5 Best Microfiber Sheets for an Incredibly Soft Bed

Microfiber sheets are made with extremely fine (or "micro") strands of polyester, making them different from your typical polyester fabric. These sheets are ideal for someone who loves a silky soft sheet rather than a crisp sheet. The thin synthetic fibers give microfiber sheets their buttery smooth feel, and polyester is often durable, so you can expect them to last.

Microfiber sheets also tend to have excellent drape, as opposed to cotton which tends to be more structured. For some, this soft and drapey quality can make the sheets feel too thin or flimsy. Because they are made with polyester they also tend to be less expensive, making them a great value for those that want a soft yet durable sheet.

The key difference between microfiber and cotton sheets is the fiber they're made with. As described above, microfiber sheets are made from thin strands of polyester, whereas cotton is a naturally-grown fiber. 100% cotton sheets are most popular, though sometimes cotton is blended with other fibers like polyester or viscose to make the sheet's fabric.

Microfiber sheets are usually smoother than their cotton counterparts and they also tend to be less expensive. Microfiber sheets in our tests were typically more resistant to wrinkles, shrinkage and pilling. Cotton sheets, on the other hand, feel more luxurious and substantial than microfiber. They’re ideal for people who prefer a natural, crisp feel or for those who are looking for organic sheets since microfiber is not considered a sustainable fabric.

Our tests have shown that microfiber sheets do live up to their hype for being soft and affordable. That being said, they're not for everyone. Here's what to consider when deciding if they're right for you:

PROS

• Inexpensive: Microfiber sheets are ideal for people on a budget because you can easily find options in the $20-$30 price range.
• Soft: You have to feel them to truly understand just how soft they feel, but most of our testers describe them as "buttery soft."
• Durable and shrink resistant: Synthetic fibers like polyester typically hold up to laundering and wear and tear better than natural fibers like cotton.
• Smoother appearance: Another perk of using a synthetic is that it doesn't crease or wrinkle as most cotton sheets.

CONS

• Thinner: For some that are used to thick cotton fabrics, microfiber sheets may feel flimsy.
• Too smooth: If you prefer a crisp feel or just don't like to sleep on an ultra-soft surface, these likely won't be the right sheets for you.
• Less breathable: Because the fibers are packed in, they aren't as airy as some cotton weaves.
• Not sustainable: Polyester is made from petroleum, and microfibers have been linked to ocean pollution.

When we test microfiber sheets, they go through rigorous Lab and consumer testing to evaluate strength, pilling, shrinkage, wrinkle-resistance, softness and more.

To test the sheet's strength, we use a specialized machine (called an Instron), which pulls fabric swatches until they break and tells us the strength of each sheet. We also use an abrasion machine that rubs two fabrics swatches together to mimic tossing and turning on the sheets, as well as regular wear and tear. We reference textile industry standards to visibly score the signs of pilling.

Each sheet is repeatedly washed and dried according to its care label and gets scored multiple times on both shrinkage and how it looks after being laundered. Immediately after the sheet is dried, it’s taken to our standardized lighting room and visually measured for wrinkles and creases following industry standards.

Not only do our sheets go through many lab tests, but we also use a consumer panel to help us assess which sheets are the softest and most comfy on the market. After the sheets are laundered to remove any leftover finishes from production, dozens of consumer testers feel each fabric in a blind comparison test and score each one. Lastly, all the scores are tabulated to give a final overall score.

Not necessarily. If you’re already a hot sleeper or sweat at night then you may benefit more from cooling sheets that are specifically designed to wick moisture away and prevent overheating. However, most people who slept on microfiber sheets in our tests didn’t report feeling hot; in fact, many said they remained at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night. If you’re concerned about sleeping on polyester because of overheating, consider this: Most workout clothing you wear while exercising is made of polyester.

Believe it or not, thread count does not matter for microfiber sheets. You may see thread counts over 1,500 labeled on microfiber sheets, but that doesn't mean they're higher quality. Thread count is simply the number of yarns per square inch of fabric, and microfiber can squeeze in a high number because its fibers are purposely made to be tiny.