When buying products for your sleep space, sheets can be easy to overlook compared to mattresses or pillows. However, 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 to ensure the sheet set’s size and fitted sheet’s pocket depth are compatible with your mattress.
From flannel and linen to silk and Egyptian cotton, our team of sleep experts has tested a wide range of bedding to create the list of best sheets below. We evaluated each sheet set based on performance areas such as quality of construction, longevity, and temperature regulation. Since each sheet material carries unique pros and cons, we took these differences into account while holding all sheets to the same general criteria.
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.
July 4th is a great time to buy new sheets. Many mattress and bedding companies offer major discounts for July 4th. Sales typically start in the weeks leading up to the holiday, so check our product reviews below for discount information. You can also head to our list of
July 4th deals and discounts.
Product Details
Best Overall
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Material: 100% long-staple cotton
Weave: Sateen
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
New Brooklinen Customers can use code HOLIDAY15 to get 15% off their orders
Well-made sateen sheets have a certain “wow” factor — one that you’ll find with the Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Sheets. These sheets have an elegant look and feel, a lifetime warranty, and a price that won’t break the bank.
The source material for the Luxe Sateen sheets is 100% long-staple cotton. Its extended fibers are put to use with a sateen weave and a mid-range thread count of 480. The sateen weave makes the sheets especially smooth and soft against the skin.
The look of sateen is almost shiny, delivering a sense of elegance. As an added bonus, customers 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 that are up to 15 inches tall, and the interior labels make it easy to know which is the long and short side when putting the sheets on the bed. Caring for the sheets is easy as they can be machine-washed with cold water and line-dried or put in the dryer on a low-heat, tumble-dry setting.
The high-quality cotton increases the durability of these sheets, and Brooklinen also stands behind them with a lifetime warranty. Customers also have a full year (365 nights) to try out the sheets during a no-risk sleep trial.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Brooklinen sheets deliver on both quality and comfort, and the price is definitely reasonable. The fabric feels a bit denser than fabric I’ve found in other cotton sheet sets.”
Best Value
Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets
Material: 100% GOTS-certified viscose from bamboo (400TC)
Weave: Sateen
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
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sweet Zzz sheets
The Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets are quite breathable because they retain the natural cooling properties of their botanical source. A 400 thread count also makes the sheets and pillowcases feel lightweight, and the viscose from bamboo fabric wicks away moisture from the skin. These qualities make the collection suitable for anyone who considers themselves a “hot sleeper,” as well as those who live in exceptionally warm or humid places.
The set should also appeal to eco-conscious shoppers. 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 is free of harmful chemicals and safe for all ages. Additionally, the sateen weave creates silky-smooth hand-feel that can benefit people with sensitive 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 most mattresses sold today – including many high-profile models. Each item in the collection can be washed and dried at home.
An approachable price-point coupled with premium construction makes the set a great choice for value seekers. 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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“These are some of the smoothest sheets I’ve ever felt against my skin. They also offer a good balance of breathability and heft.”
Best Luxury
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Material: 100% Viscose from Bamboo
Weave: Sateen
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
Shop Cozy Earth's biggest sale yet and get 25% to 30% off sitewide
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is a great option for anyone who tends to overheat while they sleep. Each pillowcase and sheet is made of viscose derived from bamboo, a high-quality and exceptionally breathable fabric that also wicks moisture away from the body. A silky-soft sateen weave allows the sheets to drape closely, ensuring coziness and insulation from the cold when temperatures are low.
The set is available in six sizes including a split king for couples who share an adjustable bed. 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. Each item can be washed and dried 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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Bamboo Sheet Set sleeps cool even compared to other bedding collections made from this type of fabric. Anyone who runs hot in bed should test out these sheets.”
Most Comfortable
Saatva Organic Percale Sheet Set
Material: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton
Weave: Percale
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
Buy more, save more. Get up to $450 off!
Saatva’s Organic Percale Sheet Set is a top choice for customers who want their bedding to have high-end performance and meet rigorous standards for organic and sustainable production.
The sheets are made with 100% organic cotton that has gone through the certification process of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). On top of that certification, 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, users of the sheets can rest easy knowing their bedding is chemical-free and made without undue harm to workers or the environment.
These sheets use long-staple organic cotton with a percale weave and a lightweight thread count of 200. The percale weave makes the sheets and pillowcases feel initially crisp, but the items will gradually soften with each laundry cycle. Three straightforward colors are offered to advance this understated-yet-classic look.
The sheets can be machine-washed with cold water and put in the dryer to tumble dry on low heat. The pockets of the fitted sheet hold taut on mattresses that range from 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 customers an extended opportunity to see how these sheets feel on their own bed.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I like soft bedding that sleeps cool, so the Saatva percale sheets were a good compromise. The cotton has a luxuriously crisp touch.”
Best Cooling
Luxome Luxury Sheet Set
Material: 100% viscose from bamboo
Weave: Sateen
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
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Luxome sheets
If you own a mattress that stands more than 15 inches tall, then finding a fitted sheet with adequate pocket depth can be a challenge. The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set features a fitted sheet that can accommodate any 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.
Each sheet and pillowcase in this collection is composed of viscose derived from bamboo, which is prized for its natural breathability. The fabric is also exceptionally soft, a quality further elevated with a sateen weave that gives the material an elegant luster. The sheets drape closely to the body without trapping excess heat, so the set is suitable for year-round use. People with sensitive skin should also find that the fabric won’t irritate or rub too harshly.
The set is available in seven sizes, including a split king for co-sleepers who share an adjustable bed. 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 for shoppers with limited budgets. Returns and exchanges are allowed within 30 days of the delivery date, provided each component is clean and in like-new condition.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Luxome Luxury Sheets are incredibly smooth. The fabric glided over my skin and never felt harsh or abrasive. We also found these sheets promote excellent breathability and cooling.”
Softest
Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Material: 100% Egyptian long-staple cotton
Weave: Sateen
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
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Silk & Snow sheets
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. Each sheet and pillowcase in the collection is composed of durable long-staple cotton that carries the Genuine Egyptian Cotton certification, ensuring every fiber can be traced to cotton grown in that country. Despite the premium materials and construction, this sheet set carries a price-tag that even shoppers on a budget may find accessible.
The sateen weave gives these items a silky, drapey feel that only gets softer with age. Temperature regulation is another 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 also be comfortable for people with sensitive skin who find percale and other weaves too harsh or irritating.
Customers can choose from five neutral color schemes to complement their bedroom decor. Each 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, shoppers can select an Egyptian cotton duvet cover or pillowcase set. These options are also reasonably priced.
Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping to all customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada, with extra charges applying to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canadian territories. Each order comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“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.”
Best Deep Pocket
Avocado Deep Pocket Organic Cotton Sheets
Material: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton (600TC)
Weave: Sateen
Who it's best for:
- Sleepers with tall beds
- Those who enjoy sheets with a silky feel
- Shoppers who prioritize organic bedding
Highlights:
- 16-inch pocket depth on fitted sheet accommodates beds with thick profiles
- Long-staple cotton promotes durability
- Cotton is GOTS-certified organic
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Avocado sheets
Owners of thick mattresses can have a hard time finding fitted sheets compatible with their beds, but the Avocado Deep Pocket Organic Cotton Sheets are designed to accommodate beds with above-average profiles.
The sheets are composed of 100% long-staple cotton, a cotton variety known for its high quality and durability. A sateen weave gives the sheets a smooth, silky feel, which should appeal to sleepers who enjoy sheets that drape closely over the body. Shoppers can pick between a 400 or 600 thread count and four color options – natural, white, grey, and seafoam green. The cotton has organic certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), so eco-conscious shoppers can rest assured the sheets are organically sourced.
The Deep Pocket Organic Cotton Sheets are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes, and each set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Twin and twin XL sets come with just one pillowcase. The fitted sheet is designed to accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches deep. You may wash the sheets in warm water and tumble dry on low, and the wrinkle-resistant design is a perk for fans of low-maintenance bedding.
Avocado allows customers to try out the sheets for 100 nights, during which you may return the set for a full refund. The sheets are also backed by a 1-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Avocado’s Deep Pocket Organic Cotton Sheet Set is extremely soft and silky against the skin, and people with thick beds or pillow-tops should have no problem with the fitted sheet.”
Best Temperature Control
Casper Hyperlite Sheets
Material: 100% Tencel (200TC)
Weave: Dobby
Who it's best for:
- People who tend overheat or sweat while they sleep
- Anyone who owns a mattress up to 17 inches thick
- Value seekers
Highlights:
- Tencel composition and low thread count ensure excellent breathability
- Fitted sheet is compatible with most mattresses made today
- Items sold separately for shoppers who don’t need a full bedding set
Save 10% off your cart with code SF10
Tencel – a fabric derived from eucalyptus – is popular with sleepers thanks to its exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties, but many Tencel bedding sets are somewhat expensive. This isn’t the case with the Casper Hyperlite Sheets, a high-quality collection with an affordable sticker price. People who overheat or sweat in bed should be able to sleep comfortably with these sheets and pillowcases, and the same goes for those who live in arid or humid places.
A low thread count of 200 adds to the lightweight design without making the fabric feel flimsy, while the sateen weave gives each item a silky-soft hand-feel. Another benefit is pocket depth. The fitted sheet is compatible with any mattress with a profile up to 17 inches, a range that encompasses most models made today. Six sizes are available, all of which correspond to standard mattress dimensions. You can also choose from neutral white and gray color schemes, as well as more striking options like dusty rose and fog blue.
All Hyperlite components can be washed and dried in any household machine. In addition to the standard four-piece set, you can add a matching duvet cover into the mix for an extra charge. You may also make individual purchases for the duvet cover, pillowcases, or pillow shams.
Hyperlite bedding items are affordably priced. Casper also offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Each order includes a 30-night trial period and a 1-year warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Casper Hyperlite Sheets epitomize the excellent cooling and silky-smooth feel we’ve come to expect from Tencel bedding. Any hot sleeper or person with sensitive skin should really enjoy these sheets.”
Best Lightweight
GhostBed GhostSheets
Material: 60% U.S. Supima cotton, 40% Tencel lyocell
Weave: Sateen
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Those who own mattresses measuring up to 15 inches thick
- People with sensitive skin
Highlights:
- Luxuriously breathable Supima cotton and Tencel lyocell blend
- Thick perimeter band secures fitted sheet with little to no shifting
- Durable construction and an approachable price make this a high-value sheet set
Get 40% off GhostBed’s Supernatural Bedding Bundle
While many luxury sheet sets are quite expensive, quality and durability don’t always translate to a steep sticker price. The GhostBed GhostSheets collection is a great example of an affordable bedding set composed of high-end materials that hold up well over time. Each item is made from a blend of U.S.-grown long staple Supima cotton and plant-based Tencel lyocell. Both of these moisture-wicking fabrics offer excellent breathability and temperature regulation, even during the hottest and most humid times of the year.
The silky-smooth sateen weave is another nice touch, and can be beneficial to anyone with sensitive skin. The GhostSheets will also appeal to people who change positions, toss and turn, or otherwise move around while they sleep. The fitted sheet is equipped with a 2-inch band along the entire perimeter to hold the corners in place and prevent shifting or slipping. The sheet’s pockets are compatible with any mattress measuring up to 15 inches thick.
You can choose from neutral two color palettes for your set – white or grey – as well as seven different sizes, which include a split king for couples with adjustable beds. Each sheet and pillowcase can be machine-washed and dried, though you can also line dry the items to preserve their structure and rejuvenate the fabric.
In addition to carrying an accessible price-point, the GhostSheets also qualify for free ground shipping across the contiguous U.S. Returns are not permitted, but each customer receives a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty that protects against defects in the material or construction.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Supima and Tencel blend does wonders for breathability. I wrapped myself in the GhostSheets and still felt cool and comfortable.”
Best Linen
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set
Material: 100% Tencel lyocell
Weave: Sateen
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
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sijo sheets
The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is composed of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived material that promotes steady airflow for excellent breathability. Tencel also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable while you sleep. The set features a fitted sheet with a generous pocket depth that makes it compatible with any mattress that measures up to 15 inches thick.
The set is available in six sizes that correspond 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 opt to exclude the flat sheet to save some money. Customers 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. The company also allows returns within 30 days of delivery.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is a great option for hot sleepers. The Tencel material makes each item feel cool to the touch, and we didn’t notice any of the heat-trapping we’ve found with bedding made from other fabrics.”
Best All-Season
Birch Organic Sheets
Material: 100% organic cotton (320TC)
Weave: Sateen
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Those who want silky and breathable sheets
Highlights:
- GOTS and Fair Trade certifications ensure materials are sustainably and ethically produced
- 100-night sleep trial
- Organic cotton naturally wicks away moisture
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Birch sheets
The Birch Organic Sheets are a luxurious option for shoppers seeking eco-conscious bedding. The sheet set is crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton that’s sustainably produced and free from harmful chemicals. Birch is also a Fair Trade certified company. The organic cotton has a silky-soft feel against your skin, and it is breathable and insulating enough for year-round use.
The sateen weave and 320 thread count ensure that the sheets breathe well and regulate temperature effectively. Sleepers who run hot will likely benefit from the breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities of the organic cotton.
The sheet set is available in three color choices and six sizes ranging from twin to California king. The fitted sheet has a 15-inch pocket. Birch backs its Organic Sheets with a 1-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial. Customers must sleep on the sheets for a minimum of 30 nights before returning them. The sheets ship free to all 50 states.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“In many ways the Birch collection feels like a quintessential year-round sheet set. The cotton is soft and drapey enough to keep you warm, but also breathable when you want to sleep cool.”
Best Hotel Style
Pure Parima Yalda Sheets
Material: 100% certified Egyptian cotton
Weave: Sateen
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
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Pure Parima sheets
Egyptian Cotton is a long staple cotton variety often used in hotel-style sheets that’s touted for its exceptional softness. The Pure Parima Yalda Sheet Set has been certified by the Cotton Egypt Association, ensuring that they do indeed provide the softness and durability that Egyptian cotton is known for.
The Pure Parima Yalda Sheet Set is made of 100% Egyptian cotton with a silky sateen weave. Sateen is known for its lustrous sheen and smooth feel that drapes the body closely. This weave is also known to suit sleepers 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, the sheets are a great choice for year-round use. You should not notice significant temperature spikes or drops at night.
Pure Parima offers a generous color range for the sheet set. Customers 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. All sets include two pillowcases, except for twin and twin XL sizes that come with one. 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, and Pure Parima offers a 100-night risk-free trial.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Real Egyptian cotton has this smooth feel you won’t find in many other fabrics. The Yalda gives you that luxury and quality, but it won’t drain your bank account.”
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. 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
