How to Choose Bed Linen for Better Sleep

by | Apr 17, 2025 | Latest

linen sheet set

You spend a huge chunk of your life in bed—so it makes sense to make it as comfortable as possible, right? While we all know a good mattress is essential, your bed linen plays just as big a role in how well you sleep.

It’s not just about what looks nice (though we love that too). The material, texture, and fit of your sheets can help regulate your temperature, keep you comfy, and stop you from waking up sweaty or wrapped up like a burrito.

Here’s everything you need to know about finding bed linen that actually helps you sleep better.

Why Your Bed Linen Actually Matters

If you’ve always thought your mattress was the be-all and end-all of good sleep, you’re not alone. But the truth is, your sheets are doing a lot more behind the scenes than you might think.

The right fabric can help keep you cool, wick away moisture, and feel soft against your skin—all of which make it easier to drift off and stay asleep.

Cotton and linen are both naturally breathable, so they let air flow and help you avoid that sticky, overheated feeling at night. And a soft texture? That’s a game-changer. It helps your body relax and settle down quicker, meaning more solid sleep and less tossing and turning.

Choosing the Right Fabric

Not all bed linen is created equal—and the fabric you go for can really shape how your bed feels. Some are super breathable, some are silky smooth, and others are better at managing temperature. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:

Cotton

An absolute classic. Cotton is soft, breathable, and easy to look after. Egyptian and Supima cotton are the luxury versions—they use longer fibres, which make them stronger and smoother.

Good if you want:

  • Breathable sheets that feel soft but still crisp
  • Something low-fuss and easy to wash

Watch out for:

  • Shrinking if you use hot water
  • Lower-quality cotton can go bobbly (pilling) over time

Linen

Linen’s made from flax and has that lovely, slightly rumpled texture. It’s naturally breathable and temperature-regulating, so it keeps you cool in summer and cosy in winter. It also gets softer the more you wash it.

Great for:

  • Hot sleepers
  • People who like that relaxed, laid-back look

But be aware:

  • It can feel a bit rough at first
  • It wrinkles easily (which some people love, but it’s not for everyone)

Bamboo

Bamboo sheets have a soft, silky feel and are a brilliant choice if you’ve got allergies or sensitive skin. They’re also eco-friendly, which is always a bonus.

Best for:

  • A smooth, cool feel without the price tag of silk
  • Anyone after a more sustainable option

The catch?

  • Some versions are blended with synthetic fibres, which can reduce the natural benefits
  • Can wrinkle a bit more than cotton

Silk

If you want the full luxury hotel vibe, silk’s the way to go. It feels amazing, regulates temperature well, and is super gentle on your skin and hair.

Perfect for:

  • People who want something really luxe
  • Those with sensitive skin or hair

Heads up:

  • It’s pricey
  • You’ll need to be careful with washing—no chucking it in with your towels

Microfiber

Microfibre might not have the same heritage as cotton or linen, but it’s quickly become a favourite—for good reason. It’s incredibly soft, easy to care for, and keeps its shape and feel wash after wash. Plus, it doesn’t wrinkle easily, which means your bed always looks tidy with minimal effort.

At Letto, we use premium-quality microfibre that’s specially designed to be breathable and gentle on skin. It wicks away moisture, feels light and smooth, and helps regulate temperature throughout the night.

Why we love it:

  • Ultra-soft and cosy straight out of the box
  • Low-maintenance—no shrinking, pilling, or fuss
  • Wrinkle-resistant and long-lasting
  • Hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin
  • Designed to stay cool and comfortable all night

If you’re after bedding that’s practical, reliable, and genuinely comfy—microfibre is a brilliant choice. It’s everything you want in everyday sheets, without the high-maintenance care that comes with some natural fabrics.

Let’s Talk Thread Count (It’s Not What You Think)

You’ve probably heard people bang on about thread count, but here’s the thing—it’s not the whole story.

Thread count refers to how many threads are woven into one square inch of fabric. Sounds simple enough. But a high thread count doesn’t automatically mean better quality. Some brands inflate it by twisting lots of tiny fibres together to bump up the number—it looks impressive, but it doesn’t always make for better bedding.

What actually matters more?

  • The type of fabric – Microfibre, cotton, bamboo… they all perform differently, regardless of count
  • The weave – Sateen has a silky finish, while percale feels cool and crisp
  • How it feels to you – Comfort is personal. Go with what suits your sleep style

If you like silky softness:

Microfibre sheets hit the sweet spot. They’re soft, smooth, and stay that way—without needing high thread counts to do the job.

Want something that lasts?

Microfibre wins here too. It’s durable, holds up to regular washing, and doesn’t fade or fray easily. Less fuss, more sleep.

How to Choose Based on Softness vs. Durability

Instead of focusing solely on the thread count, look at the fabric and weave. Natural fibres like cotton and bamboo are more breathable and comfortable than synthetic materials like microfiber.

Weave matters too—sateen weaves feel smooth and silky, while percale has a crisp, cool texture.

If you want softer sheets: Look for a thread count between 300 and 500 in cotton or bamboo. This range is soft but still breathable.

If you need something durable: Go for a lower thread count (200–400) in high-quality cotton. It might feel a bit crisper, but it’ll hold up better over time.

Getting the Right Fit (Because Nothing’s Worse Than a Sheet That Pops Off)

Modern mattresses come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and if you’ve got one with extra depth or an adjustable frame, it’s especially important to get sheets that actually fit.

How to measure

Grab a tape measure and note the length, width, and depth of your mattress. If it’s got a pillow top or you’ve added a topper, you’ll likely need deep-pocket fitted sheets.

Letto’s fitted sheets are designed with generous depth and flexible corners—so they stay put, even if your bed adjusts or moves.

Flat sheets? Make sure they give you enough coverage for a neat, tucked-in look or that effortless, draped-over-the-bed vibe. Your choice.

What About Adjustable Beds?

If you’ve got an adjustable bed, you’ll already know the challenge of keeping your sheets in place. Standard bedding just doesn’t cut it.

Letto bedding is made to move with your bed. Our fitted sheets are tailored for split adjustable bases, so they flex and stay secure—no matter how much you raise or lower the head or foot of the bed.

Our sets come ready to go:

  • Split Queen: Two half-queen fitted sheets, one queen flat sheet, two pillowcases
  • Split King: Two long single fitted sheets, one king flat sheet, two pillowcases
  • Split Super King: Bigger bed? No problem—same structure, just more space
  • No slipping. No bunching. Just bedding that works with your lifestyle.

Got Allergies or Sensitive Skin? Here’s What to Know

If you wake up feeling stuffy or itchy, your bed linen might be part of the problem. Dust mites, pet dander, and moisture can all build up in your bedding, especially if the fabric isn’t breathable or easy to clean.

Letto’s microfibre sheets are a great option for sensitive sleepers. They’re:

  • Hypoallergenic: Naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens
  • Moisture-wicking: Keeps you dry and comfortable
  • Smooth and gentle: Kind to skin and great for those with allergies

Pair them with one of our mattress protectors for an added layer of defence against allergens—and to keep your mattress fresher for longer.

Match Your Bedding to Your Room’s Mood

Soft, neutral tones like beige, white, and soft blues can create a relaxing atmosphere. If you prefer deeper colours, stick with calming shades like forest green or navy. Keep patterns subtle, such as using patterned bedding in neutral or earthy tones, to avoid visual clutter that might overstimulate your mind.

Create a Bedroom That’s Built for Sleep

letto adjustable beds

The feel of your bedding is one thing—but don’t underestimate the power of your bedroom space as a whole. The more calming and inviting it is, the easier it is to drift off.

Choose colours that feel soothing

Soft shades like white, beige, pale blue, or light grey can help create a peaceful vibe. If you prefer darker tones, try something grounding like navy or olive green—just steer clear of loud patterns or clashing prints that can feel busy or overstimulating.

Layer it up

Start with a breathable sheet set (hint: microfibre is ideal), then add a cosy blanket or throw, and top it off with a lightweight duvet. This gives you the flexibility to adjust through the night—warm when you want it, cool when you don’t.

Keep it simple

A tidy space helps your mind switch off. Clear surfaces, soft lighting, and blackout curtains can all help create a proper wind-down environment.

Need more ideas? Check out our Top 8 Sleeping Tips to Improve Your Rest for more ways to level up your sleep.

Keeping Your Bedding Fresh (Without the Fuss)

Good bedding is an investment in better sleep—but it only works if you look after it. Luckily, Letto bedding is easy to care for. Here’s how to keep it feeling its best:

Washing tips:

  • Wash in cold or warm water—not hot, which can wear down fibres
  • Use a gentle detergent
  • Skip the fabric softener—it can build up on the fabric over time and reduce breathability

Drying + storing:

  • Air-dry when possible to maintain softness
  • If using a dryer, stick to a low heat setting
  • Store clean sheets in a fabric or breathable bag (never plastic)
  • Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time

Pro tip: rotate between two or three sets of sheets to keep them fresher longer and reduce wear and tear.

Why Letto’s Linen Makes All the Difference

Your bed should be your sanctuary, and Letto’s microfibre linen makes that happen. Our sheets are soft, breathable, and durable, so you can actually enjoy slipping into bed at night without dealing with scratchy fabric or sheets that lose their shape after a few washes.

Soft, Durable, and Hypoallergenic

Letto’s microfiber sheets are some of the best quality bed linen. It’s ultra-soft and moisture-wicking, helping to regulate body temperature while staying gentle on sensitive skin. The wrinkle and fade-resistant material holds up wash after wash, maintaining a fresh, crisp feel.

Perfect for Adjustable Beds

If you’ve got an adjustable bed, Letto has you covered—literally. Our sheet sets come with two fitted sheets designed to stay in place so you’re not waking up to tangled corners in the middle of the night.

And while they work well with other adjustable beds they are perfectly designed to fit Letto’s signature adjustable bed, providing a snug and secure fit every time.

Keeping Things Clean

Letto’s mattress covers and protectors make it easy to keep your bed fresh and clean. Just unzip and toss them in the wash to handle dust, allergens, and the occasional spill. Our waterproof protector even guards against stains without that annoying plastic feel.

Letto’s bedding is designed to make your life easier—and your sleep better.

Final Thoughts: Investing in Better Sleep

The right bed linen can seriously upgrade your sleep. Breathable fabrics, the right thread count, and a perfect fit all make a difference in how well you rest. Taking care of your bedding also helps it last longer and stay comfortable.

If you’re ready to get the ultimate good night’s sleep, Letto’s high-quality linen and mattress covers are designed to give you the comfort you deserve. After all, better sleep starts with better bedding.

Explore our range now!