How to Choose the Perfect Bed Sheet
This quiz was independently created by wikiHow and sponsored by Tuft & Needle. Never underestimate how important the right sheets can be for a great night’s sleep! If you feel like your bedding could be more comfortable and your sleep more restful, you’ve come to the right place.
From the classic cotton percale sheet to a warm, fuzzy flannel, there are many different sheet options to suit your personal sleep style—we’re here to help you sort through all of the details. Answer a few simple questions, and we’ll tell you what type of bedsheet fabric could be the best fit for you.
Questions Overview
- Cool—I’m definitely a hot sleeper.
- Warm—I get cold easily!
- Not too cool or warm—I want something in between!
- Soft and fuzzy!
- Soft but still smooth.
- Super fine and sleek.
- Crisp and light!
- I prefer elegant, solid colors.
- I want neutral tones that match everything.
- Give me all the patterns!
- I care more about function than aesthetics!
- Yes! I’d totally prefer bright-colored sheets.
- I wasn’t looking for dopamine decor, but I’m open to it!
- No, I don’t need dopamine decor.
- As little as possible, honestly.
- Shorts and a tank.
- Long pants and top.
- It changes based on the time of year.
- A good night’s sleep is important—I can splurge!
- I want quality but don’t want to break the bank.
- I’m looking for a bargain—I have a tight budget!
- Breathability
- Luxuriousness
- Warmth
- Durability
- Plush, elegant, and soft against my skin.
- Cozy, cozy, cozy! Lots of pillows, blankets, and warmth.
- Relaxed and casual—maybe even a little rustic.
- Well-kept, neat, and breezy, like a fresh breath of air.
- As light as possible!
- Fairly light.
- Medium—not too light, not too heavy.
- Heavier, please!
- Very important!
- It’s a perk, but comfort comes first.
- Not important at all.
More Quizzes
Comparing Sheet Materials: A Closer Look
Percale
Percale is a type of bedsheet fabric, but it actually refers to the weave used to make the sheet—not the fabric. A sheet’s weave can affect its look, feel, and how it’s made! So, when you see percale, that means its thread is woven with a one-over-one-under pattern. Percale sheets are usually made with cotton, but not exclusively—so if you want cotton, be sure to check the material type when you buy percale sheets.
The “one-over-one-under” weave in percale makes it super breathable and light, making it an ideal sheet for anyone who gets hot easily or lives somewhere warm. Here’s a simple summary of percale sheets:
- Feel: Crisp and cool
- Weight: Light
- Durable: Yes
- Style: Percale sheets give any bed a neat, polished look
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Maintenance: Machine-washable; can be ironed occasionally
Linen
Linen is unique in that it can naturally regulate the temperature of sleepers while also being a little heavier (and great for making a cosy sleeping space) than percale or sateen. The fabric itself is made from the stems of flax plants—and because of the loose weave used to make linen sheets, it also has a soft, textured feel that some people may prefer to perfectly smooth sheets—and it’ll get progressively softer every time it’s washed.
Linen is prone to wrinkling, but that doesn’t detract from its style; rather, linen just has a more casual and homey aesthetic. Here’s a simple summary of linen sheets:
- Feel: Airy and textured
- Weight: Medium
- Durable: Yes
- Style: Linen sheets offer a rustic and relaxed look
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Maintenance: Machine-washable, though air-drying is best
Sateen
Sateen is another type of cotton fabric (like percale); it just has a different weave pattern. When making sateen sheets, the fabric is woven with a three-over, one-under pattern; this makes the sheets feel buttery-smooth and even gives them a slight sheen. These sheets definitely have a luxurious feel, and the way they’re woven also gives them more vibrant colors. And, while sateen isn’t too heavy, it’s very cozy and warm for cold sleepers.
Here’s a simple summary of sateen sheets:
- Feel: Extra-smooth and silky
- Weight: Slightly heavier
- Durable: Yes
- Style: Sateen sheets give beds an elegant, classic vibe
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Maintenance: Machine-washable, though hang-drying is best
Flannel
Flannel sheets are also typically made with cotton, just like percale and sateen—though they can also be made with wool, fiber blends, and synthetic fibers (like polyester). Flannel is much heavier and fluffier than the other sheets mentioned here (percale, linen, sateen, and hemp) because it undergoes a “napping” process after being woven. That means the fabric is brushed to raise the fine fibers, giving flannel its trademark texture and softness.
The napped texture of flannel is also designed to trap body heat, making it ideal for cool sleepers. Here’s a simple summary of flannel sheets:
- Feel: Warm and fluffy
- Weight: Heavier
- Durable: Yes
- Style: Flannel sheets give off cozy, homey, and inviting vibes
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Maintenance: Machine-washable, though air-drying is best
Hemp
In terms of sheets, hemp is a material type (rather than a type of weave). Hemp is a natural plant fiber and is quite a bit stronger than linen or cotton! It can naturally regulate temperature, which means it’ll work for any time of year, and it’s highly breathable, so the sheets can feel light and airy. Hemp can be a bit stiffer than other sheets at first, but that goes away with use. It even has antibacterial properties—go figure!
Here’s a simple summary of hemp sheets:
- Feel: Textured and slightly rough, but softer over time
- Weight: Medium
- Durable: Extremely
- Style: Hemp sheets look similar to linen, with a relaxed drape and appearance
- Maintenance: Machine-washable, though air-drying is best
Want to learn more?
For more information about bed sheets and their fabrics, check out the following sources:
