The Best Microfiber Bed Sheets

Ever since it hit the market, microfiber fabric has climbed to the top of the ranks in go-to bedding essentials – and for good reason. Microfiber material makes some of the best sheets because they utilize highly durable and tightly woven fibers to create a soft and luxurious sleeping environment.

But with the number of microfiber sheet sets on the market today, trying to pick the best set can be pretty time-consuming. Check out our picks of the four best microfiber bed sheets you can buy:

Best Microfiber Bed Sheets

• Best Overall Microfiber Sheets – Mellanni Bed Sheet Set
• Best Design – 1500 Supreme Collection Extra Soft Sheets
• Best Cooling Microfiber Sheets – AmazonBasics Light-Weight Microfiber Sheet Set
• Best Luxury Microfiber Sheets – 1800 Series Premium Bed Sheets Set

What are Microfiber Sheets?

Microfiber bed sheets are composed of tightly woven and highly durable man-made fibers. Microfiber got its name because of the thickness – but really the thinness – of the fibers that make up the fabric. In fact, the fibers that make up microfiber bed sheets are finer than silk, which is known to be one of the finest natural fibers around.

The thickness of a fiber is measured in deniers – a high denier points to a higher thickness, while a low denier points to a low thickness. For a material to be called microfiber, it must have a diameter of less than 1 denier, while fine silk measures at 1.25 deniers. While most microfiber bed sheets are made of polyester, they can be made of nylon or other synthetic fabrics, as long as the fibers are finer than 1 denier in diameter. 

Because the fibers are so thin and tightly woven, microfiber sheets are known for their softness. These sheets feel great to lay on and even get picked over cotton and silk for their super soft and cozy feel. Microfiber bed sheets are also known for their durability and affordability.

Why Buy Microfiber Sheets?

They are light enough to be used by even the hottest of sleepers yet they are insulating enough to make them the perfect bed sheet for the winter. In addition, this popular fabric is extremely affordable, so microfiber sheets are a great option for any sleeper on a budget. With all the benefits to microfiber, it really is clear why they have remained one of the most popular fabrics in bedding.

The Pros and Cons of Microfiber Bed Sheets: 

Pros

• Affordability. Because they’re made from a man-made material, microfiber sheets are far more affordable than natural fabrics like silk or cotton. Producers do not have to worry about growing, harvesting, spinning, and weaving, like they do with natural fabrics; therefore, you are left with a high-quality bed sheet at a fraction of the cost. 
• Durability. Microfiber sheets are composed of tightly woven microfibers. As long as those microfibers are of a good quality, the sheet becomes more durable as the fibers are woven together. 
• Ease of care. While microfiber does not repel liquids completely, it takes a bit of time for a liquid to become absorbed into the sheet because of how tightly woven the fibers are. If you spill liquid on a microfiber bed sheet, you can simply wipe it away if you are fast enough. Another benefit to the care of these sheets is that they are machine-washable and they can be thrown in your drier. Finally, they are wrinkle-free, so you won’t have to worry about ironing.
• Softness. Microfiber sheets are known for how soft and smooth they are. Mostly everyone who tries them out ends up raving about how luxurious they are to sleep in.

Cons

• Not environmentally friendly. Microfiber sheets are not made from a natural fiber, which means they are not a renewable resource. In addition, these sheets are not biodegradable. Both polyester and nylon fibers are made from petrochemicals, something that negatively impacts the environment. 
• Breathability. With microfiber sheets being made of tightly woven, man-made fibers, these sheets do not breathe well. Unfortunately for hot sleepers, this means that microfiber sheets tend to keep heat inside and may not be the best choice for you.
• May irritate skin. Man-made fibers often bother people with sensitive skin, so if you have skin issues like eczema or your skin simply gets irritated easily, this type of sheet may not be suitable for you.

How to choose the best microfiber bed sheets

When you are shopping for microfiber sheets, take the following information into consideration:

Grams per square meter (GSM)

Microfiber sheets are not measured in thread count, they’re measured in grams per square meter, or GSM. Typically, the GSM of microfiber bed sheets is somewhere between 50 and 120. The higher the GSM, the heavier the sheet, and the lower the GSM, the thinner the sheet.  Keep in mind, a high GSM does not indicate that the sheet is of a better quality, that all depends on the material used. 

Thread count comparison

Although there is no thread count, many microfiber sheets add a number to their description, such as 1800. This number does not represent a thread count or the GSM. Instead, what that seller is saying is that the sheet has a feel of an 1800 thread count.

Pricing

Don’t pick the cheapest option out there. While microfiber sheets are very affordable, that doesn’t mean you want to get the least expensive option. All microfiber is not made the same. The lower priced options are not always using quality fibers to make their sheets.

FAQs

Are microfiber sheets good quality? 

Microfiber (which includes polyester and nylon) is made up of tightly woven fibers, which makes it exceptionally strong and durable. But the fabric is also surprisingly soft and comfortable. Microfiber also repels dust and airborne allergens. Good quality microfiber sheets will hold up better than traditional cotton sheets, but they are not as breathable as cotton.  

How do I choose a microfiber sheet?

High-quality microfiber sheets are strong, durable, and soft. But there are low-quality ones on the market that rip easily and just won’t hold up over time. One way to check to see if microfiber is high quality is by holding it up to the sunlight. When you stretch out the fabric, you should not see the light pass through the tightly woven fibers. If you do, it’s not high-quality microfiber. 

How well do microfiber sheets hold up? 

With good care, a good quality microfiber sheet set can last years. High-quality microfiber is strong and durable and should hold up well through several washes. 

Summary

Compare the best microfiber sheets below:

Like all bedding accessories, it’s critical to consider every single detail when trying to find sheets that work for you. When it comes to bedding, everyone has different preferences on softness, texture, breathability, and durability.

Make sure that you take your time to discover what kind of sheet works best for you and start getting the best night’s sleep possible.