Best Sheets of 2023
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The feel and performance of the bedding you choose can have a major impact on your comfort and sleep quality. Important factors to consider when buying new sheets and pillowcases include the fabric, weave, ease of care, and cost. It’s also important that the sheet set’s size and fitted sheet’s pocket depth are compatible with your mattress.
We test sheets on the same mattress to ensure our ratings are as consistent as possible. Our team of sleep experts evaluated each sheet set based on performance areas such as quality of construction, longevity, and temperature regulation.
Top Picks Overview
Below, you’ll find detailed information about each sheet set that made our final list. Keep in mind when reviewing the prices that a “sheet set” normally consists of a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one or two pillowcases, and that additional items such as duvet covers may not be included. Scroll down even further to find our comprehensive buyer’s guide, where we’ll cover everything you need to know about fabrics and weaves, costs, and other key variables for buying a sheet set.
Best Sheets of 2023 Video
Watch the video below to learn more about our lab’s top sheets of 2023.
Product Details

Best Overall
Luxome Luxury Sheet Set

Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who own high-profile mattresses that are too tall for standard-pocket sheets
- Sleepers with sensitive skin
Highlights:
- Viscose derived from bamboo fabrication ensures excellent breathability
- The sateen weave provides a luxurious, silky-smooth feel
- Generous pocket depth accommodates mattresses up to 17 inches thick
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
SleepFoundation readers get the best price on Luxome products
Bottom Line
The Luxome Luxury Sheets are incredibly smooth. Our testers noted they glide over the skin and never felt harsh or abrasive. We also found these sheets promote excellent breathability and cooling.
Sheets made from bamboo-derived fabrics are known for their exceptional cooling, and the Luxome Luxury Sheets are no exception. Every item earned high marks on our temperature control tests, and even our hot-sleeping testers felt comfortable.
How It Performed
The sheets drape closely to your body without trapping excess heat, so the set is suitable for year-round use. The bamboo-derived fabric is exceptionally soft, a quality further elevated with a sateen weave. Our testers with sensitive skin found that the fabric didn’t irritate or rub too harshly. The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set features a fitted sheet that can accommodate a mattress up to 17 inches thick. This range covers the vast majority of mattresses made today, including pillow-top hybrids and other models that require extra depth for a secure fit.
What It’s Made of
Each sheet and pillowcase in this collection is composed of viscose derived from bamboo in a lustrous sateen weave. The set is available in seven sizes, including a split king if you share an adjustable bed with a partner. You can also choose from 10 different colors, including neutrals and more offbeat options such as sage, sapphire, and terracotta. All items in the set are fully machine-washable. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, then line dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Affordable pricing and free standard shipping for orders in the contiguous U.S. make the Luxury Sheet Set a good pick if you have a limited budget. Returns and exchanges are allowed within 30 days of the delivery date, provided each component is clean and in like-new condition.




Best Value
Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets

Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Those who own mattresses up to 14 inches thick
- Shoppers who prefer buying sustainably produced goods
Highlights:
- Composed of breathable, GOTS-certified fabric
- Sateen weave gives the material a silky-soft feel
- Five color options
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sweet Zzz sheets
Bottom Line
The Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets are some of the smoothest sheets we’ve tested at an affordable price-point. They also offer a good balance of breathability and heft.
Bamboo sheets have become increasingly popular in the last few years, but they can often hold a higher price-point. The Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets are an affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice quality and comfort.
How It Performed
The sheet set’s natural cooling properties make it suitable if you consider yourself a “hot sleeper” or if you live in an exceptionally warm or humid place. If you prioritize eco-friendly products, this set should appeal to you. The material has received certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), indicating the bamboo is sustainably grown and harvested, while the OEKO-TEX Class 1 certification ensures each item has been tested for harmful chemicals and is considered safe for all ages. Additionally, the sateen weave creates a silky-smooth hand-feel that our testers with sensitive skin found comfortable.
What It’s Made of
The sheets and pillowcases feel lightweight, and the fabric wicks away moisture from your skin. Sweet Zzz offers five color palettes for the set, as well as six sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 14 inches, making it compatible with many standard mattresses. You can wash and dry each item at home.
An approachable price-point coupled with premium construction makes the set a great choice if you’re looking to save some money. Sweet Zzz will also ship the sheets free of charge anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Returns are permitted within 50 days of the original purchase, and each sheet set is backed by a lifetime warranty.




Best Luxury
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who own mattresses up to 18 inches thick
- Couples who use an adjustable bed base
Highlights:
- Each item composed of breathable, silky-soft viscose derived from bamboo
- Generous pocket depth ensures compatibility with most mattresses
- 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Cozy Earth sheets
Bottom Line
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is a high-end option that sleeps cooler than other sheets we’ve tested made from this type of fabric. If you run hot in bed, we recommend testing out these sheets.
Every item in the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set has a luxuriously silky feel that our testers with sensitive skin thoroughly enjoyed. We recommend the Cozy Earth set if you are willing to spend a bit more on exceptionally soft and cooling sheets.
How It Performed
We highly recommend the sheet set if you tend to overheat or sweat while you sleep. The high-quality and exceptionally breathable bamboo-derived fabric also wicks moisture away from the body. Since Cozy Earth offers a split king option, the set is great if you and your partner own an adjustable bed. Thanks to the generous pocket depth, we also recommend the set if you own a pillow-top mattress or thick mattress topper that other standard-pocket sheets can’t accommodate.
What It’s Made of
Each pillowcase and sheet is made of viscose derived from bamboo that is naturally breathable. A silky-soft sateen weave allows the sheets to drape closely to your body, ensuring coziness and insulation from the cold when temperatures are low. You can also choose from five neutral color schemes. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 18 inches, so the set will be compatible with the vast majority of mattresses sold today. You can wash and dry each item in household machines for easy, convenient care.
All Bamboo Sheet Sets are shipped in a reusable tote bag. Cozy Earth offers a trial period spanning 100 nights, and those who keep their set also receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty against structural defects.
Read our Full Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set Review to learn more
Most Comfortable
Saatva Organic Percale Sheet Set

Who it’s best for:
- Shoppers who value cotton that is organic and Fair Trade Certified
- Hot sleepers
- People who like crisp bedding
Highlights:
- GOTS-certified long-staple organic cotton is sustainably harvested and produced
- A percale weave gives the items a crisp hand-feel that gradually softens over time
- Deep-pocket fitted sheet accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches thick
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Saatva sheets
Bottom Line
Our testers enjoyed how cool the Saatva Organic Percale Sheet Set slept while staying quite soft for a percale weave. You shouldn’t have to compromise on cooling or comfort.
Saatva’s Organic Percale Sheet Set is a top choice if you want your bedding to have high-end performance and meet rigorous standards for organic and sustainable production. On top of boasting several certifications, the sheets are made from soft and breathable materials that most of our testers found comfortable.
How It Performed
The sheets are validated as Fair Trade, meaning the company promotes safe factory conditions and the economic betterment of workers. With this commitment to natural and ethical production, you can rest easy knowing the bedding is chemical-free and made without harm to workers or the environment. The percale weave makes the sheets and pillowcases feel initially crisp, but the items will gradually soften each time you launder them. This weave is also naturally cooling, which our hot-sleeping testers loved.
What It’s Made of
The sheets are made with 100% organic cotton that has gone through the certification process of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). These sheets use long-staple organic cotton with a percale weave and a lightweight thread count of 200. Three straightforward colors are offered to advance this understated-yet-classic look. The sheets can be machine-washed with cold water and tumble-dried on low heat. The pockets of the fitted sheet hold taut if you own a mattress between 11 to 16 inches in height.
Saatva has earned a strong reputation in the mattress industry for its quality products and customer care. The sheets come with free shipping as well as a 45-day sleep trial to give you an extended opportunity to see how these sheets feel on your own bed.

Best Egyptian Cotton
Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Those who own mattresses measuring 15 inches thick or less
- Value seekers
Highlights:
- Premium, certified Egyptian cotton bedding at a budget-friendly price
- Sateen weave leaves each item feeling silky-smooth
- 100-night trial period for all orders
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Silk & Snow sheets
Bottom Line
The Silk & Snow collection offers the luxurious feel and cooling of other Egyptian cotton sheets, but at a much lower price than most comparable sets. Premium material and a sateen weave make these sheets some of the softest we’ve tested.
Egyptian cotton is one of the most luxurious sheeting materials on the planet, but the material’s typically steep price-tag is a barrier for many. With the Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheets, shoppers get the best of both worlds. This cotton variety is also exceptionally soft, and its softness is enhanced by the sateen weave.
How It Performed
We found temperature regulation to be a key selling point of this collection. Egyptian cotton is naturally breathable, and the material also wicks moisture away from the body to keep you dry on humid nights. The sateen’s silky-smooth hand should be comfortable if you have sensitive skin and find other weaves too harsh or irritating. Despite the premium materials and construction, this sheet set carries a price-tag that you may find accessible.
What It’s Made of
Each sheet and pillowcase in the collection is composed of durable extra-long staple cotton that carries the Genuine Egyptian Cotton certification, ensuring every fiber can be traced to cotton grown in that country. The sateen weave gives these items a silky, drapey feel that gets softer with age. You can choose from five neutral color schemes to compliment your bedroom decor.
The set comes with a flat sheet and fitted sheet, along with one or two pillowcases depending on which size you choose. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 15 inches. In addition to the standard collection, you can select an Egyptian cotton duvet cover or pillowcase set. These options are also reasonably priced.
Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping if you live in the contiguous U.S. or provincial Canada. Extra charges apply if you live in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canadian territories. Each order comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Cooling
Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets

Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Those with sensitive skin
- People who own adjustable beds
Highlights:
- Made from breathable Tencel lyocell
- Silky sateen weave ensures close body draping
- Split king option is compatible with adjustable beds
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding sheets
Bottom Line
Hot sleepers on our team thoroughly enjoyed the soft, breathable feel of Brooklyn Bedding’s Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets. Tencel in a sateen weave ensures a bit of cozy warmth without overheating.
Tencel is a eucalyptus-derived material known for its soft feel and cooling properties. The Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets have a lightweight feel made from 100% Tencel lyocell in a drapey sateen weave. This combination should prevent you from running too hot or too cold.
How It Performed
We test all sheet sets on the same mattress to ensure consistency. Hot sleepers on our team loved the sheet set’s cool feel, which excelled in our temperature control tests. Our heat guns detected minimal heat buildup on the surface. The naturally smooth Tencel is paired with a silky sateen weave that our testers with sensitive skin enjoyed. We did not notice any friction or skin irritation while testing the sheets.
What It’s Made of
The Tencel sateen is naturally resistant to wrinkling without sacrificing the weave’s signature sheen. You can choose between three neutral colors: khaki, silver, and white. All six standard sizes are available, as well as a split king option for adjustable beds that comes with two fitted sheets. The fitted sheet is compatible with mattresses measuring anywhere between 11 and 15 inches thick. All items in the set are machine-washable. Wash in warm or cool water and dry on the lowest heat setting.
Brooklyn Bedding ships free to customers in the contiguous U.S. Sheet purchases come with a 30-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty against structural defects.

Softest
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who own mattresses up to 15 inches thick
- Bedding shoppers who don't need a flat sheet
Highlights:
- Tencel fabric with a sateen weave creates a luxuriously soft hand-feel
- Excellent temperature control thanks to above-average breathability and moisture-wicking properties
- Seven color options
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sijo sheets
Bottom Line
The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is a great option if you prefer extra soft bedding. The Tencel material makes each item feel smooth to the touch, and we didn’t notice any of the heat-trapping we’ve found with bedding made from other fabrics.
The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is composed of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived material known for its exceptional smoothness. This material and the sateen weave make the sheets incredibly soft without compromising temperature control.
How It Performed
Tencel has moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep, which earned the sheets stellar marks during our temperature regulation tests. The sheets have a silky feel that our testers with sensitive skin found extremely comfortable. We also recommend the set if you don’t use a flat sheet on your mattress. Sijo also allows you to exclude the flat sheet from your order to save money, making it a great option for value seekers.
What It’s Made of
The set features a fitted sheet with a pocket depth that makes it compatible with any mattress that measures up to 15 inches thick. Six sizes are available, corresponding to standard mattress dimensions. Twin and twin XL sizes include a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one pillowcase, while larger sizes feature all of these components and an additional pillowcase. You can also choose from seven colors such as fog, pebble, blush, and forest. All items in the set can be laundered in household machines. Wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, then tumble dry on low heat or steam.
Sijo offers free standard shipping for all orders of $65 or more, a range that covers every available size for the AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set. You can return the set for a full refund within 30 days of delivery.

Best All-Season
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

Who it’s best for:
- People who want the silky smoothness of a sateen weave
- Customers who prioritize cotton with a high thread count
- Shoppers looking for distinct color and pattern options
Highlights:
- Brooklinen offers three different sets for customers with different bedding needs
- Ultra-soft hand-feel and lustrous finish thanks to the luxurious sateen weave
- Wide range of patterns and colors, including limited edition designs
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklinen sheets
Bottom Line
The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set delivered both quality and comfort during our tests, and the price is definitely reasonable. The fabric feels a bit denser than fabric we’ve found in other cotton sheet sets.
Well-made sateen sheets we’ve tested have a certain “wow” factor — one that you’ll find with the Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Sheets. These sheets have an elegant look and soft feel, a lifetime warranty, and a price that won’t break the bank.
How It Performed
Our testers noted the sateen weave makes the sheets especially smooth and soft against the skin, and they have an elegant and lustrous look. Thanks to the silky feel, we recommend the sheet set for sleepers with sensitive skin. Our testers were able to glide across the sheets with no harsh rubbing or irritation. The pocket depth should fit most standard mattresses, but it may not fit if you own a high-profile pillow-top or a thick mattress topper.
What It’s Made of
The source material for the Luxe Sateen sheets is 100% long-staple cotton known for its natural durability. Its extended fibers are put to use with a sateen weave and a mid-range thread count of 480. As an added bonus, you can select from nine essential designs plus a number of limited-edition options. Those designs include both solid colors and more creative patterns.
The fitted sheet can comfortably fit on mattresses up to 15 inches tall, and the interior labels make it easy to know which is the long and short side when making your bed. Caring for the sheets is easy, as you can machine wash them with cold water and dry them on a low-heat, tumble-dry setting.
You have 365 nights to try out the sheets during a no-risk sleep trial. The high-quality cotton increases the durability of these sheets, and Brooklinen also stands behind this set with a warranty covering defects for an additional year.

Best Temperature Regulating
Nolah Bamboo Sheet Set

Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who enjoy sheets with a silky quality
- Those with sensitive skin
Highlights:
- 100% bamboo-derived viscose feels cool and soft
- Sateen weave produces a silky feel
- Fitted sheet has a 16-inch pocket depth
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Nolah sheets
Bottom Line
The Nolah Bamboo Sheet Set is a safe bet if you’re looking for bedding that won’t trap excessive heat at night. The silky feel gives the sheets a luxurious quality.
The Nolah Bamboo Sheet Set is designed to keep you cool and comfortable through the night. If you frequently overheat or sweat during sleep, we recommend these sheets to help offset heat retention.
How It Performed
The sheets are made with a sateen weave, resulting in a silky feel that our testers found cool and smooth to the touch. The fabric also has absorbent qualities that help wick moisture from your body, which is an asset for sleepers who sweat heavily at night. The silky feel may appeal to sleepers with sensitive skin since it produces less friction against the skin. The sheets are lightweight and drape closely to your body.
What It’s Made of
The Nolah Bamboo sheets are made with 100% bamboo-derived viscose, which is known for its luxuriously soft properties. You can choose between twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes. All sets come with a flat sheet and fitted sheet, with a second fitted sheet included in the split king. Most of the sets are sold with two pillowcases, with the exception of the twin and twin XL sets, which just include one pillowcase. The fitted sheet has a 16-inch pocket depth so it should fit most mattresses sold today.
Nolah ships for free throughout the contiguous U.S. You may return the sheets within 30 days for a full refund, minus return shipping fees. The set is also backed by a 1-year warranty.
Read our Full Nolah Bamboo Sheet Set Review to learn more
Best Deep Pocket
Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets

Who it’s best for:
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Shoppers who prioritize durability in bedding
- People who enjoy bedding with a silky finish
Highlights:
- Made from organic long-staple cotton
- Sateen weave has a soft feel
- Nine color options
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Enjoy 15% off your first sheet set at Boll & Branch with code 15FINEST
Bottom Line
The silky feel made the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets a favorite on our team, but the sheets earned especially high marks from hot sleepers. This was largely thanks to the cool feel and lightweight construction.
Boll & Branch produces a line of sheet sets in various patterns and designs, but the Signature Hemmed Sheets are one of the brand’s most popular collections. The sheets have a cool, silky feel and lightweight design that should appeal to sleepers who need bedding that minimizes heat retention.
How It Performed
With certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), these sheets are verified organic, making them a good fit for shoppers who prefer eco-friendly bedding. A sateen weave gives the sheets a silky look and a soft hand feel that is designed to grow softer with time. This weave drapes closely to the body to insulate cozy warmth, but the cotton composition is also naturally breathable and lightweight.
What It’s Made of
The cotton is long-staple, a variety known for its high quality and durability, in a sateen weave. Most sets come with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, though twin and twin XL sets include just one pillowcase and split king sets come with two fitted sheets. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 17 inches and should be compatible with most mattresses. Customers may pick from nine color options and seven sizes.
Boll & Branch offers free shipping and returns. Customers receive a 30-day trial with the purchase of their sheet set.
Read our Full Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets Review to learn more
Best Hotel Style
Pure Parima Yalda Sheets

Who it’s best for:
- Shoppers who value certified Egyptian Cotton
- Customers looking for natural, chemical-free sheets
- People who like silky-soft bedding
Highlights:
- Extra-long staple Egyptian cotton ensures excellent durability and cooling
- Sateen weave gives each item a silky-soft feel and lustrous sheen
- Cotton Egypt Association and OEKO-TEX 100 certifications
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Pure Parima sheets
Bottom Line
Real Egyptian cotton has a smooth feel you won’t find in many other fabrics. The Yalda gives you that hotel-like luxury and quality, but it won’t drain your bank account.
Egyptian Cotton is an extra-long staple cotton variety used in some of the softest hotel-style sheets we’ve tested. The Pure Parima Yalda Sheet Set has been certified by the Cotton Egypt Association, ensuring the softness and durability this material is known for.
How It Performed
The sateen weave is known for a lustrous sheen and smooth feel that drapes closely to your body. This weave also suited our testers with sensitive skin, allowing them to glide across the sheets with no rubbing or irritation. Thanks to the combination of cotton’s breathability and insulation from the close drape of the sateen weave, we found the sheets to be a great choice for year-round use. You should not notice significant temperature spikes or drops at night.
What It’s Made of
Pure Parima offers a generous color range for the sheet set. You can choose between 10 options, ranging from neutrals to blush pink and navy blue. Seven sizes are available – twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king. Twin and twin XL sizes come with one pillowcase, and larger sizes include two. The split king size also includes an extra fitted sheet. All fitted sheets can fit a mattress up to 18 inches thick.
The Yalda Sheet set comes at a slightly below-average price point for cotton sheets, making them a great option if you want high-end style sheets on a budget. Pure Parima offers a 100-night risk-free trial, during which you can test the sheets and return them for a full refund.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of testers has years of experience trying out different sheet sets, and we know what to look for when it comes to quality bedding. The testers represent a wide array of sleep preferences, so we know from firsthand experience which materials and weaves are best suited to different types of sleepers.
How We Evaluated These Sheets
When shopping for sheets, it's important to get a sense for how sheets physically feel against the skin. Our team thoroughly tests the sheets by feeling the fabric and recording how closely the material drapes to the body. We assess whether sheets are silky or crisp, and if they run cool or trap heat. Sheet prices and ease of care are also taken into account. The picks list above includes what we consider to be the best sheets available on the market.
In-Depth Sheet Guides
Sheet Type
Sheet Feel
Sheet Weave
Importance of Clean Sheets
A recent Bedroom Poll from the National Sleep Foundation explored the connection between fresh sheets and a good night’s rest. More than three-quarters of the survey’s respondents said they are more excited to go to bed when the sheets have a fresh scent, while 73% said freshly scented sheets make their sleep more comfortable. More than half also said sheets with a fresh scent contribute to their overall sleep experience.
You should strive to keep your bedding clean in order to maintain a hygienic sleep area. However, there is such a thing as “too much cleaning” when it comes to sheets. Fabrics slowly break down in washing machines and dryers, and over time this causes the material to deteriorate and tear.
Washing your sheets once a week is a reasonable benchmark for most people. This ensures adequate hygiene without too much early wear and tear. Some sleepers may want to consider cleaning their sheets more than once a week. These include people who share their bed with a pet and those with allergies or asthma.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for how to wash your sheets. The recommended water temperature, detergent, and dryer cycle all depend on the specific fabric and weave. You may want to invest in multiple sheet sets, which allow you to swap in fresh bedding whenever your current bedding needs to be cleaned. The NSF Bedroom Poll found that the average respondent owned three or four individual sheet sets.
You can also keep your sleep area hygienic by regularly cleaning the mattress cover. Some mattresses have removable covers that can be washed and dried in machines. If your mattress cover is not removable, you can spot clean it if stains occur. One helpful trick is to sprinkle baking soda across the mattress cover to draw out moisture, then vacuum the surface the following day. Also make sure to clean your pillows and pillowcases on a regular basis.
How To Choose the Best Sheets
Because there are so many brands and models of sheets on the market, it’s important to know what really matters when shopping for new bedding.
What To Consider When Buying Sheets
The first step in finding your optimal sheets is learning how to sort out the key details from the buzz. In order to try to differentiate their products, some companies in the bedding industry end up using confusing or trumped-up marketing language, especially for luxury items.
While some high-end brands and products are truly worth the expense, savvy shoppers can figure out what to look for to avoid overhyped features and inflated prices. To be one of those shoppers, focus on the most important considerations and reflect on which are your highest priorities.
- Material: A central factor that influences the performance, look, and price of sheets is their material. All fabrics have pros and cons and can be produced to a range of quality standards. Determining which material best aligns with your needs can go a long way in helping you find an ideal sheet set.
- Weave: This refers to how the fabric is manufactured — or woven — into a sheet or pillowcase. Specifically, it's how the vertical and horizontal threads are interlinked with each other. This tends to matter more for certain types of materials, especially cotton. The same base material woven will have a different appearance and feel based on how it is woven (such as with a percale or sateen weave).
- Price: You'll want to set a budget and use that as a guidepost to filter your options. As you research, you'll find that the range of sheet prices is enormous. There are solid values at many price-points, but you'll get the best return on investment if you can pay a bit more for durable, high-quality sheets.
- Feel: There are multiple ways to evaluate how sheets feel. One key criteria is softness, as some materials and weaves will feel more plush. Sheets can be very smooth, even buttery, or have more coarseness and texture. Certain fabrics have a lightweight and crisp feel while others, like linen, generally have a bit more heft.
- Thread Count: At its most basic level, the thread count is the sum of the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch of fabric. In some cases, a higher thread count means a more dense and durable sheet; however, some manufacturers manipulate thread counts. Additionally, for some materials, thread count is rarely listed and it has less of an effect on the performance of the sheets.
- Design, Color, and Pattern: While a lot of our focus is on how sheets feel and perform, it's also important to think about how they look, especially if you're someone with a knack for interior decorating. Sheets can have a finish that is shiny, matte, or more understated. The way they drape over the bed and their tendency to wrinkle also affect appearance. Some sheet sets are offered in a wider selection of colors and patterns.
- Breathability: Breathable sheets promote cooling. These sheets absorb moisture from the body and allow air to flow through the fabric so that the moisture evaporates. This process, known as moisture-wicking, can help you stay cool even on hot nights and matters most to people who tend to sleep hot.
- Durability: Most sheets won't last forever, but a high-quality sheet set should hold strong for a few years even with regular use and washing. Lower-quality sheets will be prone to wearing thin, developing holes, losing their softness, and/or fading in color.
- Ease of Care: To keep your sheets fresh, it's normal to wash them frequently. Some materials require very delicate handling to keep them in top shape. In most cases, washing with cold water and drying on delicate, low-heat settings can prevent damage.
- Mattress Height: Taller-than-average mattresses require deep pocket sheets. Usually this means any mattresses taller than 12 to 13 inches. Make sure you measure your mattress to ensure that your new sheets properly fit.
Which Type of Sheets Should I Choose?
Different types of sheets — based on the fabric and weave — come with distinct potential benefits and downsides. For example, long-staple cotton is soft and breathable, but it has a higher cost. Linen has excellent temperature regulation but can also be expensive, rougher, and may have a rumpled look.
Reviewing the merits of the most popular types of materials used in sheets can help lead you toward your optimal bedding set.
- Bamboo-Rayon: This material, also known as bamboo-viscose, is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from the bamboo plant. It tends to be stretchy with above-average softness and breathability. It can be expensive and may not be as soft or durable as high-end cotton.
- Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is the specific name for American-grown, long-staple cotton. Long-staple cotton has bigger fibers, helping Supima cotton sheets to be soft and durable. The main downside to Supima cotton is its higher price.
- Egyptian Cotton: This is another type of long-staple cotton, and it comes from the Nile River Valley in Egypt. Egyptian cotton is known for having some of the longest and highest-quality fibers available. Like Supima cotton, Egyptian cotton can be quite expensive.
- Linen: Produced from fibers that come from the flax plant, linen has more texture and a weightier feel. It also has excellent breathability, making it usable year-round. While not naturally soft, some linen is garment-washed to make it softer, and it gradually softens over time. It can be prone to wrinkles, so it may look rumpled unless you go through the process of carefully ironing it.
- Silk: Renowned for its smoothness, shiny appearance, and top-notch breathability, silk provides high-end performance in bedding. The negatives are that it tends to be very expensive and can wear out quickly, especially if delicate handling and washing instructions are not followed.
- Tencel Lyocell: Another type of rayon, Tencel Lyocell is made using pulp from Eucalyptus trees. This fabric material is soft and smooth, and it has effective moisture-wicking properties. It tends to resist wrinkles and is relatively easy to wash and dry. Potential drawbacks include its price and varying durability based on its production quality.
- Polyester: The biggest selling point for polyester sheets is their accessible price-point. They also tend to be easier to wash and dry. That said, their performance suffers relative to other materials because they are generally less soft, less breathable, and less durable.
- Microfiber: Microfiber is a type of polyester in which the fibers have been brushed to give them a fluffier feel. These sheets sleep warm, making them best for winter use.
- Flannel: Flannel sheets can be made with other materials, like cotton, with brushed fibers to enhance softness. Flannel tends to have more texture, feel heavier, and retain more heat.
- Fabric Blends: Some sheets will be made with a mix of different materials, and as you might expect, the benefits and downsides of any blend will vary based on its specific composition.
In addition to the material itself, sheets are often categorized by how the fabric is woven.
- Percale: A percale weave uses a one-over-one-under structure for vertical and horizontal threads. This creates a crisper feel and a modest increase in breathability. Percale sheets tend to have a more subdued or matte finish.
- Sateen: A sateen weave uses an over-under ratio that is greater than 1:1. For example, a common style is four-over-one-under. This leaves more continuous threads in one direction, providing a smoother feel. This pattern is somewhat less breathable than percale. Sateen frequently has a shinier and sleeker appearance.
- Jersey: Jersey sheets aren’t actually woven at all; instead, they are knitted. They have a soft, inviting texture that resists wrinkles and has plenty of stretch. These sheets often have less durability because the fabric can bunch up or pill with frequent use.
What Is the Ideal Thread Count for Sheets?
A solid thread count for sheets depends on the type of fabric, and the reality is that identifying an ideal thread count can be a challenge.
The thread count does offer some clear information about the total number of yarns in a square inch of fabric. While a higher number can be indicative of quality, that isn’t always the case.
- A high thread count may not mean much if the yarns themselves are of poor quality.
- Not all comparisons are apples-to-apples. Some manufacturers use double- or triple-ply yarns, often of a lower quality, to then double- or triple-count the threads. As a result, sheets could be listed as 900 thread count but actually be lower-quality than another set with a thread count of 300.
- An extremely high thread count isn’t always better since a super-dense fabric can feel heavy and may stifle cooling airflow.
- Thread count matters more for certain types of materials than others and may not even be listed for some sheet sets.
In most cases, it’s rare for a thread count to exceed 600. If you find sheets with a thread count higher than 600, there’s a good chance the brand is counting multi-ply yards. In this case, remember the high thread count doesn’t necessarily reflect a higher-end fabric.
When considering different kinds of sheets, look for thread counts in the following ranges while remembering that thread count isn’t the be-all, end-all.
- Bamboo: 200 to 300
- Supima Cotton: 200 to 400
- Egyptian Cotton: 200 to 400
- Percale Weave: 200 to 400
- Sateen Weave: 300 to 600
- Linen: 80 to 200 (although thread count is rarely listed)
For some materials, weight is used to describe the fabric density rather than the thread count. As with thread count, these figures shouldn’t be treated as the most important determinant of quality.
- Silk: 17-22 pounds per 100 yards (momme)
- Microfiber: 90-120 grams per square meter (GSM)
- Flannel: 170 or more GSM
- Jersey: 10 or more ounces per yard
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to bedding, so the “best” sheets for you might not be a good fit for other people. The most important factors to consider are material composition and weave, but you should also take thread count, ease of care, and the fitted sheet’s pocket depth into account.
If you prefer sheets and pillowcases with a soft and smooth feel, then you should choose bedding made from cotton, Tencel, or rayon derived from bamboo. Sateen weaves also give bedding a silky texture that can be more comfortable for people with sensitive skin. The percale weave has a crisper hand-feel that usually becomes softer over time, but won’t feel as smooth as sateen.
Cotton, Tencel, and rayon derived from bamboo are also great options for people who sleep hot and those who live in warm locales. The same is true for linen. Sheets with percale weaves have lower thread counts and don’t hug the body as closely compared to sateen, so percale may be the best choice for sleepers with temperature sensitivities. On the other hand, people who want more insulation from their sheets or reside in chillier places may prefer materials that retain more heat, like flannel or microfiber.
In terms of overall durability, Egyptian and Supima cotton – both long to extra-long staple cotton varieties – tend to outlast other sheet fabrics. Sheet sets made from these cotton varieties can easily last for 2 to 3 years of continuous use, and they often have higher price-points to reflect their longevity.
If you’re unsure which sheet material and weave is best for you, consider trying out a few different sets from online brands that offer sleep trials. Trial periods typically last 30 to 100 nights for sheet sets, and in most cases you’ll receive a full refund – and possibly free return shipping – if you return the items within the trial period. Be sure to read the fine print, as some brands only accept returns on unused and unwashed bedding. Other brands don’t accept returns at all due to the personal nature of how sheets are used.
Many bedding manufacturers list a thread count for their sheets and pillowcases. This measurement refers to the number of individual horizontal and vertical threads within 1 square inch of the material. The higher the thread count, the denser and heavier the material will feel.
Thread count is often cited to measure durability and overall quality, but this is somewhat misleading because the quality of the yarn is more important. A sheet made of high-quality material with a low thread count could easily perform better and last longer than a sheet of lesser material quality with a higher thread count.
Furthermore, manufacturers frequently inflate thread counts to make their sheets seem superior to their competitors’ products. This is especially true for sheets with more than one ply (an individual layer of fabric). For example, if one ply of a given material has a thread count of 300, then a two-ply section of the same fabric might be listed with a thread count of 600 – even though adding a second layer does little to make the sheet heavier or longer-lasting.
The bottom line: Pay attention to thread count, as it does affect how heavy and breathable the sheets can feel. However, take manufacturer assertions with a grain of salt – especially if the thread count exceeds 600. Also remember that thread count does not apply to certain fabrics. Microfiber and flannel are often measured using grams per square meter, silk is measured in momme, and jersey is measured in ounces per yard. Thread counts are not normally listed for linen sheet sets.
While you shouldn’t put too much stock in the thread count of a bedding set, you can use the following ranges to evaluate sheets and pillowcases based on material and weave:
Supima cotton: 200 to 400
Egyptian cotton: 200 to 400
Rayon or viscose derived from bamboo: 200 to 300
Linen: 80 to 200
Percale (weave): 300 to 600
Sateen (weave): 200 to 400
You should always consult the care instructions for your sheet set to determine how frequently the items need to be washed and dried. These instructions depend on the material composition and, to a lesser extent, the weave.
Keep in mind that each wash cycle for your sheets will contribute to overall wear and tear and shorten the lifespan of your bedding. Delicate materials such as silk and linen are more likely to deteriorate with frequent cleaning. Be sure to follow specific care instructions regarding factors like water temperature and tumble dry setting.
That said, most people find that cleaning their sheets every 1 to 2 weeks is sufficient for keeping their sleep surface hygienic. Regular washing reduces the buildup of body moisture and dead skin particles to keep the material smelling fresh, while staving off dust and other allergens. You may want to wash your bedding more frequently if small children or pets sleep with you on a regular basis.
As with washing, we recommend swapping out your used sheets and pillowcases with a fresh set at least once every 2 weeks. This gives you an opportunity to wash your used bedding and get it ready for the next time you change the sheets.
We also recommend investing in two or more sheet sets. This gives you spare sheets and pillowcases to use whenever one of your sets needs to be cleaned. When not in use, bedding sets should be stored in a cool, dry place where they won’t be exposed to excessive humidity or moisture.
You should expect to pay at least $125 for a luxury sheet set. Discounts and promotions can help make luxury sheets more affordable, but at the end of the day, quality materials and craftsmanship carry a higher price tag. While luxury sheets don't have to cost an arm and a leg, they also won't be found in the bargain bin.
Egyptian cotton sheets are worth their premium price if you want to splurge for the material that is typically the most luxurious and durable. Egyptian cotton has an excellent reputation and a trustworthy track record.
That said, you don’t have to break the bank on Egyptian cotton to get high-quality sheets that are soft and long-lasting. Great value can be found with other types of fabrics, so while Egyptian cotton is a worthy consideration, it’s not necessarily the top choice for every shopper.
Sheets produced with natural materials like cotton and linen are often the most sustainably produced, and semi-synthetic materials like Tencel and bamboo-rayon also frequently involve sustainable production practices. Some fabrics carry certifications from third-party organizations that validate that the material was produced according to organic, chemical-free, or other standards meant to protect the environment and human health.
As a general rule, sheets last for around 2 years. Higher-quality and heavier-duty sheets can last longer, and poorly made sheets with low-end materials will have a shorter useful life.
How long the sheets last will also depend on how you use them. If you rotate using two sheet sets, both sets will last longer. In addition, it’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for laundering sheets to prevent premature damage. Keeping food and drinks out of the bedroom can also avoid harmful spills and stains.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.
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