Looking for cool sheets for hot weather

10 years ago

We are looking for new sheets that feel cool in hot weather. I've done a little reading that says 100% cotton and a lower thread count provide better ventilation.

Does anyone have a recommendation for good cotton sheets that really do feel cool?

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liriodendron

10 years ago

Put a thick wool blanket underneath your cotton mattress pad, with percale sheet on top. The wool allows heat (and moisture) to dissipate out from underneath you. It has to a be a thick one, though, for best effect. It does not make you warmer, in the least bit. I use old double-faced blankets, or Hudson's Bay-type ones underneath every mattress pad, on every bed in my household.

There were a type of old fashioned percale sheets made before A/C was ubiquitous, intended for use in the summer. Cannon Featherlite was one brand name but there was also a similar line made by Wamsutta. (I am not at home now, or I would look up the name for you.) These are very long staple cotton, with a TC of about 200/220 and very light weight and smooth. I use them in the summer from time to time. They are still available on eBay (NOS) once in a while.

Another very cooling sheet material is actually mid-to heavy weight old linen sheets. (That's what I am sleeping under at present during this heat wave in NY, in a farmhouse w/o air conditioning.) New linen sheets are usually a finer weave, so not as comfortable in hot weather to me, plus they cost a fortune.

Some people used to use relatively new muslin sheets (TC140-180) for the same purpose as the old linen ones. Cool to be next too, and just enough body and weight so that all you need is the sheet, nothing more.

OTOH old muslin that's very well worn isn't as comfortable in hot weather because it becomes very drape-y and can feel almost too soft and clingy. That's because it is made with relatively shorter staple fibers.

Muslin sheets also can still be found on eBay, though usually never in sizes for beds larger than a full. Though they are easily seamed to create larger ones.

I think the most important thing to choose, however, is a pure, unfinished fabric. Most sheets are covered with synthetic resins to enhance their no-ironing-needed properties. if the sheets are billed as "easy-care", despite being all cotton, they have been treated. Pure finish sheets are usually advertised as such, and often a bit more expensive. (Unless you buy old stock ones on eBay.) Untreated sheets need ironing if dried in a dryer, or hanging outside on a line to dry in order to be flat and smooth after washing. I rarely iron sheets for myself (only for guests), but all of my sheets are line dried. I do iron pillowcases, though.

Also, I sleep on fresh sheets every night in hot weather. It may be just be psychological trick, but it always seems cooler to get into fresh sheets, and usually if you start out feeling cool, you'll sleep better and longer no matter what the temp.

HTH

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Comments (11)

alex9179
10 years ago
You want a long fiber rather than thread count. I really liked Thomas Lee LTD sheets until my fitted one became threadbare and tore in the wash. Maybe I'm the problem and fidget too much in my sleep. Or I didn't take care of them properly. The flat sheet is still holding steady.

My mom made the comment that they were very cool when you first got into bed, something she didn't like for a Midwest winter but what I valued on the Gulf Coast.

They are expensive but, I can feel the ceiling fan breeze while I'm under it. Also, we splurged and got a wool mattress pad. It has saved my life! I'm always hot and have had some flash episodes. Wool keeps you cool or warm, whatever you need. My always cold husband is just as comfortable as his space-heater wife.
sudiepav
10 years ago
I bought some percale sheets at Lands End, about 250 thread count, all cotton. I remembered percale from years ago, and these are wonderful. Look for 100% cotton. I saw some similar ones at Bed Bath and Beyond. Mine are very cool in summer, and when I change the bed, I wash them and put them right back on.
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rovo
10 years ago
I've been on the hunt for cool sheets forever, too. Definitely look for 100 percent cotton percale. PB has nice crispy sheets, as does Restoration Hardware. Aloso try Target's "shabby chic" line---just got some in plain white and they are cool and crisp.
jenn
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for so many helpful suggestions. I have read about percale being a cool fabric for sheets so we will look for those.

We had an all-latex mattress that was a dream to sleep on -- but it was HOT. I couldn't find a cool spot to save my life. We just bought a Diamond Crescent Bay mattress, latex with a tufted pillow top, and we already feel the cool difference.

And, I can't imagine wool anything being cool, but people swear by it. We'll look into that as well.

Thank you!
ashef
10 years ago
I'm also a nut about cool and crisp sheets -- I hate sateen or slick sheets. Cool, crisp sheets make a huge difference in how I sleep in warm weather here in coastal NC. I've got some old, old percale sheets that are wonderful but they are no longer being manufactured. I like some Pottery Barn sheets & I have a set of Sheridan sheets that is truly divine. Even with those brands, though, you always have to check fabric content carefully. BTW, you can find new sets of PB & Sheridan sheets on ebay at good prices.

Check out the several older threads in this forum about crisp & cool sheets. Here's a link to the latest one.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crisp & cool sheets, latest thread
terezosa / terriks
10 years ago
I am also a percale sheet lover, but I have found some sateen sheets that I really love. They are the Charisma sheets at Costco. They are not heavy, and feel so good on my skin. They are 100% cotton, and the best part is the price - $40 for a Queen set with 4 pillow cases.
joaniepoanie
10 years ago
I just scored lower thread count Percale sheets at Home Goods--$27.99 for a king set...some off brand, but when I saw percale I scooped them up. I'll let you know how they are. I also have some sateen from Costco, not sure they are Charisma (I'll check) but they are pretty "slipper" --not sure how I feel about them.
happyintexas
10 years ago
I just purchased some 100% cotton sheets by Wamsutta that boasts a Cool, Crisp label. Got them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond I like them a lot--they are a bit stiffer than the sateen we had been using...and they rustle when you move, but I love that they are't hot on me. I figure after a dozen washings, they will be less stiff.
violetwest
10 years ago
sheets again? So, again, here's my vote for "cool" (and warm, for that matter) comfort:

1) wool mattress pad (pile and natural materials allow air to circulate)
2) 100% linen sheets
3) lightweight down comforter

and, when all else fails (or if you need it, like me) -- fan(s) blowing on your face
randita
10 years ago
I just bought a set of cotton sheets (came in a set) which were 220 count at Walmart. They were $19.99 for a twin set (fitted, flat, pillow case). I washed them and they came out nice and soft.

I don't know how long they'd hold out with daily use, but they're for a guest room so won't get used more than 20 nights a year, mostly in the summer, so they should last a long time.

Looking for cool sheets for hot weather

liriodendron

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alex9179

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