The Summer Bedding Mistake Causing You To Overheat

Look at the tag on your sheets and duvet cover. The material matters more than you may have thought. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and microfiber, are often affordably priced and low-maintenance, but they come with a major downside: They are notorious for trapping heat and moisture, making summer nights sweaty.

“Synthetic sheets can feel slick, plasticky, or overly warm against the skin,” says Saul Moreno, director of sales at Downright, a 50-year-old handmade bedding company in Brooklyn, New York.

Instead, shop for bedding made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. These materials’ breathability can’t be beat, and you’ll appreciate their moisture-wicking properties during hot weather. Not sure which to choose? Each fabric has its advantages. “Linen feels naturally cool to the touch due to its looser weave and structure, which does not cling to the body. Cotton is soft and breathable, offering comfort without trapping heat,” Moreno says.

Best of all, natural fibers only get better with time. Both linen and cotton fibers open up with each wash, creating an even softer fabric with increased airflow. Worried about wrinkles with linen bedding? Don’t be — they add to the fabric’s relaxed, effortless charm. Mother Nature also prefers natural fibers to synthetic ones. Linen and cotton are biodegradable, and therefore much kinder to the environment compared to synthetic sheets.

Tip: Wash bedding made of natural fibers in cold water, which is gentler than hot water. This helps maintain the fiber’s integrity and breathability, so your sheets will look and feel good for years to come.