Which bedding should you choose? A practical guide to different fabrics

2026 09 24

When choosing bedding, we often focus first on colour or pattern. After a few nights, however, it quickly becomes clear that the fabric itself matters just as much. Some people prefer bedding that feels cool and fresh, others want the softest possible surface, while in winter many look for something warm and cosy to sink into at the end of the day.

There is no single fabric that is best for everyone. Cotton, satin, linen, flannel, muslin and microfiber all feel different, require different levels of care and come at different price points.

To make the decision easier, start by asking yourself three questions:

Do you usually feel hot or cold while sleeping?
Do you prefer smooth bedding or a more naturally textured fabric?
How much time do you want to spend caring for your bedding?

Once you know the answers, choosing the right fabric becomes much easier.

Cotton bedding – the most versatile choice

If you are not sure where to start, 100% cotton bedding is one of the safest choices.

Cotton is a natural fibre that feels comfortable against the skin and works well throughout the year. It absorbs moisture, allows air to circulate and is usually easy to care for.

The feel can vary considerably depending on the weave and fabric density. Some cotton bedding feels firmer and more matte, while other varieties are exceptionally soft.

Choose cotton if you:

want a natural fabric;
are looking for year-round bedding;
prefer easy care;
do not want an overly slippery or highly textured surface.

It is a practical everyday choice for both adults and children.

Cotton satin – when you want extra softness

It is important to remember that satin is not a fibre, but a type of weave.

Cotton satin is made from cotton, but the satin weave gives it a smoother, softer surface with a subtle sheen.

This makes it feel slightly more luxurious than standard cotton while still retaining many of cotton's natural qualities.

Cotton satin is particularly popular with people who do not like a rougher fabric texture.

Choose cotton satin if you:

enjoy very smooth bedding;
want a more elegant bedroom look;
like a soft, flowing fabric;
want a natural material with a smoother finish.

If you are looking for an even more premium option, you can also consider Mako satin, which is usually made using high-quality long-staple cotton.

Percale – for those who prefer a fresh feel

Percale is also commonly made from cotton, but it is woven differently from satin.

Its surface is matte, smooth and less slippery. High-quality percale can have that familiar crisp, fresh feel associated with freshly made hotel beds.

It is particularly suitable for people who tend to feel warm at night or who do not enjoy the very smooth feel of satin.

Choose percale if you:

like fresh-feeling bedding;
often feel hot while sleeping;
prefer a matte fabric;
want lightweight but durable cotton bedding.

Linen bedding – natural, cool and durable

Linen has a very distinctive feel.

New linen bedding is usually not as smooth as satin. Its surface has a natural texture, which is exactly what many people love about it.

With use and washing, linen gradually becomes softer.

One of its biggest advantages is the way it handles heat and moisture, which is why linen bedding often feels pleasantly fresh during hot summer nights.

However, linen is not just a summer fabric. It can be used comfortably throughout the year.

Linen bedding may suit you if you:

value natural materials;
often feel hot at night;
like slightly textured fabrics;
do not need your bed to look perfectly ironed;
want durable bedding for long-term use.

The main disadvantages are the higher price and the fact that linen wrinkles easily. For many people, however, those natural creases are part of its appeal.

Flannel bedding – for cold nights

If you want your bed to feel warm and soft as soon as you get into it during autumn or winter, flannel is worth considering.

Flannel has a lightly brushed surface, which makes it feel softer and warmer than standard cotton.

This is why flannel bedding is particularly popular during the colder months.

Choose flannel if you:

often feel cold while sleeping;
want cosy winter bedding;
like a soft, slightly fluffy surface;
keep your bedroom relatively cool in winter.

If you tend to overheat easily at night, flannel is unlikely to be your first choice in summer.

Muslin bedding – soft and relaxed

Muslin has become increasingly popular because of its distinctive texture.

Cotton muslin is commonly used for bedding. The fabric is lightweight, soft, slightly crinkled and looks natural even without ironing.

This makes it particularly convenient for people who do not want to reach for the iron after every wash.

Muslin also works well for those who do not enjoy either very smooth satin or firmer cotton.

Muslin may be a good choice if you:

enjoy lightweight and soft fabrics;
want a natural, relaxed look;
dislike ironing;
are looking for bedding for warmer weather or year-round use.

Microfiber bedding – practical and affordable

Microfiber differs from the fabrics above because it is usually synthetic.

Its fibres are extremely fine, which allows the fabric to feel light and soft. Microfiber also tends to dry quickly and wrinkle less.

This makes it popular among people looking for a practical and affordable option.

Choose microfiber if you:

want a lower-priced option;
prefer bedding that is very easy to care for;
do not like ironing;
want bedding that dries quickly.

For people who sleep very hot, natural and breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton may often feel more comfortable.

Microfiber satin – smoothness at a more affordable price

Another popular option is microfiber satin.

Its surface is smooth and soft, so visually and to the touch it can resemble satin bedding.

The main difference is that it is made from synthetic microfiber rather than cotton.

As a result, it is often more affordable, easy to wash, quick-drying and requires very little ironing.

It can be a practical choice for guest rooms, rental properties or anyone who prioritises easy care.

What about silk?

Silk belongs to a completely different category.

Genuine Mulberry silk is known for its exceptionally smooth surface and lightweight feel. It is usually chosen not because it is cheap or especially practical, but because of its distinctive feel.

Silk also requires more careful maintenance than cotton or microfiber.

If you are trying silk for the first time, a silk pillowcase is a good place to start and can help you decide whether you like the feel of the fabric.

What bedding is best for summer?

On hot nights, lightweight and breathable fabrics are usually the best place to start.

Good options include:

Linen – if you want a very natural, fresh feel.

Percale – if you enjoy crisp, lightweight cotton bedding.

Muslin – if you want something soft, light and relaxed.

Cotton – a versatile choice that works well in summer too.

Cotton satin can also be comfortable in warm weather, especially if you value smoothness more than a crisp feel.

What bedding is best for winter?

In colder weather, the priorities change.

If you want as much warmth and cosiness as possible, flannel bedding is often one of the most comfortable options.

You can also consider:

cotton;
cotton satin;
thicker muslin.

Of course, bedroom temperature matters too. If your home is warm throughout the year, you may not need separate winter bedding at all.

What should you choose if you sweat a lot at night?

In this case, the fabric's ability to absorb moisture and allow air circulation matters more than its design.

I would look first at:

linen;
percale;
high-quality cotton;
muslin.

Very warm flannel is probably best avoided if your bedroom is already warm.

What if you hate ironing?

Then the recommendations change completely.

The most practical options are usually:

Muslin, because its naturally crinkled texture is part of the look.

Microfiber, because it usually wrinkles very little.

Microfiber satin, if you want a smoother surface with minimal maintenance.

Linen can also be left unironed if you like its naturally relaxed appearance.

Quick fabric comparison

Fabric	Feel	Warmth	Care	Best for
Cotton	Soft, natural	Medium	Easy	Everyday use
Cotton satin	Very smooth	Medium	Easy	Those who love softness
Percale	Fresh, crisp	Cooler	Easy	Hot sleepers
Linen	Textured	Regulates well	Medium	Natural-fabric lovers
Flannel	Soft, slightly fluffy	Warm	Easy	Winter
Muslin	Soft, crinkled	Light	Very easy	People who dislike ironing
Microfiber	Soft, lightweight	Medium	Very easy	Practicality
Silk	Extremely smooth	Light	More demanding	A luxurious feel

Do not forget the right size

Even the nicest fabric will not feel right if the duvet cover does not fit your duvet.

Before ordering, check both your duvet and pillow dimensions.

Common duvet sizes include 140 × 200, 160 × 200, 200 × 200, 200 × 220 and 220 × 240 cm, although sizes can vary by country and brand.

The safest option is always to measure before buying.

So, which bedding should you choose?

If you want a versatile option – cotton.

If softness and smoothness matter most – cotton satin.

If you tend to sleep hot – linen or percale.

If you want soft bedding with a naturally crinkled texture – muslin.

If you tend to feel cold – flannel.

If easy care and affordability are your priorities – microfiber.

And if you want something especially smooth and luxurious – try silk.

The most important thing is not to choose whichever fabric happens to be most fashionable, but the one that feels most comfortable to you personally.

In the SAVAS Home bedding collection, you can compare different fabrics, sizes and designs and choose bedding according to your sleeping habits, the season and the type of fabric feel you prefer.