Polyester Sheets vs Cotton Sheets (2025)

Published: January 3, 2025

When it comes to affordable bedsheets, polyester and cotton are often the go-to choices. Cotton is breathable and available in a wide range of prices, while polyester is durable and wrinkle-resistant.

In this article, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences of polyester sheets vs cotton sheets, as well as their benefits and drawbacks, so you can discover which type of bedding is the right fit for you.

 

What’s the difference between cotton and polyester?

The main difference between cotton versus polyester sheets is their composition. Cotton is a natural material spun from the fibre of cotton plant seeds. Polyester is a synthetic material that’s derived from petroleum, then melted and stretched into long, fine fibres.

Cotton is known for its breathability and ability to regulate temperatures in both hot and cold climates. Polyester is known for being durable and easy to care for. Many manufacturers blend polyester and cotton together to create accessibly priced sheets that provide the benefits of both materials.

Overall, cotton and polyester are both widely used and generally affordable materials for sheets.

 

Breakdown: Polyester Sheets vs. Cotton Sheets

 

What are polyester sheets?

Polyester sheets are possible thanks to a chemical process that turns petroleum into long, fabric-like fibres. These fibres are then woven into different materials and often used in clothing, home decor, and bedding.

Because polyester is a synthetic material and a type of plastic, it’s very durable. It’s also resistant to heat and wrinkles, making it easier to care for than other bedding materials. Polyester is widely produced and highly affordable, making it a good option for sleepers on a budget.

Although polyester is a moisture-wicking material and can feel cool to the touch, its synthetic fibres aren’t very breathable. As a result, hot sleepers may find that polyester sheets retain too much heat and become uncomfortable to sleep in. Polyester sheets may be better used in colder weather.

Polyester sheets also aren’t known for being eco-friendly. Washing polyester clothing and bedding has even been linked to microplastic pollution. However, some brands using recycled polyester are helping keep the material out of landfills, since it isn’t biodegradable.

 

Types of polyester sheets

• Microfiber sheets: Microfiber is made using polyester fibres that are brushed before weaving, giving them a soft, fuzzy feel. Microfiber sheets feel soft and smooth to the touch compared to cotton, but they retain heat and hold static charges, which can attract dust and loose hair.
• Cotton-polyester blend: Manufacturers will blend polyester with other materials like cotton to help cut costs. Cotton-polyester blends are as durable and wrinkle-resistant as polyester, but have some of the same breathability and comfort as pure cotton sheets.
• Rayon-polyester blend: A rayon and polyester blend feels silky smooth, especially compared to cotton. It combines polyester’s durability with rayon’s smooth feel. Rayon is derived from bamboo or other wood pulp, but is processed using a large quantity of chemicals.
• Fleece: A woven polyester material is brushed after weaving, creating a fuzzy, hair-like pattern that’s warm and cozy. It’s smoother than wool fleece, but not as good at regulating temperatures.

Polyester Sheets: Pros & Cons

 

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What are cotton sheets?

Cotton sheets can vary widely in their feel and level of quality. The type of cotton used will determine a set of cotton sheet’s price, feel, and durability.

There are different kinds of cotton grown around the world, differing in colour, growing methods, and staple (length of the fibre).

• Short-staple cottons, like Upland cotton, have shorter fibres that result in crisp, rougher-feeling fabrics. This feel softens over time with washing. Upland cotton is the most common cotton, and often the most affordable.
• Long-staple cottons like Egyptian or Pima cotton tend to be pricier, with a smoother feel and heavier set of sheets. Higher thread count sheets may experience some pilling, but should last you a while with proper care.

While cotton is a biodegradable and renewable material, it’s been criticized for the large amount of water and space it uses to grow. Materials like bamboo or linen grow more quickly and use less water. As a result, organic cotton is becoming more widely available as a greener alternative.

READ MORE: Linen vs cotton sheets

 

Types of cotton sheets

The weave of a sheet will also determine its characteristics. For example, percale weave vs sateen weave sheets will have different feels and levels of breathability:

• Percale–weave cotton sheets use a one-thread-over, one-thread-under pattern. This creates a breathable and moisture-wicking design suitable for warm sleepers. Percale sheets also have a crisp, snappy feel, but are more prone to wrinkling.
• Sateen–weave cotton sheets use a one-thread-under, three-to-four-threads-over pattern that feels silky and has a subtle sheen. This type of sheet tends to have a higher thread count, so it feels thicker and more luxurious. That said, it may retain a bit more heat than percale woven sheets.
• Twill cotton sheets look like denim, with parallel ribs in a diagonal pattern. This type of cotton bedsheet is very durable, but it lacks the softness of other options.
• Jersey cotton sheets, similar to a favourite T-shirt, bring a stretchy and cozy feel to your sheets when you sleep.

Cotton Sheets: Pros & Cons

 

 

FAQ

What is the best thread count for cotton sheets?

For cotton sheets, look for a thread count of 300–600. Most sateen weaves will fall in this range. Percale weaves may be closer to a 300–400 count because of their one-over-one-under weave. However, it’s important to remember that the best thread count for sheets varies based on the material.

 

How do you wash cotton sheets?

Cotton sheets are fairly low maintenance and easy to care for. Simply place your sheets in the washer with detergent and wash them on low heat, then hang or tumble-dry the sheets. Washing and drying your cotton sheets at lower temperatures can help avoid shrinking, wrinkling, and discolouring.

Be sure to fold your fitted sheet and other additional bedding before putting them into storage to avoid damaging them.

 

How do you wash polyester sheets?

Polyester sheets can be put in your washer and dryer at low temperatures and typically won’t wrinkle after drying. Avoid washing or drying your sheets at very high heats, as this can cause shrinking. Polyester dries more quickly than other materials, so take care not to over-dry your sheets.

 

How often should I wash my bed sheets?

You should wash your sheets once every week. This includes your fitted and flat sheets, and your pillowcases. If you use a flat sheet, wash your duvet cover or comforter every 2 weeks to 1 month. If you sleep without a flat sheet, you should wash your duvet cover at the same time you wash your sheets.

 

Are polyester sheets good?

Polyester can be a good choice for sleepers looking for an affordable set of sheets that are low-maintenance and easy to care for. However, polyester sheets tend to retain heat, so they are not ideal for warm sleepers or climates.

Shoppers who prioritize sustainability may also not be fans of polyester sheets. The material is derived from a non-renewable resource and is known for contributing to microplastic pollution.

 

Are polyester sheets cooling?

Polyester sheets are somewhat moisture wicking and can feel cool to the touch. As a result, many companies advertise polyester sheets as cooling. In reality, polyester is not a breathable material, so you may end up feeling hot and sweaty under a set of polyester sheets.

 

Is it bad to sleep on polyester sheets?

If you want a warm, smooth, easy-to-care-for set of sheets, then polyester can be the right choice for you. It’s not bad to sleep on a set of sheets if you find them comfortable! However, if sustainability is important to you, look for a set of sheets made from recycled polyester.

 

Are microfiber sheets polyester?

Microfiber sheets can be made of polyester, nylon polymers, or synthesized wood pulp. To achieve the very small fibre diameter that defines microfiber, the material used will almost always have to be synthetic.

READ MORE: Which wins: cotton vs microfiber sheets?

 

What is the best material for bed sheets?

The best material for bed sheets will depend on your specific preferences and sleep needs. While some materials offer a crisp and breathable feel, others are smooth and silky to the touch. Different materials have different benefits.

 

Are cotton sheets better than polyester?

Every sleeper has their own preferences when it comes to bedding, and different materials have their own benefits and drawbacks.

• Polyester sheets are a good option for sleepers who run cool and are looking for an affordable, durable set of sheets.
• Cotton sheets are a better choice for hot sleepers and are available in a wide range of prices and feels for all budgets and sleep preferences.

There is no right answer when it comes to bedding material. Find the sheet set that works best for your needs, and enjoy it!