Best Bed Sheet Materials for Summer: Stay Cool All Night

The right sheets can make or break your summer sleep. If you're waking up drenched or tossing the covers off every hour, your sheets are likely part of the problem.

This guide covers the best bed sheet materials for staying cool, who each one is best for, and what to look for when you're shopping.

02What Actually Makes Sheets Cooling?

Not all "cooling" claims are equal. The three real factors are:

• Breathability — does the fabric let air move through?
• Moisture-wicking — does it pull sweat away from your skin?
• Thermal neutrality — does the material absorb or radiate heat?

Natural fibers generally outperform synthetics on all three. Tight weaves trap heat regardless of fiber type — this is why thread count matters less than people think.

03Best Bed Sheet Materials for Summer

1. Linen

Best for: True hot sleepers, humid climates, people who want the coolest possible option

Linen is made from flax fibers and is the most breathable natural sheet fabric. It has an open weave structure that allows exceptional airflow. Linen also absorbs moisture quickly and releases it back into the air — keeping you dry rather than damp.

The tradeoff: linen feels stiff and rough initially. It softens significantly after a few washes, but it never feels as plush as cotton. It also wrinkles easily — some people love the relaxed look, others don't.

Pros: Maximum breathability, moisture-wicking, very durable, softens over time
Cons: Rough at first, wrinkles, pricier than cotton

2. Percale Cotton

Best for: Most people — great balance of cool, soft, and affordable

Percale is a weave style (one-over-one-under) that creates a crisp, lightweight fabric. It's cooler than sateen cotton because the open weave promotes airflow. Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton percale are especially soft and durable.

If you want a cool sheet that still feels like a classic bed sheet — soft, familiar, easy to care for — percale cotton is the default recommendation.

Pros: Crisp and cool feel, soft, widely available, easy to wash, affordable
Cons: Wrinkles (slightly less than linen), not quite as cool as linen

3. Bamboo (Viscose/Rayon from Bamboo)

Best for: Hot sleepers who want softness AND cooling

Bamboo-derived sheets (usually labeled rayon from bamboo or viscose from bamboo) have a silky-smooth texture that feels noticeably cooler than standard cotton. They're excellent at wicking moisture and are naturally hypoallergenic.

Note: bamboo is eco-friendly as a plant, but the viscose process involves chemicals. Look for OEKO-TEX certified bamboo sheets if environmental impact matters to you.

Pros: Soft and silky, moisture-wicking, cooling, hypoallergenic
Cons: Pricier, requires gentle washing, some shrinkage possible

4. Tencel Lyocell

Best for: Sensitive skin, allergy sufferers, eco-conscious shoppers

Tencel is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp using a closed-loop process that recycles solvents. It's soft, breathable, and remarkably good at moisture management — the fibers absorb sweat and release it quickly, keeping the surface dry.

Tencel Lyocell is also naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, making it an excellent choice for people with skin sensitivities.

Pros: Breathable, moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, soft
Cons: More expensive, requires careful washing to avoid pilling

5. Sateen Cotton (Not Recommended for Hot Sleepers)

Sateen is a weave style with more surface threads exposed, giving it a smooth, lustrous feel. While beautiful, the denser weave traps heat more than percale. If you run warm, sateen is probably not the right choice for summer.

6. Microfiber (Not Recommended for Summer)

Microfiber is synthetic, inexpensive, and very soft — but it doesn't breathe. Heat gets trapped, and sweat doesn't wick away efficiently. It's fine for winter or cool climates, but it's a poor choice if you overheat at night.

04Summer Sheet Material Comparison

05Thread Count: What It Actually Means

Thread count measures how many threads are woven into a square inch of fabric. It's widely misunderstood as a quality marker — but higher isn't always better, especially in summer.

• 200–400 TC: Generally the sweet spot for breathability and durability
• 400–600 TC: Denser weave, softer feel, but traps more heat
• 600+ TC: Often inflated numbers from multi-ply threads; can feel heavy and warm

For summer sleep, prioritize weave type and fiber quality over thread count. A 300 TC percale cotton will sleep cooler than a 600 TC sateen every time.

06Our Sheet Picks from LA Mattress Store

We carry a curated selection of Malouf sheets designed for different sleep needs:

Best for Hot Sleepers: Malouf Opal Botanical Tencel Lyocell Sheet Set

100% Tencel Lyocell. Silky-smooth, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking. Ideal if you sleep warm or have sensitive skin.

• Cooling, breathable, eco-friendly
• Higher price point — worth it for consistent hot sleepers

View the Tencel Lyocell Sheet Set

Best Value for Summer: Malouf Linen Weave Cotton Sheet Set

A cotton-linen blend that gives you the breathability of linen with the softness of cotton. Available in Sand and White. Gets softer with every wash.

• Excellent summer breathability
• Slightly textured — not for everyone

View the Linen Weave Cotton Sheet Set

Best Eco Cooling Option: Driftwood Rayon from Bamboo Sheet Set by Malouf

Silky bamboo-derived rayon. Hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, sustainably made. Great for sleepers who want that buttery-soft bamboo feel.

View the Bamboo Sheet Set

Budget-Friendly Option: Brushed Microfiber Sheet Sets by Malouf

Soft, wrinkle-resistant, and very affordable. Best for cooler months or people who don't run warm. If you overheat at night, step up to a natural fiber option.

Browse our full sheet collection or visit one of our 5 LA showrooms to feel fabrics in person before you buy.

07Tips for Staying Cool Beyond Sheets

• Use a breathable mattress: Sheets can only do so much. If your mattress sleeps hot, consider a gel foam or hybrid mattress with better airflow.
• Add a mattress protector: A breathable mattress protector adds hygiene without trapping heat (look for TENCEL or cotton options).
• Wash sheets every 1–2 weeks: Sweat and oils build up fast in summer. Fresh sheets sleep cooler.
• Keep room temp between 65–68°F: Your sheets can help, but room temperature matters more than almost anything else.

08Frequently Asked Questions

What is the coolest bed sheet material for summer?

Linen is the coolest overall, followed closely by percale cotton and bamboo. All three are significantly cooler than microfiber or sateen cotton.

Are bamboo sheets cooler than cotton sheets?

Generally yes, especially for moisture-wicking. Bamboo sheets pull sweat away from skin more efficiently. However, high-quality percale cotton is a close second and more widely available at lower prices.

What thread count is best for summer sheets?

200–400 thread count is ideal for summer. This range balances breathability and durability. Higher thread counts tend to create denser, warmer fabric.

Do Tencel sheets sleep cool?

Yes. Tencel Lyocell is highly breathable and excellent at moisture management. It's a top choice for hot sleepers and those with sensitive skin.

How often should I wash summer sheets?

Every 1–2 weeks in summer. More frequently if you sweat heavily. Natural fiber sheets (linen, cotton, bamboo) handle frequent washing well.

Are microfiber sheets good for summer?

No. Microfiber traps heat and doesn't wick sweat effectively. It's better suited for cooler weather or people who don't sleep warm.

What's the difference between linen and cotton for summer sleep?

Linen is more breathable and moisture-wicking but feels rough and textured. Cotton percale is softer with a more familiar feel and nearly as cooling. Linen wins for maximum cooling; percale wins for everyday comfort.

Have questions about which sheets pair best with your mattress? Visit any of our 5 LA Mattress Store locations — our sleep experts can walk you through everything.