These are the best bed sheets for your sleep personality
When we’re on the hunt for the dreamiest set of bed sheets, we chat a lot about thread count and quality and material—but there’s one factor many fail to mention: your sleep personality. The truth is, many of us have very different opinions on what the ultimate set of bed sheets should feel like. Some like to wrap themselves in soft, cuddly flannel, while others prefer lightweight, ultra-breathable cotton. To find your dream bed sheets and get the best night’s sleep possible, you’ll have to start by identifying your own sleep personality.
You may already know your sleep personality (I’ll take a crisp percale over a silky sateen any day!), but if you’re not sure, the questions below can help guide you. From there, check out our bed sheet recommendations below, arranged by personality type.
Do you often wake up hot or sweating in the middle of the night?
Close your eyes and think of adjectives that describe your favorite bedding. What words come to mind? (Is it “smooth” or “soft” or “lightweight” or “comforting” or “velvety”?)
Do you switch out your bedding between winter and summer? (Your sleep personality may shift with the seasons.)
On a scale from crisp to silky, how do you like your bed sheets to feel?
Do you want your sheets to feel ultra-soft from day one, or are you okay with the process of breaking them in?
1Best for: Those who sleep hot
About you: You love the classics, and to you, a good bed sheet has to be made of breathable, lightweight cotton (no synthetics around here, please!).
Your dream bedding: When we think of the quintessential cotton bed sheet, it’s likely percale we’re dreaming of. It’s known for being light and breathable, so it will keep you cool, even through the hottest nights of summer. Percale is smooth to the touch, but not as buttery as sateen. And while it’s crisp, it’s not as robust and durable as linen. In terms of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, percale lands right in the middle, it’s “just right.”
Shop it! $200 per sheet set, snowe.com
2Best for: Fans of buttery smooth sheets
About you: Sheets that are silky smooth are a must for you. You want a set that feels timeless, luxurious. Synthetic fibers need not apply.
Your dream bedding: A tighter weave of cotton than percale, sateen is exceptionally smooth to the touch. But because they’re crafted from 100 percent cotton, they’re still breathable. These will give your bed that five-star hotel vibe.
Shop it! $219 per set, brooklinen.com
3Best for: Those who want breathable sheets that last forever
About you: You’re all about natural materials and things that last. You don’t mind the process, and believe good sheets (like good wines and cast iron pans) get better with age. You like a crisp, breathable bed sheets. And for those who care about how a bed looks just as much as how it feels: Linen is a timeless classic and comes in some of the prettiest shades (look for pale blues, blush, and soft grays).
Your dream bedding: While brand new linen can feel almost too crisp, it will get softer with age and after several washes, and is known for its durability. Linen is often recommended for summer bedding, because the looser cotton weave makes linen breathable.
Shop it! $419 for full sheet set, parachutehome.com
4Best for: Those who like soft sheets (and dream of a good deal)
About you: You’re never going to be able to sleep soundly on a set of sheets you paid too much for. You want the perfect blend of affordability and comfort, but natural fibers and luxurious details are less important to you.
Your dream bedding: Tens of thousands of Amazon reviewers agree: These top-rated microfiber sheets are soft and comfortable, and surprisingly breathable for synthetic fiber bedding. The $30 price seals the deal.
Shop it! $30, amazon.com
5Best for: Those who like cozy sheets that feel lived-in
About you: You love bed sheets that feel like you’re sleeping in your most worn-in T-shirt. For you, comfort is king. You’ll give up some breathability in favor of bedding that’s ultra-soft and drapes around you.
Your dream bedding: Cotton jersey sheets are a popular choice for college dorms, but who says you can’t stick with this comforting bedding as an adult? Jersey is soft to the touch and comforting to snuggle up in. Bonus: This set is incredibly affordable.
Shop it! From $35, amazon.com
6Best for: Snuggly sleepers who don’t mind warmth
About you: Your ideal bed sheets are soft and cuddly. You love to fall asleep wrapped up in warm bedding, yet rarely wake up overheated. You might switch out to cooler bedding in the summer—or if the AC is cranked up, you’ll happily snuggle up in this cozy set all year long.
Your dream bedding: Opt for flannel, which is thicker and warmer than other bed sheets. Plus, this set is brushed on both sides for extra softness.
Shop it! $50 for flat sheet, llbean.com
7Best for: Those With Allergies or Sensitive Skin
About you: All-natural and chemical-free is the way to be. You may have sensitive skin or allergies, and want eco-friendly bedding that’s gentle on your skin and the environment.
Your dream bedding: Made from unbleached organic cotton and natural indigo dye, this Japanese sheet set is naturally antibacterial and contains no chemicals. It’s the perfect balance of soft and crisp.
Shop it! $75 for top sheet, aizome.me
This story originally appeared on RealSimple.com by Katie Holdefehr.
