If you get the recommended eight hours of sleep each night, you spend one-third of each day sandwiched between bed sheets. This is why selecting bed sheets is an important choice. The best microfiber sheets invite you to climb into bed at the end of the day and fall asleep cloaked in comfort.
Microfiber sheets are made from synthetic fabrics and are some of the most common types of sheets. These materials are quite thin (hence “micro”) and undergo processes that make them gentle on the skin. The appeal of microfiber sheets comes from the lightweight fabric that’s easy to wash, durable, and cost-effective. Being a man-made product has additional perks, such as long-lasting construction, wrinkle-free materials, and softness that may surpass cotton and silk.
- BEST OVERALL: Bare Home Queen Sheet Set 1800 Thread Count Sheet Set
- RUNNER-UP: Danjor Linens White Microfiber, 1800 Thread Count
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amazon Basics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care
- BEST POLYESTER: TEKAMON Microfiber 1800 Thread Count Bed Sheet Set
- BEST SOFT FEEL: Mezzati Microfiber 1800 Thread Count Bed Sheet
- BEST HYPOALLERGENIC: LBRO2M Microfiber 1800 Thread Count Bed Sheet Set
- BEST COLORS: Mellanni Microfiber 1800 Thread Count Bed Sheet Set
- BEST HIGH-END: SONORO KATE Microfiber 1800 Thread Count Sheet Set
Types of Microfiber Sheets
Microfiber is different from natural fiber sheets because of its synthetic construction, making it ultrathin and lightweight. Microfibers are made by weaving together very fine threads of synthetic fabric that are less than 1 denier in diameter (for comparison, a strand of silk is roughly 1 denier). The most common type of microfiber is polyester, but these sheets can also come in nylon.
Polyester
The vast majority of microfiber sheets are polyester. Polyester is made from petroleum, coal, air, and water. This material has been around since the 1940s, but it’s come a long way since its inception. Chemists can change the size and shape of polyester to make it feel like soft, natural fibers; double brushing the fabric enhances the softness of the sheets. Polyester fabric is made by melt spinning, a manufacturing process in which melted polymers go through an extruding process into a chamber where they’re blasted by air or gas to turn the melted polymer into a solid fiber.
Polyester’s superior performance makes it easy to wash and use, provides durability, and it resists wrinkles as well as damage from abrasion, mildew, and strong chemicals. It can be blended with other fibers such as cotton, wool, or rayon to offer the best of both materials in a single fabric. Polyester does not absorb water, making it a stain-resistant material. But it can absorb oil and grease, which is difficult to remove.
Nylon
Nylon is a highly durable synthetic polyamide used to make strong fabric for multiple uses. Though nylon is not the most common microfiber used in sheets, it does have desirable qualities for comfortable and strong bedding. Created using the same melt-spinning technique as polyester, nylon microfiber is the stronger of the two materials. A lightweight material, nylon resists abrasion and with high elasticity, it’s more difficult to rip, so it may last longer than polyester. This resilient material resists mildew and water, but like polyester, it may get permanent stains from oil or grease. Use a pretreatment with these types of spills to minimize the damage to the sheets.
This microfiber tends to come in a wide variety of color selections as it’s easy to dye. The minor downside of this quality is that nylon may absorb color from other fabrics in the washing machine. To avoid this, always read and follow the care and cleaning instructions for your sheets.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Microfiber Sheets
Selecting the best microfiber sheets takes a bit more consideration than merely color preference. With the number of hours spent in bed each night, sheets need to be comfortable, easy to care for, and keep you at the right temperature. Before purchasing a new set of microfiber sheets, review the following considerations to make an informed choice.
Cleaning
Those who don’t enjoy laundry are in luck; cleaning microfiber sheets is as easy as it gets, as they generally don’t require special attention. However, be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before washing the sheets. Typically, microfiber sheets can go into the washer and tumble dry on low for fast, no-fuss cleaning. When they’re dry, the wrinkle-free properties of microfiber lets you skip ironing or steaming out wrinkles. The sheets can go right from the dryer onto the bed or into the linen closet.
A wonderful feature of microfiber sheets is their stain resistance. However, when spills happen they need to be quickly addressed. If there is a spill, wipe it up immediately while the liquid is on the surface of the sheets. If stains find their way into the fabric, they may become permanent, especially grease or oil stains.
There’s good news for those with allergies or sensitivities. Polyester microfiber repels dust and airborne allergens. Microfiber sheets may lead to a healthier and cleaner sleep.
Thread Count
Thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch of fabric. The general belief is that a high thread count indicates more softness and better-quality sheets. The issue with thread count is that some manufacturers artificially inflate the thread count number or the fabric may have a high thread count but the fabric’s quality is subpar.
Some microfiber sheets show a thread count, but buyers shouldn’t put much value into this number. Unlike other types of sheets, microfiber sheets are characterized by grams per square meter (GSM) instead of thread count. Typically, microfiber falls within 55 and 120 GSM. The lower numbers are thinner fabrics and higher numbers indicate thicker/heavier fabric from additional fibers. Softer microfiber sheets tend to be brushed, enhancing the softness and feel of the sheets, regardless of the GSM.
Design, Color, and Pattern
Designs and patterns for microfiber sheets range from simple and elegant to bold, eye-catching prints. As microfiber sheets are affordable, there is the opportunity to add outrageous color or prints to a bed for a small cost.
A spectrum of dynamic color reigns supreme with microfiber sheets. Many natural-material bed sheets offer only a small color range, often in neutral hues or colors that hide stains well. Most microfiber sheets come in a vast range of color options, as synthetic materials hold dye impeccably. Microfiber, especially polyester, doesn’t fade no matter how many times it’s washed—as long as it’s washed and dried it properly. Mistreatment of the microfiber may make color fading possible, but in general, microfiber keeps colors very well.
Breathability
Microfiber sheets are constructed with a tight weave, making the sheets durable and long lasting. The two common weaves for microfiber are percale and sateen. Percale is closely woven, and sateen has a softer feel and shinier appearance.
The flip side of tightly woven synthetic fabric is that the design may be knit too tightly, creating an obstacle for breathability. When air can’t move, it gets trapped and may cause overheating for some sleepers. In many cases, microfiber sheets are more suited for chilly months or for those whose body temperature runs on the cold side.
In general, microfiber sheets aren’t the most breathable fabric; however, there are microfiber sheet options that work year-round. Thinner microfibers are more lightweight and allow air to pass through, giving them more breathability. For microfiber sheets that have more breathability, look for a lower GSM.
Temperature Regulation
Thicker microfiber sheets with a higher GSM may lack sufficient breathability for warm air to escape. A super-tight weave traps heat, making microfiber a terrific choice for cooler climates, temperature changes, or for those who tend to get cold at night. Microfiber sheets trap heat more easily than cotton, keeping it warm and toasty when the weather turns cold.
Microfiber sheets have wicking properties to keep moisture out and help maintain a better and more comfortable temperature through the night. The wicking properties of microfiber move sweat to the outer layer of the fabric and away from the skin to keep you drier, especially since microfiber itself dries quickly. Usually, the higher-quality microfiber used, the more wicking capabilities it has.
Ease of Use
With the right size sheets, making the bed and using the sheets should be simple. It’s important to select sheets with a deep enough pocket to fit the entire depth (thickness) of the mattress. At a minimum, the pockets should be 15 inches; deeper pockets may be required for pillow-top mattresses. Always measure the mattress depth to order the right size sheets. The elastic of the fitted sheet should stretch easily around the mattress and stay secured underneath without coming undone or sitting too loose.
Microfiber sheets are strong and durable, and don’t need to be treated delicately to last longer.
Our Top Picks
Everyone deserves the comfort of a good night’s sleep, and choosing the right microfiber sheets hinges on the considerations above. Determine which features are most important, whether it’s temperature, style, or overall function to select the best microfiber sheets.
Photo: amazon.com
Bare Home’s microfiber sheet set makes a bed look and feel cozy. The set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, made for a variety of bed sizes—including some sizes that are difficult to find. The sheets fit mattresses that are up to 15 inches deep. For those with asthma or allergies, the hypoallergenic nature of the material keeps the sheets free of dust mites and allergens for a healthier sleep.
The plush softness of this microfiber sheet set comes from a hydro-brush process. During manufacturing, hydrated microfiber material gets brushed twice, enhancing the comfort and durability of the fibers. These sheets are treated with nontoxic dyes and chemicals, creating sheets in over 25 colors that resist fading. On laundry day, simply toss the sheets and pillowcases into the wash for easy cleaning and fast drying.
Photo: amazon.com
Clean and low-maintenance, these microfiber sheets from Danjor offer high-quality bedding at a minimal cost. With softness that’s expected from double-brushed microfiber, these sheets also use a weaving process to make them softer and arguably more breathable than cotton. The enhanced breathability allows these sheets to be comfortable for all-season use, preventing sleepers from overheating, even in the summer. The fitted sheet in the set has a 16-inch pocket and comes fully elasticized, keeping it in place on the bed and simplifying making the bed in the morning.
Made in a classic style in five tasteful colors, these sheets are tough, too. The tightly woven fabric repels allergens, and the Z-fold hem maintains strength in the edges and creates a crisp appearance. For ease of use, these microfiber sheets are simple to care for; they’re machine washable and wrinkle- and fade-resistant.
Photo: amazon.com
These budget-friendly Amazon Basics sheet sets are 100 percent polyester microfiber for a cozy night’s rest. These sets come in over 40 colors and patterns in a variety of bedding sizes. At the given price point, buyers can pick up two sets for about the price of one standard set of sheets—making it easy to buy in bulk or outfit more beds in the home. Made with a material that naturally resists shrinking and wrinkles and utilizes machine-wash cleaning, these sheets are a breeze to care for.
The included fitted sheet has all-around elastic for a secure fit on most mattresses up to a 16-inch thickness. Strong and built to last for years, these sheets are soft and simple to use when making the bed. These sheets are made in an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory, so buyers can rest easy knowing their sheets meet high environmental and safety standards.
Photo: amazon.com
Polyester can be a comfortable choice for those seeking all-season microfiber sheets. These 100 percent polyester sheets from TEKAMON use double-brushed microfiber yarn for maximum comfort. The fitted sheets stretch neatly over mattresses up to 16 inches deep. The manufacturing process to make these medium-thickness sheets includes new fiber spinning techniques, making the fabric gentle and warm against the skin. Constructed with neat stitching and a strong weave, these sheets maintain their durability even after many trips through the wash.
Designed with fabric breathability so that heat doesn’t get trapped and cause overheating, these sheets keep sleepers cool during warm seasons and comfortably warm when the weather gets colder. Available in many solid color selections and several bed sizes, these sheets will work with a variety of bedroom designs.
Photo: amazon.com
The right microfiber material feels luxuriously soft against the skin. Mezzati’s brushed microfiber sheet has a softer feel than cotton. The silky touch and softness of the fabric make bedtime even more welcoming. Made of lightweight breathable and hypoallergenic microfiber, these sheets offer temperature regulation and clean, allergen-free sleep. With decent airflow and moisture wicking, hot air doesn’t get trapped in the fabric, so these durable sheets can be used for year-round comfort.
Fitting mattresses up to 16 inches deep, these sheets have all-around elastic, make bed-making a hassle-free experience. These sheets are quick to wash and fast to dry, making laundering simple and quick. Once they come out of the dryer, these wrinkle-free sheets can go right back on the bed or into the linen closet.
Photo: amazon.com
Enhancing comfort with cleanliness, this LBRO2M sheet set gives sleepers a better-quality sleep free from irritants that may cause sneezing, respiratory irritation, or other reactions. The material and the quality ultratight weave form a protective barrier against allergens, enabling the sleeper to breathe easier and wake up feeling more refreshed. The fabric of these sheets is smooth and soft to the touch from the long brushed microfiber yarns used to make them.
These sheets intersect the functionality of healthier sleep with sophisticated style and elegance. Available in nine fade-resistant colors and a variety of sizes, the selection suits many tastes and beds. The fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep with a durable elastic that persists through the night preventing sheets from coming loose. When it’s time for cleaning, wash these sheets in cold water and either air dry or put these sheets in the dryer at the lowest temperature.
Photo: amazon.com
The right color and pattern of sheets can enhance and elevate the appearance of a bed. Mellanni’s microfiber bed sheet set comes in more than 40 vibrant colors and patterns, giving users the option to customize how their bed looks. These sheets stand up to heavy use and machine washing as they are fade-, stain-, shrink-, and wrinkle-resistant. Selection doesn’t stop with color; there are also many sizes available, including sheet sets with extra-deep pocket options.
This bedding looks beautiful and feels that way, too. Made from 100 percent brushed polyester, these sheets are thin enough for use all year. With breathable fabric, these sheets wick moisture away, keeping sleepers dry and cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter months.
Photo: amazon.com
Affordability is one of the appealing qualities of microfiber, but SONORO KATE elevates their designs with attention to detail. Made from ultrasoft microfiber that’s breathable and double brushed, these sheets are available in an elegant selection of colors. They offer more than comfort and class by adding fine craftsmanship. The material is skin-friendly, and the pillowcases may also reduce the frizziness of curly hair that goes wild when sleeping on other materials. Durable elastic around the fitted sheet stays tight and securely in place on mattresses up to 24 inches deep. The flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases use high-quality stitching for durable and attractive sheets. During manufacturing, these sheets use active dyeing technology for additional skin-friendliness and fade resistance. Despite the added qualities and delicate-looking material, these sheets can still go through the wash like standard microfiber sheets.
FAQs About Microfiber Sheets
Even after selecting a microfiber sheet set, you may have lingering questions about their care and longevity. Here are some common questions and answers about owning microfiber sheets.
Q. What is the difference between blended and 100 percent microfiber bed sheet sets?
Fabric blends are a combination of different fabrics that give the resulting material the best features of both. For example, a mix of polyester and cotton provides durable and more breathable wrinkle-resistant sheets, whereas 100 percent microfiber bed sheets are made entirely of microfiber.
Q. How long do microfiber sheets last?
The average lifespan of microfiber sheets is two to three years. With proper care of higher-quality microfiber, sheets may last longer than average.
Q. How should you wash and care for microfiber sheets?
Toss them in the washing machine (typically using cold water) and tumble dry on low or air dry. Microfiber generally doesn’t require special care, but always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the sheets.
