Choosing sheets is important in creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for guests. As guests first slip under the covers, the sheets significantly influence their overall experience as one of the first things they touch. Those in the hospitality industry must carefully consider their selection, preferences, and first impressions. Evaluating various factors, including sheet style, thread count, color, and numerous care requirements, is essential. The market offers diverse options, including cotton, cotton/polyester blends, organic materials, and microfiber sheets. Each type possesses its distinct qualities, catering to different tastes and needs. This blog will explore the key differences between cotton and microfiber sheets, empowering you to make an informed choice that aligns with your property’s vision and guest expectations.
Difference Between Cotton and Microfiber
Cotton is a natural and durable fiber that comes directly from cotton plants. It has been used as a material in linens for thousands of years and remains an extremely popular option today. These sheets are breathable, hypoallergenic, and easy to maintain, making them suitable for all sleepers. Weavers weave them in sateen, percale, or jacquard patterns, which affects their feel and durability. Additionally, cotton sheets soften over time with regular washing and can be dried with minimal wrinkles if removed promptly from the dryer.
Conversely, microfiber is made from woven fibers derived from wood pulp, polyester, or nylon fibers. It is durable, affordable, and has wrinkle-free properties. Microfiber sheets are measured based on the thickness of each fiber, with a requirement that the fibers be smaller than one denier. The unit used to calculate this thickness refers to the fiber’s diameter, and the finer the fibers, the softer and more lightweight the fabric. Due to their tight weave, microfiber sheets are resistant to moisture and stains but may trap more heat than cotton, making them a warmer option for sleepers. However, microfiber is unsuitable for the environment, taking around 200 years to biodegrade in a landfill.
Benefits of Cotton Sheets
- It is constructed with natural fiber, making it breathable and easy to sleep. This type of sheet’s moisture-wicking properties allow less body heat and sweat absorption and allow guests to remain cool and dry.
- Offered in a wide variety of styles at different price levels, giving customers lots of options.
- It is one of the most common natural fabrics used in hypoallergenic sheets, making it a good option for people with allergies.
- It is easy to care for and can be machine-washed and dried in cold water and low heat. Cold water and less heat preserve the fibers, prevent shrinkage, and avoid undue wear.
- These sheets are known for their softness and comfort due to their soft fabric. High-quality cotton, generally, gets softer after every wash, making it a good long-term investment.
- High-quality cotton sheets are durable and rarely have pilling and fraying issues.
- Overall, cotton sheets are better for the environment.
Benefits of Microfiber
- Usually offered at a very affordable price.
- The flat and tightly woven structure of microfiber makes it highly durable and able to last.
- Easy to take care of and launder.
- Lightweight and soft.
InnStyle Recommends Cotton Over Microfiber Sheets
People sleep using cotton or microfiber sheets, but most people prefer sleeping on cotton sheets. This is because most people find these sheets to be more comfortable. Microfiber sheets absorb moisture and trap heat, which makes sleeping more challenging for people who get hot at night. Microfiber is also more prone to stains, and its texture is more static. Microfiber sheets are typically lower in price than cotton sheets, but it might be worth paying a bit more because they are a better-quality product for most people.
Cotton Polyester Sheets are Another Alternative
Most sleepers will probably prefer cotton sheets to microfiber, but they could still be a hassle for properties mainly because they tend to wrinkle. Housekeeping could find the constant ironing between each guest stay to become redundant and time-consuming. Still, there is luckily another alternative that they could consider to help alleviate this problem. These alternative sheets have become an extremely popular option because they offer a blend that reduces the need for ironing. This sheet type provides comfort, while the small amount of microfiber removes the need for iron. Some popular cotton polyester blend sheets offered at InnStyle include the InnStyle 300 Hospitality Sheets and the InnStyle 600 Luxury Blend Sheets.
InnStyle has a Wide Sheet Selection for You
Good quality sheets will go a long way towards making guests have a more enjoyable and memorable stay at your estate. There are a variety of sheets to choose from, which makes the process challenging. InnStyle’s goal is to help make the sheet selection process and all hospitality product selection as smooth as possible. InnStyle has their sheets organized into four sections, including cotton, cotton polyester blend, organic, and microfiber, to help make this process easier. If you have any questions about sheets or general hospitality products, please call InnStyle and speak with one of their account managers. They will be happy to help you and offer their recommendations. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.