With so many different kinds of bed sheets out there, it’s hard to pick the one that suits you best. One major factor is the fabric. This determines much of the qualities of sheets. There are all sorts of fabrics that bed sheets can be made of – cotton, bamboo, microfiber, silk, etc. And each have their pros and cons. This time we’re here to help shed some light on what are microfiber sheets and what are the pros and cons of microfiber sheets. We also bring out the best microfiber sheets you can find on Amazon.
Before we reveal our best selection of microfiber sheets, let’s get to know this topic a bit better. Or if you’re eager to get shopping, why not pick from our top 3 right here.
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What Are Microfiber Sheets?
As you probably guessed, microfiber sheets are made out of microfiber. Microfiber is a man-made fabric rather than a natural one, like cotton or linen. The most usual microfiber bed sheets are made of polyesters or polyamides but you can also find those made from wood pulp.
Microfiber sheets consist of finely woven fibers with a denier of less than 1. You’ve likely come across this term on stockings packages where it’s abbreviated as den. Denier is the unit to measure for linear mass density. It is the mass in grams per 9000 meters of the fiber. Just to bring a comparison, light summer stockings are usually 8-10 denier and fine silk measures approximately at 1.25 denier. So microfibers with their less than 1 denier are truly fine.
Thread Count vs GSM
Keep in mind that the thickness of a microfiber sheet is not measured in thread count. Thread count is something that describes cotton sheets and some other natural fabrics. Microfiber thickness or weight is expressed in GSM – grams per square meter. The higher the GSM, there more fibers there are in the sheet and the heavier it is. Usually the GSM of microfiber bed sheets falls between 55 and 120. The lower ones are more thin, the higher ones more thick and heavy. But similar to the thread count of cotton sheets, a high GSM is does not necessarily indicate that you’re dealing with a really good bed sheet. What matters is the quality of the material. However, if you know that you want a thicker and good quality microfiber sheet set, you can find top selection here – High Thread Count Sheets.
Most people are not aware that microfiber sheets are not characterized by thread count, but rather GSM. And sellers are very aware of this. So when you read a description of a microfiber sheet, you will almost always see a high number like 1800 somewhere. But if you pay close attention, that number is almost never followed by thread count or TC. Simply because thread count is not used for describing microfiber sheets. It’s actually a quite cunning way to trick people into thinking that the number refers to a thread count. Your brain automatically adds these two words into the description, because it has seen such constructions in similar contexts in the past.
A high thread count is often, and mistakenly, automatically considered as high quality. And that’s how many people get tricked into buying low quality sheets, without actual false advertising. After all, adding a number to the product description doesn’t mean anything. It’s the buyers who construct the idea of a thread count around the large number. There are also some sellers who make it a bit easier for others. They explicitly say that the microfiber sheet has the feel of a 1800 thread count. Which is more correct.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic material that is derived from petroleum, coal, air and water. The name consists of two parts: poly comes from Greek and simply means “many”, while ester is a basic organic compound. Polyester has extremely wide usage. Although the biggest market is in clothes manufacturing, it is also used for making plastic bottles, holograms, films, threads, for insulating purposes and as a finish to many high quality wood products, such as pianos and guitars.
But let’s come back to clothes. Just think of the famous shiny disco suits of the 70s. That’s polyester in all its glory. As are a more contemporary sportswear or fashion accessory – think yoga pants. You can find polyester in almost anything – just go to a regular clothes shop and check the tags. Chances are you’ll have trouble finding an item that does not have polyester listed among the materials.
Bedding is another category where polyester is abundant. It has certain advantages over natural fabrics, like cotton. To name a few, it does not absorb moisture, so you don’t have to worry much about stains. Polyester sheets are sometimes preshrunk during the finishing process which means that they will not shrink later when you wash them. That’s one less thing to worry about. More on the pros and cons of microfiber sheets below.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic polyamide and a highly durable material. Thanks to its strength and resistance to water it is used to make fishing nets, ropes, tents, sails, as well as plastic machine parts, toothbrushes cookware etc. The textile industry is also rich in nylon. It’s lightweight and water resistant, so perfect for sports jackets and swimwear. Since 1940, microfiber is the secret ingredient in stockings.
Nylon bed sheets are not the most common microfiber sheets. But you can still find some of them. The biggest advantage is certainly the strength of the fabric. Nylon sheets are extremely strong and you won’t have to worry about ripping them. They are also easy to dye, which means that you can choose between a variety of fun and colorful sheets. There are many more characteristics that will be covered in the next section about the pros and cons of microfiber sheets.
Pros and Cons of Microfiber Sheets
As with anything, there’s a good and a bad side to microfiber sheets. Some of the advantages were already covered in the previous sections about polyester and nylon. We’ll look at them in a little more depth here. And also bring out the negative aspects.
Pros of Microfiber Sheets
Price
Microfiber sheets are cheaper than bed sheets made from natural fabrics. That’s because they’re a man made material and can be produced on demand. There’s no need to bother with growing, harvesting, spinning and weaving, as with natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo. So if your budget is limited, microfiber bed sheets are definitely a more friendly way to go. Just don’t get too carried away chasing the lowest price. Otherwise you’ll end up with bad quality sheets that you will soon have to replace.
Durability
The individual microfiber is fairly weak on its own. But as microfiber sheets are very tightly woven, the whole sheet actually becomes much more durable. Of course, the sheet has to be made from good quality microfiber. If the quality is low, even a very tightly woven sheet won’t last long. You want to stay away from that. Low quality sheets will tear easily and you will have to start searching for a new sheet after a few months. Usually the sheet price reflects the quality as well. You probably want to stay avoid the cheapest products on the market. The price is low for a good reason – usually the material is simply rubbish.
Care
It’s fairly easy to care for microfiber sheets, due to some of their core qualities. First, microfiber is not fond of water. Second, a microfiber sheet is very tightly woven. Together these qualities make sure that you won’t have to worry much about stains. If you spill some liquid on the sheet, just wipe it away as fast as you can and you should be in the clear. If stains do find their way into the sheet, it’s unfortunately almost impossible to get them out. So be sure to act quickly. Also keep in mind that oil acts differently and can easily leave marks on your microfiber sheets.
Microfiber sheets can be washed and dried in regular washers and dryers. They do not need special attention in this area. As a thin fiber also makes for a thin sheet, it takes little time for microfiber sheets to dry. Especially when compared to natural fibers. Another bonus that comes from their thinness is purely practical – the sheet takes less room in the laundry hamper, as well as in the washing machine.
One less thing to worry about is ironing. Microfiber sheets are usually pretty much wrinkle free, so you can put them straight on your bed after taking them out of the dryer.
Warmth
If you’re one of those people who is easily gets cold or you’re just living in a colder climate, microfiber sheets can be a true savior. They’re so tightly woven that air does not easily move through them. So they retain the natural body heat that you emit. They’re great at keeping you warm throughout the night.
Smoothness
Microfiber sheets are well known for their smoothness. One might even say that microfiber sheets are silky smooth. This gives them a truly delicate feel.
Color retention
Microfiber sheets hold dye very well. So the color will not wear out, instead it will remain vibrant even after many washings. Since it is able to hold color well, you can choose from a variety of shades and patterns. Natural bed sheets have a smaller color range available. So if you’re looking to liven up an otherwise grim bedroom, microfiber sheets are a great choice.
Low pilling
Although it is possible that microfiber sheets also pill, this is usually not the case with quality microfiber sheets. There are a few processes that prevent bed sheets from pilling. One of them is singeing, which means that the loose fibers that are sticking out from the surface of the fabric are burnt. The second process is mercerizing, which improves the luster and strength of the sheets.
Cons of Microfiber Sheets
Breathability
Microfiber is a man-made fiber, it does not breathe well. This means that the sheets will easily become hot. They are definitely a poor choice for sweaty sleepers or hot climates. If you do tend to get hot during the night, microfiber sheets will make you feel like you’re sleeping between luxurious and pretty plastic sheets. But there is also an upside to this, which was already covered above under the pros of microfiber sheets. As microfiber sheets tend to keep heat, they are a great option if you get cold easily.
Not suitable for sensitive skin
Another drawback of a man-made fiber, such as microfiber, is that it does not suit people with sensitive skin. So if you have easily irritated skin or you have other skin issues, like eczema or psoriasis, it’s best to avoid microfiber sheets. Go with a natural material instead. Otherwise you might end up with rashes or itching skin.
Not very environmentally friendly
Microfiber sheets are not a renewable resource, nor are they biodegradable. Nylon and polyester are made from petrochemicals and are not very environmentally friendly. There are some other microfibers that are renewable, such as Prolene which is made of polypropylene, but this material is not used in bedding. If you’re keen on living a greener lifestyle, you may think twice about getting microfiber sheets.
Microfiber also contributes to water pollution. Every time you wash microfiber sheets, or any other clothes made of microfibers for that matter, some tiny fibers become loose. They make their way to your local wastewater treatment plant and the fibers themselves are so small that the filters do not catch them. Eventually, the fibers end up in our oceans. They’re not biodegradable, so they stick around and often fish end up eating them.
So How Good Are Microfiber Sheets?
So exactly how good are microfiber sheets? There’s no clear cut answer to this question. You have to weigh the pros against the cons and decide what is more important to you. If you’re looking for bed sheets that are cheap, easy to care for and last for a long time, go with microfiber sheets. Just make sure they’re actually good quality microfiber sheets. But if you have sensitive skin, tend to sweat more during the night, or want to leave a lighter environment footprint, go for a natural fabric like bamboo, cotton or linen.
Buy Best Microfiber Sheets
These Mellanni sheets are made of 100% Polyester. Although microfiber is not usually a fabric that stays cool, these sheets are surprisingly good at it. If you’re a moderately sweaty sleeper on a budget, this is definitely a good option. Mellanni microfiber sheets have numerous other qualities that make them stand out. While some microfiber sheets tend to make a squishy sound when you move, these are really quiet. They’re made from good quality microfiber, so they won’t tear easily and will last for a long time. For those of you who have deep mattresses, Mellanni offers sheets with extra deep pockets. And let’s not forget that there is so much color to choose from!
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Colors: Baby Blue, Beige, Black, Blue Hydrangea, Brown, Burgundy, Canary Yellow, and more
Price: From $36
The Empyrean microfiber sheets are great if you tend to toss and turn a lot during the night. They have elastic all around the sheet, which makes sure that it stays in place. But sometimes this is not enough. And that’s why the Empyrean sheets also have corner straps as an extra backup. The pockets of the fitted sheet are deeper than most and will fit even thicker mattress of 20”. You will also get a guide on how to get better quality sleep. It has some really sound advice, so if this is something you’re struggling with, the Empyrean sheets are a great deal.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Colors: Black, White, Sage, Cream, and more
Price: From $32
If you’re looking for beautiful and vibrant colors, this is it. The Mezzati microfiber sheet. From a more pastel light blue, to a hot pink, you’re bound to find a color that fits your bedroom. They also have striped sheets in a limited amount of colors, if you’re looking for something a bit different. The Mezzati sheets are also super soft and have a great feel to them.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Colors: Beige, Black, Blue, Brown, and more
Price: From $28
The Shreem Linen microfiber sheets are brushed on both sides. This makes them super soft, no matter which side you touch. Not all microfiber sheets are like this. Some are brushed just on one side, others not at all. But the Shreem Linen set has really gone the extra mile with this. As a result, the sheets have a satiny feel to them.
Sizes: Full, Queen, King
Colors: Taupe, White
Price: From $30
Viscosoft’s polyester sheets are a bit more special than others. They have eyelet applique decorations that give them a more romantic touch. The embellishments are added to the flat sheet and pillowcases and definitely make this set stand out in the crowd. There color selection is not as wide as for many other sheet sets. But the colors that are available are dreamy pastel colors that create an adorable combo with the appliques.
Sizes: Twin, Full
Colors: White, Lemon Meringue, Champagne Pink
Price: Starting at $26
If you’re looking for something a little different, this sheet set from Where The Polka Dots Roam will not let you down. Yes, it’s mostly aimed for children, but this set is a really fun bed room accessory even for grownups. Who doesn’t want to feel like a little kid when climbing between the sheets in the evening, not a care in the world. Keep in mind that there is a limited selection of sizes for this particular print.
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen
Price: From $33
Where The Polka Dots Roam offers more great prints if you wish to stay clear from one-color sheets. We love these light flower motive. If you prefer a darker hue, you can also get the floral print on a grey background. It’s sweet, yet sophisticated. As fot eh sheets themselves, they are durable, really soft, and easy to care for.
Sizes: Full
Colors: Floral Light, Grey Floral
Price: From $37
Ideal Linen’s polyester sheets come in a variety of colors that are rich and they do not run or fade when washing. They’re great quality for the price – the fabric is cool to the touch, soft and smooth.
Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King
Colors: Beige, Brown, Burgundy, Coral, Gold, and many more
Price: From $20
It’s hard to express how adorable these Elite Home sheets are. They come in various designs and we truly recommend looking through them all to pick your favorite. The Pink Flamingo is a favorite and you can also find other gems, like White Bulldog. These sheets suit both adults and children alike. They’re fun yet sophisticated. As for the sheets themselves, they are extremely soft and wash well. You will be amazed as to how much more appealing your bed will seem in these sheets.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Colors: Aqua, Camper Caravan, Cat Silhouette, Cream Elephant, and more
Price: From $23
It seems we can’t get enough of the fun sheet sets that Elite Home has to offer. So here is another great collection of patterns from them. The sheets are more lightweight, so they’re suitable for hotter climates or people who tend to sleep hot. Especially if you’re near the seaside, as the design fits that perfectly.
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Colors: Coco Pastel, Embroidered Flamingo White, Embroidered Flip-flop White, and more
Price: From $20
The All American Collection sheet sets have an interesting geometrical cone design. For the sake of keeping the bedroom a calm and serene place, the sheet designs and patterns should not be too jazzy. This design has just the right balance – it’s captivating, while not overwhelming the room. The sheets are super soft, comfortable and lightweight. At this price, they’re a real bargain.
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Colors: Gray, Black, Burgundy, Lavender, Aqua, Coffee, Navy, Turquoise
Price: From $23
The Great Bay Home sheet sets come in wonderful nature-themed patters. From leaves to moose and bears, you’re bound to fall for them. And if you do prefer something more simple, their classic plaid pattern is a great option. The sheets are cozy and will keep you warm during colder nights.
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Colors: Deer, Oar, Stonehurst
Price: From $28
For an elegant look, this Superior sheet set is the one. The pillowcases have a lace trim that looks truly regal. Keep in mind though, that the trim is only on the pillowcases, not on the flat sheet. You can choose between classical colors like white, burgundy, and black, as well as more pastel colors.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Colors: Black, Burgundy, Charcoal, Grey, and more
Microsoft Sheets On Mac
Price: From $23
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