Polyester vs Cotton Sheets: Which is Better for You?

If you are looking to buy a new set of sheets for your bedroom, you need to think about a few things before purchasing. One of those things is the material the bed linens are made from. There are many to choose from, like cotton bed sheets, microfiber sheets (aka polyester sheets), linen sheets, nylon blend sheets and bamboo sheets. Some people prefer cotton over polyester, others are the opposite, and some want the blend of them both. Will you choose synthetic fibers or natural fibers? We are going to take you through cotton vs polyester sheets so you can make your own informed decision on which you would prefer to sleep on.

What Is Polyester?

Polyester fibers are a synthetic material that was created in the 1940’s and it is the most common man-made fiber in the world. It has steadily risen in popularity for sheet manufacturing due to its affordable cost, easy maintenance, and durability. Different petroleum-based chemicals are used to create polymer strands. Those polymer strands are then woven into fabric. Polyester does not absorb moisture but is very strong. It is not a sustainable or biodegradable product. Polyester fabric does not shrink, wrinkle, fade or stretch easily, but it will trap heat, melt and cause static electricity.

Polyester in Bedding

The polyester polymers are woven into fabric and used in polyester bedding. Polyester bed sheets will have a silky feel to them, but they are not considered to be breathable bedding which can cause sheets to trap body heat which will cause night sweats. Polyester fabric generally makes lightweight sheets with wrinkle resistance and good colorfastness. One of the drawbacks of polyester is that it is not hypo-allergenic, so people with allergies or skin sensitivities may have allergic reactions to the fabric.

Types of Polyester Sheets?

● Microfiber Polyester Sheets: silky, drape easily and are very affordable
● Polyester Cotton Blend Sheets: durable and resist wrinkles; softer than 100% polyester and easy to care for.
● Satin Polyester Sheets: smooth surface, but less breathable.
● Brushed Polyester Sheets: soft, brushed feel to them, akin to flannel sheets.
● Pique Polyester Sheets: textured surface
● Performance Polyester Sheets: moisture wicking properties and may have anti-microbial properties.

Pros and Cons of Polyester Sheets

Pros		Cons
Affordable		Retains heat
Durable		Causes static
Smooth		Not breathable
Lightweight		Not hypoallergenic
Less Shrinking/fading		Not biodegradable/sustainable
Wrinkle resistant		May feel rough over time
Dries quickly		May pill over time
Less expensive		May be too clingy

What is Cotton?

It is a natural resource grown in many areas of the world, including the United States, which is where we get ours. The fibers have hollow openings, or lumens, along their length which allows them to absorb up to 27 times their weight in water so they wisk away moisture and promote airflow which keeps you cool. Because it is a natural fiber, it’s biodegradable, which makes it better for the environment. There are various types including Upland, Supima Cotton, Egyptian and organic cotton. The cotton plant made of pure cellulose is harvested annually and the cotton fibers are ginned, spun, and woven or knitted into fabric. The quality of the fiber used and the spinning process used can affect the softness and durability of the sheets made from it.

Cotton in Bedding

It is an excellent choice for people for bedding. As it is very durable, as well as naturally resistant to odors, and hypoallergenic, it is the perfect fiber to use to make bedding. Since it is a natural product the fabric breathes, which keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Sheets are considered low-maintenance sheets since they are very easy to care for, see our blog How to Wash Cotton Sheets: A Complete Guide.

Types of Cotton Sheets?

There are different kinds of weaves for cotton sheets, like sateen (shiny more tightly woven fabric that retains heat) and percale cotton sheets (crisp and cool weave that some compare to a freshly-ironed button down shirt). Egyptian cotton sheets, Pima Cotton sheets and organic cotton sheets only differ based on the type of fiber that was used to make them. There are also jersey knit sheets (knitted like your favorite T-shirt which gives them a stretchy feel that is more wrinkle resistant) and flannel sheets (which is a percale weave that has been brushed, feels fuzzy and are very insulating). There are also cotton blend sheets, which is when cotton is blended with polyester. Our sheets are made with 100% USA grown Upland cotton (45% organic) woven in a percale weave.

Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets

Pros		Cons
Hypoallergenic		May shrink depending on drying technique used
Biodegradable/Sustainable		Colors will Fade
Resistant to pilling		May wrinkle
Does not cause static		May be more expensive
Breathable
Temperature Regulating
Moisture Wicking
Soft
Absorbent
Machine Washable

Key Differences Between Polyester and Cotton Sheets

The decision of which type of sheets you choose is a personal preference. Here is a quick summary of the key differences to consider. Cotton is a natural material while polyester is made from synthetic fibres. Cotton has natural breathability, while polyester can lead to overheating. Cotton is softer than polyester and absorbs moisture well, while polyester repels moisture. Cotton is prone to wrinkling, fading and shrinking, while polyester does not. Polyester sheets are generally a more affordable option, too. In general a bit more expensive cotton sheets are better for sensitive skin and the environment. Use the table below to learn about some more detailed key differences between the two materials

Key Differences	Cotton	Polyester
Comfort and Feel	Soft, comfortable and thicker	Silky, light and may feel slippery
Durability and Maintenance	Durable when washed per manufacturer instructions. High wash and dry temperature may cause shrinkage and colors to fade over time. Sateen weave may pill.	Durable and resistant to shrinking, fading and wrinkles. Washable at any temperature. May pill or look worn after only a few washings.
Breathability and Temperature Regulation	Breathable and allows air to circulate and regulates body temperature. Opting for cotton percale weave sheets with a medium to low thread count can improve airflow and enhance effective temperature regulation.	Not breathable and traps heat
Sustainability	Biodegradable	Not Biodegradable. When washed, polyester fabric releases microplastics which ends up in the ocean in the bellies of fish and then in our bellies.

Choosing the Right Sheets for Your Needs

There are a wide range of needs, and your individual preferences are what drives your purchasing decision, so the choice between polyester and cotton is as simple as which types of sheets meet your needs. Are you looking for breathability, feel, durability or cost? These are some of the characteristics to think about when choosing what’s best for you to get the sleep quality you are looking for.

Which Scenarios Are Polyester or Cotton Sheets Best Suited For?

For guest rooms and children’s rooms you may not want to invest in high-quality cotton sheets, so polyester or a blend of cotton and polyester sheets may be the right choice for those scenarios. If you are looking for everyday sheets that will not wrinkle or fade, then polyester is the way to go. But if you are looking for luxurious, soft and comfortable bed sheets, cotton would be an excellent option.

FAQ: Polyester vs Cotton Sheets

In this FAQ section we will answer a few questions.

Do Cotton or Polyester Sheets Pill?

Depending on the weave, thread count and finish, some low quality cotton sheets can pill over time. Polyester sheets are known for pilling and snagging.

Do Hotels Use Cotton Or Polyester Sheets?

Hotels generally use cotton or a cotton polyester blend for their sheets. See more about the types of sheets hotels use by visiting our blog What Type of Sheets do 5-Star Hotels Use?

What Type Of Fabric Is Best For Bed Sheets?

At American Blossom linens our focus is to manufacture bedding made completely in the USA that is the most sustainable and comfortable type of sheet we can make. For those reasons we believe cotton is the best fabric for bed sheets.

Here are some tips for buying cotton sheets

● Don’t focus on high thread count sheets. Weave and yarn quality are more important.
● Choose a weave that works for your- Percale (our favorite) will feel crisp and is the most durable and long lasting.
● Think about breathability- Percale weaves are the most breathable and keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter
● Consider the sheets an investment. High quality sheets will last many years and when you look at the cost per use over time, they are the less expensive than the sheets you buy and need to replace each year.

Do Polyester Sheets Make You Sweat More?

Yes, polyester sheets will make you sweat more than their cotton counterparts. Polyester sheets trap body heat and moisture and increase your body temperature, making for a potentially uncomfortable and sweaty sleep experience.

Is It Bad To Sleep On 100 Polyester Sheets?

It is not technically bad to sleep on polyester sheets, but you may not get the quality of sleep you are looking for. Polyester sheets can also cause or worsen rashes, itching, redness, eczema and dermatitis. I have personally noticed when I am at an Airbnb with polyester microfiber sheets I feel anxious most likely from the chemicals used to make the sheets and I do not get a good nights sleep.

Are 50 Cotton 50 Polyester Sheets Good?

Some bed linens are made from cotton and polyester fibers. These tend to be softer and thicker than pure polyester sheets and a lower price point than cotton bed sheets. Poly/Cotton sheets tend to be a little “crisper” and a little less breathable than their pure-cotton counterparts. Yes, fabric blends like 50% Polyester/50% Cotton are good sheets. The combination of the fibers make them a combination of both characteristics of 100% cotton sheets and 100% polyester sheets. They will wrinkle less and hold their color. They will also not shrink as much. There are more popular blends than 50% polyester/50% cotton, like 65% cotton/35% polyester or 70% cotton/30% polyester. Just a note about blended sheets-the synthetic fibers woven with the cotton fibers can eventually rub together and lead to annoying and uncomfortable pilling. The blends are also less absorbent so that if you sweat the moisture can get trapped under the covers leading to discomfort.

What Is The Best Material For Sheets For Healthy Skin?

Because cotton sheets are made with natural fibers they can be considered the best materials for healthy skin. Polyester sheets may worsen rashes and cause itching and redness.

Final Verdict: Polyester vs Cotton Sheets

The choice between cotton sheets and polyester sheets is a personal choice. There are good attributes to both that can make them appealing to any buyer. Being budget conscious or environmentally conscious could be the driving factor, or wrinkle resistance versus softness. If you are looking purely at the price, polyester sheets tend to be more affordable than their 100% cotton counterparts. However, if you’re shopping for ultimate comfort, breathability and durable sheets, in addition to sustainability, and if you want that heavenly comfortable snooze every time you lay your head down, twin, full, king and queen size cotton sheets are the best investment and the most excellent option!

Check out our sheet collection, you will love them.