Close to 40% of people are not getting enough sleep at night. Numerous studies have proven that a lack of sleep can lead to a number of health problems. But fixing your sleep can be complicated. Do you wear a sleep monitor? Do you visit a sleep expert? Or do you start small by fixing your sleep space?
One of the easiest ways to try to improve your sleeping situation is making your bed into the best bed for you personally. After securing the perfect mattress for your bed, the next step is outfitting that bed with the best bedding. This comes down to finding the right set of sheets for your sleep. But with so many options on the market, it can be quite confusing. Does thread count matter? Does the material matter more than the thread count? Does a higher price mean better sheets?
At AmongMen we are here to make things easier for you. First off, anything over 300 thread count is plenty for your purposes. A higher thread count does not necessarily mean softer or better sheets.) Instead, we suggest focusing on the actual material used for your sheets. And each material is better for different types of sleepers.
For the hot sleeper: Bamboo is best
Bamboo sheets are popular for their exceptional softness, superior cooling and sustainability. They are ideal for hot sleepers because they are highly breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic (which means they are also resistant to odour). Bamboo is also eco-friendly, as it requires no pesticides and less water to grow compared to cotton. These sheets are also great for those with sensitive skin because they are extra soft, often feeling like a more luxurious silk fabric.
Notably, bamboo sheets can be nominally more expensive than regular cotton sheets. They also require a little more care when washing; it is recommended to wash bamboo sheets in cold water (without any fabric softener) and tumble dry on low. And if you want a crisp looking bed, these aren’t for you as they tend to wrinkle more than sateen or percale.
* Check out 100% Rayon derived from Bamboo Cooling Sheets from Bedsure for the perfect bamboo bedding.
The classic crisp cotten bed: Percale
Percale bedding is known for being crisp and breathable, making it great for hot sleepers and warmer climates. Percale sheets are primarily made from high-quality, long-staple cotton (such as Egyptian or Pima) designed with a tight, one-over-one-under weave technique that creates their signature crisp, clean and matte-finish. This is the type of bedding that high-end hotels use to ensure a crisp white bed every time. Percale is highly durable so we recommend looking for a 200-400 thread count for maximum breathability (and strength).
But be warned. These sheets can feel rather stiff (and sometimes even scratchy to some) at first but soften over time. Percale may start off looking crisp but is also notorious for wrinkling quickly. We recommend removing percale sheets from the dryer immediately to avoid the need to iron or steam them. Although ironing will be required if you are a type-A personality who wants a perfectly smooth (and wrinkle-free) bed.
* We love the Percale Cotton Signature sheets from Silk & Snow.
A softer, silkier bed: Sateen sheets
Sateen is a softer yet heavier bedding option that offers a luxurious feel, suiting cooler climates due to its denser weave. They are often made from 100% combed or carded cotton, using a specialized “four-over-one-under” satin weave to create a soft, smooth, and slightly lustrous finish. This means that sateen bedding feels great on your (and her) bare skin. Further, these sheets are more resistant to wrinkles than bamboo or percale, ensuring smooth-looking bedding almost all the time.
Of note, the heavier weave makes them less breathable than other sheets. Therefore, these are not recommended for warm sleepers. Due to the manufacturing process, these sheet sets also come with a bit more of a shine or sheen (which can feel slippery to some). Finally, sateen is often a bit pricier than percale bedding.
* Our favourites come from Canadian brand Tuck bedding. Their classic Sateen sheet sets are made from a combination of Egyptian cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers.
For a relaxed luxury bed: Linen bedding
Linen sheets are considered the best for their superior breathability, exceptional durability, and natural moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for temperature regulation and hot sleepers. Made from natural flax fibers, they are hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. They often feel a bit stiff or scratchy when you first purchase them but become softer with each and every wash. Linen is luxurious yet durable. Although linen bedding can be significantly more costly than a cotton or bamboo, it is a long-lasting investment; linen is considered 30% stronger than cotton.
Be warned: linen sheets will always look naturally wrinkled (just like your linen shirts) but we say: embrace that natural relaxed look. Also be sure to wash in cold water and tumble dry on low (or even better, hang to dry) to ensure the sheets don’t shrink and last longer.
* We recommend the Washed European Linen Sheets from Brooklinen for their value and range of colours and prints.
Need more better sleep tips? Check out our better sleep guide.
