e4

You actually had the answer to your question in your comment. The sheets (or fabrics) feel cool because they are very smooth. A very smooth cotton fabric typically will feel cooler than a cotton fabric with a fuzzy or napped finish because the smooth finish doesn't "trap" the heat of your hand (head or body). That is why cotton flannel often feels warm and cozy - it's a fuzzy surface that envelopes and traps heat.

cindy4857

combed cotton always feels very soft and cool to the touch to me.

Nanamoms

Oooh, I can remember those cool sheets on a hot summer night here in the South! And turning over the pillow to get to the cool side! They were also great because they were line dried and smelled so good. No fabric softner or perfumed added detergent then!

Many of the sheets today irritate my skin as I toss around.

Crabby Patty

I buy a quality cotton muslin at a mennonite store that is i20 inches wide by the bolt and that's what I use for backing my quilts. It feels smooth and cool like what you're describing. I love it.

Diana Lynne

I like sheets as well..I look at all the clothes that have faded and became very thin over the years of washing and wearing..But my sheets have been going strong..I have some that my mother had and some of my sheets are 19 years old and they still look good..with 6 children, those sheets have been thru many many washings lol..and there is nothing like a cold sheet on a hot summer day :D

quiltmaker

This really brings back memories and I too have wondered why we don't have cool cotton sheets anymore. Thanks for a very interesting thread!