Jersey or microfiber: Which easy-care bedding is right for you?
Jersey or microfiber – both qualities are considered easy-care, neither needs to be ironed, and both are close in price. Nevertheless, they feel completely different in bed: one is knitted from cotton, the other made from a very fine polyester fiber. Which bedding suits you therefore depends not on the price tag, but on how warm you sleep, how much you sweat at night and how often the set needs to go into the machine.
The decision dimensions: what really matters
The fiber. Jersey is a cotton product for us: The Castell Jersey bedding consists of 100% cotton. Microfiber consists of 100% polyester, i.e. a chemical fiber that is spun extremely finely. This is the origin of almost all further differences.
The manufacturing. Jersey is knitted instead of woven. This knit fabric gives way, stretches slightly and smooths out creases on its own. Microfiber bedding is usually woven and therefore remains smoother and flatter in hand – but it is noticeably lighter.
The handling of moisture. Cotton absorbs moisture and releases it slowly again. Polyester hardly absorbs moisture into the fiber, but instead transports it quickly to the surface and dries rapidly. Those who sweat heavily experience this very differently: cotton feels dry for longer, polyester can feel clammy when there is a lot of sweat – but it dries out again overnight.
The perception of warmth. Jersey feels pleasantly warm from the very first moment because the knitted structure traps air and hugs the body closely. Microfiber also warms, but feels smoother and initially cooler when you get into bed.
Care and drying. Both qualities are washable at 60 °C and do not need an iron. Microfiber dries significantly faster and is lighter – an advantage if you wash often or have little space to dry.
Price and sizes. Microfiber is the more affordable entry point. With Jersey, you pay a little more for the cotton. And not every quality is available in every size: The Castell Microfiber bedding (0560500) is the only set in its range also available in extra-wide 200×200 cm.
Jersey or microfiber in direct comparison
| Quality | Material & property | Ideal for | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey (cotton) | 100% cotton, knitted, stretchy, snug, wrinkle-free, washable at 60 °C | Those who want cotton on their body and like it soft and warm | €29.95–34.95 |
| Microfiber | 100% polyester, smooth, very light, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, particularly brilliant colors, washable at 60 °C | Those who want an affordable entry, wash often or need many sets | €18.95–29.95 |
| Microfiber-Jersey | 100% polyester, knitted instead of woven: stretchy and wrinkle-resistant like Jersey, soft and warm in hand | Those who like the Jersey feel but want to use the quick drying of the fiber | approx. €29.95 |
You can find all sets of the three qualities under Jersey bedding and Microfiber bedding.
Which one suits you?
You sleep rather cool and like it when the cover hugs you. Then cotton-Jersey is the right choice. The Castell Jersey bedding in gray (Item No. 0070731) has narrow vertical stripes that go well with almost any interior, and comes in 135×200 cm as well as 155×220 cm, each with a pillowcase 80×80 cm. Knitted cotton feels warm immediately when you get into bed, without you needing a heavy winter quality.
You need several sets and wash often. Then microfiber pays off. The Castell Microfiber bedding in solid color (Item No. 0560500) is available in six clear colors, it is light, dries quickly and is washable at 60 °C. Practical for children's rooms, guest beds or holiday apartments – and the only set in this range that is also available in 200×200 cm.
You like the soft Jersey feel, but sweat at night. Then it is worth looking at the mixed form: The biberna Microfiber-Jersey bedding (Item No. 0740112) is knitted like Jersey, but consists of microfiber. It is stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, soft and warm – and dries faster than cotton after washing. Available in 135×200 cm with a pillowcase 80×80 cm.
You value rich, vibrant colors. Then microfiber has a real technical advantage: The smooth fiber surface takes color intensely, designs look more brilliant on it than on cotton. If the design is more important to you than the fiber, start in the Microfiber collection; those looking for cotton instead will find the entire range under Bedding.
What is often overlooked
The cut determines everyday life. All three mentioned sets have a zipper cut. This sounds like a minor detail, but it is the point where bedding fails or holds up in everyday life: A cleanly sewn-in zipper keeps the cover closed and the blanket in place.
Stretchy does not mean shapeless. Jersey gives way – this is intentional. But if you put a very thick blanket into a knitted cover, you will permanently stretch the fabric out wide. When choosing the cover, follow the dimensions of your duvet, not the feeling "a little bigger won't hurt".
Durability is a question of washing temperature, not just the fiber. Both qualities withstand 60 °C. Those who do not need to wash hot for hygienic reasons will find a lower temperature gentler – colors and surfaces stay fresh longer.
Where the goods come from. Jersey and microfiber sets are manufactured according to biberna specifications, tested in Hamminkeln and shipped from there. Castell is our entry-level brand, biberna the premium brand – the quality standard for workmanship is the same in both cases. Shipping in Germany is always free of charge, without a minimum order value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to iron Jersey or microfiber?
Neither. Jersey smooths out creases on its own through the knitted structure, microfiber is inherently wrinkle-resistant. For the mentioned sets, ironing is expressly not necessary.
What is warmer – Jersey or microfiber?
Jersey feels warm faster when you get into bed because the knit fabric holds air and fits closely. Microfiber also warms, but feels smoother and initially cooler. For extremely cold bedrooms, brushed winter qualities like Biber or flannel are the more suitable choice.
Is microfiber suitable for people who sweat heavily?
Partially. Microfiber hardly absorbs moisture into the fiber, but transports it quickly and dries rapidly. Those who sweat very heavily usually perceive cotton as drier – but cotton needs longer to dry out again.
At what temperature can I wash both qualities?
Castell Jersey (0070731), Castell Microfiber (0560500) and biberna Microfiber-Jersey (0740112) are each washable up to 60 °C. For normal washing, less is usually sufficient; 60 °C is especially useful for allergies or illness.
What sizes are available?
Jersey and Microfiber-Jersey are available in 135×200 cm, Jersey additionally in 155×220 cm. The Castell Microfiber bedding 0560500 is also available in extra-wide 200×200 cm.
Does a Jersey fitted sheet fit Jersey bedding?
Yes, and it is the obvious combination: The same knitted structure ensures that the sheet and cover give way similarly and feel the same in bed.