Sleeping well is essential for your health and well-being. If you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep, know that there are many things you can try to solve this problem. And one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways is to invest in quality bed linen.

There’s nothing better than ultra-soft, cosy bedding to cradle you in comfort and help you drift off to a deep, restful sleep. But with the many types of sheets available on the market, how do you know which is best? 

Not only are sheets made from different materials – cotton, polyester, bamboo, silk, microfibre, etc.- but they are also woven or knitted differently. And how sheets are made impacts their softness, sturdiness and thickness. One of the best combinations you can choose for your bedding is Jersey cotton –  a cotton fabric knitted in the jersey way. 

How Is Jersey Cotton Bedding Made?

Jersey cotton is a fabric made from cotton yarns using the jersey knit technique. The jersey knit is done on a knitting machine with needles in a single row that forms interlocking loops, generating rows and columns of knit stitches. This creates a fabric with distinct texture and qualities such as:

  • Elasticity: It’s a lot more stretchier than other types of cotton fabrics, and this without combining it with any synthetic fibres. 
  • Softness: The knit and cotton fibres allow jersey cotton to be extremely soft.
  • Breathability: It allows air to pass through.
  • Moisture Wicking: The material is naturally absorbent and moisture-wicking.
  • Easy Care: Jersey cotton is simple to wash and maintain, often requiring only machine washing and drying. 

Benefits of Jersey Cotton Bedding

At first, you’ll be amazed by the range of colours, patterns and styles of jersey bedding available. Whether you like bold patterns or trendy designs or prefer classic neutral, there is a jersey bed linen set for you. But this kind of bedding has many other attributes that make it a good choice for your bedroom. 

Feels Gentle Against the Skin

One of the most notable advantages of jersey bedding is its extremely soft and comfortable feel. Its smooth, delicate texture feels similar to an old T-shirt, making it ideal for creating a pleasant and appealing sleeping environment.

Helps Regulate Your Body Temperature

If you’re a hot sleeper or tend to get night sweats, sleeping in a jersey cotton sheet will help you to stay cool. That is because these sheets allow air to pass through, helping regulate your body temperature as you sleep. 

Stretchable and Flexible

The material natural flexibility ensures it fits snugly on the mattress without bunching or slipping. This elasticity makes it easier to make your bed and keeps the sheets in place all night, providing a smooth sleeping surface. The stretchiness is especially ideal for deep or unusually shaped mattresses, as it can fit a variety of sizes and forms.

Resistant to Tearing and Pilling 

These sheets’ durability ensures that they will maintain their quality and appearance even after several washes. Another advantage of these sheets is that they are wrinkle-resistant, ensuring that your bed linens look smooth and neat without the need for ironing.   

Budget Friendly

Another advantage of jersey knit bed sheets is their cost as everyday linens. Despite its superior comfort and durability, jersey knit sheets tend to be more affordable than other forms of bedding, such as Egipty cotton or silk. So it’s an affordable alternative for those looking to improve their sleep without leaving a hole in their wallet. 

Hypoallergenic

Jersey knit bed linens are ideal for people who suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin. The fabric’s soft, smooth surface is kind on the skin, reducing the likelihood of irritation or allergic responses. Additionally, the breathability of jersey knit decreases dust mite and allergy buildup, resulting in a cleaner and healthier sleep environment. 

Choosing a Jersey Cotton Sheet Set

Not all jersey cotton sheet sets available on the market feature the same quality. To choose a quality one, there are things you’ll want to consider. 

Cotton Quality

The comfort, breathability and durability of the sheets can all be affected by the quality of the cotton used.  To ensure you are getting the best, look for sets made of 100% pure cotton. If the label says  ‘100% cotton’, you’re getting a good product. 

Thread Count

It’s important to mention that jersey sheets, unlike regular cotton sheets, don’t have a thread count. Jersey is a knit fabric, so it is naturally soft and doesn’t need a high thread count to be comfortable. Simply said, a lack of thread count doesn’t mean a lack of comfort. 

Single-knit vs Double-Knit

Jersey cotton sheets are generally available in two variations: single-knit and double-knit. Double-knit refers to two layers of jersey cotton that are linked throughout the knitting process. This leads to a thicker and heavier jersey, that provides increased warmth and structure. 

Both provide a high level of stretchability, but single-knit jersey cotton provides slightly more due to its manufacture with a single pair of needles. Double-knit jersey cotton has a smooth texture on both sides, but single-knit jersey cotton has a unique looping feel on the reverse.

Single-knit jersey fabric is more breathable due to its reduced weight. This makes them more suited to hot weather. 

How to Care for Jersey Cotton Sheets

Jersey cotton sheets can be machine-washed in cold water with a mild detergent to avoid harming the fibres. Avoid using strong detergents or those containing harsh chemicals because they can fade or damage the fabric. 

You should also avoid using fabric softeners because they can weaken the flexibility of the fabric. To increase the longevity of your linens, wash them separately from abrasive textiles such as towels and trousers; this prevents abrasion and pilling.

Tumble dry on a low heat setting, or hang dry to avoid shrinking and keep the fabric’s shape. But avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading.  

If you find ironing necessary, use a warm or medium heat setting suitable for cotton jersey fabric. Avoid ironing at high temperatures to prevent scorching or distorting the fabric. 

When not in use, store the sheets in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture. Consider carefully folding it and storing it in a bag to avoid dust accumulation and keep the shape of the sheet.   

Following these care instructions will help your sheet set stay fresh, colourful, and durable over time.