Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics for bed sheets and it’s not difficult to see why. This material is soft, durable and breathable, making it the ideal fabric for a great night’s sleep. But how do you choose the best cotton sheets for your bed?

There are several types of cotton to consider, each with distinct characteristics. Understanding their differences will help you choose the right product for you. So, let’s take a look at each type of cotton fabric for bed sheets and their unique benefits.

The best cotton for bed sheets

1. Brushed cotton

Brushed cotton or flannelette is a fabric that has an extremely cosy feel. This type of cotton is a woven fabric that is brushed to create texture and additional softness during the finishing process.

As such, flannelette is a firm favourite for bed sheets as it is warm and snug, perfect for keeping you warm at night. This makes it ideal for winter bed linens as the weather cools, while still retaining the breathable qualities of regular cotton.

2. Polycotton percale

Polycotton is a mix of polyester and cotton. It is a popular choice for bed linen for many reasons, including its easy-care qualities. In addition, the way these two fabrics are joined together is referred to as percale. So, you can have cotton percale or polycotton percale which relates to the weave, rather than the material itself.

The weave of polycotton percale is tighter than regular cotton bed linen, which makes it highly resilient. It’s usually around a 50:50 mix, so it shares equal benefits from both materials. Alongside cotton’s breathability and durability, polycotton is also wrinkle-resistant. Polycotton percale is usually less expensive than 100% cotton too.

3. Egyptian cotton

As the name suggests, Egyptian cotton is created using a cotton plant species in Egypt. It is commonly used in high-end bed linens and favoured by the hospitality sector for making hotel rooms sumptuous and luxurious.

This fabric is created using fine longer threads, which usually means the thread count is high. A high-thread count also contributes to a long-lasting and soft product – ideal for bed sheets.

4. Satin stripe cotton

Satin stripe cotton is a top choice for bed sheets due to its unique lacquered weaving that creates a smooth textured striped pattern on the material. Similar to conventional cotton, it has many benefits for use in bed linens. It’s durable, wear-resistant and simple yet chic, making it a popular option for hotel beds. Plus, its high-density weave makes it wrinkle-resistant and super soft.

5. Jersey cotton

Jersey cotton is often described as t-shirt cotton. It has a slightly stretchy, soft texture which makes it ideal for fitted bed sheets, and it’s also very easy to clean. However, the composition of the jersey is thinner than other kinds of cotton and therefore less durable. As a result, over time there may be pilling on the fabric.

What thread count is best for cotton bed sheets?

If you’re confused about what thread count to select, there’s a simple way to look at it. Generally, the higher the thread count, the more durable and smoother the sheet.

Thread count is a term used to describe the number of threads per square inch of the material. This is also made up of vertical and horizontal threads. This means a high thread count bed sheet has more threads within this small space compared to a lower thread count.

But thread count doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. This is often a misconception, as bed linens with a 200-thread count can offer a great quality product at an affordable price.

Another difference between thread counts is the weight of the material. For example, 400-thread cotton will feel lighter than 1000-thread cotton sheets. In addition, higher thread count is often used in hotel linens where the fabric is denser and more durable.

The overall factor in deciding which thread count is best for your bed sheets should be quality. No matter the count, high-quality cotton will feel soft and luxurious against the skin.

What cotton is best for bed sheets?

Above we’ve highlighted some of the best cotton fabrics for bed sheets, but which type fits your needs best? For higher-quality and more sumptuous options, Egyptian cotton is a great choice. However, for a more affordable yet soft material, brushed cotton and polycotton are both great options.

Each cotton fabric provides a degree of durability, breathability and moisture absorption. Some also offer wrinkle resistance, which is ideal for no-fuss bed linens. There’s also a wide range of colours, from classic to bolder shades.

When deciding which cotton bed sheets to choose, there are a few things to ask, such as:

• Are they easily washable?
• Will the fabric shrink in the wash?
• What is the texture and softness like?
• Is the fabric durable?

By thinking about the quality of the material alongside thread count, you’ll find bed linens suited to your needs. 

High-quality cotton bed sheets at Victoria Linen

The different types of cotton duvet sets and bed sheets can make it challenging to pick the best option. Thankfully, our bed linen collections at Victoria Linen make it super simple. Each is designed with high-quality cotton, meaning you get soft, durable and long-lasting sheets. Plus, we have cotton sheets in 200, 400 and 1000-thread count fabrics – all soft, strong and perfect to pair with your duvet and pillows.

Cotton bed sheets come in a variety of sizes too. So, whether you need a single sheet or a large super king with deep sides, there are cotton bed sheets for all beds. In addition, if you can’t find the size you need, our team are happy to make your order to your measurements. Just drop us an email or call 01706 220020 to speak with your customer services team.