How to choose bed sheets: fabric and comfort
The video introduces first steps in choosing bed sheets, including fabric feel and comfort. The article also covers other bedding pieces; check size and care instructions for each item.
By Wayfair · Video language: English
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Start with what you need
Before comparing sets, think about the bedding you already own. Does it feel comfortable at first but too warm later? Does the fitted sheet slip off at the corners? Has frequent washing made the fabric rough? Each answer points to a different feature to check: fabric construction, sheet depth or finishing quality.
Personal preference matters. If you like a dry, slightly crisp feel, you may prefer percale. If you enjoy a smooth, soft fabric that drapes easily, you may prefer cotton sateen. Treat feel as a personal preference rather than a complete measure of quality.
Distinguish fibre from weave
Cotton, linen and polyester are materials. Percale and sateen are weaves. Asking “cotton or sateen?” mixes two categories: sateen bedding can be made from cotton. Fiber content influences how the fabric behaves, while the weave adds structure and appearance.
Start with the full fibre composition, then check the weave and thread count. A description such as “cotton feel” does not replace a statement of the actual cotton percentage.
For more information on the subject: Percale vs. cotton sateen: the same fiber, a different feel.
Check the fit of each component
Measure the length, width and height of the mattress, including an extra comfort layer. Compare the height of the mattress to the depth of the pocket of the sheet, and not just to the width listed on the set. Measure the duvet and pillows separately: a double set does not guarantee that the duvet cover fits your duvet.
Also check the closure and the seams. A comfortable opening in the duvet cover, reinforced buttons and continuous elastic in the sheet may affect daily use more than a high number in the product title.
Before you decide
Read the washing and drying instructions before choosing. Delicate care does not suit every household routine. If possible, feel a sample and inspect the reverse and seams. Ask about shrinkage and the return policy, especially when you cannot feel the fabric before ordering.
Start with three requirements you do not want to compromise on: the right size, a feel you like and care requirements you can manage. Then compare products that meet all three.
Small details worth checking in the store
Fabric weight, the duvet-cover fastening and the type of sheet all affect everyday use. Check whether the cover is easy to put on, whether the fitted sheet suits your mattress height and whether you can follow the care instructions at home.
Do not assume that a two-layer fabric, a higher thread count or a higher price guarantees better quality or durability. Ask for the selected product’s specification and compare its seams and dimensions alongside the feel of the fabric.
Example: bedding for a thick mattress and frequent washing
Let's say your mattress is thick, you wash often and don't have time for delicate care. In that case, start with the depth of the pocket and the drying instructions, and only then choose between the sensations. There's no point in falling in love with a fabric whose sheet comes loose every night or that doesn't fit the way you wash.
If several sets meet your sizing and care needs, compare percale and cotton sateen with similar fibre content. Decide whether you prefer a crisp fabric that holds its shape or a smoother surface. If you tend to feel warm, consider fabric weight, density and the other layers on your bed too.
The result is not a general ranking of the "best bedding", but a short list that suits you. You can return to the same method even when the budget or the season changes.
Which part covers what?
The size of the mattress does not determine the size of the blanket or pillow. Each part of the set is chosen according to the item it wraps.
Sources and scope
Source check: September 15, 2026. The information was checked against the sources listed here. The selection tips help you compare options; they are not based on hands-on product tests by MyViro.
Comparison according to your preference
| what is important to you | What should you check? | What not to infer |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp touch and matte appearance | Cotton percale, fabric weight and finish | All percale feels the same |
| Smooth feel with subtle shine | Sateen and the exact fiber content | Satin means silk |
| Natural texture and loose look | Linen or linen blend | A wrinkle is necessarily a defect |
| Simple maintenance | Blends or microfiber with clear instructions | Every synthetic fabric is the same |
| A warm and enveloping touch | Flannel, a brushed finish and the bed’s layers | Warmer fabric is of better quality |
By MyViro.
The content explains textile characteristics and is not the result of a product test in a laboratory. How we prepare our guides
Illustrative photos on this page were created with AI.
