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Microfiber sheets are made from ultra-fine polyester fibers that feel soft, resist wrinkles and cost less than premium cotton, but they breathe less. Here is who they suit and how to care for them.
Microfiber sheets are bed sheets woven or knitted from extremely fine synthetic fibers, usually polyester or a polyester and nylon blend. The individual fibers are thinner than a strand of silk, which is what gives microfiber its smooth, soft, slightly peachy hand. They are one of the most common sheet types sold today because they are affordable, wrinkle resistant and easy to care for.
They are also one of the most misunderstood. Some people love them, and some people find them too warm. Which camp you land in depends mostly on how hot you sleep and what you expect sheets to do.
"Microfiber" describes the size of the fiber, not a single material. To qualify, a fiber has to be finer than one denier, a unit that measures fiber thickness. Most microfiber bedding is polyester, sometimes blended with nylon (polyamide) for strength and softness. The fabric is often brushed after weaving or knitting, which raises tiny fibers on the surface and creates that velvety feel.
Because the fibers are so fine, a lot of them can be packed into a small space. That makes the fabric dense, smooth and durable, but it also means there is less room for air to move through, which is the root of the heat question.
Thread count is a cotton and linen measure. Microfiber is usually described by weight instead, in grams per square meter (GSM). Higher GSM means a heavier, denser fabric; lower GSM feels lighter and slightly cooler. If a microfiber sheet set advertises a huge thread count, treat it as marketing. Our guide to what a good thread count is explains why the number only matters for natural fibers.
| Factor | Microfiber | Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Smooth, soft, slightly velvety when brushed | Crisp (percale) or silky (sateen), softens with washing |
| Breathability | Lower | Higher, especially percale |
| Moisture handling | Repels more than it absorbs | Absorbs and releases moisture |
| Wrinkles | Resists wrinkles | Wrinkles more easily |
| Durability | Strong, but cheaper sets can pill | Long-staple cotton lasts for years and improves with age |
| Price tier | Entry-level to mid-range | Mid-range to premium for quality cotton |
| Best for | Cool sleepers, budget buyers, kids, guest rooms | Hot sleepers, people who like a natural fiber |
If you are still deciding on cotton weave, see percale vs sateen. If you want something soft and cooler than microfiber, bamboo-derived and cotton sheets are worth comparing.
Microfiber is a good match if you tend to sleep cool, like a soft and cozy hand, want sheets that stay neat without ironing, or are outfitting a kid's room, guest room or rental. It is also a sensible choice for anyone who wants a comfortable set without paying for premium natural fibers.
It is a weaker match if you sleep hot, experience night sweats, or live in a bedroom without air conditioning. That describes plenty of Los Angeles homes in late summer and early fall. In that case, a breathable cotton percale, linen or lyocell sheet will usually feel better, especially on top of a mattress that already holds some heat, such as dense memory foam.
Wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softener, since softener can coat the fibers and reduce their ability to wick. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly; high heat is the main cause of pilling and can damage synthetic fibers. Washing sheets weekly keeps body oils from building up.
For many people, yes. They are soft, durable, wrinkle resistant and affordable. They are not the best choice for hot sleepers, because they breathe and absorb moisture less than natural fibers.
They tend to sleep warmer than cotton percale, linen or lyocell because the tightly packed fibers limit airflow and do not absorb sweat well. Lighter-weight microfiber and a cool bedroom help, but hot sleepers usually prefer natural or plant-based fibers.
Very fine synthetic fibers, most often polyester and sometimes a polyester and nylon blend. The fibers are finer than one denier, thinner than silk, which is what makes the fabric feel so smooth.
Lower-quality microfiber can pill, particularly with hot washes, high-heat drying and rough fabrics washed alongside them. Washing on gentle, drying on low and choosing a well-made set reduces pilling considerably.
Neither is better for everyone. Microfiber wins on price, wrinkle resistance and softness out of the package. Cotton wins on breathability, moisture handling and long-term comfort. Hot sleepers should lean cotton; cool sleepers and budget buyers often prefer microfiber.
Our showrooms carry Malouf bedding, including soft knit microfiber sheet sets and cooler Tencel lyocell sheet sets for warm sleepers, so you can feel the difference before you buy. Browse our bedding collection, or visit any of our five Los Angeles showrooms to match sheets to your mattress. Not sure your mattress is the right fit either? Take our sleep quiz.
Start with a mattress type that suits how you sleep, then compare the feel in person.
Prices for Queen · Choose options for other sizes
Est. $124.84/month for 6 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 6 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 6-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $749.00 for one selected item by 6 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
How Synchrony deferred interest works
Est. $158.17/month for 6 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 6 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 6-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $949.00 for one selected item by 6 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
How Synchrony deferred interest works
Est. $146.50/month for 6 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 6 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 6-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $879.00 for one selected item by 6 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
How Synchrony deferred interest works
Est. $91.63/month for 24 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 24 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 24-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $2,199.00 for one selected item by 24 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
How Synchrony deferred interest works
Est. $92.42/month for 12 months
Item-price payoff target · excludes taxes and fees.
Synchrony · No interest if paid in full within 12 months. Subject to credit approval.
Interest is charged from the purchase date if not paid in full in time. Minimum monthly payments are required and may not repay the balance in time.
This item price meets the 12-month deferred-interest threshold. We use the longest confirmed period available at this price. Avoiding interest requires paying the promotional balance in full before the deadline. Lender fees can affect total cost; this selection does not establish the lowest total borrowing cost.
This illustration divides the displayed price of $1,109.00 for one selected item by 12 months, rounding up to the next cent. It is not the lender’s required payment or billing schedule. Check the promotional deadline on your statement and pay the full promotional balance before it ends.
Taxes, delivery, recycling charges and any lender promotional fees are excluded. Fees may add to the total borrowing cost. Additional discounts can change plan eligibility and the amount financed. Confirm the final purchase amount and applicable terms with the store before arranging financing.
Credit approval, applicable account terms and purchase eligibility apply.
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