The colder season may have you thinking about winter fashion and which pair of boots will be your next purchase. But there is something else you may need to think about and it belongs on the bed you sleep on every night.
Picking the right winter sheets is crucial to keeping you warm throughout the season, no matter how low the temperature drops. Do you struggle staying asleep because of the freezing cold? Flannel may be your new best friend.
Changing your bed sheets to suit the season will keep you comfortable, potentially meaning better quality sleep for you. You want to feel warm and block out the cold, but you still want to feel comfortable and not break out into a sweat. These are the winter sheet options you need to know about.
Flannel
Flannel does not refer to the plaid pattern, but rather a brushed thick weave fabric that is durable and insulating. It is usually made out of wool, cotton or a synthetic cloth. Although it’s not as warm as fleece, flannel is lightweight and soft which makes it a great pick if you are looking for warmth but do not want to sweat. It’s usually known for being in a plaid pattern, but there are actually many styles and colours to choose from.
Fleece
Fleece is a synthetic knit fabric that is known as one of the warmest winter sheet options on the market. Fleece is not only thick but it’s stretchy too. It’s soft to the touch and is built for insulating heat. However, it’s not as breathable as other choices. With fleece, you can opt for a sheet with a mix of synthetic and natural fibres. Fleece sheets are available in a wide variety of materials, colours and sizes.
Linen
Linen is known for feeling soft and luxurious, without being too heavy. It’s recognised for its ability to regulate temperature, thanks to its absorbent fibres. This helps you create the perfect winter bed without overheating as the linen is breathable. You can have linen sheets all year round as it’s comfortable in the summer, but can work as a base layer in winter. Stack your linen sheets with a winter duvet and throw blanket to keep you warm yet comfortable.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the lighter options and can actually be used all year round. This fabric choice works great as a base layer, especially if you are short on cash. Use it on its own in summer but in the winter, bulk up the cotton sheets with a heavier blanket to help insulate the heat and humidity. Using cotton sheets allows you to customise the level of warmth you require so it can go with you throughout the year.
Anything derived from bamboo
Lyocell is one of the most common bedding options that is derived from bamboo. This process creates a new fibre from bamboo with less toxic chemicals. It's another great pick for all year round. The bamboo fibres have the ability to insulate, regulating your body temperature and keeping you warm in winter but cool in the summer. The fabric is incredibly soft (softer than cotton and linen) and it provides you comfort as you sleep. All you may need to do is add a thick blanket for extra warmth, especially when the temperature really drops. Sheets derived from bamboo are also sustainable and absorb any excess moisture so night sweats are a thing of the past.
CleanBamboo Signature Sateen Fitted Sheet
Silk
The most luxurious pick of the sheets, silk is usually thought of as a thin fabric but it actually works well during the colder seasons. Silk retains heat, offering similar warmth to flannel with the same wicking effect as cotton. This option can also be used all year despite the weather as it keeps you warm in winter but cool in summer. Silk production is not easy and takes up a lot of money and time. This is why silk fabrics are generally more expensive than other sheet options. However, if you take care of them properly, silk sheets will have outstanding longevity compared to other bedding materials.
Washing and maintaining the quality of your winter sheets
With any kind of bedding, no matter the season, the way you wash and dry your sheets can affect their longevity.
We recommend following the care instructions on the set you have purchased, as this is the best bet for keeping your sheets in check.
How often should you change your sheets?
Your bedding should be changed and washed about once a week, or once a fortnight at the least. As you sleep, different particles can get caught in the fibres of the sheet – such as dirt, oil and sweat. This build-up of bacteria can bring on negative impacts, for example it can bring on allergies or trigger breakouts if you are prone to them.
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