Polyester or Microfiber—Which Is Better for Bed Sheets?

Polyester and microfiber are comfortable fabrics used as sheets. However, there are some key differences between these fabrics that you need to know before choosing your next set of sheets. In general, microfiber sheets have better breathability, while polyester sheets have better durability.

We spoke to two bedding experts about materials to find out everything you need to know, from choosing the right fabric to buying your bedding. Read on to find out what they had to say.

What Is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum products that is inexpensive and easy to clean. Its disadvantages include a rougher texture and lack of breathability, which makes it uncomfortable for hot sleepers.

What is microfiber?

Microfiber is a kind of upgrade from polyester. This is another type of synthetic material made from a mixture of polyester and nylon. Its composition makes it a little more expensive, breathable and waterproof. It is also smoother, softer and lighter.
Advantages and disadvantages

Polyester Sheet

“Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum and petroleum products,” said Torun Hannam, founder of The Bamboo Shop. “Polyester fabric is inexpensive to produce and is one of the most popular textile fabrics in the world. [However] 100% polyester in clothing and bedding has increased in popularity in recent decades. It is being phased out and mixed with natural fabrics instead. like cotton for added softness and breathability.”

Microfiber Sheets
The fabric has two main types of weave: flat weave and split weave. And you can usually tell the difference by touch. Split weaves tend to stick more to your fingers. In a split weave, the fibers are separated to create a smoother, thread-rich material that is better at absorbing moisture. “That’s why spun microfiber is popular in sportswear, as well as cleaning products like mops and wipes,” shares Hunnam.

Polyester and microfiber for sheets.
Popular
In terms of commonly used fabrics, polyester is the most popular and has been widely used since the 1950s. However, microfiber has become popular as an inexpensive option or alternative to polyester or cotton.

Quality
Microfiber is considered an improved version of polyester because it is a mixture of polyester and other fibers. However, the question of quality is subjective since they are largely equal. For some people, the feeling of lightness is more important than life expectancy.

Appease
Microfiber is softer and more comfortable than polyester. Because of its weave, polyester appears rougher and more artificial. It may still be smooth, but it doesn’t have the luxurious softness that microfiber can achieve.

According to Hannam, “Microfiber and polyester are similar in many ways. Microfiber is usually made from polyester, nylon, polyamide and other additives. The main difference is that microfiber, as the name suggests, is made from 0.7 ultra-fine fibers. a thread of silk one denier in size, about one-fifth the diameter of a human hair.”

Reliability
Microfiber is a more important material. “Microfiber bedding is more durable than polyester bedding due to the split weave method,” shares Steven Light, co-owner of Nolah Mattress. “The split weave allows the microfiber fabric to have higher tensile strength than traditional polyester fabric.”

However, polyester is more durable than microfiber in terms of wear and tear. Microfiber has finer fibers and is not as durable as polyester.

Clean
Polyester is a fabric that is easy to wash. It resists wrinkles and shrinkage, makes it easy to wash and is essential for everyday bedding.

Fresh air
If you sleep hot or live in a warm place, polyester is probably not the best choice. However, if you need something for warmth or insulation, polyester will help retain your body’s natural heat.

“Polyester is known for its opacity (think skinny shirts from the 70s),” says Hunnam. [This makes] it a poor choice for sheets. Microfiber is more breathable than polyester, but cannot compete with natural materials such as cotton, linen or bamboo.”

Environmental friendliness
Both materials are not environmentally friendly. Both types of textiles contribute to environmental pollution. According to Hannam, “microfiber has the added downside of contributing to the growing microplastic problem in our oceans and waterways.”

Value
“The price of microfiber fabric is higher than polyester fabric because the manufacturing process for ultra-thin microfiber fabric is much more complex,” shares Hannam. “However, both materials are cheaper than natural fibers.”

Polyester Sheets or Microfiber Sheets: Which is Better?
Depending on where you live and the temperature, you will have different preferences and needs when it comes to bedding. The ability to wick moisture and keep you warm and cool overall is important if you sleep sweaty. In this case, the polyester may overheat.
If you’re looking for something softer and lighter, microfiber is the way to go, but be mindful of the “stickiness” or static properties of this synthetic material. Polyester is the right choice if your two main needs are low cost and long lasting sheets.

Hunnam recommends prioritizing breathability when you’re looking for the perfect sheet. “Look for 100% natural materials and avoid synthetic materials and blends that can make you sweat and overheat,” she shares. If you’re concerned about staying breathable and cool while you sleep, consider switching to natural materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo.