A lot of people assume that polyester sheets are the same as microfiber sheets. While both are synthetic materials consisting mostly of polyester, there are some differences between them. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between polyester and microfiber bed sheets. 

What Is Polyester? 

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is made from petroleum products. Several fossil fuel-based chemicals are combined to create polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the chemical name for polyester. 

Polyester is one of the most commonly used fibers around the world. It’s used in bedding, clothes, furniture and more. 

Polyester can be used on its own to make 100% polyester bedding or combined with materials like cotton and bamboo to create blended bedding. 

Polyester bed sheets are the most popular, mostly because of their affordability. They are also relatively durable, fairly soft and don't require special or delicate care. 

What Is Microfiber?

You can think of microfiber as an improved version of polyester. Microfiber sheets are made by combining polyester with nylon (polyamide). Some microfiber bedding also contains other fibers like viscose, rayon and lyocell. 

Microfiber has a softer feel, especially if it is brushed microfiber. 

Polyester vs. Microfiber Sheets 

Here’s how polyester and microfiber sheets compare in different aspects. 

Breathability & Cooling

Both polyester and microfiber sheets are not the best when it comes to keeping you cool. They are less breathable than natural fabrics like cotton, silk and linen. They trap heat and can be especially uncomfortable for hot sleepers and during the warm months. 

Between the two of them, microfiber is the more breathable option so it’s more suitable if you want to sleep cool. 

Night Sweats 

Both microfiber and polyester sheets are terrible for night sweats. Because of their poor breathability, they don't allow sweat to evaporate and can make you sweat more because of overheating. 

These synthetic materials also don't absorb or wick away sweat the way cotton and other natural fabrics are able to. 

But if you really had to choose between the two, microfiber sheets are the better option for night sweats. 

Texture 

Microfiber feels a lot softer than polyester, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. Brushed microfiber is especially soft. 

As for polyester, it used to be scratchy and uncomfortable. But modern polyester bed sheets are quite soft and smooth. 

Durability 

Polyester bed sheets are more resistant to wear and tear. With good care, they can last about 3 years before they begin to deteriorate. 

Microfiber sheets are made with finer fibers that are not as resistant as polyester to wear and tear. So microfiber sheets don't last as long — usually 1-3 years. 

One thing to note about both polyester and microfiber sheets is that they don't require particularly delicate care unlike natural sheets like silk and linen. So they are easy to take care of. You can wash them with regular detergent and dry them in the drier. 

Eco-friendliness

Both polyester and microfiber are derived from fossil fuels, so neither is eco-friendly. Microfiber is even worse because it consists of microplastics, which are a more nefarious pollutant. 

Researchers have been creating more eco-friendly bio-based polyester, but they are still not widely used. Even bedding that uses bio-based polyester only uses a bit of it with the rest being regular petroleum-based polyester. 

Polyester vs. Microfiber: Which Is The Best Choice for Bed Sheets?

If you are looking for soft and breathable bed sheets, microfiber is the best choice. Don't expect the same level of cooling as cotton, but they are better than polyester. 

If cost and durability are your main concerns, go with polyester. Polyester sheets are cheaper and they last longer. 

That said, we don't recommend either of these bed sheets for most people. Poly-cotton bed sheets are affordable and offer better cooling and moisture-wicking. Other polyester blends like polyester + bamboo or polyester + tencel are also better than 100% polyester or microfiber sheets. 

If you have more money to spend, get 100% cotton bed sheets. Silk, linen, bamboo and hemp bed sheets are also excellent choices, though they are pricier.