The Best Bed Sheets for Summer

As March comes on like a lion and out like a lamb we are reminded that summer is just around the corner, and its time to get to spring cleaning and to shake things up a bit. After a long cold winter huddled underneath a stack of blankets that could reach the moon many folks are ready to deck their beds in a fresh set of bed linens, but what should they choose? As a sleep-lover and general lazy bones I’m here to help you pick out the best bed sheets for summer, so let’s stuff those flannel sheets in the closet and get shopping!

The best bed sheets for summer are made of natural fabrics such as cotton (my favorite), bamboo, or rayon (a good alternative). Synthetic fabrics are mostly labeled “microfiber”, which is just a fancy euphemism for polyester. Polyester does not wick away sweat or breath, so if you get warm during those sweltering summer nights, all of your sweat will be trapped on your skin and in bed with you instead of evaporating, which is just plain old yucky, especially if you have a sleep partner.

Cotton, on the other hand, is naturally absorbent and breathable as well as being lightweight and soft. The key to finding the best cotton sheets for summer is thread count. Cotton sheets with a higher thread count will be softer and often of a finer weave than lower thread count sheets, making them perfect for summer. They also get softer with each wash as well, so always pre-wash your sheets before putting them on your bed and don’t be afraid to give your wash machine a work out by changing your sheets frequently.

If you don’t have the dough to shell out for good quality, high thread count cotton sheets then you can always try two innovative alternatives for summer sheets: bamboo and beach sheets. Though they are made by the same process (similar to how rayon is made) bamboo and beach sheets are marketed separately, though both share a somewhat satin sheen and softness. Bamboo sheets are also touted as having anti-bacterial properties, great for those husbands with stinky feet (I love you dear...). I personally had beech sheets all through college as my go-to bed linens, and I love how soft, silky and versatile they are. If you live in a very hot and humid area however, these sheets may be a bit heavy for you.

Some people prefer to sleep with nothing between them and the night air in the hot summer months, but I like a little weight on me. Depending on how warm or cool it is I like either a light down comforter or a woven cotton blanket. The down comforter provides a cloud-like feeling and warmth before summer turns up the full heat, and a woven cotton blanket provides a comforting heaviness but breathes well in the heat.

However you end up outfitting your bed for summer remember that natural fibers are your friend! I hope that your nights are peaceful and cool and that you can enjoy summer's heat rather than tossing, turning and cursing the season's warmth, because once January rolls around again you'll be begging for a little sun!