Bedding fabric fibres compared
When choosing a bedding fabric, the first question is the weave: ranforce, percale or sateen. The second is the fibre. It decides how the fabric feels, how it handles moisture, how much it creases and what it costs. This page compares five common options.
| Fibre | Feel | Moisture | Creasing and care | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | Natural, soft | Absorbs moisture, breathes | Creases more than polyester blends | Medium |
| Polycotton | More synthetic | Absorbs less than cotton | Creases little, dries fast, stands up to industrial laundering | Lower than cotton |
| Microfibre (100% polyester) | Soft, smooth; brushed face is matte and velvety | Absorbs less than cotton | Creases little, shrinks little, holds colour | Low |
| Bamboo / Tencel | Soft, smooth, cool | Absorbs and spreads more moisture than cotton | Weaker when wet; sensitive to high heat and hard spinning | High |
| Linen | Textured; softens with washing | Absorbs moisture and releases it quickly | Creases noticeably; unwashed linen can shrink in the first wash | High |
Cotton
100% cotton is the most common choice for bedding. It absorbs moisture and lets air through, so it is comfortable next to the skin. Different weaves (ranforce, poplin, percale, sateen) give different feels. Cotton creases more than polyester blends.
Polycotton and microfibre
Both contain polyester. They cost less than cotton, crease little, dry fast and hold their colour. In polycotton the blend ratio decides the behaviour: 65% polyester stands up to industrial laundering, while cotton-rich CVC feels closer to cotton. Microfibre is 100% polyester and is usually brushed.
The limits come down to moisture. Polyester absorbs less than cotton and can feel warmer in hot weather. Blends can pill where they rub, and can build static in dry air.
Bamboo and Tencel
These are regenerated cellulose fibres. Most bedding sold as bamboo is bamboo viscose; TENCEL is Lenzing's brand name for its lyocell and modal fibres. They feel soft, smooth and cool, and absorb more moisture than cotton. They are weaker when wet, so care instructions matter. If you see an antibacterial claim, ask for the test report.
Linen
Linen absorbs moisture and releases it quickly, and feels cool. The fibres are strong but have low elasticity, so linen creases noticeably. Linen-cotton blends crease less. Unwashed linen can shrink in the first wash; for bedding, get the shrinkage rate before cutting.
Which one when?
- Everyday use and a natural feel: 100% cotton (ranforce, poplin).
- Dormitories, hostels and sets that are washed often and not ironed: polycotton or microfibre.
- Summer bedding and a cool feel: linen, percale or Tencel.
- Premium sets and a smooth face: cotton sateen or bamboo / Tencel.
- Whichever you choose, ask for the composition in writing by fibre name and percentage.