Soft, silky, sumptuous sheets—they’re the reason you never want to leave your bed in the morning and the soft haven that beckons you to sleep each night. So how do you decide between microfiber vs cotton when the material of your bed sheets can make or break your slumber?
The main difference between the two materials is their origins. Microfiber is created from synthetic textiles, while cotton is developed from organic materials. While both materials generally are known for their soft textures and durability, when deciding between microfiber vs cotton bed sheets, the nuances between materials create a greater basis for comparison.
Keep reading to unearth the differences between microfiber vs cotton sheets so that you can choose wisely and sleep soundly.
With a variety of bed sheets to choose from, Casper has something for every preference. Find bed sheets that will suit your slumber.
The difference between microfiber and cotton comes down to substance.
Both materials are utilized for a variety of purposes. From clothing manufacture to —most notably— the production of bed sheets, these two materials jointly reign the textile industry.
Microfiber is a man-made, synthetic material formed through a chemical process. It is composed of materials such as polyester, nylon polymers, or wood pulp. Unlike their natural-fiber counterparts, materials made with microfiber are less prone to shrinking and wrinkling while still maintaining a soft and durable feel.
The production of microfiber began as a cost-effective and easily-massed-produced alternative to natural fibers. Though microfiber was conceived as a cheaper alternative to natural fibers, the textile has evolved into a greatly desired material due to its soft, sleek feel, water and stain resistance properties, and affordability.
Nowadays, there are a variety of microfiber options in the textile industry that range in quality and production techniques. The differences between microfiber materials include the following:
Though derived from humble origins, microfiber has deservedly become a fair competitor against natural fibers sold within the textile industry. Its soft sateen feel, moisture-wicking capabilities, and—above all else—stellar affordability ensure that microfiber will always be a material that consumers love.
Cotton is a natural fiber procured from the cotton plant. Cotton’s use dates back to the fifth millennium B.C. Although it progressively garnered attention throughout history as a widely-used textile, cotton’s true claim to fame came with the rise of the industrial revolution. With the rise of innovative production techniques, cotton’s soft, long, and strong fibers became a star staple in the world of textiles.
As a staple fiber—a material composed of various, differing lengths—cotton is produced by twisting its fibers together in order to form a long, continuous yarn. Known for its softness, durability, breathability, and its capacity to both absorb liquid and hold dye well, cotton has staked its claim as a viable, versatile fabric in the sphere of textile materials.
As the production of cotton has developed throughout time, so has humankind’s innovation of fiber and plant. Today, there are differing genomes of cotton grown and produced throughout the world—each with its own distinct qualities and characteristics—available for consumers to enjoy. The four most popular genomes include:
Following the harvest of the cotton plant, cotton fibers are woven into materials using techniques specific to their desired softness or durability. When searching for cotton products, keep an eye out for these distinctive terms:
In addition to the origin and weave of its cotton fiber, the thread count of cotton determines the textile’s quality as well. Thread count is a measurement of the fineness or coarseness of fabric. When looking for the best cotton sheets, look for a thread count between 200 and 400; any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rough texture, while a thread count of about 400 is most likely an inflated figure that does not equate to softness.
Now that you know what microfiber and cotton are, let’s move on to the question that you really want answered—which is right for you? When deciding on how to buy sheets that are right for you, it’s best to break down how each fabric measures up in a few key categories:
In the debate between microfiber vs cotton sheets, the answer for which is better is highly dependent on individual preference. Quality cotton sheets bolster cotton’s famed breathability, versatility, and sigh-worthy softness. Their eco-friendliness—combined with cotton’s temperature-regulating and hypoallergenic qualities—make high quality cotton sheets a sound investment for any sleeper.
Microfiber, though a synthetic material, does not pale in comparison to other natural fiber materials. Its moisture-wicking and stain-resistant nature, coupled with its silky-satin feel, also make microfiber sheets an excellent choice for sleepers who wish for quality, low-maintenance bedding.
Whatever your choice for material, be it a cotton sheet or microfiber sheet, know that you can’t go wrong if it’s made with quality. At Casper, we are intentional about the materials we use and the impact they will have on your sleep. Casper’s 100% organic cotton bed sheets envelop your bed in soft, crisp fabric for a comfortable, cool, and restful night’s sleep.
Browse our different types of bed sheets today and be one step closer to a cozy night’s sleep.
Visit our blog today for more fabric comparisons like Linen vs Cotton sheets and Percale vs Sateen sheets.
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