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.
What microfiber sheets are made of
"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.
Why thread count does not apply
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.
Microfiber sheet pros
- Soft from day one. Brushed microfiber feels smooth and cozy straight out of the package, with no break-in period.
- Wrinkle and shrink resistant. Polyester holds its shape, so microfiber sheets come out of the dryer looking neat and keep their fit on the mattress.
- Durable. Tightly packed synthetic fibers resist tearing and hold color well through many washes.
- Affordable. Microfiber usually costs less than long-staple cotton, linen or lyocell at a similar comfort level.
- Quick drying and easy care. Synthetic fibers do not absorb much water, so they dry fast and save energy on laundry day.
- Good for kids' rooms and guest beds. Easy care and stain resistance make them practical where sheets get heavy use.
Microfiber sheet cons
- Less breathable. The dense weave traps more body heat than cotton percale, linen or lyocell. Hot sleepers notice it most.
- Less absorbent. Polyester does not soak up moisture the way cotton does, so night sweats can feel clammy rather than wicked away.
- Pilling. Lower-quality microfiber can pill where the body rubs most, especially after hot washes and high-heat drying.
- Static and oil. Synthetic fabric can build static in dry weather and may hold on to body oils, which some people notice as dullness or odor over time.
- Environmental footprint. Microfiber is petroleum based and can shed tiny fibers in the wash.
Microfiber vs cotton sheets
| 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.
Who should buy microfiber sheets?
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.
How to choose a good microfiber sheet set
- Check the weight. A lighter fabric feels cooler; a heavier one feels warmer and plusher.
- Look for brushed or knit construction. Brushing adds softness, while a knit fabric adds stretch that helps sheets hug the mattress.
- Measure pocket depth. Taller mattresses and pillow tops need deep-pocket fitted sheets that will not pop off the corners.
- Read the fiber content. 100 percent polyester is most common; polyester and nylon blends can feel silkier.
How to care for microfiber sheets
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.
Frequently asked questions
Are microfiber sheets good?
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.
Are microfiber sheets hot?
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.
What are microfiber sheets made of?
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.
Do microfiber sheets pill?
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.
Are microfiber sheets better than cotton?
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.
Find sheets that suit how you sleep
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.
