Best Microfiber Sheets

Microfiber sheets offer excellent value for money, boasting many of the qualities of more expensive materials at a fraction of the price. This synthetic material is woven with ultra-thin fibers that give it superior durability and a smooth feel that rivals silk.

Microfiber sheets don’t have the long history of cotton or linen sheets, but they are rapidly gaining popularity from customers who appreciate having an alternative to cotton and linen. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly sheet set that’s comfortable and easy to wash, microfiber may be your new best friend.

We’ll go into the properties of microfiber and how these influence the feel. We’ll also share our top picks and provide some recommendations on how to choose the best microfiber sheets for you.

What are Microfiber Sheets?

Microfiber is a synthetic material woven with fibers that are thinner than silk. It has a range of uses in athletic wear, cleaning supplies, and bedding. Microfiber sheets are primarily made of polyester, but they can also be made of nylon or cellulose.

The thickness of a fiber is measured in denier, which technically refers to the mass in grams of 9 kilometers of a given fiber. A higher denier translates to a thicker fiber. Microfiber has a denier of less than 1. For comparison, silk is considered among the finest natural fibers, with a denier of 1.25. Since microfiber is so incredibly thin, it can be tightly woven into a sleek and durable material.

By nature, microfiber sheets are soft and sheeny, with a flowy drape. They tend to trap heat despite being lightweight, and sleepers in colder climates often opt for microfiber sheets that have had their fibers “brushed” on one or both sides for a fuzzier, warmer feel. Microfiber can be produced on its own or blended with cotton, linen, or other materials to give it different properties.

How to Choose Microfiber Sheets

Microfiber sheets share some common qualities, but each set can perform quite differently depending on how they are made. We’ll discuss considerations like weave, thread count, and breathability, as well as practical information about ease of care, durability, and more.

What to Consider When Buying Microfiber Sheets

Many luxury bedding companies use grandiose marketing terms to justify a higher price-tag. While quality sheets undoubtedly do cost more to produce, inflated prices are not always a guarantee of good quality.

A little basic knowledge goes a long way when buying any kind of sheets, and that applies to microfiber sheets as well. Understanding which factors you value most in a sheet set can help you on your search for the best microfiber bed sheets.

Weave
Aside from the material, the weave is one of the most significant factors in determining durability, feel, and ease of care. Microfiber sheets are usually woven with a tight weave which increases durability and helps them resist wrinkling. The two most common weaves used to make microfiber sheets are percale and sateen.

Feel
The feel of your sheets is undeniably important given that you’re wrapping yourself in them every night. Some sleepers prefer soft and fuzzy sheets, others prefer sleek and silky sheets, and still others prefer crisp and breathable sheets. Microfiber usually tends toward feeling silky and sleek, with brushed microfiber offering more of a velvety feel.

Fit
Most bed sheets are designed to fit the standard mattress sizes, although some manufacturers may offer limited sizing. The most important component to check is the fitted sheet. Fitted sheets that are too big for the mattress can wrinkle and bunch up, while fitted sheets that are too small may slip off. This is especially true of microfiber sheets as they are inherently slippery. Look for a fitted sheet with a fully elasticized pocket that specifically states it’s suitable for your mattress height.

Price
We all want the best sheets for our money, especially when buying more than one sheet set. Microfiber sheets are usually more affordable than cotton and linen sheets, which makes them a great choice for those with a limited budget. Bedding companies may offer sales that can lower the price-tag even further.

Thread Count
Thread count is one of the first things people tend to check when buying sheets. A higher thread count is seen as a guarantee of better-quality sheets, although it’s not always that straightforward. While microfiber sheets can be measured in thread count, a more accurate way to gauge the feel before buying is by asking the GSM. A higher GSM usually means the sheets will be warmer, heavier, and more durable.

Design, Color and Pattern 
As a central part of the bedroom, many people appreciate having a choice of design for their bed sheets. If you’re intent on finding the perfect matching sheet set for your room, then microfiber is a good choice. The material holds its color well, allowing manufacturers to branch out and experiment with a plethora of designs and patterns in every color of the rainbow.

Breathability
Sheets made with thinner fibers or a looser weave tend to allow for more airflow. This prevents heat retention and improves temperature regulation, a quality that is especially desirable for sleepers with a tendency to overheat. Microfiber sheets are quite densely woven and they may trap more heat than other materials. Hot sleepers can look out for microfiber sheets with a lower GSM or thread count, as these tend to breathe better.

Durability
Considering the price and the fineness of the fibers, microfiber sheets are surprisingly durable. That said, they will eventually tear, especially in the case of low-quality microfiber sheets. This moment can catch you off-guard because the sheets rarely show signs of wear-and-tear prior to that point. Spending just a little more for better-quality microfiber sheets can help avoid having them fall apart after just a few months.

Ease of Care
Bed sheets should be washed regularly, about once every week or two, so it’s vital to have a set that’s easy to wash. Microfiber sheets generally hold up well to washing, and they don’t require dry cleaning or delicate handling.

What Types of Microfiber Sheets are Available?

Microfiber is most commonly made from polyester, but you’ll also see sheets made from other materials like nylon or cellulose.

• Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is produced using coal, air, water, and petroleum. Polyester microfiber sheets are moisture-wicking, stain-resistant, and quick to dry.
• Nylon: Nylon claims credit for being the first fully synthetic fabric, and is known for having replaced silk in many applications. It’s a type of polyamide, and like polyester, it’s derived from coal and petroleum. Nylon is lightweight yet extremely strong.
• Cellulose: Cellulose is made from dissolved wood pulp, which can be processed in several different ways. Because it’s a natural material at heart, cellulose can be biodegradable under the right conditions, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

Most microfiber sheets feature either a percale or a sateen weave, each of which offers advantages depending on what style you prefer:

• Percale: Percale is a plain weave with a one-up, one-over pattern that makes for a strong and breathable fabric. To be considered percale, the thread count must be at least 180. Percale sheets have a matte finish and resist pilling but may wrinkle easily.
• Sateen: Sateen sheets are woven with a four-up, one-over pattern. This creates a warm fabric with a luxurious sheen. Sateen has an elegant drape and resists wrinkling, but it is more prone to pilling and snagging.

What are the Pros and Cons of Microfiber Sheets?

Microfiber sheets are a cost-efficient option for those who want a soft, durable sheet set without resorting to more expensive materials. However, microfiber also has its drawbacks, the most notable being its tendency to retain heat.

Who is Best Suited to Microfiber Sheets?

Microfiber sheets are lightweight and they wick moisture, yet they trap a good deal of heat. Due to this unique set of attributes, many sleepers find microfiber sheets suitable for year-round use.

Their luxurious feel, versatility, and low price-point makes them popular not only with shoppers on a budget, but with any shoppers seeking a good deal and a low-maintenance set of sheets. Many people with allergies or sensitive skin find that microfiber allows for a comfortable sleep.

Because they sleep warm, microfiber sheets may not be suitable for hot sleepers. Those who favor crisp or cool sheets would do better to stick with cotton percale. Likewise, while microfiber does trap heat, it doesn’t sleep quite as warm as flannel. Sleepers who are looking to replace a comforter or save heating costs in the winter months may prefer flannel.

Sustainably-minded shoppers usually opt for natural materials such as linen or organic cotton.

What is the Ideal Thread Count for Microfiber Sheets?

Thread count describes the total number of vertical plus horizontal threads in one square inch. For natural fibers like cotton, a high thread count usually denotes better-quality sheets that have been woven with longer, finer fibers.

As microfiber is produced using synthetic fibers with different properties, the normal rules of thread count don’t really apply. Instead, the quality of microfiber sheets is usually given by their density, measured grams per square meter (GSM).

Microfiber sheets range in density from about 55 GSM to 120 GSM, with good-quality sheets starting around 100 GSM. Densely woven sheets with a higher GSM will be thicker and heavier. A tight weave is usually softer and more durable, but it may also trap more heat. Conversely, a looser weave will breathe better, but it may not last as long before starting to pill or tear.

When shopping for microfiber sheets, be aware of misleading thread count claims. Some companies take advantage of the confusion surrounding this concept, and insert high numbers to give the illusion of a high thread count. Such a number, or a mention of thread count with no mention of the GSM, is usually a red flag.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Microfiber Sheets

What is the typical price range for microfiber sheets? 

The average set of microfiber sheets costs between $25 and $80, with even the best-quality microfiber sheets boasting a relatively low price-point. This low cost is largely due to the fact that it’s a manmade material and doesn’t have the high cultivation and manufacturing costs of cotton or linen.

How long do microfiber sheets last? 

A decent set of microfiber sheets should last at least 2 to 3 years with regular use. Unlike cotton, microfiber doesn’t suffer much from being washed, and many microfiber sheets are pill-resistant as well. In fact, microfiber may not even show signs of wear at all until it starts to tear one day. While microfiber may not boast the decades-long lifespan of linen or high-quality cotton, its longevity is more than sufficient given its low purchasing cost.

How do I wash and care for microfiber sheets? 

Virtually all microfiber sheets can be machine-washed in cold or warm water and either tumble-dried on low or line-dried, as they are quick to dry. As with any sheet set, it’s best to wash them every week or two. Microfiber sheets can withstand frequent washing and don’t wrinkle as easily as some other materials. You should always check the care instructions before washing for the first time.

How do microfiber sheets compare to cotton sheets? 

Microfiber is a lightweight and slinky material, whereas cotton is more known for being crisp and breathable. Microfiber doesn’t pill or fade as much as cotton, and the latter needs a bit of extra attention when washing. While microfiber sheets cost substantially less than good-quality cotton sheets, cotton sheets have a longevity that’s hard to beat. Each material has quite a different set of attributes, so the best material for you will depend on what you’re looking for.