Cotton vs Polycotton Bed Sheets - What's the difference?

Figuring out which types of fabric are best for your bed sheets can be really tricky. There are so many different varieties out there, which can make it really confusing when it comes to finding the type that’s right for you.

In this article, we compare two of the most popular materials used for bed linen: Cotton and Polycotton, in order to help you decide which one is best for you.

Feel

Luxury cotton bedding is famous for its super soft, luxurious feel. Which is why you’ll often find it in many Luxury Boutiques and 5-star Hotels around the world. This super soft feel is a result of the crafting process involved when cotton sheets are made. Multiple cotton threads are woven together to create 100% Cotton bed sheets. The more threads that are used, the higher the ‘Thread Count’ will be. And the higher the thread count, the softer your sheets will feel.

Polycotton is a blend of Polyester and Cotton. The ratios of each material vary, with 65% Cotton, 35% Polyester being a particularly popular combination. As it’s made from a synthetic material, Polycotton has a tendency to pill overtime. Pilling is where small ‘bobbles’ (balls of material) form on the sheet’s surface, which can make your sheets feel rougher as time goes on.

Durability

Polycotton sheets are highly durable, as Polyester contains similar agents to plastic, making it unlikely for Polycotton sheets to rip or tear easily. This durable nature makes Polycotton an extremely popular choice in commercial settings such as in hospitals, where bed sheets are often changed very regularly.

100% Cotton bed sheets are also extremely durable due to the strength of the cotton fibres found in their material. Any good 100% Cotton bedding retailer will provide customers with a long term guarantee on their bed sheets. It’s always wise to opt for trusted retailers who can give you peace of mind when it comes to the durability of their products and we’re not just saying that because we provide a free lifetime warranty!

Care

Both Cotton and Polycotton bed sheets are very low maintenance when it comes to washing and drying. Both types of fabric can be washed on normal cycles in your washing machine and can be dried in the dryer. To give your sheets the best chances of retaining their quality, always follow the manufacturer guidelines when washing and drying your sheets.

Shop 100% Pure Cotton Bed Sheet Sets

Allergies

Getting to sleep with Hay Fever and other allergies can be a real struggle, so making sure you choose the most allergy-friendly bed linen will give you the best chance of getting a good night’s sleep. 100% Cotton bedding is naturally hypoallergenic, and breathable, making it the most desirable option for allergy sufferers.

People with allergies or sensitive skin often find that Polycotton bed sheets make them itch. This is due to the synthetic fibres in the materials, which contribute to the lack of airflow through Polycotton sheets.

Temperature

The lack of air circulation provided by Polycotton sheets will likely result in much tossing and turning throughout the night. Polycotton also lacks absorbance, meaning that any sweat your body produces during the night is likely to be trapped underneath the covers with you, increasing your body heat further.

Cotton on the other hand, is naturally breathable and will absorb any moisture it comes in contact with during the night, helping to keep you cool as a cucumber all night through.

Price

100% Cotton bed sheets tend to cost more than Polycotton bedding. However, when buying new bed sheets it’s important to think about which will last the longest, and therefore save you more money in the long term.

We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with some important factors to consider when deciding which type of bed sheets are right for you.

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