Silk and Satin Sheets

Silk and satin for a sleek feel

Satin and silk sheets offer a sleekness that other fabrics can't achieve, and this can help you feel cooler in warm weather. Silk is a natural fiber spun by silkworms; satin is woven from a natural fiber (silk) or a synthetic (polyester). Because the process to make silk is so demanding, silk bed sheets are usually far more expensive than bedding made from other fabrics. These fabrics aren't as popular as cotton, and we didn't find as much coverage in bed-sheet reviews.

If the high cost of silk doesn't put you off, AllergyBuyersClub.com gives Kumi Kookoon Classic Silk (*Est. $1060 for a queen set) its highest rating. Allergy Buyers Club says silk is naturally hypoallergenic, inhospitable to dust mites and resistant to mold and mildew, making it a good luxury choice for allergy sufferers. On the other hand, the fact that it needs to be dry cleaned means that chemicals may be introduced during the cleaning process -- something that's less of a problem with washable fabrics like cotton or polyester.

Among satin sheets, Divatex Royal Opulence Satin (*Est. $25 for a queen set) are widely available and provide a luxurious feel without breaking the bank. At Amazon.com, these satin bed sheets receive mixed reviews from more than 270 owners. The majority of these reviewers give the sheets a 4- or 5-star rating (out of a possible 5), saying they love the value and feel of the satin. Reviewers who aren't as satisfied say the quality isn't good or the sheets feel too slippery or rough. About 70 reviews at Walmart.com give these satin bed sheets an overall rating of 4.1 stars out of 5. Most owners say they are happy with how the sheets fit and feel, although a few say the color varied from what was pictured online. Walmart.com offers these satin bed sheets in eight solid colors, plus a zebra print. They are available in a full, queen, king or California king; the manufacturer says they will fit a mattress up to 17 inches thick.