THE BEST BED SHEETS FOR EVERY SLEEP STYLE

 The right sheets can make a surprising difference to how your bed feels—and how you sleep. Whether you run hot, cold or care more about that crisp, freshly-made-bed feeling, here’s how to find the material and weave that works for you. 

Are you pretty neutral? If running hot or cold isn’t really a factor, you can never go wrong with linen or cotton. They’re natural, versatile, four-season bed sheet materials that breathe, wash and age well.  

Do you care more about how your bedding feels? Sleep is a sensory experience. Whether you like your bedding to feel soft and silky, crisp and structured or relaxed and lived in, there's something to suit every preference.  

There are lots of great options to suit your sleep and design style. Here’s a quick refresher on how they feel and what’s in it for you.  

Cotton 

Cotton sheets are popular for a reason: they’re soft, durable and made from natural fibres. Their classic appeal makes them a hotel favourite and a go-to at home for everyday comfort. If you’re looking for added luxury, we recommend Egyptian or Supima cotton: their extra-long staple fibres make the fabric finer and stronger for quality that holds up over time.  

Linen 

Made from flax plants, linen sheets have a casual, textured look—kind of like the bed sheet equivalent of beachy hair waves. They’re airy, breathable and one of the most eco-friendly options around. Our take: they’re excellent year-round and for sleepers who run on the warm side.  

Bamboo 

Known for their buttery smooth and luxurious feel, bamboo sheets are made from the pulp of the bamboo plant. They’re a popular choice if you’re looking for a lightweight feel and moisture-wicking properties.  

Flannel 

A winter favourite, especially here in Canada, flannel sheets are soft and cozy with a fuzzy texture. Traditional flannel can be made from wool, synthetic fibres or cotton blends but if you’re looking for breathability and a lighter weight, we recommend 100% brushed cotton flannel. 

Silk 

Yes, silk is a luxury buy, but it’s breathable, hypoallergenic and beautifully smooth to the touch. It’s also super gentle on your skin and hair, so if your goal is fewer sleep creases and less hair breakage—not to mention a high-end look—it may be worth the splurge.  

Microfibre 

Microfibre sheets are made of synthetic polyester that resists wrinkles and stains, but its tight weave can trap heat. If you have a busy household where spills tend to happen (and ironing, not so much), these may be for you. But if you sleep hot or have allergies or skin issues, a natural fabric is a better option. 

TENCEL™ (The brand name typically used for lyocell or modal sheets) 

Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, TENCEL™ sheets are silky, smooth, hypoallergenic and highly breathable. They’re an eco-friendly option that resists wrinkles and won’t shrink in the dryer, so if you want the fluid drape of silk without the high-maintenance care or price tag, these sheets are a good go-to.  

Cotton Jersey 

Soft, stretchy and made to feel like your favourite T-shirt, cotton jersey sheets offer a relaxed, cozy sleep experience. Knit rather than woven, jersey has a smooth finish with a natural stretch that drapes comfortably around the body. Perfect for those who like to wrap themselves in their bedsheets for a cocoon-like hug.  

For starters, percale and sateen aren’t materials. They’re weaving techniques that determine the structure, feel and finish of a fabric—most often but not always cotton. One of the most common weaves, percale uses a standard one-over, one-under weave that makes the material breathable and gives it a crisp, matte finish that’s cool to the touch. Sateen uses a four-over, one-under pattern that results in a denser surface area and gives the fabric its buttery drape and subtle sheen. 

So if you’re into airy and crisp, look for a sheet made of cotton percale. If you want to turn your bed into a smooth and lustrous cocoon, cotton sateen may be calling.  

It's a common misconception that the higher the thread count, the better the quality. But if you’re considering a fabric or weave that’s more dense to begin with (such as flannel or cotton sateen), a lower thread count is often optimal to avoid too much heat getting trapped.  

For a comfortable night’s sleep, the best cotton sheets generally fall in the 200-500 range, depending on whether they’re percale or sateen. At that thread count, they stay soft and smooth without compromising air flow.  

A good rule of thumb when shopping for bed sheets is to look at the big picture. The thread count is just one of a series of factors contributing to your best night of sleep.  

Use this cheat sheet as a handy guide the next time you shop for bedding. 

I sleep hot & like a crisp feel: Consider cotton percale 

I want a drapey cocoon of warmth: Cotton sateen is the dream 

My bed is my happy place, give me luxury: One word: silk 

Natural is nice but I need ease: Microfibre sheets are great for busy households 

I want my bed to feel like the best pjs ever: Brushed cotton flannel for the win 

Or like my favourite tee: Cotton jersey 

Cool, silky and effortlessly smooth: Bamboo or TENCEL™ are made for dreamers  

Give me a textured, unstuffy rumple: Linen is the natural choice 

We hope this serves you well the next time you shop for new bedding. Because the right sheets do more than give you the look and feel you want. They’re your bedroom’s way of saying, “Come rest, have a good night’s sleep, and see what it feels like to wake up refreshed and ready to go.”  

That’s an invitation that’s hard to resist.