10 Types of Sheets That Make for the Coziest Bed Ever

If you’re constantly kicking your leg out from under the sheets—or waking up in a puddle of sweat, no matter how low the thermostat—it might be time to switch to bamboo sheets. They’re lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking, making them great for (cue Danny from Grease) summer niiiiiiights. They tend to feel almost silky, too. However, if you’re buying them for their eco-friendliness, it’s worth double-checking the material first—if it’s bamboo that’s been turned into a rayon or viscose blend, the fabric has gone through a process that involves using toxic chemicals, warns the FTC.

Pros:

• Great airflow
• Durable
• Luxe feeling

Cons:

• Viscose and Rayon blends aren’t so eco-friendly
• Wrinkles easily

Ah, the fabric of our lives—and what most of us think of first when we think of sheets. Cotton is the King of bedding, spawning several variations: the much-lauded Egyptian, aka the most luxe of the bunch; Supima, a trademarked alternative to Egyptian that’s nearly as soft and not quite as pricey; Upland, the run-of-the-mill variation that most “100 percent cotton” labels use, according to the pros at Casper; and flannel and jersey, which we’ll break out in depth separately. There are even variations on the weave, like twill (which has more of a denim-like ribbing, making it less soft but long-lasting) and percale (which tends to be more breathable).

Pros:

• Gets softer with each wash
• Easy to clean/care for
• Moderately durable

Cons:

• Can shrink in the wash
• Egyptian cotton can get pricey

Technically, flannel is part of the cotton family, but we’re giving it its own spot on this list because it—as the youths say—hits different. As in, the yarn has been brushed in a way that makes the fabric feel heavier and fuzzier. This makes it ideal for surviving a Game of Thrones-caliber winter; just look for a twill or plain weave for softer sheets.

Pros:

• Retains warmth in cooler months
• Doesn’t wrinkle easily

Cons:

• Best for use in fall/winter only
• Not as soft as other materials

It’s become a college staple for three reasons: (1) It’s affordable, (2) it’s soft and (3) it’s stretchy, meaning you don’t have to fight as hard to put on that fitted sheet. It’s also for those reasons that they could be a great fit for anyone’s bedding, at any stage of life (particularly if the thought of making your bed makes you die a little inside).

Pros:

• As comfy as your favorite tee
• Affordable

Cons:

• Fabric starts to pill with age
• Can stretch out

Linen sheets are the secret to that rumpled-chic look shown in home magazines and influencers’ breakfast in bed posts. They can give a rustic or boho vibe, depending on how they’re styled, but that carefree look comes at a cost: It takes several washes to get them soft, and you’ve got to be OK with wrinkles…or ironing your sheets.

Pros:

• Breathable
• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Wrinkles easily
• Stiff at first

Lyocell is a relative newcomer to the market, being a plant-based fabric that was first produced in Alabama 30ish years ago. It’s made largely from eucalyptus, which grows quickly, doesn’t require toxic chemicals to get its softness and it can use half as much water when its produced than cotton. On the surface, that makes it pretty eco-friendly, though some experts caution how it’s made could negate those benefits. That said, it tends not to cling to your skin, it doesn’t retain odors as easily as other fabrics and it’s cuddly soft. Tencel—another material you may see advertised on sheets—is a trademarked blend of lyocell fibers.

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic
• Natural sheen to fabric
• Made with sustainable materials (see note above)

Cons:

• Retains heat (though not as much as flannel)

When you want soft and affordable, microfiber—specifically brushed microfiber—is the way to go. It’s often made from polyester (up next on our list), nylon and/or wood pulp, and it’s revered for its velvety feel. Hot sleepers, take heed: These sheets don’t wick away moisture, so you may wake up sweaty.

Pros:

• Soft, silky feel
• Tends to be cheaper than comparable cotton sheets

Cons:

• Tends to absorb moisture
• Staticky

Polyester may conjure images of cheap, cheesy clothing, but when it comes to bedding, it’s…well, still cheap (or at least, a cheaper option). And, when it’s part of a blend (like, ahem, microfiber), results in cushy bedding that doesn’t wrinkle easily.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to care for

Cons:

• Hard to remove stains
• Absorbs moisture

When you want the sexiness of silk sheets without the price tag, turn to satin. It’s made from synthetic materials, which makes it more affordable, and it has a similarly cool, borderline-slippery feel.

Pros:

• More affordable than silk
• Feels cool to the touch
• Causes less friction/static (which can lead to less frizzy hair)

Cons:

• Texture can bother some people
• Air drying recommended

They’re more than sleek looking (and feeling); silk sheets are also naturally hypoallergenic and cool to the touch. They’re also expensive to produce, which makes them among the pricier sheets you can buy, and keeping them clean and wrinkle-free can be pretty high maintenance. (We’re talking using special detergent for delicates, washing them in cold water and so on.)

Pros:

• Luxuriously soft, slick feel
• Better than silk at regulating body temperature

Cons:

• Pricey
• Air drying recommended