Guide to Choosing the Right Bedding for You

Choosing the right bedding isn’t just about matching your sheets to your bedroom decor–it’s also about getting better sleep. Your bedding plays a big part in how comfortable, cool, and cozy you feel at night, and also how well your mattress performs over time.

If you’ve upgraded to a hybrid mattress, then your bedding choices matter even more. Hybrid mattresses tend to be thicker than standard ones, and they benefit from breathable, well-fitting sheets that can move with your body and support airflow.

So in this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of picking the perfect bedding, including how to size it, choose the right material, and match it to your mattress and climate. Whether you’re building your dream bed setup or just replacing your current sheets, here’s how to get it right.

Step-by-step: How to choose the right bedding

Not sure where to start? These four simple steps will help you narrow down your options and find the bedding that suits your mattress, your body, and your sleep style.

Step 1: Choose the right size

Start by making sure that your bedding fits your bed. That means sheets that won’t pop off the corners and a duvet or comforter that gives you full coverage. If you have a hybrid mattress, you’ll want to look for deep pocket fitted sheets. Hybrid mattresses often measure 12 to 14 inches thick, so standard sheets might not cut it. Check the sheet’s pocket depth to make sure it’s a good match.

You can also consider sizing up for duvets or comforters (such as using a king duvet on a queen bed) for extra coverage and a cozy, tucked-in feel.

Step 2: Pick the right material and finish

The fabric you choose will have the biggest impact on your overall sleep comfort. Hot sleeper? You’ll want lightweight and breathable materials. Cold at night? Go for something warmer and heavier. We’ll break down all the top bedding materials in the next section so you can decide what suits you best.

Step 3: Select colors and aesthetics

Light neutrals, whites, and earth tones are always popular because they feel calming and easy to match. Darker sheets may fade faster, especially if you wash in hot water, so stick to cold cycles to preserve color. Patterned bedding can add personality, while classic solid colors keep things feeling clean and fresh.

Step 4: Details matter

Look for thoughtful design features such as:

• Envelope pillowcases that stay neatly closed
• Corner ties on duvet covers to hold your insert in place
• Zippered closures for a smooth finish

These small touches can make your bedding feel high-end without the high price tag.

Best bedding materials: Pros, cons & use cases

Now let’s talk about sheet fabrics. Below are the most popular bedding materials, each with their own pros, cons, and best use cases. We’ve also included notes on whether they pair well with hybrid mattresses, which need breathable, flexible bedding to perform at their best.

Linen

• Breathable and moisture-wicking
• Softens with each wash
• Best for hot sleepers and warm climates
• Ideal for use with hybrid mattresses

Linen is a natural fiber known for its breathable, moisture-wicking properties. It's an excellent choice for warm climates or summer months, helping regulate body temperature while keeping you dry throughout the night.

It has a slightly textured feel that softens beautifully over time with each wash. Its relaxed, rumpled look gives your bedroom an effortlessly stylish vibe, and it pairs well with hybrid mattresses thanks to its airflow-enhancing qualities.

Sateen (Egyptian cotton)

• Smooth, silky texture with sheen
• Retains heat, ideal for cold climates
• Made from high-quality Egyptian cotton
• Drapes well on thick hybrid mattresses

Sateen bedding is woven for a silky, smooth texture with a slight sheen, giving your sleep setup that luxury hotel feel. It tends to be heavier and warmer than percale, making it a cozy option for cooler nights.

Made from long-staple Egyptian cotton, sateen sheets drape beautifully over hybrid mattresses and retain heat well, so it’s great for cold sleepers looking for softness without sacrificing coverage or elegance.

Brushed cotton (flannel)

• Soft, fuzzy, and warm
• Best for winter or cold sleepers
• Breathable yet heat-retaining
• Pairs well with hybrid mattresses in cooler seasons

Brushed cotton, also known as flannel, is soft, fuzzy, and perfect for winter. The brushed finish traps heat while still remaining breathable, giving you a warm and cozy sleep environment without feeling suffocating.

It’s a great match for hybrid mattresses if you tend to sleep cold, although it may feel too heavy during warmer months. It’s a classic choice for colder climates and comfort-focused sleepers.

Percale

• Crisp and breathable
• Cool to the touch, great for hot sleepers
• Softens over time
• Excellent for hybrid mattresses, especially foam-based models

Percale is known for its crisp, lightweight feel and matte finish. It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and cool to the touch, making it ideal for hot sleepers or anyone in a warm climate.

It holds up well over time, getting softer with every wash. Its light and airy nature makes it a top recommendation for hybrid mattresses, particularly those with memory foam layers.

Bamboo

• Ultra-soft and breathable
• Naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial
• Ideal for hot sleepers and allergy sufferers
• One of the best fits for hybrid mattresses

Bamboo sheets are exceptionally soft, cool, and breathable. The natural fiber is hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making it a great choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.

Because of its stretch and airflow, bamboo bedding is one of the best options for hybrid mattresses. It hugs the mattress well and helps regulate temperature throughout the night.

Silk

• Smooth, soft, and luxurious
• Naturally hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating
• Requires delicate care
• Works with hybrids but may need a non-slip layer

Silk is a natural luxury fiber prized for its smooth, soft texture and gentle feel on skin and hair. It’s temperature-regulating, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, while also being naturally hypoallergenic.

While it adds elegance to any bedroom, silk requires delicate care and can be pricey. It works with hybrid mattresses but may slide around without a grippy mattress protector or fitted sheet underneath.

Polyester (and blends)

• Affordable, durable, and wrinkle-resistant
• Easy to care for and quick-drying
• Less breathable, better in cooler climates
• Best for hybrids when blended with natural fibers

Polyester bedding is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and budget-friendly, making it a practical choice for busy households. It’s easy to wash and dries quickly, ideal for low-maintenance care.

However, polyester is less breathable than natural fibers, so it may trap heat. For hybrid mattresses, polyester blends (mixed with cotton or bamboo) are a better option for comfort and airflow.

Understanding thread count (and why it’s not everything)

Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into a square inch of fabric, and while it’s often marketed as a sign of quality, bigger numbers don’t always mean better bedding. In fact, the ideal range for most sheets is between 300 and 400. At this level, you’ll get a balance of softness, durability, and breathability that feels great night after night.

When manufacturers push thread counts much higher, they often use thinner or multi-ply threads, which can actually make the fabric denser and less breathable. This is particularly important if you sleep on a hybrid mattress which needs airflow to help regulate temperature.

Instead of chasing the highest number, focus on the quality of the fibers and the weave style. These factors will have a much bigger impact on comfort, performance, and how well your bedding works with your mattress.

What’s the best bedding for a hybrid mattress?

Hybrid mattresses blend the responsive support of coils with the contouring comfort of foam, making them a versatile choice for many sleepers. To get the most out of this design, your bedding should enhance airflow, allow for flexibility, and fit securely. Because hybrid mattresses are often thicker (typically 12 inches or more), deep pocket fitted sheets are essential to keep everything in place.

When it comes to materials, breathable options like bamboo, linen, or percale cotton are ideal for year-round comfort. These fabrics help regulate temperature and work well with the mattress’s natural cooling abilities. For colder months, sateen or brushed cotton can add a layer of warmth without sacrificing too much airflow. It’s best to avoid heavy, non-breathable fabrics on a hybrid mattress for everyday use, as they can trap heat and reduce comfort. The right bedding will complement your mattress and elevate your overall sleep experience.

Choosing the right bedding can make all the difference in how well you sleep. The right materials, fit, and weave not only enhance comfort but also help your mattress perform at its best to keep you cool, supported, and cozy through every season.

Whether you prefer the crisp feel of percale, the softness of bamboo, or the warmth of brushed cotton, matching your bedding to your needs ensures better rest night after night. Invest in quality, breathable sheets that fit properly, and you’ll turn your bed into a truly comfortable, restorative sleep environment.