Here at Frenchie, we love talking about what happens between the sheets, but it’s important not to overlook the sheets themselves. The fact is, the key to great sex is stimulating as many senses as possible, and neglecting to choose sheets that enhance your experience is a fornication faux pa. Just like an unexpected interruption or a soundtrack of bad music, scratchy or suffocating sheets can be an instant mood killer, taking your focus away from the task at hand and making it difficult to relax.

The bedroom is for celebrating all things au naturel and your bed linen should be no different. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of the natural bedding options on the market to help you make the right decision for you.

Linen is currently enjoying its moment in the spotlight, and for good reason. Both the look and feel of linen bedding is sure to set the mood, as linen truly is for lovers.

Pros:

It’s breathable, meaning while you’re getting hot and heavy it’s keeping you cool. It’s also moisture wicking, so you won’t feel sticky if you’re working up a sweat. Linen has a relaxed, textured appearance and looks best when un-ironed, so unlike your hair it will actually look better after a romp.

Cons:

Linen gets softer with each wash, so some people may find the texture a little rough when it’s brand new. If you want a soft linen from the get go, you’ll need to purchase a higher thread count, which comes with a higher price tag. Also, while we mentioned the relaxed look as a pro, if you’re someone who hates the look of wrinkled fabric, linen may not be the choice for you.

The most luxurious and expensive choice, silk sheets are the crème de la crème when it comes to bedding.

Pros:

Highly coveted, silk is incredibly soft and breathable. A huge pro is that unlike cotton and linens, silk doesn’t absorb natural moisture from your body and face. It’s for this reason that silk pillowcases are widely recommended by dermatologists and hairdressers. By helping hair and skin retain its natural moisture, silk does a wonderful job of keeping your hair and skin well-moisturised as you ...sleep ;).

Cons:

In addition to the high price tag, silk also requires a high level of care. Silk bedding demands handwashing, for the first few times at a minimum, and must then be washed on cool, delicate cycles with specific detergent.

While an entire silk sheet set may be out of your budget, consider opting for a couple of pillowcases to help prevent the tell-tale tangles, frizz, or bedhead from a sweat sesh between the sheets.

Note: We’re no stranger to the benefits of silk, which is why we designed the Frenchie Le Masque Silk Play Mask.  Made from 100% natural Mulberry Silk, this is a tres chic option for sight deprivation and sensory activities. Whether you choose to use it for sleep or play, this silk masque will whisk you into a state of pure pleasure.

Spun from cotton yarns and brushed on both sides, flannelette sheets have a soft and snuggly texture.

Pros:

Come the winter months, or if you live in a year round colder climate, cotton flannelette sheets are a cosy choice. Creating a sensual context is important for many - and can do a lot to put you in the mood! According to one study by the University of Groningen, couples who wore socks while getting down and dirty were much more likely to achieve orgasm (https://www.wellandgood.com/socks-in-bed/). For many people, being in the right state of mind is essential to a fulfilling sexual experience, so feeling cold may make it more difficult for some of us to ease into it (spending more time thinking about how cold you are rather than exploring pleasure). Opting for sheets that ensure you’re kept warm may help relax your body and mind.

You need to be in the right state of mind to have an orgasm, so feeling cold can make it more difficult to climax. Opting for sheets that ensure you’re kept warm will help relax your body and mind, regardless of gender.

Cons:

If you live in a warmer climate, avoid cotton flannelette as it’s guaranteed to get you all hot and bothered, and not in a good way.

Bamboo sheets come with eco-friendly credentials, as unlike other fibres bamboo is a rapidly growing, renewable source.

Pros:

Bamboo is hypoallergenic, and is a great option for those with allergies. Nothing ruins the mood quite like a stuffy nose and watery eyes, so if you’re prone to hay fever Bamboo sheets are a great option. They’re also super soft and can be less confusing than alternatives. While there are different types, you won’t have to choose between different thread counts or spend excess time on special care and washing as with some other bedding types.

Cons:

While bamboo sheets are regularly touted as a more eco-friendly alternative to cotton, it’s important to look closely at what you’re buying. Sheets that are bamboo-rayon or bamboo-viscose use harsh chemicals to soften the raw bamboo into the material that is used to make the linen. Make sure to only purchase sets that are 100% bamboo or bamboo linen, as although often more expensive, they use physical softening methods instead of environment-harming chemicals.

Note: No matter your linen, you’ll want to ensure that every element of sex is free of friction.

Frenchie Oh La La Love Lube does just that. A long lasting, natural, water based aloe lubricant that's also pH balanced, Oh La La Love Lube assists with moisture retention and is anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. And better yet - it won’t stain your sheets!

There’s no rule that you must choose one type of bedding linen and stick with it. Variety in the bedroom is a great way to keep things interesting, and the same goes for your sheets. You might choose cotton flannelette in winter to keep you and your partner toasty warm, and switch to a light bamboo for the summer months. Perhaps you might invest in a set of saucy silk to whip out on special occasions. Whatever your style, relax, have fun and enjoy your time between your sheets.