Best dorm bedding

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The best bedding for dorm rooms

Before college students move into dorms, they have lots of back-to-school shopping to do. Dorm bedding frequently tops shopping lists, followed by other bedding essentials that help them get a better night’s rest.

Once college students choose sheet sets, comforters or beds-in-a-bag for their dorm beds, the next bedding purchases they make usually revolve around comfort. Many students invest in high-quality pillows, while others buy weighted blankets or mattress pads. It’s also common for college students to add a soft touch to their bedding setup with stuffed animals.

What you need to know about dorm room bedding

How big are dorm beds?

Most dorm beds, including dorm loft beds, have twin XL mattresses. They measure 38 x 80 inches and are 9 to 12 inches thick.

Twin XL mattresses are five inches longer than regular twin mattresses, but some manufacturers make “twin/twin XL” bedding that fits both mattress sizes. This Bare Home comforter, for example, is suitable for both twin and twin XL mattresses.

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Additionally, note that not all manufacturers’ bedding collections are available in twin XL. However, there’s no shortage of options on the market.

Basic dorm bedding essentials

At the very least, college students need to invest in a sheet set, comforter and pillow. These are often purchased individually so students can create a custom bedding setup with the best pieces they find.

There are also bed-in-a-bag sets, a convenient and cost-effective option for dorm bedding. These include the sheets and comforter, as well as accessories like pillow shams, bed skirts or decorative pillows.

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How many dorm bedding sets to buy

There are a few reasons to invest in more than one dorm bedding set, which may save time and money down the line.

For one, students can use a spare bedding set, especially sheets, when the main set needs to be washed. If the college is located in an area with temperature fluctuations, it’s common to have both cool and warm weather bedding options. It’s also recommended to have a backup set of bedding to replace pieces that sustain major damage, like rips or stains.

Key features to examine in dorm room bedding essentials

Sheets

Sheet sets usually contain a fitted sheet, top sheet and one standard pillowcase, though some sets include more than one pillowcase.

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As far as material goes, the most popular options for dorm sheets include cotton, cotton blends, microfiber and bamboo. Here’s how they stack up against one another:

Cotton and cotton blends become progressively softer when they’re washed. They’re also gentle on skin and breathable. However, they’re prone to shrinking and fading.
Microfiber has a soft, velvety finish. It’s appreciated for its affordability, but many people feel that microfiber isn’t very durable and may become thinner or weaker over time.
Bamboo is hypoallergenic, breathable and naturally antibacterial. Unfortunately, it’s harder to find bamboo sheet sets in twin XL, and the ones that are on the market tend to be expensive.

Comforters

Comforters for twin XL mattresses usually measure around 70 x 96 inches. However, there are occasional size variations among bedding manufacturers. Some comforters can be used on their own, whereas others are compatible with duvet covers.

One of the top features shoppers compare in comforters is their fill. Many affordable comforters have polyester or cotton filling. Mid-range and premium-priced comforters, on the other hand, may have down alternative or down filling.

Pillows

Pillows are available in standard, queen and king sizes, though standard tends to be the most popular size option for dorm bedding.

To find the ideal pillow, these are the essential features to examine:

Loft: Pillow loft refers to the height of a pillow. Some lofts are considered more accommodating to certain sleeping positions.
Firmness: Pillow firmness refers to how much “give” a pillow has when weight is applied. Generally speaking, the firmer the pillow, the higher it will elevate the head and neck.
Fill: Pillow fill refers to the stuffing materials, which may include polyester, down alternative, down or memory foam. Some pillows have cooling fill materials, like cooling gel beads and air pockets.

How much you can expect to spend on dorm bedding

On average, you’ll spend anywhere from $60 to $300 on a full set of dorm bedding. This includes essential pieces, spare bedding sets and bedding accessories.