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Written by Livvi DiCicco, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories.
After Sosha began writing sleep-related content, she knew she wanted to learn more about this important (yet often elusive!) aspect of human health and well-being. She became a Certified Sleep Science Coach to better understand what goes into getting a good night’s rest—including one’s choice of mattress. Sosha now calls upon this training when she tests and writes about beds and sleep accessories.
Caitlin has more than 15 years of experience writing about sleep and fitness. After getting an M.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri, she spent nearly a decade as a staff writer and editor at Runner’s World and Bicycling magazines.
Caitlin’s work has focused primarily on health, the outdoors, and parenting—and taken the form of everything from running shoe reviews to long, weepy personal essays about biking across the country. You can find her writing in Outside, Wirecutter, Lonely Planet, Men’s Health, ELLE, Popular Mechanics, Men’s Journal, Sierra Club Magazine, and more.
A side sleeper, lifelong sleepwalker (it’s a problem), and newly hardcore sleepmaxxer, when she’s not editing and writing about health and gear, she likes to ride bikes, run trails, and be under the covers by 9:30 p.m.
Matt is Director of Content at Mattress Clarity, where he aligns testing methodology, product reviews, and overall editorial direction with our audience’s needs and interests. He also tests mattresses and sleep products like pillows, sheets, comforters, and supplements.
He’s a side sleeper, a pillow-top connoisseur, a blanket hog, a believer in equal opportunity bed-sharing with pets, and a dreamer. He combines a deep history in journalism and digital content with experience in performance marketing to help connect our readers, listeners, and viewers with products that will improve their sleep health.
Caitlin has more than 15 years of experience writing about sleep and fitness. After getting an M.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri, she spent nearly a decade as a staff writer and editor at Runner’s World and Bicycling magazines.
Caitlin’s work has focused primarily on health, the outdoors, and parenting—and taken the form of everything from running shoe reviews to long, weepy personal essays about biking across the country. You can find her writing in Outside, Wirecutter, Lonely Planet, Men’s Health, ELLE, Popular Mechanics, Men’s Journal, Sierra Club Magazine, and more.
A side sleeper, lifelong sleepwalker (it’s a problem), and newly hardcore sleepmaxxer, when she’s not editing and writing about health and gear, she likes to ride bikes, run trails, and be under the covers by 9:30 p.m.
Sleep psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris says, “Having quality bedding is an essential component to getting a good night’s sleep.” It’s important to show your mattress some love by outfitting it with the right accessories based on your needs and preferences, which includes a set of comfortable sheets. But with shoppers’ varying preferences and so many options out there, how do you narrow the field to the very best sheets on the market?
That’s where we come in. The Mattress Clarity team has tested more than 700 sleep products over the years, including more than 200 sleep accessories. We’ve helped more than 35,000 folks find their new favorite mattress since we started reviewing over seven years ago, with 5,919 of those lucky customers purchasing a new bed in 2024 alone. When finding the best sheets, we relied on our years of expertise, as well as on input from medical experts like Dr. Harris and our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta.
So whether you’re looking for a buttery-soft flannel or cool-to-the-touch bamboo set, we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive list of top sheet sets includes a variety of materials, finishes, weaves, and feels to satisfy just about anyone.
Our Verdict: What Are the Best Bed Sheets Overall?
Our pick for the best sheet set overall is the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets Set. These were our tester Sosha Lewis’s favorite sheets—not just out of those she tested, but of all time. They have a soft, luxurious feel, and the breathable bamboo makes them great for hot sleepers.
We put these sheets through the wringer, with some of our testers even taking them home for months (or forever) for some long-term testing. After testing dozens of sheets, we zeroed in on the categories we think will most appeal to the average shopper.
Material and feel – A sheet set’s materials greatly affect the feel, which makes this category the most subjective consideration when choosing a new set. This is why our list features a variety of options, including sheets made from cotton, viscose, microfiber, and bamboo, all with differing weaves and thread counts. Our testers made sure to describe how these sheets felt, noting both their personal opinions and what type of sleepers might best appreciate them. They also noted if there were any discrepancies between how the product was advertised online and how it felt in person. They then rated the feel out of 5.
Temperature regulation – Whether you sleep hot or cold, you don’t want your sheets throwing your temperature out of balance. We evaluated whether or not these sheets were cooling or cozy, noting where some might cause overheating or be too thin for colder weather. Similar to feel, we also considered how the brand advertised them and if we found that to be accurate. Based on our results, we rated temperature regulation with a score out of 5.
Care and durability – You sleep on sheets every night, so it’s important that they’re easy to clean to maintain good hygiene and freshness. We considered how easy care would be based on instructions and our personal experience washing these sheets. We rated care out of 5, with completely machine-washable sheets earning a 5/5 score, and points deductions based on how much hassle we encountered in the cleaning process. If any sheets showed signs of losing durability after the wash, we made sure to note that, too.
It’s difficult to put one product on a pedestal above all the rest, but that’s just what my fellow tester Sosha Lewis did for the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets Set. “These are my favorite sheets of all time,” she proclaimed in her review. During testing, she gave these sheets a row of perfect scores, including for categories like feel, durability, fit, and her overall experience. All of this helped these sheets earn a near-perfect total score of 4.9/5, so it’s no surprise that we put it at the top.
When Sosha first put these sheets on her bed, she found that they fit her 14-inch mattress nice and snug. After months of regular use, they haven’t popped off the corners even once. She shares the bed with her restless husband, and noted that “most sheets look like they have been to war after he has gone a couple of rounds with them.” But this wasn’t the case for the Cozy Earth sheets. They didn’t budge, so she rated their fit at a perfect 5/5 score.
Not only did these sheets fit well, Sosha thought they looked and felt luxurious. She called them “the softest, most luxurious sheets” that she’s ever slept on. She believed the price justified the quality, but was hesitant to give a perfect score, as more than $400 for a queen set is a harder bargain for most. “I think they are worth every penny,” Sosha said.
The soft bamboo viscose material works to keep you cool because of its breathable makeup. Sosha called her husband “the world’s hottest sleeper,” but said he had zero complaints about these sheets. While Sosha said she wouldn’t describe their temperature regulation as “extreme,” she found the distinctly cool-to-the-touch feel refreshing and breathable and gave the sheets a cooling score of 4.5/5.
When it came time to wash these sheets, Sosha found the process relatively simple, and the sumptuous feel of the sheets didn’t change. Because they showed no signs of pilling, tears, or loose strands after months of testing, she determined that these sheets should hold up well with regular use. Therefore, Sosha bestowed another 5/5 score for durability.
The only negative thing that Sosha noted during the performance of these sheets was that they weren’t wrinkle-resistant. She thought they wrinkled easily, even after efforts to smooth out the top sheet on her mattress. Still, as a self-described “neat freak,” she said that this wasn’t enough to affect her rave review. Her husband didn’t even notice the wrinkles until she pointed them out, so she admitted it might be more of a personal preference.
If you’ve been influenced by Sosha’s praise and want to give these sheets a try, Cozy Earth offers a generous 100-day trial, as well as a 10-year warranty, which is practically unheard of for sleep accessories. If you do want to make a return, though, you’ll have to pay shipping. The sheets ship free in the contiguous United States, with some fees applying for Alaska and Hawaii.
Crafted from 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton, these percale sheets offer a crisp, breathable feel, ideal for hot sleepers seeking lightweight comfort.
As someone who often wakes up sweaty regardless of how low I set the thermostat, cooling sheets are my savior. This was also true for my fellow tester Cait Giddings, whose trial run with these sheets coincided with a power outage in her Texas home. In 105-degree heat with no working air conditioner, Parachute’s Home Percale Sheet Set magically kept her somewhat cool.
After sleeping on top of the fitted sheet in front of a giant box fan, Cait thought the material felt “crisp, light, and airy,” a small silver lining in an otherwise miserable situation. Based on her experience, she gave these sheets a perfect 5/5 score for temperature regulation, contributing to their impressive overall score of 4.8/5.
“I was previously using bamboo sheets in the summer, and while I love the smooth, sleek feel of bamboo, I forgot how feather-light and cool cotton feels against the skin,” Cait said. “These percale sheets kept me sweat-free and (arguably) sane despite the record heat index and lack of AC.”
Aside from their cooling effects, Cait also found that the sheets felt smooth, soft, and comfortable, as to be expected of cotton percale sheets. She noted they were “both durable and light as air,” a contradiction that should appeal to hot sleepers wanting a quality, long-lasting product. She rated both feel and durability at 5/5 based on her experience.
The sheets also fit her queen bed “perfectly,” so she had no complaints there. What she was particularly impressed by were the pillowcases that came in the set. They’re designed with the opening in the middle, allowing them to wrap entirely around your pillow without risk of sliding off at the ends. This also kept them wrinkle-free. This feature led Cait to give another 5/5 score for the sheets’ fit.
Cait did note that these sheets’ “exceptional quality” came at a higher price, specifically $269 for a queen set. It may not be in everyone’s budget, but Cait claimed that if it is in yours, “you won’t be disappointed.” She finally rated the price at a respectable 4/5.
The sheets also come with a 60-night return window, should you wish to try before you buy. Just note that there is a flat return fee for any products. Parachute does throw in a 1-year warranty to sweeten the deal, though we expect the sheets to outlive this timeframe. The brand also offers online chat with a live agent should you encounter any issues at any point.
Cotton bed sheets are some of the most popular out there, prized for their comfort, breathability, and versatility depending on how they’re woven. Peacock Alley’s Soprano Sateen Sheet Set is one such set, made entirely of OEKO-TEX Certified long-staple cotton fibers for safe, sustainable, and comfortable sleep. Our tester Matt Shickling thought these sheets felt super soft, luxurious, and heavy-duty, giving them perfect scores for feel and durability. The sheets also earned a respectable overall score of 4.1/5.
When Matt first opened these sheets, he noticed how “luxuriously soft” they felt, thanks to the sateen weave and 100-percent cotton makeup. Matt hasn’t experienced cotton as a particularly cooling fiber in the past, but that changed with these sheets. Though Peacock Alley calls them more of a “cozy” option, which Matt would agree with, he was still able to find some relief as a hot sleeper who shares the bed with his partner and dog. “These kept us cool with their breathability and high-quality cotton,” he said.
Matt also found that these sheets didn’t have much stretch to them, but this contributed to a more durable feel, as he thought they were unlikely to rip or tear. With all this in mind, Matt gave these sheets perfect scores for feel and durability. “This is a quality product from the fit to the stitching,” he said.
The sheets only have elastic along the corners of the fitted sheet, but Matt found that they wrapped around the edge of his mattress without incident. When he woke up each morning, he did notice that they’d bunched a bit, but attributed this to his tendency to move around a lot. Simply smoothing them out as he made his bed fixed the issue, leading him to only dock half a point for the fit score (4.5/5).
The main gripe Matt had with these sheets was their price. A queen set is $555, which makes this the most expensive product on our list. Matt admitted he doesn’t have a ton of experience with sheets at this price level, adding, “The nuance in luxury is potentially a little lost on me.” Even though he found the sheets to be of exceptional quality, he was hesitant to recommend them, as they might only appeal to a certain few.
And even with this high price tag, it might be difficult to take these sheets for a trial run. Though Peacock Alley offers a 30-day return period, they won’t accept washed sheets. Returns will also cost you a flat rate, and there’s no mention of a warranty.
A king-size mattress will have you sleeping like royalty, and there’s no better complement than an equally regal set of sheets. Brooklinen’s Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set fits the bill, providing a lightweight but luxurious sleep surface. My fellow tester Kenny rated his experience with these sheets at a perfect 5/5 score, as well as a 4.5/5 score for the sateen material’s high-quality feel, contributing to the sheets’ final score of 4.3/5.
An important factor for a larger mattress like a king is that the sheets fit snugly all around. Thankfully, the Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set is designed to fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick. Kenny has a Titan Plus Elite mattress, which stands at 14.5 inches tall, and said that the sheets encompassed the bed “with some wiggle room to spare.” He gave the sheets another perfect score for fit.
When it comes to materials and feel, these 480-thread count sheets are made entirely from long-staple cotton, woven with a super-soft sateen finish. Kenny thought that these sheets were an upgrade to those he slept with before. He appreciated that despite their airy, breathable feel, they still had some heft to them, which made them seem durable and high-quality. He rated the sheets’ durability at 4/5, noting he was going to use them “for the long-haul.”
Kenny was also pleased by the temperature-regulating ability of these sheets, for which he gave them another 4/5 score. He called them “slightly cool to the touch” despite not having any cooling features baked in. He further recommended them for hot sleepers looking for “something premium yet lightweight.”
At $189 for a queen-sized set, Kenny did note that these sheets were “a little pricey, but the quality is there.” Brooklinen offers a 365-night sleep trial if you purchase from its site, with the option for returns within that period. Be aware that you’ll have to pay a flat return fee. If you decide to keep these sheets, they’ll be backed by an additional 1-year warranty that comes with all of Brooklinen’s Core products.
If you’re looking to upgrade your sleep experience, it might be time to purchase a set of luxury sheets. Before I started writing sleep content, I was content to choose the cheapest sheets on Amazon, and while the price was right, the quality was often lacking. A set of high-end sheets can really transform your sleep experience, which is what my colleague Matt Shickling found out after testing Luxome’s aptly named Luxury Sheet Set.
“I think these set a new standard for the kind of sheets I like,” he said. He gave the sheets perfect scores for feel and fit, helping to win them an overall score of 4.6/5.
The feel of these sheets is “incredibly soft,” per Matt, thanks to the 100-percent bamboo viscose fabric. He appreciated the uniquely stretchy feel to them that should stave off rips and tears. He thought the stitching around the edges also looked neat and tight. He gave the sheets’ durability a rating of 4.5/5, anticipating that they should last a long time.
The bamboo also contributed to the sheets’ ability to keep cool. Matt found they caused an “active difference in body temperature.” He usually sweats in bed, and found that this wasn’t an issue with these sheets, even before he started running the AC. With another 4.5/5 score for temperature regulation, he heartily recommended them to hot sleepers looking for soft, cooling sheets.
Matt’s favorite feature, though, was how these sheets fit, for which they earned a perfect 5/5 score in this category. The fitted sheet includes corner bands that ensure the corners of the sheet stay securely fastened, wrapping around the bottom of the bed to keep it from sliding. Even Matt’s restless tossing and turning couldn’t dislodge the sheet. He also found the pockets were deep enough to accommodate thick beds.
Matt called the price of these luxury sheets “midrange,” as a queen set costs $185, and a king will run you $205. He understood that this is a higher price tag for many shoppers, but felt the quality of the sheets more than justified it, especially since some bamboo sheets can cost well over $300. “I would place these in the luxury tier with a not-so-luxury price tag,” he explained, rating the price at 4.5/5.
If you’re worried about taking the plunge, Luxome does offer a 30-day return policy for these sheets. However, if you’re someone who wants to try before you buy, there’s a laundry list of conditions that need to be met. Be sure to read the fine print before opening if you’re worried you won’t fall in love with these sheets like Matt did.
Bamboo sheets are perhaps my favorite type, as I prefer a silky sheet with a cooler feel to it, something bamboo is known for. If you’re looking for a quality set that’ll knock your socks off, check out Cariloha’s Resort Bamboo Bed Sheets.
My colleague Kate Gorman took these for a spin in our studio, and found that “even for bamboo sheets, they are exceptionally soft.” That’s why she gave these sheets a perfect score for feel, as well as durability and customer service. After our tests, Kate’s results tallied up to an overall score of 4.1/5.
“These sheets would be a top choice for myself,” Kate said after she had spent some time lying in them. She appreciated the luxurious and silky smooth feel, saying they went “above and beyond” the parameters for your typical sheets. There’s also some elasticity to them that allowed her to tug and stretch the flat sheet without fear of ripping it. She gave both feel and durability perfect scores.
Temperature regulation was another area these sheets performed well, earning a 4/5 score. “I could tell that these sheets have cooling properties,” Kate said. They were cool to the touch, and had a lighter feel that should allow for plenty of airflow, while still having some of the snug security of a blanket. While the cooling effects could vary, Kate noted she felt “definitely cooler” in these sheets compared to typical cotton ones.
These sheets are designed to fit thicker, more luxurious mattresses, which is great if you have a super lofty bed. However, in the studio, Kate plopped these onto a thinner bed that came in at about 11 inches tall. “There was some bunching in the corners to get it to fit snug,” she said. She also had to tuck the fitted sheet far under the mattress to prevent it from billowing along the sides, despite both the bed and the sheets being standard queen sizes.
Kate’s lowest rating was in the price category. Though she found the quality of the sheets to be “fantastic,” she still felt the price was a bit too high for her tastes. She’s found many bamboo sheets at lower price ranges that could go toe-to-toe with Cariloha’s, so she stressed the importance of finding the best bang for your buck. She did give the brand kudos for offering a 100-night trial, which should benefit curious and indecisive shoppers.
Are you wanting to melt into a set of buttery-soft sheets? Look no further than Casper’s aptly named SuperSoft Sheet Set. Made from 100-percent organic cotton, these sheets have a sateen weave that my tester Riley Otis called more “blanket-like” than silk. She rated the feel of these sheets at a perfect 5/5, delivering on what was advertised. Coming in with an overall score of 4.5/5, this well-rounded cotton sheet set is a great fit for folks wanting to feel swaddled and cozy.
These sheets weren’t just soft, but also high-quality. Riley thought that they were “thick and durable,” though not so much that they felt “heavy on the body.” There wasn’t a loose thread or stitch in sight, and Riley found the seams looked and felt just as secure. With nothing to complain about, she gave the sheets another perfect score in durability.
The thick and durable cotton of these sheets created a more breathable vibe than a cooling one. Riley noted that they didn’t feel cool to the touch, as she expected. However, she found they allowed for enough airflow to ensure her body heat wasn’t trapped in the snuggly layers. It suited her needs, but she cautioned especially hot sleepers against purchasing these sheets, as they might want to opt for something cooler.
With the level of craftsmanship and quality she experienced during testing, Riley was pleased by the reasonable price of these sheets, which led her to give them a 4.5/5 rating. A queen set will run you $149, which is even more impressive when you remember they’re organic. Though they aren’t as luxurious as some of the other options on this list, they should be a great pick for shoppers who don’t want to skimp on quality.
Riley did encounter some issues when it came to the fit of these sheets. These are considered deep-pocket sheets, as they can fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick, but they were slightly too big for her 10-inch mattress. She would’ve liked an elastic band at the corners to keep them snug, but as it was, she had to tuck the excess under the mattress to keep it from billowing over the sides.
If you’re wanting to give these sheets a spin before you commit to your purchase, it might be difficult. They do come with a 30-day trial, but Casper won’t accept returns of opened products. The sheets are backed by a 1-year warranty if you encounter any issues, and Casper will pay for shipping if you need to return or replace your product.
Deep-pocket design works great for lofty mattresses
Cons
Fitted sheet is not elasticized all the way around
Not the coolest option
You’ll notice that most of the sheets on this list have price tags in the hundreds, and while we believe that quality is often worth the extra penny, it’s not feasible for everyone. If you’re looking for sheets with a middle-of-the-road price but the quality and feel of sumptuous comfort, take a look at Silk & Snow’s Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets.
Egyptian Cotton is one of the best options if you’re looking for a more affordable way to treat yourself. You may have heard the term before and associated it with some hard-to-reach standard, but Silk & Snow’s sheets come in at $140 for a queen set, and are often on sale or available through coupons. They also come with a 100-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty.
I tested these myself and thought they had a crisp, luxury feel, so I rated their price at 4/5 and my overall experience at 4.5/5, which contributed to the sheets’ overall product score of 4/5.
I prefer a silkier, almost buttery feel to my sheets, and these Egyptian Cotton sheets have a more robust, satin feel, so after sleeping on them for a month, I ended up giving them to my friend. They’ve had them for a few weeks now and have offered absolutely no complaints. “I like them a lot,” they said. “They are soft and stay cool even when my room is warm.” Since their AC was out last week, this is a stunning endorsement.
Though the cotton sateen feel wasn’t for me, it can clearly appeal to many folks, especially those who are looking for a luxurious, quality-feeling sheet, so I rated the feel at a respectable 4/5.
These sheets were surprisingly lightweight, too. I was initially worried about the durability, but I stretched and pulled on these sheets, sent them through the wash, and nothing. I only discovered a stray string once, which could belong to any number of sleep products littering my bedroom. Overall, I think these should last a long time, so I rated durability at a 4/5.
The lightweight feel of these sheets can help with overheating, but I find that for me, cotton sheets tend to be more heat-trapping than moisture-wicking. I think most sleepers will be able to sleep soundly without incident, but as a night-sweater myself, I noticed on hotter days, I was kicking the top sheet onto the ground.
I was most annoyed by the fit of these sheets. The fitted sheet is only elasticized at the corners, and though there was plenty of space for my 14.5-inch Saatva Classic, I had to tuck the edges under the mattress. This was particularly difficult as my frame has sticky parts to keep my mattress from sliding off. I had to dock some points for fit, and I think this will be an even bigger issue if your mattress is thinner—you’ll likely have even more excess to deal with.
Sustainable shoppers looking for high-quality sheets should turn their attention to Saatva. This luxury sleep brand is responsible for some of the best-selling mattresses and sleep products out there. It provides only the best of the best, and its Organic Sateen Sheet Set is composed entirely of fair-trade certified organic cotton.
My fellow tester Sosha found that after a few washes, these sheets were exactly as described on the brand’s listing: “silky-soft” and “indulgently smooth.” She also awarded the sheets perfect scores in the durability and fit categories, helping them to earn an overall score of 4.4/5.
Sosha’s initial impression of these sheets was not as positive as her final rating. She didn’t quite care for the feel or smell out of the box, finding them a bit too stiff for her liking. However, after a couple washings, the smell dissipated, and the feel completely changed. “They are like totally different sheets now,” she said. “Soft, yet crisp—my favorite.” She gave these sheets a final feel score of 4/5.
One thing she was never concerned about was the quality. She was impressed with their overall thickness, the strength of the elastic, and with no pilling in sight, even after her many washes.
The fit also presented no issues. Sosha was able to get these over her 14-inch mattress and have them stay put, even as her restless husband tossed and turned on top of them. “I love how these fit my bed,” she said emphatically, awarding another perfect score for fit. As mentioned, both the durability and fit categories earned perfect scores.
Sosha didn’t find these sheets cool to the touch, but she did find them temperature-neutral. Cotton is a breathable material that should help keep air flowing, even if it doesn’t actively cool you down. Sosha believed that “hot, cold and all temperatures in between will be very happy with these sheets,” and rated temperature regulation at a 4.5/5.
If you’re looking to purchase these sheets, they retail at $275 for a queen set and $295 for a queen. When evaluating the price, Sosha once again reiterated that the quality of the sheets is high-quality, but she’d rather pay a bit less since they weren’t “ready-to-go” for her. She also noted that Saatva packaged these sheets in a high-end, heavy-duty box with a sleek bow, alongside a reusable bag, which she would do without if it meant a lower price tag overall.
Want sheets that are ready-to-go out of the box? Consider Silk & Snow’s Egyptian Cotton Sheets–I didn’t even have to wash them before my first use! (I live on the edge.)
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set
Nothing on the list above speaking to you? Take a look at some other options we reviewed:
Sleep Number TrueTemp Sheets– Sleep Number infused its True Temp sheets with 37.5 active particle technology. This unique feature is designed to adjust to your body temperature, keeping you comfortably cozy during cold weather and cool during the heat. I tested these sheets myself, and while I think they’re high-quality and definitely cozy, I wouldn’t say they’re as cool to the touch as a lot of the other options on this list.
Saatva Luxury Flannel Sheet Set – Flannel sheets are great for feeling comfortable and cozy, though they tend to trap heat. This isn’t the case for Saatva’s Luxury Flannel set; our tester said she didn’t have any issues, even as a hot sleeper. However, the high pricepoint might be a difficult bargain for budget shoppers.
Cariloha Classic 4-Piece Twill Sheet Set – Twill is another option if you’re looking for cozy but durable sheets. Cariloha’s twill sheets are also made from bamboo to counteract any possible heat-trapping effects. While these sheets were pretty cool, our tester noticed they did get a bit hot, and wouldn’t recommend it for hot sleepers.
How We Tested These Bed Sheets
If you’re still waffling back and forth trying to decide on your final purchase, you might want to consider what aspects of a good set of sheets are most important to you. I’ll go over what we had at the forefront of our testing when reviewing these sheets to help you navigate your decision.
Yes, we have pet testers, too!
Feel
How you want your sheets to feel is incredibly personal. For example, I love a sheet with a super-soft feel, but you might want a more crisp, satin-like texture. That’s why our testers went into detail describing how each sheet set felt, taking into account material and the brand’s description. We made sure to get an overall sense of who might prefer these sheets, not just our individual opinions.
Temperature Regulation
If you live in a warm climate, you might be wanting sheets that are light, airy, and breathable to keep cool. Those in a colder area might want something thick and cozy. If you’re like me and live in the Midwest, where there can be a blizzard and heat wave in the same week, you’ll want something that can adapt to your environment. Point being, temperature regulation is a big factor in your sheets, whether you end up kicking them off the bed or stay swaddled in them.
We judged how these sheets behaved in different environments. Our testers are a mix of hot and cold sleepers, so there are plenty of opinions to go around. Generally, we looked at how the sheets performed overnight, noting things like whether they felt cool to the touch or we woke up sweating. We also compared this with what the brand advertised; if they’re marketed as cooling sheets, we want to make sure they perform up to standard.
If you’re a hot sleeper unsure about where to start, Dr. Shelby Harris recommended looking for Tencel or bamboo sheets. “These fabrics tend to regulate temperature and wick moisture easily, and depending on how heavy the fabric is, some can be quite light and airy,” she said.
Care
Most sheets by now are machine washable. But not every type of sheet can be washed and dried the same way. It’s important to pay attention to what the manufacturer recommends. Often they’ll suggest what water temperature to wash in, what cycle to use, and if you should avoid bleach or fabric softener. The same goes for drying. Some sheets can go in a dryer, but others might have to be air-dried.
Following the care instructions on your sheets should not only keep them fresh, but have them lasting a long time. You don’t want to shrink or damage your sheets from improper cleaning. You might also be able to tell how long sheets can last after a go in the wash. Washing can also cause sheets to get softer over time, especially if they’re cotton.
How your sheets hold up after a wash also speaks to their durability. We observed how these sheets looked and felt both before and after a wash to determine how long they’d hold up with regular use.
What Else Is Important When Buying Bed Sheets?
Aside from the areas we tested above, there are some other components that might factor into your final decision when choosing a new sheet set.
Material
Oftentimes shoppers will ask what is the best fabric for bedsheets, and there isn’t a simple answer. Most of the time it boils down to personal preference. In case you’re unsure of what materials you should be looking at in your sheets, I’ll go over some of the different options out there and what makes them stand apart from one another.
Cotton
There are many different types of cotton on the market, from standard cotton to Egyptian and Pima cotton. You’ll see these types of cotton a lot, as cotton is a fairly standard material to make fabrics with. Egyptian and Pima cotton are grown in different circumstances, and are typically a little bit more durable than other types of more standard cotton.
Overall, cotton sheets will feel crisp to start, but will get softer with use and washing. Some people like that crisp feel to their sheets, and cotton is the main material to give that feel. Studies have shown that cotton is also great at conducting heat, which could help some hot sleepers stave off night-sweats.
Bamboo
As a profuse night-sweater myself, I really love bamboo sheets. One of the main features of bamboo sheets is that they’re moisture-wicking, which means you won’t sleep hot and sweaty during the night. They also feel much more soft and satin-like than cotton sheets, which is my preferred feel out of a sheet.
If you suffer from sensitive allergies, bamboo sheets are a great pick because they’re naturally hypoallergenic. Bamboo viscose can fight common allergens and resist dust in your sleep environment.
Tencel
Another plant-based fabric is Tencel, also referred to as Tencel lyocell, or just lyocell. It’s a material that’s derived from eucalyptus. Like bamboo, it has natural moisture-wicking properties to it. Sheets made with this material are a great option for hot sleepers out there.
Linen
Linen sheet sets are some of the oldest style sheets out there, and can feel more textured than some of the other materials. Overall, linen sheets are weightier and more durable than cotton.
Weave
The weave of your sheets will contribute to the overall feel of the fabric, but may also have some say in some of the sheets’ properties. A looser weave like sateen will have your sheets feeling crisp and matte, and may allow for more airflow. A tighter weave like percale, on the other hand, will have a softer feel, and may not be as breathable. Twill is another weave that should have your sheets feeling thick and durable, perhaps more stain-resistant. Flannel will have the super-soft and cozy feel—like the clothing with the same name.
Take the time to get to know which feel you prefer for your sheets. Also consider the actual material used, as bamboo and cotton, for example, will feel different even with the same weaves.
Thread Count
Thread count might be one of the first things you think of when deciding what makes a high-quality sheet. Most folks say bigger is better and opt for the highest thread count, but it’s a bit more nuanced than that. Thread count will vary depending on the material and weave. As an example, you might be wary of a sheet with a meager 80 thread count, but this is actually quite typical for quality linen sheets.
In short, I wouldn’t recommend making a high thread count your determining factor. Ensure that the feel and durability of the sheets match your needs above all. But if you’re still curious about the best thread count for sheets, take a look at our guide.
Fit
You want your sheets to fit nice and snug on your mattress, but it’s not just a matter of choosing the corresponding size. If your mattress is thicker than the standard 12 inches, you’ll want to look for sheets that are advertised as “deep pocket,” as these are meant to fit taller mattresses. On the flipside, if your mattress is thin, you might want to steer away from these sets as the excess might billow over the sides or need tucking in beneath your bed, which can be a hassle on wash day.
These Luxome sheets have a handy strap to keep them fixed on the mattress.
If you’re a particularly restless sleeper whose movements often cause your fitted sheets to slip and slide off your bed, you might want to look for sheets with elastic corner straps. These hook under the four corners of your mattress and help keep the sheets in place, providing an extra measure of security.
Price
Prices always vary, and it depends on the type of weave, materials used, and how those materials are treated in the making of the sheets. Sheets that are eco-friendly and certified to be free of harmful chemicals and emissions may charge a higher price. A 100-percent cotton sheet is going to be more expensive, for example, but the price might vary based on whether or not the cotton is organic, and if it’s a percale or sateen weave.
Of course, more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Some sets are on the more affordable end of the price spectrum, but are still high-quality sheets. It all comes down to our testers’ experiences with the sheets and their opinion on whether or not they feel the price is worth the product they received. Always take a look at reviews before purchasing to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Company Policies
Some online manufacturers will sweeten the deal by offering free shipping, sleep trials, or even warranties for their sleep products. A sleep trial is a great way to try before you commit to keeping the product. Just note the fine print on any return policy; some brands will not accept washed, stained, or otherwise obviously used products, even within the return period. Also note whether returns are free, or if you’ll have to pay for shipping. Some brands may offer replacements instead of refunds if you receive a faulty product.
Warranties are even rarer to see than returns, but they can be a great way to see how long a brand is willing to stand behind its product, giving a glimpse into its longevity. One-year warranties are generally standard, but you might see longer options for higher-quality or more expensive products.
FAQs
What is the best thread count for sheets?
The best thread count for sheets will depend on the material itself. Between sheets made with the same textile, a higher thread count may be a sign of a thicker or more luxurious weave, but if you’re comparing cotton and linen, for example, it’s like apples and oranges. Thread counts can fall anywhere from 80 to 800, but don’t make it your final decision based on the number you see.
What is the best material for sheets?
What makes the best material for sheets will depend on the shopper’s personal preference. If you’re seeking suggestions, choose cotton if you’re looking for versatile comfort, bamboo for a slicker feel, and linen for luxurious durability.
What are the best sheets for adjustable beds?
The best sheets for adjustable beds should be ones that fit snugly on your mattress. Look for deep-pocket sheets if you have a thicker mattress. You may want to consider opting for some with corner straps to keep them from sliding off as the mattress moves.
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories.