The winter season is not the same all through India. It becomes genuinely chilly, with nights barely above freezing in Delhi and Punjab. It is a light chill in Mumbai or Chennai. But one thing is common. You have to feel a warm bed, soft and dry as everybody wants.
We, at Belong, make bedding for Indian homes, and with every winter we hear the same questions. We answer them here simply so you can select the best 100% cotton winter bedding without confusion.
Which is Best 100% Cotton Winter Bedding
- Flannel: This is cotton brushed so that the surface looks fluffy. The fluff retains a very thin layer of warm air close to your body, so it feels plush from the very first moment.
- Sateen: A smooth, slightly lustrous weave. Warmer than a clean summer sheet, it also gives the bed more opulence.
- Heavy cotton: Thicker, denser cotton that gives the fabric a strong and solid feel.
If you get cold easily, choose flannel. Sateen also works well if you are looking for a smooth finish.
Will a cotton bedsheet keep you warm?
Not on its own. Mostly, the warmth comes from the razai or comforter on top. The sheet lies between you and the cover and its primary role is to feel comfortable whilst protecting you from trapped heat or uncomfortable feeling.
With that being said, a thick cotton does feel warmer than thin sheets and flannel warms up faster than almost all.
Why do my cotton sheets feel cold when I get into bed?
In a cold room, any fabric is going to feel cold. Smooth cotton pulls a bit of heat from your skin when you first sink below the sheets for a minute or two, then warms up.
A few easy fixes:
- Leave a hot water bottle under the sheets for 10 minutes before jumping into bed
- Go with flannel or sateen, and maybe a percale.
- Make sure that your bedsheet is stored in a cupboard.
- If the mattress is freezing, keep a thin blanket under you.
What is included in a winter bedding set?
So, when most people are looking for the best 100% cotton winter bedding, they get the entire set:
- Bedsheet (flat or fitted)
- Pillow covers
And sometimes even get:
- Quilt or duvet cover
- Cotton-covered comforter or quilt
- A light blanket or throw
Every piece should say 100% cotton. You use a blended cover over a half decent sheet, you get the mixed feel.
Winter bedding and how to choose the right cotton
Check four things.
- The label: it should only say “100% cotton” with no other fibre mentioned. Terms such as “cotton blend,” “cotton rich” or “cotton feel” suggest something else is blended in.
- The weight, GSM (Grams Per Square Metre): Many sellers claim this although the correct terminology is GSM. The higher the number, the thicker the cloth you have. For winter, heavier is better.
-
The fibre quality: Smooth, strong thread made with long-fibre cotton means the bedding stays soft longer. Short-fibre cotton is rougher and has a shorter lifespan.
- The weave: Flannel & Sateen make a great winter suit. Crisp percale suits summer.
Does higher thread count bedding sleep warmer?
Thread count is about the fineness of the weave not the warmth, so no.
Even too high a number can lead you astray. Others play a trick of twisting thin threads together to inflate the count, resulting in sheets that feel slick and thin. A medium count spun from good cotton is better than a high count made from poor cotton. Go for the weight of the cloth in winters first.
Winter bedding: Is Cotton better than Polyester?
For most people, yes.
It immediately warms up when you wear it, whereas polyester does not allow sweat or air through. You can wake up hot and sticky, only to feel cold as the sweat evaporates. It also generates sweat in dry winter air, which leads to clingy sheets and blankets.
Cotton will help to keep you from feeling too hot or too cold through the night. While polyester is less expensive and dries out quickly, if you want comfort, you are best off with cotton. Cotton bedding is excellent bedding for babies and sensitive skin.
Cotton is soft, breathable and not abrasive. It is a safe option for infants and children (as well as adults) who are prone to rashes from synthetic cloth. If you have a skin condition, consult your doctor.
Remember too that the “100% cotton” only tells you about the fibre. It doesn’t mention the way in which the cotton was grown, or even dyed.
How to Wash Cotton Winter Bedding
Washing is easy. Drying is the challenging part as winter sun is mild.
- Wash using cold or warm water. The cotton will slowly burn out with hot water, shrinkage on later squeeze.
- Go easy on fabric softener. Excessive use will flatten out the fluffy surface.
- Before drying, squeeze out water.
- If you get some sun in the day, dry it there.
- Hang the bedding in an airy room with a fan on cloudy days.
-
Never cover the bed with wet linens.
How frequently should I wash it?
Once a week is ideal. Every two weeks is alright if that is difficult. They require less washing due to your quilt or comforter, especially if you use a duvet cover and wash this cover often.
How many sets of cotton bedding do I need?
Two or three. One on the bed, one in the wash and always an additional spare for those days when it takes longer than expected to dry.
Will cotton bedding shrink?
A wee bit, mostly in the first one or two washes. It is kept small by the cool water and low heat of the flame.
Should I pay extra money for the best 100% cotton winter bedding?
For most homes, yes. It is more expensive than synthetic bedding, but it feels better, wicks moisture effectively and wears longer. If you take care of it, a decent set will remain soft for years.