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The Spruce
Soft, inviting, and cozy sheets are a must-have for a good night's sleep, but finding the best sheets for your preferences can be as tricky as choosing the right pillow. I've spent the last three years testing sheets of all fibers and weaves with my team at The Spruce—and after spending hundreds of nights sleeping on the best sheets from popular brands and retailers, we've found material and weave matter most.
In my experience, the material and weave of your sheets will determine your comfort and impact your sleep quality. There are so many different options; just take cotton, for example, which can include cotton percale, cotton sateen, and even cotton flannel varieties.
After testing more than 200 sheet sets, my team and I have learned that sleep temperature matters, too. Sleeping on flannel sheets as a hot sleeper will leave you feeling swamped in fabric, just like sleeping on percale sheets will not be ideal for someone who likes a soft surface. After testing the texture, durability, and comfort of these sheet sets, we've found the best sheets for every type of sleeper.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Lightweight and soft
Breathable construction
Labeled sheets
Some loose threads post-wash
After testing hundreds of sheet sets, we can't rave about Brooklinen's Luxe Sateen 4-Piece Sheet Set enough. It's one of our all-time favorite sheet sets. The cotton fibers and sateen weave make these sheets incredibly soft, with a high-quality feel—and we're still sleeping on them months after our testing wrapped.
We love that the sheets drape beautifully with no stiffness, offering a lightweight yet substantial feel. They feel soft, smooth, and cozy to the touch. Additionally, we were impressed by the ample air circulation these sheets provided; we never overheated while lying underneath. However, though they’re made with breathable cotton, they still feel cozy during colder months.
While we loved the luxurious sleek feel and finish on these sheets (something we've found is typical of sateen sheet sets), we were particularly impressed by their durability over months of testing. Outside of a few loose threads after the first wash, they maintained their quality. In fact, they even grew softer with use.
After a year and a half of testing these sheets at home, we can’t recommend them enough. Between their thoughtful construction, design, and proven durability, we think these sheets are worth the investment.
Material: Cotton | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 480 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 16 inches
PHOTO: The Spruce PHOTO: The Spruce PHOTO: The Spruce
Best Budget
Threshold Printed Performance Sheet Set
Lightweight and temperature-regulating
Available in lots of patterns
Two rows of elastic on fitted sheet
Not as soft as other options
Fitted sheet faded faster
If you're a fan of cotton sheets but need a set that won't break the bank, this is a great option under $75. The Threshold Performance Sheet Set impressed us with its 100 percent cotton construction and 400 thread count. These lightweight sheets have a smooth finish that makes slipping into bed a dream.
We were big fans of their airy construction. While these sheets aren't necessarily smooth to the touch, we love their crisp and cooling feel. They breathe well and we’ve had no issues overheating at night. We also love how well the fitted sheet stayed on our mattress; we think they'd stay snug even if you have a deep-pocket mattress or toss and turn a lot throughout the night.
If you're worried about how these sheets will wear over time, our testing proved they'll hold up well. We did, however, notice the fitted sheet faded faster than the pillowcases and top sheet, which was surprising after a single wash.
Material: Cotton | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 18 inches
The Threshold 400 Thread Count Printed Performance Sheet Set has a medium weight that feels substantial but also offers ample airflow. PHOTO: The Spruce PHOTO: The Spruce These sheets had a beautiful drape and fit smoothly and securely over our mattresses without significant effort. PHOTO: The Spruce
Tip From Our Team
Wondering how often you should replace your sheets? High-quality sheets, when washed on a gentle cycle and dried on low heat, can last forever. However, your fitted sheet will likely show wear over time, since it sees the most movement while you sleep. We recommend replacing your sheet set, or at least the fitted sheet, every five to eight years.
Best Cotton
Lands' End Sateen Bed Sheet Set
High-quality construction
Luxuriously silky texture
Excellent airflow and breathability
Prone to wrinkles
During testing, we were immediately impressed with the Lands' End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set. Sateen sheets typically have a silkier feel than other weaves, and if you love buttery-smooth bedding, you can’t go wrong with this sheet set.
Made with Supima cotton, a long-staple cotton produced in the United States, we found these sheets had a medium weight. They’re also exceptionally breathable and comfortable to sleep with, making them a great all-season option.
Though we've washed and dried these sheets many, many times, they still feel as good as new with no signs of wear. And considering their reinforced seams and high-quality workmanship, they feel very durable. We noticed a few wrinkles post-wash, but you can easily steam or iron them before making the bed if you prefer.
After two years of testing, these sheets are still one of our favorite sets. They have held up beautifully and been comfortable for hot and cold sleepers alike, which is impressive for a cotton set.
Material: Supima cotton | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Depth: 18 inches
The Lands' End Sateen Bed Sheet Set was a top performer in terms of breathability. PHOTO: The Spruce We measured the pillowcases before and after washing, and we found no shrinkage. PHOTO: The Spruce The Lands' End sheets were slightly wrinkled post-wash, but not as much as percale. PHOTO: The Spruce
Other Cotton Sheets We’ve Tested and Love
Cotton sheets in any form—sateen, percale, or even Egyptian cotton—are always a favorite of ours. Cotton isn’t just soft to the touch; it’s inviting and breathable, and its durability impresses us time and time again as we continue to test sheet sets.
While the Lands' End Supima Cotton Sheet Set is hands down the best cotton set we’ve slept on, we’ve also tested numerous other sheets in different weaves, fibers, and weights. If you’re searching for sheets that are both soft and breathable, durable and inviting, we also love the budget-friendly Casaluna Washed Supima Percale Sheet Set or the crisp yet buttery Buffy Supima Cotton Sheet Set.
We’ve tested the following cotton sheet sets and are still sleeping on them after more than six months.
Best for Hot Sleepers
Sijo DOZ Bamboo Sheet Set
Silky smooth texture
Breathable, lightweight, and cooling
Durable construction
Value-packed considering price point
Minor edge bowing and loose threads on pillowcases
With a buttery-smooth texture and natural breathability, bamboo is one of our favorite materials for bedding—especially if you tend to run hot. The Sijo DOZ Bamboo Sheet Set is one of our favorite bamboo sheets we’ve tested, and we can’t recommend it enough for hot sleepers or hot weather.
Sijo’s sheet set is one of the softest we’ve tried, with a sumptuous, silky texture. This sheet set’s breathability and cooling properties make this a standout option if you frequently wake up because you’re sweating or overheating. We sent the set home with a hot sleeper, and we loved how well it excelled at temperature regulation.
Because these sheets are so cool to the touch, they may not be the best pick if you prefer something a bit more substantial or live in a colder climate. Don’t let the lightweight construction fool you, though: We used this sheet over the span of several months, and its luxe feel remained consistent.
We did find a few minor imperfections, including some loose threads upon arrival and slight edge bowing on the pillowcases post-wash. However, we still strongly recommend this sheet set, and we love its reasonable price point.
Material: Organic bamboo viscose | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 16 inches
PHOTO: The Spruce PHOTO: The Spruce PHOTO: The Spruce PHOTO: The Spruce
Other Breathable Sheets We’ve Tested and Love
In our experience, the best breathable sheets may not cool you down, but they can have a noticeable effect on your temperature regulation at night. Sheet sets made with airy weaves and lightweight fibers like bamboo, Tencell lyocell, linen, or even hemp can help enhance airflow and wick away moisture (sweat, specifically) so you sleep comfortably.
We’ve tested a lot of breathable, cooling, and temperature-regulating sheet sets over the last three years, putting them to work with hot sleepers and on the hottest summer nights. We’ve found bamboo options like Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheets to be a silky-soft reliable pick, offering standout temperature regulation. And we love the breathability of linen, particularly Parachute’s Linen Sheet Set, which feels wonderfully light for anyone who’s running hot.
We’ve tested the following breathable, hot sleeper-friendly sheets and are still sleeping on them after more than six months.
Best for Cold Weather
L.L.Bean Heritage Chamois Flannel Sheets
Do not thin with washing
Double brushed texture
Do not shrink
Release lots of lint during first wash
We can't stop raving about these flannel sheets because they're that soft. While it's not a total shock that L.L. Bean has one of the best sets of flannel sheets on the market, we were still blown away by these sheets' lasting thickness and plush finish even after multiple washes.
This set's soft texture is a result of both sides of the fabric being brushed, rather than just the "outer" side of the sheet. We love that the print is visible on both sides of the sheets, reinforcing their overall quality (cheaper sheets typically have a visible print on just one side.)
We also love that they never leave us feeling overheated in the middle of the night—a major feat for the hot sleepers on our team.
We never experienced any shrinking or quality changes with these flannel sheets, but do be aware that they will release a ton of lint with the first wash (a side effect of double brushing). Luckily, the lint lessens with each wash—and they've gotten softer with each wash, creating a cozy lived-in feeling.
Material: Cotton flannel | Weave: Chamois | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Depth: 15 inches
PHOTO: The Spruce We found these flannel sheets to be incredibly soft and never experienced any shrinking. PHOTO: The Spruce
Other Warm Sheets We’ve Tested and Love
In our experience, flannel is hands down the warmest, coziest, and most winter-friendly fabric you can choose if you’re looking for sheets that’ll warm you up. However, it’s also worth noting that cotton-based flannel isn’t the only option you can consider; thickly knit or woven sets, like jersey or even some extra-tight percale sheets, can lock in warmth and make chilly nights feel cozy in bed.
When temperatures drop (or you’re searching for ways to warm up your bed at night), we have quite a few sheet sets we’ve tested and love that can lock in heat. Flannel is always our first choice, and we think the Lands' End Comfy Super Soft Cotton Flannel Bed Sheet Set is a great runner-up to the L.L. Bean set we love above. Similarly, you can shop other L.L. Bean flannel sets, like the Organic Flannel Sheets, that offer a comparable level of coziness and winter-ready warmth.
We’ve tested the following thick, warm, and inviting sheet sets and are still sleeping on them after more than six months.
Final Verdict
The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set is our overall best sheet set, with a breathable weave and cotton construction that's cozy and inviting yet durable and airy. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend the Target Threshold Printed Performance Sheet Set, which has a smooth, lightweight feel with a price point under $50.
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The Spruce
How We Tested the Sheet Sets
We're always searching for the best sheets here at The Spruce, and over the past four years we've tested 274 sets of sheets in The Lab and at home. (That adds up to over 27,500 hours' worth of sheet testing to date!) Our bedding team is always testing new sheet designs and has overflowing linen closets to prove it. Needless to say, we're well-versed in understanding how different fibers, weaves, and constructions are supposed to perform during our tests.
Our sheet testing always begins with initial lab testing to vet the durability and comfort of each set, after which we take them home and test them long-term. We test sheets for three to six months at home, but we'll keep using the best sheet sets well past the one- and two-year mark.
While testing methodologies can differ slightly depending on the individual test, we always evaluate sheets based on their quality, texture, durability, breathability (or warmth), and value. We typically test sheets grouped by their material or weave, which helps us accurately compare them within their respective categories. For example, when testing cotton sheets, we pay special attention to how their texture changes over time and how breathable they feel based on their weave (sateen or percale).
How to Choose the Best Sheets For You
When choosing a new sheet set, you’ll first want to consider which material—or fiber—you find most comfortable. Here's a breakdown of the best sheet materials and weaves based on different priorities you may have:
- I'm looking for a soft sheet set: Cotton sateen sheets would be our first recommendation. A style like Brooklinen's Luxe Core Sheet Set will stay soft despite frequent washing. Plus, the silky sateen weave allows the material to drape beautifully over a bed. A sateen weave is tight, so it insulates well, but don't be surprised if you notice some pilling on your fitted sheet.
- I like soft sheets, but I need them to be cooling: Bamboo sheets and eucalyptus sheets are perfect for this prompt. They have a silk-like texture and natural moisture-wicking properties. We like the Sijo DOZ Bamboo Sheet Set.
- I'm not too picky; I just want something I can use on my bed all year: Linen bedding, like the Parachute Linen Sheet Set, is incredibly durable and has a distinct lived-in look and texture. The wrinkled material might not be appealing if you prefer wrinkle-free sheets, but linen is perfect for staying warm or breezy, no matter the temperature outside. Hemp sheets, like the Delilah Home Hemp Sheet Set, are very similar to linen in terms of texture, durability, and breathability.
- I know I like cotton sheets, but I don't want a sateen set: We recommend percale sheets as the crisp, cooler cousin of sateen. The Casaluna Washed Supima Percale Solid Sheet Set is not the softest option on our list, but they're great for hot sleepers who also love a freshly starched sheet texture (read: structured). Just know that this weave is a bit more prone to wrinkles.
- I run cold at night and/or I love being extra cozy during colder months: Flannel sheets (like our favorites, the L.L. Bean Heritage Chamois Flannel Sheets) are incredibly warm and perfect for anyone who runs very cold. Flannel is also the perfect, snuggly material for extra-cold winter nights.
"When it comes to performance, fiber quality, yarn quality, and construction are going to make or break the sheet," says Anna Brakefield, co-founder of Red Land Cotton.
For anyone who doesn't have a specific need that dictates their sleep (like running hot or cold), we generally believe cotton sheets are the most durable for continued use. Choosing between a sateen or percale weave boils down to your preferred texture, as we mentioned above. While not included in our list, we have tested lots of polyester sheets that performed well. Polyester can be great for those who sleep with children or pets and may want a particularly stain-resistant material.
What to Look for When Shopping for Sheets
Realistic Thread Counts
Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical strands of yarn in 1 square inch of fabric, and sheets have thread counts ranging from 200 to over 1,000.
High thread count sheets are often associated with high-quality construction and softness but don't discount the quality of the fabric and construction of the sheets. We've tested plenty of high-thread-count sheets that did not stand up well to washing and regular use.
"Thread count doesn't matter as much in my opinion when it comes to performance and quality," says Brakefield. "What matters more would be the quality of the fibers making up the yarn, the yarn diameter, and the weave construction."
After evaluating our testing insights based on hundreds of sheets, we have found no correlation between higher thread count and better-performing sheets.
Many of the sheets we've seen perform the best in both long- and short-term testing have a thread count of about 300. So, you can take thread count into consideration, but it's not often an accurate way to measure quality.
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The Spruce
Fitted Sheets Compatible With Your Mattress
When it comes to how well your sheets will fit your bed, the most important factor to consider is your mattress depth. Mattress depths can range anywhere from 7 to 20 inches thick and can have a big impact on how certain sets of sheets fit.
If you have an extra-deep mattress (sometimes referred to as a tall or extra-tall mattress), look for a fitted sheet with extra-deep pockets and a generously sized top sheet. This will ensure that everything can easily be tucked in and stay in place.
The opposite is true for low-profile or slim mattresses. Most standard mattresses are 8 to 12 inches deep, and most sheet sets are designed to fit mattresses within that range, but it's worth measuring your mattress before buying new sheets to get a good fit—this is especially true when it comes to air mattresses.
Also, take into consideration that some fitted sheets have a fully elasticized hem, while others only have an elastic hem on two sides. If you tend to toss and turn at night, opt for a full-elasticized hem to help keep the fitted sheet in place.
Third-Party Certifications
When shopping for sheets, you'll come across various certifications, the most common being certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX.
- GOTS-certified means sheets contain at least 95 percent certified organic fiber, have not been produced with bleach or formaldehyde (among other substances), and are colored with natural dyes.
- OEKO-TEX is an international association of 18 independent research and test institutes that sets standards for textile products. Along the same lines as GOTS organic standards, sheets can be certified OEKO-TEX Organic Cotton. If sheets are certified Made in Green by the same certifier, it means they meet the requirements of OEKO-TEX's sustainability standards.
An important thing to note: If you see the term "organic" used to describe the materials within a set of sheets, take that claim with a grain of salt. While the sheets may have been produced using some organically grown cotton, there's no way to know that they're truly organic sheets unless they're verified as such by GOTS or an equivalent certifier.
One More Thing
All of our favorite sheet sets still have a comfortable texture after months of use and washing. To ensure your sheets stay in top shape, we recommend washing all sheets in cold water and drying them on a mild heat cycle. Minimizing the amount of heat exposure ensures the fibers don't shrink too much, causing a rough texture or pilling on the surface of the sheets.
If you prefer to wash your sheets in warm water, it's okay to do so on occasion to sanitize them after someone in your household has been sick. However, weekly washes should still be done in a cold cycle.
Lastly, it's best to avoid using fabric softener and dryer sheets, as these products can leave a film on the material, which reduces any temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties (for applicable fibers).
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The Spruce
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a bedding writer for The Spruce. She's researched, tested, and written about all types of bedding including comforters, pillowcases, heated mattress pads, and high thread count sheets. To choose the best product picks to include in this article, she consulted insights from our team of home and lab testers, along with customer reviews.
Our Experts:
- Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton