What is the Best Material & Thread Count for Cool Sheets?

August 27, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

For many, struggling through a sweaty night’s sleep feels like just another one of life’s curveballs, especially for those in hot, humid climates, buildings with limited AC units and high-powered fans, or whose body temperatures naturally run high. 

Instead of forfeiting your slumber to sweltering heat, reconsider what it is you’re sleeping on and how a small change can make for big improvements. 

Staying comfortable while you sleep starts with a carefully selected set of cooling sheets—that includes material and thread count at the right combination. But do cooling sheets work? Yes! Fabrics like TENCEL™, bamboo, and cotton can do wonders for your nighttime temperature, especially those with a low thread count around 180 to 280 and grid weaves for breathable construction. 

In this guide, you’ll learn more about sheet thread count, material, and how properly designed bed sheets could be the key to a better, cooler night’s sleep. 

Made with a 200 thread count, unique grid weave design, and cooling sheet material, the Hyperlite™Sheets offer the breathability you need for a cool sleep.

Fact or Fiction: The Higher the Thread Count, the Better the Quality?

A higher thread count correlates to a softer sheet, right? While this may sometimes be the case, it shouldn’t be taken as an irrefutable fact. Instead, you’ll want to consider other things like sheet material and weave to be sure you’re getting a sheet that’s not only soft but durable and appropriate for your climate and sleep habits. 

The optimal thread count is different depending on the fabric you choose:

  • Cotton – 400 to 600
  • Bamboo – 250 to 350
  • Linen – 80 to 150

This is because linen is a much lighter material than cotton, therefore the low thread count doesn’t necessarily mean you’re sacrificing on softness. 

So what’s the best thread count to stay cool?

Best Thread Count for Cool Sheets

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night pouring sweat, sitting in a pool of your own perspiration. Though higher temperatures during warm months can sometimes be to blame for this, some sleepers simply have a tendency to sleep hot year-round. Instead of blasting the air conditioning or trying in vain to fast-forward through the summer season, start by paying closer attention to your bed sheet construction. 

Buying a set of bed sheets with a high thread count may not be the best idea when it comes to breathability, because more threads result in a tighter weave and less airy construction. 

If keeping cool is your priority, look for low thread count sheets in the range of 180 to 280. This way, you can be sure your bedding is soft and built to last while also allowing for steady airflow while you sleep. 

Realistically though, it’s impossible to choose a good thread count without considering the fabric type in tandem. Just as there’s no such thing as the perfect thread count across the board, there’s no single material that reigns supreme over bed sheets. There are, however, materials that act as better cooling agents than others. 

Best Sheet Material to Stay Cool 

Bed sheets come in a variety of dimensions, weaves, thread counts, and fabrics. With so many different types of materials—perhaps some more familiar to you than others—it can be hard to know just which one is right for you. 

But what type of sheets are the coolest?

If you find yourself prone to night sweats and are starting to lose sleep because of it, you’ll want to take special care when it comes to choosing quality sheets. What types of sheets are the coolest? Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer to that question since many types of fabrics, thread counts, and weaves provide airflow and absorbency in different ways. However, you will find that some materials are naturally more breathable than others. 

Here’s a list of the top cooling bed sheet materials to consider if you’re usually running too hot for comfort at night:

  • Cotton
  • Silk
  • Microfiber
  • Bamboo 
  • Percale
  • Satin
  • Linen
  • TENCEL Lyocell
  • Rayon

A Closer Look at Casper’s Favorite Sheet Materials

  • TENCEL™ Lyocell: This eco-friendly option is made from wood pulp, meaning it’s biodegradable and can therefore be composted rather than dumped in the trash. It boasts a soft texture and moisture-wicking properties. Casper uses TENCEL™ Lyocell to make our Hyperlite™ Sheets, a great choice for an airy, cool night’s sleep. 
  • Cotton – From Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton to Sateen and Percale, this staple is among the most popular bed sheet materials. It’s known to be durable, smooth in texture, and easy to care for. Depending on the type of cotton sheet, it can be an affordable, breathable option to consider for warmer climates. 

Choosing a set of breathable sheets that helps to regulate your temperature will ultimately come down to personal preference but understanding how sheet construction, design, and fabric work in tandem will guide you toward the best choice for yourself. 

Weave: An Important Factor to Consider

Beyond thread count and fabric, you’ll want to have a look at a sheet’s weave. The weave is what contributes to the feel of your bedding and, in part, its breathability. The ratio of vertical to horizontal threads constitute a sheet’s weave and can make a noticeable difference when it comes to its apparent lightness or heaviness.

What are some of the most well-known weaves on the market? Here’s a look at a couple you’re likely to come across. 

  • Sateen – A weave that often comes with a heavier feel, the Sateen weave is generally more suited to colder climates. 
  • Percale – A durable cotton weave that allows for ample airflow, the construction type of a Percale weave provides a lightweight option that is soft but also ideal for high temperatures and hot sleepers.

Thanks to the unique grid weave of our cooling bedding, Casper’s Hyperlite™ Sheets are seven times more breathable than other Percale constructions on the market. As evidenced by these impressive results, a bedsheet’s weave can significantly enhance the existing breathability and lightweight feel of the bedding, especially when combined with the optimal thread count and best cooling fabric for sheets. 

Keep Cool with Casper

By now you’ve learned that high thread count doesn’t necessarily mean quality sheets nor that it has overnight cooling abilities. Instead, it’s all about pairing the right thread count with an ergonomic design and appropriate material, striking the perfect balance between comfort, durability, and coolness. 

For the coolest night’s sleep, go to bed with Casper’s Hyperlite™ Sheets. These quality sheets are made with:

  • 100% TENCEL Lyocell for a naturally lightweight, breathable feel
  • A one-of-a-kind grid weave design for increased airflow and therefore comfort
  • 200 thread count for enhanced softness without sacrificing durability 

Plus, these exceptionally breathable sheets come in an assortment of colors, sizes, and bundles. 

Derived from sustainable sources and interwoven with vent-like structures from top to bottom, the Hyperlite™ Sheet is Casper’s best option for warm summer months or for people who tend to sleep hot no matter the season. 

Ready to stay cool at night? Shop Casper’s Hyperlite™ Sheets today. 

Related Content: 

Do Cooling Mattresses Work?

Sources: 

  1. Good Housekeeping. Does the Thread Count of Your Sheets Matter? Bedding Experts Reveal the Truth. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/a27494227/best-thread-counts-for-sheets/