- You are here:
- Home »
- Organic Bedding »
- Polyester vs Cotton Sheets: Which Is Better For You?
Polyester vs Cotton Sheets: Which Is Better for You?
Which is better for you: polyester or cotton sheets? This is a question that many people ask, and the answer is not always clear. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both materials, so that you can make an informed decision about which type of sheet is best for you.
How Are Polyester Sheets and Cotton Sheets Made?
The main difference between polyester sheets and cotton sheets is the way in which they are made. Polyester sheets are made from synthetic materials, while cotton sheets are made from natural fibers. This means that polyester sheets are usually cheaper than cotton sheets.
However, it also means that polyester sheets may not be as breathable as cotton sheets, and they are not as absorbent. This can make them less comfortable to sleep on, especially in warm weather. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each type of sheet.
Polyester Sheets: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Polyester sheets are cheaper than cotton sheets: While the initial cost of polyester sheets may be lower than cotton sheets, they often don’t last as long. This means that you may have to replace them more frequently, which can end up costing you more in the long run.
- Polyester sheets are easier to care for: Polyester sheets are often wrinkle-resistant and don’t require as much ironing as cotton sheets. They can also be machine-washed and -dried, which is convenient if you don’t have time to hang-dry your sheets.
- Polyester sheets are wrinkle-resistant: This is a good option if you don’t like to iron your sheets.
- They are easy to care for and require little maintenance: Polyester sheets can be machine-washed and -dried, which is convenient if you don’t have time to hang-dry your sheets.
Cons:
- Polyester sheets are not as breathable as cotton sheets: Because polyester is a synthetic material, it doesn´t allow your skin to breathe as well as cotton does. This can make you feel sweaty and uncomfortable during the night.
- Polyester sheets are not as absorbent as cotton sheets: If you tend to sweat at night, polyester sheets may not be the best choice for you. They will not absorb moisture as well as cotton sheets, which means that you may wake up feeling damp.
- Polyester sheets may not be as durable as cotton sheets: Polyester is a synthetic material, which means it is not as strong or durable as natural fibers like cotton. This means that polyester sheets may rip or tear more easily than cotton sheets.
- Polyester is a source of microplastics: When the sheets are washed, microplastics are released into the water. These can eventually end up in the ocean, where they are harmful to marine life.
- Sleeping on polyester may expose you to harmful chemicals: Some polyester sheets are treated with chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Your body heat can cause these chemicals to be released into the air, which you then breathe in.
- Polyester is not biodegradable: Because it is a synthetic material, polyester does not break down easily in the environment. This means that it can take centuries for polyester sheets to decompose.
- Polyester sheets tend to pill: Over time, polyester sheets can develop small balls of fabric on the surface. This is caused by friction and is more likely to happen if you have a pet that sleeps on your bed.
- They can trap static electricity: Polyester is a synthetic material, and as such, it can trap static electricity. This can be annoying if you are constantly getting shocks when you touch your sheets.
Read More: Is Polyester Toxic?
What Types of Polyester Sheets Are There?
There are three types of polyester sheets, namely microfiber, cotton polyester blend, and nylon polyester blend.
Microfiber sheets are made of tiny polyester fibers that are tightly woven together. They feel smooth and silky to the touch and are very lightweight.
Nylon polyester blend sheets tend to be very strong and durable. They are also wrinkle-resistant and easy to maintain. Made of a blend of nylon and polyester fibers, they often feel similar to 100% polyester sheets.
Cotton polyester blend sheets are made of a mixture of cotton and polyester fibers. The inclusion of cotton makes these sheets slightly softer and thicker than pure microfiber sheets
Cotton Sheets: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Cotton sheets are made from natural fibers, so they are more breathable than polyester sheets: This means that they will keep you cooler and more comfortable during the night.
- Cotton sheets are more absorbent than polyester sheets: If you tend to sweat at night, cotton sheets are a better choice for you. They will absorb moisture and help you stay dry throughout the night.
- Cotton sheets are more durable than polyester sheets: Cotton is a strong and durable natural fiber, so cotton sheets are less likely to rip or tear than polyester sheets. These sheets will be even more durable if they´re made of organic cotton. Organic cotton fibers are stronger than conventional cotton as they haven´t been bleached and treated with chemicals.
- Cotton sheets are biodegradable: Unlike polyester sheets, which are made from synthetic materials, cotton sheets are biodegradable. This means that they will break down over time and won´t pollute the environment as much as polyester sheets
- Cotton sheets get softer with each wash: If you like your sheets to be soft and comfortable, cotton is a good choice for you. The more you wash them, the softer they will become.
- Organic cotton sheets are a great choice for people with allergies and chemical sensitivities: If you´re looking for sheets that are free of harmful chemicals and toxins, organic cotton sheets are a good choice. These sheets are hypoallergenic so they won´t trigger any allergic reactions.
Cons:
- Cotton sheets are usually more expensive than polyester sheets: While the initial cost of cotton sheets may be higher than polyester sheets, they often last longer. This means that you won´t have to replace them as frequently, which can save you money in the long run.
- Cotton sheets require more care: Cotton sheets need to be ironed more frequently than polyester sheets. They should also be hung-dried to prevent shrinkage.
- Cotton sheets may wrinkle more easily than polyester: If you don´t like to iron your sheets, polyester sheets may be a better option for you.
- Cotton sheets can shrink: If you wash your cotton sheets in hot water or dry them on high heat, they may shrink. Be sure to read the care labels before washing to prevent this from happening.
Read More: Cotton or Microfiber Sheets: Which One Is Better?
What Types of Cotton Sheets Are There?
There is a wide variety of cotton sheets on the market, from those made of 100% Egyptian cotton to a 50/50 blend of polyester and cotton. The type of cotton used in the sheets will affect how soft, durable, and expensive they are.
Egyptian Cotton: This is the highest quality cotton available. The long fibers make the fabric smoother and more durable. Egyptian cotton sheets are also the most expensive.
Pima Cotton: This type of cotton is grown in the southwestern United States and Peru. It has long fibers like Egyptian cotton, but isn’t quite as strong. Pima cotton sheets are softer than Egyptian cotton, but not as durable.
Supima Cotton: Supima is a brand of cotton that is grown in the United States. It is similar to Pima cotton, but the fibers are even longer. Supima cotton sheets are soft and durable, but not as expensive as Egyptian cotton sheets.
Percale Cotton: Percale is a type of weave that is made with cotton or a blend of cotton and polyester. The fabric is tightly woven and very durable and they feel cool and crips. Percale sheets are less expensive than Egyptian cotton sheets, but more expensive than sheets made with other types of cotton.
Jersey Cotton: These sheets are made of woven cotton, which makes them stretchy and soft. As they´re wrinkle-resistant, they require little ironing so they´re perfect for busy families.
Flannel Cotton: Flannel sheets are made of a soft, brushed fabric. They´re very cozy and warm as they retain body heat, making them ideal for winter.
Why Choose Organic Cotton Sheets?
If you decide to buy cotton sheets, make sure they´re made of organic GOTS-certified cotton. Non-organic cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops with toxic pesticides and herbicides.
These harmful chemicals can stay in the fabric, and eventually end up on your skin. Choose organic cotton sheets to avoid exposure to these harmful chemicals.
As organic cotton fibers are not treated with harsh chemicals during the manufacturing process, they are also much softer and more comfortable to sleep on. They are also more durable than conventional cotton sheets.
Avocado Bedding
Certificates: GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Made Safe
Materials: Organic Cotton and Wool
Promo Code: SAVE10 (10% off sitewide)
FAQs
What are polyester sheets?
Polyester sheets are made from a synthetic fabric that is typically cheaper than cotton. Polyester is also more resistant to wrinkles and stains, which makes it a popular choice for busy families or people who travel frequently. However, some people find that polyester sheets don’t breathe as well as cotton and can feel hot and sticky in warm weather.
What are cotton sheets?
Cotton sheets are made from natural fibers, which makes them breathable and comfortable in all types of weather. Cotton sheets also tend to be softer than polyester and get better with age. However, they can be more expensive than polyester and require more care to keep them looking their best.
Read More: Best Organic Cotton Printed Bed Sheets
Which type of sheet is best for me?
The type of sheet that is best for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that is easy to care for, polyester may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a softer, more luxurious feel, cotton sheets may be the better option.
Read More: Should I Wash New Sheets?
The Bottom Line
The type of sheet that is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a cheaper option, then polyester sheets may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more breathable and comfortable sheet, then cotton sheets are probably the better choice.
We recommend using organic cotton sheets because they are more durable and gentle on your skin. Whichever type of sheet you choose, make sure to read the care labels before washing to prevent shrinkage or damage.
Read More: How to Wash Organic Cotton Sheets?
About the Author Kamila Flieger
My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.
