Know yourfabrics.
What your bedding is made from matters.
When you choose bedding, you'll often hear about cotton, flannel, jersey, and many other names.
But what does that actually tell you?
The fabric is just the starting point. It tells you what your bedding is made from and gives you a sense of its natural characteristics, from breathability and softness to warmth and stretch. But the finished feel of your bedding also depends on how that fabric is woven, finished, and constructed.
That's why two sheets made from the same fabric can feel completely different.
Understanding the fabric gives you one part of the picture. Once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to understand why different bedding feels the way it does.
Fabric Vs Weave
These terms are very easy to mix up and are often treated as interchangeable. But they describe two very different aspects of bedding.
Fabric
Fabric tells you what it's made from. Cotton, flannel, cotton blends, and jersey are different types of fabric. Each has its own characteristics that can affect how your bedding feels and performs.
Weave
Weave tells you how it's constructed. Percale and sateen, for example, describe different ways the yarns are woven together. That construction can change the texture, appearance, and feel of the finished fabric.
If you want to go deeper into how weave changes the character of your bedding, explore our Know Your Weaves guide.
There is no single fabric that will feel right for everyone.
You may prefer the cool breathability of cotton, the practical feel of a cotton blend, the softness and stretch of jersey, or the warmth of flannel. Here's what to know about each one.
Feel
Soft, breathable, and naturally comfortable.
Known For
Cotton is a natural fiber valued for its breathability, softness, and versatility. It can feel quite different depending on how it is woven and finished. A cotton percale, for example, has a cooler, crisper character, while cotton sateen feels smoother and silkier.
What to Know
If you're looking for natural fiber bedding, cotton is a versatile place to start. Cotton can suit a range of sleeping preferences, but the fabric name alone doesn't tell you exactly how it will feel. Pay attention to the weave and finish, too. They can make a noticeable difference.
Best Suited For
If you prefer natural fibers and breathable, everyday comfort, 100% cotton is a versatile choice.
Feel
Soft, comfortable, and practical.
Known For
Cotton blends combine cotton with another fiber to bring different characteristics together. Depending on the blend, this can affect softness, durability, easy care, and the overall feel of the fabric.
What to Know
"Cotton blend" doesn't describe one particular feel. The experience depends on which fibers are combined, how much of each is used, and how the resulting fabric is constructed. So, when you're choosing a cotton blend, it helps to look beyond the label and consider the rest of the product details.
Best Suited For
If you like the feel of cotton but want the characteristics of another fiber, a cotton blend is worth considering.
Feel
Soft, flexible, and comfortably relaxed.
Known For
Unlike woven fabrics, jersey is knitted. Its construction uses interlocking loops, which gives the fabric its characteristic stretch and flexibility. If you've ever worn a soft T-shirt, you already have a good idea of the feel.
What to Know
That stretch is what sets it apart. It has more give and a relaxed drape, which gives it a distinctly different feel from woven bedding. The exact feel can still vary depending on the fabric and its finish.
Best Suited For
If you like soft bedding with a little stretch and a relaxed feel, jersey is worth considering.
Feel
Soft, warm, and cozy.
Known For
Flannel is known for its soft, brushed surface and warm, cozy feel. It's a fabric many people turn to when they want their bedding to feel warmer and more inviting.
What to Know
Flannel isn't defined simply by how warm it feels. Its weight, brushing, and construction can influence the finished experience. That means two flannel products can still feel different from one another.
Best Suited For
If you prefer warmer bedding or want something especially cozy for cooler nights, flannel is a natural choice.
What Else Affects How Your Bedding Feels?
Knowing the fabric is important, but there's more to consider. The way the fabric is woven, finished, and constructed can change the experience quite a bit.
Weave
The weave affects the texture, appearance, and feel of the fabric. Percale and sateen are both common examples. Even when they're made from the same cotton, they create noticeably different finished fabrics.
Finish
The finish changes how the surface feels. It can contribute to a fabric feeling smoother, crisper, softer, or more textured.
Weight
Weight affects how substantial your bedding feels. A lightweight fabric can feel airy and relaxed, while a heavier fabric can feel more substantial and cozy.
Construction
Construction refers to how the fabric or finished bedding is made. It can influence the structure, drape, flexibility, and overall feel of the product.
Thread Count
Thread count tells you how many threads are woven into a square inch of fabric. It can provide useful context, but it shouldn't be considered on its own.
The fabric, weave, finish, weight, and construction all contribute to the finished bedding experience.
04 · Decision Guide
How to Choose Your Fabric
Still not sure where to start? Think about the experience you want from your bedding. Tap the one that sounds most like you.
Fabric Comparison
100% CottonCotton BlendJerseyFlannelRemember, fabric is only one part of the finished feel. Weave, finish, weight, and construction all play a role, too.
Fabric + Weave
Now that you know the difference, it becomes easier to see how fabric and weave work together. A fabric doesn't have one fixed feel. Its weave can change the way it feels, looks, and behaves.
A cool, crisp, breathable combination with a clean, matte character.
Cotton + Percale
A smooth, soft combination with a silky feel and subtle sheen.
Cotton + SateenCombines the characteristics of a cotton blend with the cool, crisp character of percale.
Blend + PercalePairs the characteristics of a cotton blend with the soft, silky character of sateen.
Blend + SateenHover or tap a card to flip it.
The exact experience will always depend on the individual fabric and its construction. But once you understand the basics, product descriptions become much easier to read. Fabric tells you what the bedding is made from. Weave tells you how it is constructed. Together, they help you understand how your bedding may feel, look, and perform.
Know Your Weaves
Want to understand what percale, sateen, and other weave constructions mean for your bedding? Take a closer look at how different weaves change the feel and appearance of fabric.
Read more →
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