When you’re buying new bedding, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different options.
Thread counts? Material? Sizes? Finding the best option for you has never been harder!
If you’re looking to buy new bedsheets, you may have come across microfiber sheets. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to pass up microfiber for something that sounds nicer like cotton or linen.
But microfiber sheets are actually a great option for your bed. Today, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about microfiber sheets. Read on to learn about:
- What microfiber sheets are made of
- The difference between microfiber and cotton sheets
- Why microfiber sheets might be a great option for you
Let’s get into it!
Defining Microfiber Sheets
Microfiber sheets are a type of bedding that’s made from synthetic materials.
Unlike bedding materials such as bamboo, cotton, or linen, microfiber is made entirely from man-made materials.
Material Composition and Characteristics
Synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon, as well as cellulose (wood pulp) are commonly used in microfiber. These fibers are woven tightly together to create a thin and lightweight fabric.
Microfiber sheets are typically smooth and soft to the touch. You might notice that they feel almost silky!
This is because the fibers are woven together tightly enough to create a seamless feel.
The material also makes for stronger and more durable sheets compared to others. The tighter the weave, the stronger the sheets.
Production Process of Microfiber
As a man-made material, microfiber contains a mixture of polyester and nylon. These fibers are made separately and then fused together using heat. The product is then tightly woven together to create fabric.
Microfiber is used in lots of things such as clothes, cleaning cloths, and sponges. Manufacturers created it as a cost-effective alternative to other materials.
Advantages of Microfiber Sheets
Microfiber sheets have a few distinct advantages over other materials.
Firstly, microfiber creates a super soft fabric. The fibers are tightly woven to create a smooth and luxurious surface. This makes for the perfect surface to lie on!
They’re also generally a lot cheaper than other types of sheets that use natural materials. That means you get silky sheets for only a fraction of the cost of real silk.
Another advantage is that microfiber is a very durable material. The fibers are woven tightly together while staying thin.
This creates a stronger material that keeps the fabric together for longer and also makes microfiber naturally hypoallergenic and bug and mite-resistant.
Microfiber sheets are also easy to maintain. You can wash them with pretty much any detergent and wash cycle. They can also be tumble dried, although always read the label instructions before washing!
Another bonus is that they don’t shrink in the wash and stay wrinkle-free, making for a hassle-free wash day.
Microfiber vs. Cotton Sheets
But the difference between microfiber and cotton sheets can’t be that much – right?
Actually, there are quite a few distinct differences between the two materials:
Durability
When it comes to durability, microfiber is the clear winner!
Not only is it a lot stronger than cotton, but it also holds its shape well in the wash and is less likely to deteriorate.
On the other hand, cotton sheets tend to get softer the more they’re washed due to their natural fibers. This means they break down and damage more easily.
Temperature
Cotton and microfiber sheets deal with heat very differently. This means there are advantages for both depending on your personal preference.
Microfiber sheets trap heat a lot better than cotton. This makes them a great option for colder climates or cold sleepers.
Meanwhile, cotton is more breathable and doesn’t hold heat for very long. If you’re a hot sleeper or live in a warm climate, you might prefer cotton over microfiber.
Comfort and feel
Both cotton and microfiber have a different feel to them. Picking one over the other comes down to personal preference.
Cotton sheets are much thicker than microfiber, and they also get softer over time. They feel more cool and crisp to the touch and are a better option for people with sensitive skin.
In comparison, microfiber is thinner, which makes the sheets more lightweight. They have a much smoother feel that leans more on the silky side.
Care and maintenance
Both types of sheets are easy to wash and care for. However, microfiber is more bacteria-resistant, which means you don’t have to wash them on a hot setting.
On the other hand, microfiber also tends to be more absorbent, which means it stains easily. The winner is therefore another game of preference!
Why Switch to Microfiber Sheets?
Microfiber sheets are a great option for your next set of bedsheets.
If you’re still not convinced to make the switch, here are a few reasons why you should consider switching to them:
They’re great for cold climates
As we’ve discussed before, microfiber does a great job of trapping heat!
This means that if you live in a colder environment or you tend to sleep cold, microfiber will provide a more comfortable experience.
However, this does come down to personal preference and your situation. If you live somewhere warmer or prefer to sleep cold, microfiber might not be the best option for you.
Microfiber sheets are more cost-effective
Another reason you should switch to microfiber sheets is that they’re the best cost-effective option on the market.
They’re typically affordable and hold up their quality well, making them a great investment!
Although you can never beat a good sale, microfiber is as good as pricier high thread-count cotton sheets. Their silky smooth texture provides a feeling of luxury and indulgence.
They also last a lot longer than other kinds of sheets such as cotton and linen, which tend to wear down faster.
While you should still replace them every few years, their quality will keep up with their age.
They’re easy to look after
Another bonus of microfiber sheets is that they’re easy to maintain. You won’t need to have them dry-cleaned or go out of your way to hand-wash them.
They’re fine to wash on any setting and with any laundry detergent you have on hand.
You also don’t have to worry about ironing them or putting them on wrinkle-free mode, as they don’t wrinkle!
You can even tumble-dry them. Keep reading for more specific microfiber sheet care tips.
There’s plenty of options to fit with your aesthetic
As microfiber becomes a more common material for bed sheets, you’ll find plenty of options on the market.
No matter your preference, there are lots of great options for you to elevate your bedroom.
Choosing the Right Microfiber Sheets
Ready to make the change to microfiber sheets? Let’s go over what you need to keep in mind when finding your next set of microfiber sheets:
Sizing and color
This might sound obvious, but check to see what kind of sheets you need first!
It’s not uncommon to accidentally buy the wrong size sheets and end up with ones that are too big or too small.
You should also have a few color options in mind before buying.
Does it fit in with your duvet cover and overall bedroom vibe? Are you looking for patterns or solid colors? These are all important questions to ask yourself when buying sheets.
Materials and GSM
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to look at what’s out there. When it comes to quality, microfiber is a bit trickier than cotton or linen.
This is because instead of thread count, microfiber sheets are measured in GSM (grams per square meter).
The GSM measures the density of the material, or how well it is woven. The higher the GSM, the thicker and more durable the sheets!
Price and budget
Let’s take into account your budget. Are you willing to spend more on higher quality, or do you want something a bit more affordable?
Thankfully, microfiber sheets are long-lasting, which means no matter your budget, you’ll get a cost-effective deal.
Read the reviews
Finally, make sure you read what other people have to say! While skimming reviews may be tedious, it’s a good way to assess if the product is right for you.
Remember to read a good mix of both positive and negative reviews. Everyone has a different experience, and reading one side might lead to disappointment!
Care and Maintenance Tips
Microfiber sheets don’t have any special care requirements. However, washing and drying them correctly helps them to last longer and stay good quality for longer!
You should keep a regular wash schedule. Sleep specialists claim that you should be washing your sheets weekly to help keep them free of bacteria and germs.
However, you can generally get away with washing them every two weeks if you keep them clean and tidy.
Microfiber does tend to stain easier than other materials, so make sure you wash your sheets immediately if you end up spilling anything on them.
They’re also a naturally bacteria-resistant material, so you don’t need to worry about washing them with a hot setting.
For the actual washing, make sure you follow the instructions on the care label!
You should wash them on a warm or cool cycle, and you can even tumble dry them. However, if you want to keep their longevity, we’d recommend letting them air-dry outside in the shade.
Final Words
If you’re looking for durable, soft, and easy-to-maintain bedding, microfiber sheets are a great option.
They offer several advantages over traditional bedding materials, being cost-effective, naturally hypoallergenic, and wrinkle-free.
So if you want luxurious silky smooth sheets without the massive price tag, microfiber is an excellent option. Happy shopping!
