Does what you sleep in really matter? Is there some kind of science behind that five-sizes-too-big threadbare t-shirt that you just won’t give up? Does sleeping in your, ahem, birthday suit work for or against you? Are there really bedding fabrics that will help regulate your temperature, and has cotton been dethroned as the king of sheets?
These are the questions I ponder every time I look down at my XXL I Hate Mondays Garfield tee, which I reach for time and time again, even though I have actual pajama shirts and nightgowns. I also wonder, as I slip into my Egyptian cotton percale sheets, why, even though cotton is touted as the fabric to beat all others, I continue to wake up warm in the middle of the night. Could a different fabric improve my sleep?
So, let’s explore our best options when it comes to the fabrics we sleep in and among, shall we?
Silk
There’s no fabric quite like silk. It’s luxurious, soft, cooling, and, well, silky. But it doesn’t stop at surface comfort. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics have another reason to choose silk: it’s hypoallergenic, helping you to breathe better.
Silk also prevents overheating, wicking away moisture and acting as a natural temperature regulator. Not to mention, the long fibers make silk way more durable than other fibers. So while they’re quite the upfront investment, with proper care, they’ll last much longer than other fabrics.
If the idea of investing hundreds of dollars on silk bedding has you apprehensive, test out a silk pillowcase first. Not only is silk better for your skin and hair, but a silk pillowcase serves as a nice test drive before going all in!
A loose silk nightgown is also a way to luxuriate comfortably. It allows much deserved breathing room while making you feel like a 50s movie star. There’s no hurt in that, is there?
Bamboo
Perfect for sustainability buffs and hot sleepers, alike, bamboo is the ultimate sleep fabric. Bamboo absorbs and traps way more moisture than cotton and feels like butter. So if you constantly wake up sweating, give this fabric a shot.
We actually designed our Original and Eden Pillows with a bamboo-derived viscose rayon cover to help with temperature regulation. It’s the real deal.
Cotton
Yes, the comfort of your beloved tattered tee is real. Machine washing and tumble drying on medium and high heat work over time to ease, weaken, and open up fibers. So your tee feels that way because it truly is so well worn—you’re effortlessly breaking in and boosting the comfort of your clothes every time you launder them.
In my opinion, there’s also a sentimental aspect to it. We tend to feel more comfortable and safe when we’re surrounded by the familiar, and what’s more familiar than your favorite old tee?
Linen
Linen has the reputation as the summer fabric for a reason, and good linen cannot be beat—it’s as breathable as it is beautiful. Linen sheet sets and pajamas, while similarly pricey as silk, only get better with age. They can also handle the washer and dryer, just in case you don’t have a clothesline large enough for sheets laying around.
But take our word for it: make sure to look for linen sheets and clothing that have been pre-washed. If not, you’re going to need to wash and wash and wash to get all that scratchiness gone.
Polyester
If you’re seeking cloud-like softness on a budget, it’s polyester you’re after. It’s a great option for kids, guestrooms, and anyone who wants a low maintenance sheet situation. It’s soft, comfortable, and durable enough to handle a normal wash and dry cycle—great for busy families or those who use a laundromat.
If you’re prone to overheating at night, though, we recommend going with bamboo, as polyester is slightly less breathable than its all-natural peers.