Best Cooling Bed Sheets For Summer
Stay cool and comfortable all summer with our expert guide to the best cooling bed sheets, perfect for hot weather and sleepers.
Why You Need Cooling Bed Sheets This Summer
Due to climate change, every summer is hotter than the last one. As the summer heat intensifies, staying cool during the night becomes crucial to getting a good night's sleep. Regular bed sheets can trap heat, causing you to wake up drenched in sweat and feeling unrested. This is especially problematic for hot sleepers, individuals experiencing hot flashes, or those living in warm climates. Cooling bed sheets are designed to combat this issue by wicking away moisture and allowing for better airflow, ensuring you stay cool and dry throughout the night.
Cooling bed sheets can significantly improve your sleep quality and provide relief. These sheets, typically made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials, help regulate your body temperature. Whether you're dealing with the summer heat or menopause or tend to sleep hot, the right sheets that keep you cool can make a big difference, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Best Material for Cooling Sheets: Pros and Cons
Given the variety of options available, it is crucial to make an informed decision when choosing the best material for cooling sheets. Here, we'll break down some of the top materials to empower you with the knowledge to make the right choice for your comfort.
Linen: Linen is a popular choice for cooling bed sheets due to its natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties. It is made from flax fibers and is known for its durability and ability to keep you cool. However, linen can be rough to the touch and wrinkle easily.
Bamboo: Bamboo sheets are becoming increasingly popular for their exceptional cooling properties. They are naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic. Just be aware not all bamboo sheets are made equal. Choose the ones made from Bamboo Lyocell and avoid Bamboo Viscose. Viscose utilizes corrosive materials during production, and many of these chemicals can contaminate water if not disposed of properly. The two toxic chemicals used in viscose bamboo products are sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, which contribute to pollution. Therefore, viscose is less environmentally friendly than some people believe. Bamboo lyocell fabric is the most recent generation of bamboo fabrics. Instead of harsh chemicals, bamboo lyocell uses organic solvents and nanofibrils, making it moisture-wicking, silky-soft, and better for the environment.
Tencel: Tencel sheets are made from tree-based lyocell, similar to bamboo lyocell in hand feel and breathability. However, tree-based lyocell is mainly derived from wood pulp, with over 200 million trees logged annually to produce these cellulosic fabrics. Some of these trees are sourced from ancient and endangered forests, and others from plantations that have replaced natural forests.
Cotton: Cotton sheets, especially those with a percale weave, are breathable and offer good airflow. Egyptian and Pima cotton are soft and durable. However, cotton sheets may not wick moisture as effectively as some other materials. Conventional cotton is also grown with harmful chemicals that can damage your health and the planet.
Microfiber: This material can wick away heat and moisture to regulate body temperature. It is also breathable but less good than linen and bamboo. However, it is made from synthetic fiber that uses many chemicals during the process.
Materials to Avoid for Hot Weather
Not all bed sheet materials are created equal when it comes to staying cool in hot weather. Some materials can trap heat and make you feel even warmer, leading to restless nights and discomfort. Knowing these materials is essential to ensuring a comfortable sleep experience.
Polyester: Polyester sheets are generally less breathable and can trap heat, making them a poor choice for hot weather. They are also less effective at wicking moisture, leaving you feeling damp and uncomfortable.
Silk: Silk sheets are luxurious and smooth but are not the best option for hot weather. Silk can trap heat and does not wick moisture as effectively as other cooling materials.
Flannel: Flannel sheets are designed for warmth, making them unsuitable for hot weather. They are thick and insulating, which can lead to overheating during the summer months.
Best Weave for Sheets That Stay Cool
Fabric weave is the interlacement of warp and weft yarns to produce a woven fabric. The warp threads run vertically, while the weft threads run horizontally across the fabric. The pattern in which these two sets of threads overlap determines the weave. By interlacing the warp and weft differently, you can produce fabrics with different properties suited for various purposes. Weaves affect characteristics like drape, breathability, durability, texture, etc. The basic weaves are plain, twill and sateen. All the others are derivatives of these basic weaves or their combination.
Plain: This is the simplest and most common weave. It has an even number of threads alternating over and under each other. The popular "Percale" is also a type of plain woven fabric. This weave gives the fabric its strength and durability, matte appearance, and crisp feel. It typically has a thread count of 200 to 400, but it should have at least 180 threads per square inch. Percale sheets are lightweight, breathable, and durable.
Twill: A diagonal rib or twill line is created by passing the weft yarn over one or more warp threads and then under two or more. Twill weave fabrics tend to be durable, pliable, and wrinkling-resistant. The diagonal interleaving of threads allows twill fabrics to drape well and retain shape. However, the weight and potential for heat retention make them not the best options for cooling sheets.
Sateen: A weave where the weft yarn is passed over multiple warp threads before being woven under the following warp thread. Like a whisper of silk, this weave creates fabrics known for their luxurious softness and subtle sheen, inviting you to indulge in their comfort. Cotton Sateen sheets are generally warmer than percale cotton sheets because they are more densely woven and use a three-over (or more) and one-under weave. However, the difference in raw material makes bamboo sateen sheets and Tencel sateen sheets cooler than cotton percale and cotton sateen sheets. Bamboo is a breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermo-regulating fabric that can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Best Cooling Sheets for Different Conditions
Different people have different needs when it comes to cooling bed sheets. Here are some recommendations based on specific conditions:
Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers: Bamboo or linen sheets are excellent for hot sleepers due to their breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Best Sheets for Menopause and Hot Flashes: Women going through menopause may benefit from bamboo sheets, as they are highly effective at regulating temperature and wicking away moisture.
Best Sheets for Hot Weather: In scorching climates, linen sheets are a great option due to their superior breathability and ability to keep you cool.
Best Sheets for Night Sweats: Moisture-wicking materials like bamboo or cotton percale can help keep individuals dry and comfortable during night sweats.
Top Picks for Best Cooling Sheets
Here are some top picks for the best bed sheet material for summer that you can consider for a more comfortable sleep experience:
- CleanBamboo® Linen+ Cooling Sheet: A unique combination of CleanBamboo® and hemp has created the softest linen ever. It exudes an elegantly natural allure, with a crisp, linen-like appearance that looks fresh and effortless. It brings a touch of nature indoors while enveloping you in a cocoon of deep relaxation. These sheets are perfect for hot weather and sleepers, offering excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
- Airy CleanBamboo® Sateen+ Cooling Sheets: These bed sheets for sweaty sleepers are infused with naturally antimicrobial charcoal, scientifically proven to keep sheets feeling fresh and smelling cleaner longer. The charcoal absorbs unwanted odors and reduces bacteria by 99.9% while feeling smooth and comfortable against your skin. They are ideal for night sweats and menopause. They are also antimicrobial, anti-odor, and antifungal.
- Signature Sateen Cooling Sheets: For those who prefer a silky, luxurious feel, these bamboo sateen sheets offer a good balance of comfort and breathability.
Browse Best Sheets for Summer
Explore the best bed sheet materials for summer, focusing on breathable fabrics that naturally wick away moisture. Discover ettitude’s premium range of sateen, bamboo lyocell, bamboo cashmere, bamboo hemp linen sheets today.
FAQs
What are the key factors that make bed sheets cooling?
Several key factors contribute to the cooling properties of bed sheets, making a noticeable difference in nighttime comfort—especially during warmer months. Breathability is one of the most essential elements, allowing air to circulate freely and helping prevent heat from becoming trapped around the body. Moisture-wicking capabilities are also necessary; they draw sweat away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the night. Additionally, the fabric's weave plays a role—looser weaves promote better airflow and enhance overall breathability. Finally, the material itself, whether natural or synthetic, significantly influences temperature regulation, with certain fibers naturally better suited for keeping cool.
Which fabrics are recommended for their cooling properties?
ettitude’s CleanBamboo® bamboo lyocell has exceptional moisture-wicking abilities and a luxuriously smooth, cool-to-the-touch feel. Linen is another example, with its superior breathability and impressive moisture absorption. Cotton, particularly long-staple varieties such as Egyptian or Pima cotton with a percale weave, also offers excellent breathability and a crisp, refreshing finish that’s ideal for warmer climates.
Besides the material, what other features or factors should one consider when choosing cooling bed sheets?
Other than the fabric, it’s essential to consider the weave. Percale and sateen weaves are good examples, with percale being presented as a tighter, crisp weave that promotes airflow and feels cooler. Breathability is also crucial. Finally, consider personal preferences regarding softness and texture.
Are there fabrics that are generally not recommended for hot sleepers?
Fabrics that are less breathable and tend to trap heat would not be ideal for hot sleepers. Fabrics with synthetic or tighter weaves are generally contrasted with the recommended breathable and moisture-wicking options. It’s best to pick breathable, natural options.
What are some tips to maximize the cooling effect of bed sheets?
To enhance the cooling effect of bed sheets, 1. wash sheets regularly to remove sweat and oils that can hinder breathability, 2. avoid overloading the washing machine to ensure thorough rinsing, and 3. consider pairing cooling sheets with other cooling bedding items like breathable comforters and pillows. The overall sleep environment, such as room temperature and airflow, is essential for staying cool.
