determine which chemicals you want to avoid, and look for options that are free from those concerns.
What are the best bed sheets to keep you cool?
Many people get uncomfortably hot while sleeping. In this case, it’s in their best interest to choose bed sheets that will prevent this issue from getting worse.
That said, the right choice isn’t always the same for everyone. Although microfiber bed sheets do tend to retain heat, they’re also thinner and lighter than most other fabrics and have better moisture-wicking properties.
This means that for sleepers who get hot because of heavy bed sheets, switching to a lighter microfiber set could prevent the issue altogether. But for those who naturally run hot while sleeping, they may not be the best choice — even if the material does keep them dry.
What is the best material for bed sheets?
When it comes down to it, no material is universally the “best” for bed sheets. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.
For those looking for an affordable, comfortable, and durable set of sheets that are eco-friendly and easy to clean, microfiber could absolutely be the best option. On the other hand, those that prefer natural materials and more breathable fabric will likely be happier with cotton.
It all comes down to which qualities are most important to you — but all things considered, microfiber is an excellent choice for many consumers.
How to Choose the Right Microfiber Bed Sheets
If you’ve decided that microfiber bed sheets are the right option for you, it’s important to be aware that not all of them are the same in terms of quality.
So to aid you in the shopping process, here are a few steps you can take to make sure you’re getting high-quality bedding.
Look for a high thread count
If you’ve ever shopped for sheets, you’ve likely seen thread counts listed for each set. This number indicates the number of threads per square inch of fabric.
So, what’s a good thread count for microfiber sheets?
Many shoppers mistakenly believe that a higher thread count is always better, but that’s not necessarily the case. In general, sheets with a thread count of 300 or more are considered high-quality — and anything significantly higher has much more of an impact on cost than it does on comfort.
Read customer reviews
Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, it’s worth your time to read a few customer reviews for the products you’re considering purchasing.
Take a look at the ratings, then read through some reviews to learn what previous customers have to say. Did the sheets match their description? Are customers satisfied with the quality?
These reviews will give you a more objective, unbiased idea of what to expect so that your decision is based on quality — and not just on great marketing.
Learn the company’s return policy
Before taking the plunge on a new set of sheets, it’s also wise to check out the return policy of the brand you’re purchasing from.
If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, will the company accept a return? Will you be able to get your money back? Knowing the answers to these questions not only ensures that you won’t be stuck with uncomfortable bedding, but it can be an indicator of the brand’s quality.
After all, if a company is confident in the quality of their products, there’s no reason they wouldn’t be willing to issue refunds to those unsatisfied customers or help them find an alternative. As a result, a lack of transparency surrounding returns and exchanges should be a red flag for any shopper.
Conclusion
Considering how much time the average person spends sleeping, the right bedding is more than worth the investment. But before you make that investment, you’ll need to spend a little time learning about your options.
And while several factors might have a role in determining which is right for you, the fabric should be the top priority for every shopper.
Today, one of the best options is microfiber. It’s not only one of the more affordable choices, but also provides a comfortable sleeping experience thanks to its soft, lightweight feel.
Because of its tightly-woven construction, microfiber is also durable and easy to clean. These are both desirable qualities for anyone who doesn’t want to spend much time caring for or removing stains from their bedding.
Plus, thanks to its pesticide-free manufacturing process and low-water dyeing options, microfiber can also be an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
So if you’re in the market for new bed sheets, microfiber could be a perfect choice.