What Is the Best Material for Hotel Sheets?
Do you keep wondering what could be the best material to buy for hotel sheets?
Frankly, shopping for new sheets is the fastest and easiest way to give your accommodation rooms a new look.
Along with enhancing the sleeping experience of your visitors who want to use your accommodation facility.
But…
The decision process of buying commercial bed sheets can be overwhelming.
Truth be told: when it comes to accommodation linen, there are so many different types of fabric.
So how do you know which fabric is the best? And what exactly are those fabrics, in the first place?
Worry not. We are here to help you skip the guesswork.
After reading this guide, you will be able to figure out the best fabric for commercial bed sheets. And we’ll help you decide on wholesale bed sheets that are not only comfortable but also able to stand the test of time.
Let’s get started:
What Materials Are Hotel Sheets Made Of?
Want your visitors to melt into unbelievably soft, fluffy, and heavenly bed sheets? Then get the material of your bed sheets right.
And to get bed sheet material right, you need to first understand the fabric weave.
So, let’s clear that up.
Best Fabric Weave for Hotel Bed Sheets
Fabric weave is not the fabric per se. Rather it is a feel of the fabric. And for bed sheets, you have two best options:
- Percale
- Sateen
Now, let’s take a closer look at these two weaves.
Percale Weave
Percale is a closely woven, plain weave. The spun fabric is made from both carded and combed yarns.
Generally, percale weave is only found in high thread-count fabrics which gives the fabric a soft, silk-like feel.
Percale weave gives the fabric strength. It is therefore perfect for hotel sheets because they will last longer through multiple washes.
Sateen Weave
Sateen is weave construction that has more threads on the top surface than others. The end results are softer looking bed sheets with a sensual sheen.
Cotton sateen sheets tend to be softer than those with a Percale weave.
Deciding between percale and sateen weave is mostly a matter of personal preference.
The video below will help paint a clearer picture on the difference between percale and sateen Take a look.
Now that you've understood fabric weave, let’s look at the best materials for your hotel bed sheets.
P.S. If you’d be interested to learn all the different types of fabric weave, here’s a helpful guide.
Also, before we dive on to the next point about hotel bed sheet materials, you may want to learn the difference between sateen and satin.
Here’s a diagram explaining the difference.
Hotel Bed Sheet Types: By Material
1. Cotton
Cotton has been around for over 7000 years now. And is a very popular choice for bed sheets.
Cotton grows from a plant shrub as an almost white, soft, fluffy cotton ball. (You just watched a video of cotton bolls popping open).
Here’s a graph showing the major cotton producing countries.
Source: Cotton Analytics
Let’s now look at the good and bad properties of cotton bed sheets. And see if they’d be perfect for your accommodation needs.
Advantages of Cotton Bed Sheets
- Cotton sheets chemical free and 100% natural
- Cotton bed sheets stretch easily therefore very comfortable to sleep on
- Cotton sheets are antibacterial therefore able to suppress bacteria and keep your bed free from bedbugs and micro bacteria
- Cotton sheets are soft to touch and feel and comfortable to sleep on
- Cotton bed sheets are strong, can withstand years of washing, therefore long lasting
- Cotton sheets are hypoallergenic therefore suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Cotton sheets naturally regulate the temperature as you sleep so that you remain cool when it is hot and warm when it is cold.
- Cotton sheets are readily available in various sizes, styles, and for every budget
Disadvantages of Cotton Bed Sheets
- Cotton bed sheets may take a few washes before they read maximum softness
- Wrinkles easily. Therefore, you may have to iron the sheets after every wash
- If you buy cheaper cotton sheets, they may not last to serve you well. Read the package carefully to see what you are getting.
How to Care for Cotton Bed Sheets?
Source: Lifehacker Infographic
Major Types of Pure Cotton: Pros and Cons
Supima Cotton
Pros of Supima Cotton
- Verified by the Supima® Association
- Extra-Long Staple for strong & soft fibres
- Grown ONLY in America
- Consistent quality
- One of the longest staple cottons available
Cons of Supima Cotton
- Expensive!! Pricier than Egyptian cotton.
- Nearly 3x the Price of USA-grown upland cotton
Egyptian Cotton
Pros of Egyptian Cotton
- Good quality if you're getting the real thing
- Long-staple cotton if it is real Egyptian cotton
- Above average consistency
Cons of Egyptian Cotton
- The 'mystique' of Egyptian cotton is greater than the reality
- Expensive for cotton of questionable origin
- Grown in China or India more than Egypt
- 90% of Egyptian Cotton is Fake
Pima Cotton
Pros of Pima Cotton
- Generally good quality and often grown in the USA
- Long-staple cotton that is above average quality
- Above average consistency
Cons of Pima Cotton
- Not monitored by 3rd party organizations
- May be grown elsewhere other than the USA
- May be blended with cheaper cotton
- Not as consistent as Supima cotton
Bed sheets manufactured using the above-named cottons are luxurious, smoother and stronger. If you don’t mind a higher price tag, by all means go for these cotton sheets.
But if you are on a budget, you may want to consider other options. Therefore, keep reading for more bed sheet options.
2. Cotton Flannel Bed Sheets
Flannel is a warm and cosy member of the cotton family. Cotton fibres are finely brushed to loosen any tiny top fibres. Flannel can also be made from woven wool or other synthetic fibres.
Flannel bed sheets provide more warmth than cotton sheets alone. Better still, you will experience comfort as you sleep because flannel is lightweight.
Flannel bed sheets are great for cold winter nights because they will keep you warm and cosy.
Advantages of flannel bed sheets
- They feel warm, cosy, and fluffy when you touch them - read very comfortable
- Flannel doesn’t wrinkle easily and is available in a range of price points - a good choice if you are on a budget
- Flannel sheets come in a variety of prints, designs, and colour right for the season
Disadvantages of Flannel Bed Sheets
- Since they are heavier and thicker, these bed sheets may take longer to clean and dry
- Flannel has a tendency to form little round balls on its surface known as pilling
- Cotton flannel sheets shrink but after three washes, all shrinkage will be gone
3. Silk
Silk is undeniably the most luxurious fabric and belongs to the luxe range of bed sheets. Therefore, it is a no-brainer that it is the priciest of them all.
And in return, you get to enjoy the silky and caressing feel you toss in between your silk bed sheets. Talk about royalty sleep!
Did you know that Silk has a rich history that dates back to 3630 BC? While at it, you may also want to check out interesting facts about silk.
For example:
9000 meters of single strand silk weighs about 1 gram. It is also known as a Denier and used to define how fine a thread is.*
With a bit of history and fun facts on silk, let’s now check out the pros and cons of these luxurious bed sheets.
Here we go:
Source: Fabrics for Dummies: Natural Fibres
4. Lyocell, Tencel & Modal Bed Sheets
Lyocell is a generic term for sheets that are made from wood pulp into rayon. Despite being made from wood; these materials are still considered a synthetic fabric like polyester.
Modal is lyocell specifically made from beech trees.
And Tencel is a trademarked name for lyocell made from eucalyptus tree pulp.
For now, we’ll concentrate on Tencel.
First developed in 1972, Tencel is slowly but surely gaining popularity as an alternative to cotton.
Here’s an interesting video to help you understand this amazing Tencel fabric better. Watch.
Pros of Tencel Bed Sheets
- Tencel fabric is softer than even silk
- It’s a cool fabric giving you improved sleep - wicks moisture away from your skin
- The sheets have a soft feel. And thanks to their natural origins they don’t irritate your skin
- Available in a variety of sizes to suit your accommodation needs
- Moisture management prevents bacteria from forming
- The sheets don’t stretch after washingSustainability is practised in the forests where natural eucalyptus are harvested
- Durable
Cons of Tencel Sheets
- Tencel is an expensive brand
- Not a true natural fabric; the manufacturing results in synthetic fibres
- Its unique feel isn’t to everyone’s liking
- Absorbs skin oils which can cause stains
- Tencel fibres are hydrophilic (water-loving). Therefore, the sheets may be prone to mildew attacks.
5. Bamboo Bed Sheets
Bamboo is a very versatile plant.
Skeptical? Here are a few ways that the bamboo plant is used:
- Making fibres for clothing and fabric
- Making cooking utensils
- For building materials (can build a complete home)
- For flooring, furniture, and picture frames
Bamboo use is considered an eco-friendly - Bamboo grows much faster than trees and replenishes itself quickly.
No wonder it used to make super soft, breathable, and durable bamboo bed sheets.
Check out the benefits and features of bamboo bed sheets next.
Source: Cozy Bamboo
Disadvantages of Bamboo Bed Sheets
They are much pricier than any other bed sheets save for silk
Quality gaps exist therefore you have to know how to pick right your bamboo sheets
6. PolyCotton Blend Bed Sheets
Source: Sewing Parts Online
The purpose of blending cotton and polyester is to create a material that has the best of both worlds – the natural breathability and beauty of cotton and the durability and longevity of polyester.
Therefore, polycotton in its right ratios results in sensual, breathable, and comfortable bed sheets.
The common ratios for these blends are:
- Cotton 65% and polyester 35%
- Cotton 50% and polyester 50%
- Polycotton is a stronger material compared to polyester or cotton on its own
- You can wash polycotton bed sheets regularly and they won’t shrink.
- Though you use them every day, they will still last longer
- Polycotton bed sheets are wrinkle free so you don’t have to iron them after washing
- The sheets are hypoallergenic meaning your guest will sleep peacefully without suffering allergies or skin irritations
- It is a soft material for your bedsheets that is very absorbent
Disadvantages of Polycotton Bed Sheets
- You may come across poor quality polycottons. You need to be aware of the best quality polycotton sheets.
7. Linen
Linen is made from the flax plant. The final product is a beautiful, strong, and absorbent fabric that’s cool to sleep in.
Linen fibres are thicker compared to cotton thus linen lasts longer.
You may find it informative to learn how linen is made. Here’s a video on the same.
Wasn’t it interesting and fun to watch flax from the fields turn into beautiful linen fabrics?
Now let’s sample the positives and negatives of these ancient fabrics that date back to 36, 000 years ago.
Linen Fabric Pros and Cons
So Many Materials to Choose From!
Evidently, each material is a bit different. Pricing, fabric care, durability, and functionality will all affect your decision.
We hope this guide has pointed you in the right direction. Now you are ready to shop for your hotel quality bed sheets like a PRO.
Australian Linen Supply is a great place to stop by for your commercial bed sheets shopping.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay
