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The Bedding Buying Guide: What Fabric Is Best for Your Sleep Needs?
Choosing the right bedding can make all the difference in creating a comfortable, stylish and relaxing sleep environment for your teen. With so many fabric options available, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each material to ensure you’re picking the best one based on your teen’s sleep preferences and temperature needs. This comprehensive bedding materials guide will help you navigate everything from breathable cotton to eco-minded TENCEL™, so you can choose the perfect option.
Cotton
When it comes to bedding, cotton remains a top contender for many reasons. It’s soft, breathable and durable—ideal for both hot and cold sleepers. Cotton is great for year-round use because it allows airflow while also providing warmth when needed. Look for organic cotton options if sustainability is a key concern and enjoy how easy cotton is to care for with machine-washable convenience.
Best For: All types of sleepers, from teens who run hot to those who prefer a cozy bed year-round.
Temperature Range: Hot to cold.
Feel: Cotton sheets feel smooth and crisp, offering a light, breathable texture that gets softer with every wash.
Percale
If your teen tends to run hot at night, percale sheets are an excellent choice. Known for their crisp, lightweight feel, percale bedding offers a cooler sleeping experience. The tightly woven cotton provides durability while maintaining a smooth, matte finish. Percale is especially ideal in hot temperatures or for those who naturally sleep warm and need extra breathability.
Best For: Hot sleepers or those living in warmer climates.
Temperature Range: Warm to hot.
Feel: Percale feels crisp and cool to the touch, with a lightweight texture that almost floats over the skin—perfect for those who dislike heavy bedding.
Jersey
For teens who love the comfort of their favorite worn-in t-shirt, jersey sheets provide that same cozy, stretchy feel. Made from a cotton blend, jersey sheets offer warmth without being too heavy, making them a great option for those in need of soft bedding during cooler months. However, keep in mind that jersey retains heat, so it may not be the best option for hot sleepers.
Best For: Teens who love soft, casual bedding and sleep in cooler conditions.
Temperature Range: Mild to cool.
Feel: Jersey sheets feel soft and stretchy, providing a snug, cozy sleeping experience.
Flannel
When the colder months hit, flannel bedding is your go-to. With its thick, soft and brushed finish, flannel is perfect for teens who prefer to stay extra warm at night. Its insulation makes it a popular choice in cold temperatures or for those who sleep cold. Flannel sheets are especially cozy in winter, but they can be a bit too warm for those who run hot.
Best For: Cold sleepers or anyone in need of extra warmth during chilly seasons.
Temperature Range: Cool to cold.
Feel: Flannel feels thick, soft and velvety with a warm, brushed surface that hugs you in a cocoon of coziness.
Sateen
If your teen craves a more luxurious feel, sateen sheets offer a silky, smooth texture that’s perfect for those who love a little extra softness. Sateen is made from cotton but features a lustrous weave that feels similar to satin. It’s less breathable than percale, so it’s best suited for cooler temperatures or for teens who tend to sleep cold and enjoy soft, high-thread-count sheets.
Best For: Cold sleepers or teens who love smooth, silky bedding.
Temperature Range: Mild to cool.
Feel: Sateen feels smooth, silky and luxurious, gliding against the skin with a slight sheen that adds an extra touch of elegance.
Microfiber
If you’re looking for low-maintenance bedding, microfiber sheets are a great option. Made from synthetic materials, microfiber is soft, wrinkle-resistant and durable. It’s also great at wicking away moisture, which can benefit hot sleepers. However, microfiber doesn’t breathe as well as natural fabrics, so it’s better for colder months or teens who like a plush, cozy feel.
Best For: Teens who need easy-care bedding.
Temperature Range: Mild to cool.
Feel: Microfiber feels soft and plush, almost velvety to the touch, but may not provide the breathability of natural fabrics, giving it a more insulating feel.
TENCEL™
For the eco-minded family, TENCEL™ bedding offers a sustainable, ultra-soft and breathable option. Made from eucalyptus fibers, TENCEL™ is excellent at wicking away moisture and regulating temperature. It’s perfect for hot sleepers who need bedding that stays cool and fresh all night long.
Best For: Hot sleepers or teens who prioritize eco-minded materials.
Temperature Range: Warm to hot.
Feel: TENCEL™ feels silky-smooth, cool and lightweight, draping over the skin with a softness that’s perfect for hot nights and temperature regulation.
Linen Cotton
Combining the lightweight breathability of linen with the softness of cotton, linen cotton bedding offers a perfect balance for year-round comfort. Linen naturally regulates temperature, making it great for both hot and cold sleepers, while cotton adds an extra layer of softness. This blend is highly durable and gets softer over time, making it a solid pick for stylish, functional bedding.
Best For: All types of sleepers, especially those looking for versatile bedding that works in both warm and cool climates.
Temperature Range: Hot to cold.
Feel: Linen cotton feels textured and breathable, with a relaxed, airy quality that softens with every wash while staying cool and durable.
Finding the right bedding material is key to ensuring your teen’s comfort. From the classic softness of cotton to the luxurious feel of sateen and the eco-minded breathability of TENCEL™, each fabric has unique benefits to offer. By understanding how these materials feel, perform in different temperatures and cater to specific sleep needs, you’ll be better equipped to choose bedding that provides the perfect balance of comfort, durability and style.