Microfiber vs Jersey sheets. Do you get confused between the two when you even think about shopping for new bedsheets? Has one of your friends raved about his new microfiber sheets, but then you have another friend swear that you can’t go wrong by choosing to sleep on Jersey sheets? Has this left you more confused than ever about which are the best bedsheets for you? If so, you’re not alone.
The fact is there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer here, and often the choice between microfiber sheets and jersey sheets comes down to personal preference. Both have their pros and cons, as you’ll see if you read on. But here we want to tell you more about the basic properties of, and differences between, microfiber and Jersey sheets so you can make a more informed choice between the two.
You’ll love Microfiber sheets if:
- You don’t want to break the bank when buying new bedsheets
- You want bedsheets that are very easy to care for
- You have sensitive skin or sleep hot and need a bedsheet that’s very ‘breathable’.
You’ll love Jersey knit sheets if:
- If you are looking for a four-season bedsheet that is as comfortable to sleep under on a warm summer night as it is on a cold winter’s eve.
- You love the way your favorite t shirt feels next to your skin, and you want to replicate that feeling in a bedsheet.
- You like a bedsheet that feels very soft.
What are Microfiber Sheets?
Microfiber sheets crafted from ultra-fine strands that are woven together to form a light and comfy sheet. This sheet is distinguished by its thickness, which is 1 denier wide, and can be constructed of a variety of materials, including nylon, various polyesters and even wood pulp or other recycled materials. They can be found in a wide variety of colors and can usually be machine washed and tumble dried.
Microfiber Sheets Pros & Cons
Like every other bedding choice, microfiber sheets do come along with their own set of pros and cons.
Pros
- Lightweight choice
- Can usually be washed and dried at home in standard machines
- A very common bedding choice, so can be found in most bedding stores
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
- Higher thread count microfiber sheets are very breathable.
- Soft enough for sensitive skin.
- Often one of the more affordable choices you can make.
- Microfiber can be crafted to mimic other, more expensive fabrics like silk.
Cons
- Very absorbent, so more prone to staining.
- Not a natural fabric choice.
- Only durable at higher thread counts
- Prone to static
- Some people may be allergic to certain types of microfiber fabric.
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What are Jersey Sheets Made Of?
Primarily, modern Jersey sheets are crafted from cotton. Traditionally they were made from wool, as the Jersey knit originated centuries ago on the British island of the same name. Some, but not all, Jersey sheets also contain polyester or a similar fiber to give them additional ‘stretch’, an addition that was first popularized by none other than Coco Chanel.
On one side, a good quality Jersey knit sheet is silky and smooth, while on the other, it is somewhat fuzzy and incredibly soft. Often referred to as T-shirt sheet, these sheets are so named because sleeping beneath one is like sleeping under a huge t shirt, with all the soft, effortless comfort that your favorite t shirts provide.
Jersey Sheets Pros & Cons
Jersey knit sheets are a hugely popular choice for those looking for a four-season sheet but don’t want to spend too much money. They, too, have their pros and cons, though.
Pros
- Very soft, often the softest choice you can make
- Are available in 100% cotton and organic cotton versions
- 100% cotton Jersey knit sheets are cool in summer, warm in winter.
- Most cotton-based Jersey knit sheets can be washed and dried at home.
- High thread count 100% cotton jersey sheets can be as durable and long-lasting as Egyptian cotton.
- Usually quite affordable.
Cons
- Jersey sheets that include polyester can ‘sleep hot’ and may be too warm for summer sleeping.
- Some Jersey knit sheets may shrink a little when first washed.
- High thread count Jersey knit sheets can be a more expensive choice.
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The Comparison: Jersey Knit Sheets vs Microfiber
Now that you know a little more about what both Jersey and microfiber sheets have to offer, a more direct comparison is called for. Here are some points to consider if you’ll be making a choice between the two.
Warmth
How cool Jersey sheets or microfiber sheets are depends on their fiber makeup. 100% cotton Jersey sheets are usually cool enough for warm nights, but the addition of polyesters often dulls that property. Microfiber sheets with a higher thread count can also be very cool.
Allergy Concerns
Again, how hypoallergenic and/or skin friendly either sheet is depends on the fibers used. 100% cotton is hypoallergenic, and so here cotton Jersey sheets are often a clear winner. The softness of a good cotton Jersey knit is often very kind to especially sensitive skin as well. A high thread count microfiber can also be very soft but lacks that ‘t shirt’ softness.
Environmental Concerns
Microfiber sheets are made using synthetic fibers, and as such are not the all-natural choice that some people are looking for. Not all Jersey sheets are either though, you’ll need to look for 100% cotton sheets if you want to make sure your choice is a ‘green’ one.
If you are looking for organic cotton you can also find that in a Jersey knit easily too, although you can expect to pay a little more for these sheets, as is the case for most organic fabrics.
Ease of Care
Both microfiber and Jersey knit sheets can usually be washed and dried in a standard residential washer and dryer, making them both an easy to care for choice. You do need to ensure you read the laundry labels before you wash your sheets for the first time, as some sheets with various synthetic elements may be prone to shrinkage unless washed and dried at very low temperatures.
Price Concerns
There is a good reason that microfiber and Jersey sheets are a VERY popular choice with budget conscious college students: you get durable sheets at a reasonable price that can be easily laundered. You don’t have to be a college student to appreciate this though, this is all good news for anyone who does not want their new bedsheets to break their budget!
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Jersey Knit vs Microfiber Bed Sheets: Our Takeaway
Both microfiber sheets and Jersey knit sheets are versatile, affordable choices.
If having a cool sheet for summer is important to you, choose a 100% cotton Jersey knit or a higher thread count microfiber.
You should also opt for a 100% Jersey knit if sensitive skin/or skin allergies are a concern for you, but if you are looking for excellent breathability, a higher thread count microfiber sheet can be an excellent choice as well. And if you are a sucker for soft sheets?
The cozy, buttery softness of a Jersey knit bedsheet really is hard to beat.