The Best Cooling Sheets for Warm Nights

Bestcovery’s Tips for How to Choose the Best Cooling Sheets

As we considered various brands of sheets, we accounted for a number of factors in choosing the best ones for this list, including the material, weave, value for the price, and thread count. We discuss these factors in more detail below.

Consider the Material

The material of a sheet set plays a major role in how cool you sleep at night. Various materials have different properties that impact their breathability, moisture-wicking abilities, and heat retention. Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, and linen are usually the best for creating a cool sleeping experience, thanks to their breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and airflow. These materials allow heat and moisture to escape, so you're not left sweating all night. Our list offers a number of material options.

Pay Attention to the Weave

“Weave” refers to how threads are interlaced and can greatly impact a fabric’s cooling properties. We’ve considered a couple of different weave options in our list. The three common types are percale, sateen, and twill weaves.

Percale weave: Percale is a classic weave with a one-over-one-under pattern. It's lightweight, breathable, and typically has a matte finish. It promotes natural air circulation, which is ideal for keeping you cool.

Sateen weave: Sateen weave has a four-over-one-under pattern, resulting in sheets with a silky feel. They may restrict airflow compared to percale but can still offer cooling properties when made with appropriate materials like cotton or bamboo.

Twill weave: Twill weave has a diagonal pattern and is used infrequently for sheets but has excellent breathability. However, twill weaves can feel heavier and retain more heat compared to percale or sateen.

Know What Price Range You Are Looking For

As we’ve seen, the cost of cooling bed sheets can vary considerably. You can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $300+ on a sturdy, long-lasting set of cooling sheets. We’ve included quality cooling sheet sets from three different price ranges so you can find the features, luxury, and cost-effectiveness you’re looking for. Before shopping, make sure you know your budget so you don’t strain your finances.

Understand the Difference Thread Count Makes

Thread count is defined as how many threads there are per square inch of material. It doesn’t really make a difference in how breathable your sheets are as much as material choice or weave, but it’s useful to know that sheets with a moderate thread count of between 200-400 have a more open weave that lets air easily pass through.

Frequently Asked Questions When Shopping for Cooling Sheets

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic of cooling bed sheets.

How Long Do Sheets Last?

Bed sheets, with proper care, can last for up to two years before they begin to tear, pill, and discolor — although higher-quality sheets, like luxury bamboo and cotton, can last an additional year. With that being said, the frequency with which you replace your sheets really depends on what kind of sheets you have and how well you follow their care instructions.

How Often Should I Change My Sheets?

Your bed sheets should be changed at least once every two weeks — but ideally every week — to ensure a sanitary sleeping environment free of sweat, dust mites, dead skin cells, and so forth. Just keep in mind that washing certain sheet types more frequently can wear them out faster, so it’s a good idea to buy multiple sets so you can have more in the rotation and wash them less frequently.

What Is the Ideal Thread Count for Cooling Sheets?

There’s a common misconception that a high thread count means better cooling properties. High thread count is certainly associated with soft luxury sheets, but super-high thread counts can often contribute to dense fabric that traps heat and contributes to a hotter night of sleep. So for the best sheets to keep you cool, an ideal thread count would be somewhere in the 200-400 range to ensure lightweight construction and ventilation. Remember also that thread count is not the only factor responsible for how hot or cool a set of sheets are. Other factors at play include the fabric, weave, and fiber quality.

Who Should Buy Cooling Sheets?

Anyone who sleeps hot can be a good candidate for sheets that keep you cool, but you may benefit from them even more if you:

- Live in a hot or humid climate
- Are physically active
- Share a bed with someone who has different sleep temperature preferences
- Frequently travel and need high-quality sheets to sleep well
- Have a skin condition (i.e., psoriasis or eczema)
- Are experiencing menopause
- Have a medical condition like hyperhidrosis

What Weave Is Best for Cooling Sheets?

While you could have great results with any of the weaves we discussed above, many cooling sheet connoisseurs prefer the percale weave because of its superior air permeability over the other common weave, sateen. Its “one under, one over” construction is more breathable than the sateen’s “three over, one under,” which tends to trap more warmth. However, it may depend on the season; many users purchase both, using sateen weave cooling sheets in the winter and percale cooling sheets in the summer.

Which Type of Sheets Are Best for Cooling?

Cotton and bamboo sheets have proven to be some of the most breathable bedding materials available. Both are naturally conducive to airflow and are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and keep sleepers comfortable throughout the night. The choice between the two may come down to cost factors and whether or not the sleeper prefers antibacterial properties, which is inherent in bamboo sheets but not cotton. For best results, it is recommended that you use your cooling sheets in conjunction with a cooling pillow, comforter, and bed topper.