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Written by
Daniel Noyed
The popularity of cotton sheets can be attributed to several factors. For one, this natural fiber offers great versatility as a bedding material. You can choose between different weaves such as crisp percale or silky-soft sateen, as well as a wide range of fabrics based on thread count, staple (or fiber length), and country of origin. Most cotton sheets are also highly breathable and won’t bottle in heat like polyester and other synthetics. Other perks include above-average durability, wide availability, and easy cleaning. Many cotton sheets are reasonably priced, as well, though the average set of high-quality cotton sheets will cost between $150 and $250.
In our best cotton sheets guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of this bedding material and delve into weaves, thread count, and other technical considerations. Directly below, you’ll find our top picks among cotton sheet sets sold today. These selections are based on reviews and ratings we’ve collected from verified owners, as well as our own product research and testing.
Best Overall
The Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set is a great bedding collection for those who prefer to spend their money on responsibly made products. The cotton used to compose each sheet and pillowcase has received GOTS certification, while the companies factories are Fair Trade certified for fair and ethical treatment of workers. Saatva’s supply chain is completely traceable for added transparency.
The sheets are also supremely breathable thanks to a lightweight 300 thread count that is well suited to hot and humid climates. A sateen weave enhances the cotton’s natural softness to create a silky-smooth hand-feel that should be comfortable for anyone with acne, rashes, and other conditions that cause sensitive skin.
The set is available in three neutral colorways. You may also choose from nine different sizes, including three larger split/flex options for couples who share an adjustable bed base. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth makes it compatible with any mattress measuring up to 16 inches thick. When your bedding needs to be cleaned, each item can be washed and dried in your household machines.
The Organic Sateen Sheet Set is very reasonably priced, and ground shipping is free of charge anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase is backed by a 45-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty should you decide to keep the set.
Best Value
The Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets are produced from durable long staple cotton with a tight percale weave. These sheets and pillowcases feel very crisp and lightweight, and they are also quite breathable – especially during hotter times of the year.
Brooklinen allows you to customize your set based on the components you need. The budget-friendly Classic Starter Set includes a flat sheet and two pillowcases. The mid-range Classic Core Set adds a fitted sheet with a pocket depth of 15 inches; while this sheet won’t have enough reach for some high-profile mattresses, it will be compatible with most beds sold today. The largest set, known as the Classic Hardcore, includes these four items plus a duvet cover and two additional pillowcases. This collection is ideal for shoppers who want a full bedding makeover.
Brooklinen offers a wide range of solid colors and patterns to match your decor tastes. The items in these collections are also very affordable and convenient to clean; you can wash them in any household machine, then line dry them or place them in a dryer on a low tumble setting. Prices are quite reasonable compared to other high-quality percale sheet sets, and the customization option should appeal to shoppers with different budgets. Brooklinen issues full refunds for used and washed sheet sets returned within 365 nights of the original purchase.
Most Comfortable
Egyptian cotton is prized for its natural longevity and cooling properties. A long-staple variety, the material holds up over time and resists pilling better than other types of cotton. The Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheets carry a Genuine Egyptian Cotton certification, ensuring each fiber can be directly traced to Egypt. Despite its premium composition, the sheet set carries a below-average price-point that should appeal to shoppers on a budget.
Each item has a sateen weave that creates a luxuriously soft and smooth feel, while a 300 thread count makes the sheets feel lightweight and breathable. The set is sold in five neutral colorways, as well as six sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 15 inches, so the set will be compatible with most mattresses sold today. You may wash and dry the bedding in your household machines. Silk & Snow recommends using dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.
All customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada qualify for free ground shipping with their order. Your purchase will include a 100-night sleep trial for testing out the bedding and a 1-year warranty against material and workmanship defects.
Best Luxury
The sheets and pillowcases in the Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set collection are constructed from organic cotton that has been certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This certification indicates the cotton has been sustainably grown, harvested, and sourced. The GOTS is one of the world’s foremost certifying organizations for organic textiles and fabrics.
These items provide a silky-soft feel thanks to their percale weave, while a 300 thread count ensures the sheets won’t feel too heavy or excessively warm. A matte finish also gives the items in this set an attractive percale look, which some prefer over sateen’s signature sheen. Boll & Branch offers nine solid color options for the set, as well as an eye-catching floral print that costs a bit extra.
The fitted sheet in any Percale Hemmed Sheet Set of twin XL or larger has a pocket depth of 17 inches, making it compatible with most mattresses sold today. The twin size fitted sheet measures 15 inches deep. The collection is also available in seven different sizes, including a split king for couples that share an adjustable base.
Compared to other luxury sateen sets, this collection is reasonably priced. Boll & Branch also offers free shipping, as well as a no-risk 30-night sleep trial. If you’re unsatisfied with the sheets within 30 nights of delivery, Boll & Branch will issue a full refund and cover all return costs.
Best Cooling
Cotton is a naturally breathable fabric that is well suited to hot or humid weather, but not all bedding collections are as comfortable when the temperatures drop. The GhostBed GhostSheets are produced from a blend of U.S.-grown Supima cotton and plant-based Tencel lyocell, two materials that regulate temperature quite well and wick moisture away from the body, but a sateen weave and mid-range threat count also make these sheets and pillowcases a good choice for chillier weather when more insulation is needed.
The luxuriously smooth weave should also appeal to people with acne, rashes, and other skin sensitivities. Sateen bedding is also more wrinkle-resistant than percale, which can be convenient for those who don’t have time to routinely iron their sheets. Stability is another strength of this set thanks to the fitted sheet with a 2-inch elastic band along the perimeter. A pocket depth of 15 inches makes the sheet compatible with most mattresses sold today and the banding prevents it from slipping off the corners – a constant source of irritation for people who move around a lot while they sleep.
Every component of this set can be washed and dried in household machines, though line drying helps preserve the structure of the fabric over time. GhostBed offers seven sizes for the collection, including a split king option for couples with adjustable beds or bases. You can also choose from two neutral colorways that complement any bedroom decor.
The GhostSheets are reasonably priced and all customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping, so the set is a good option for shoppers on a budget. You cannot return the sheets and all sales are considered final, but each purchase is backed by a three-year warranty.
Softest
Avocado’s Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets are a solid choice for those who prefer the drapey look and silky feel characteristic of bedding with a sateen weave. The quality long-staple cotton also ensures the sheets’ longevity.
Constructed from Indian Suvin cotton, the sheets are luxuriously soft to the touch and have a lustrous finish. The material is highly breathable and naturally wicks away moisture, making the sheets a strong option for hot sleepers or those living in warmer climates. Customers can choose between two different thread counts, 600 and 1,000. People wanting an exceptionally soft feel may wish to opt for the higher thread count.
The sheets come in six sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. The pocket depth of the fitted sheet is designed to fit up to a 13-inch mattress. If your mattress is taller than 13 inches, Avocado has a deep pocket version of the Suvin Cotton Sheets that can fit up to a 19-inch profile. The sheets come in three colors – white, natural, and gray.
Avocado offers free ground delivery to all 50 states and a 100-night sleep trial. Purchases come with a 1-year warranty.
Best All-Season
The PlushBeds Organic Cotton Sateen Sheet Set has a breathable construction and silky sateen weave that make it an excellent choice for year-round use. These sheets provide just the right amount of insulation to keep customers comfortable for any season.
Made of 300 thread count organic cotton, the PlushBeds sheets are excellent for use in warmer months, thanks to the natural breathability of cotton. Meanwhile, the sateen weave allows the sheets to drape close against the body, which provides nice insulation in colder months. The weave also gives off a silky finish and has a luxuriously soft feel. Sleepers prone to irritated skin may appreciate the smooth surface.
The fitted sheet accommodates mattress profiles up to 13 inches thick. The set also comes in nine sizes – twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split queen, split king, and split California king. The sheets are fully machine washable. PlushBeds recommends washing in warm or cold water, drying on the lowest setting, and removing the sheets from the dryer immediately to limit wrinkling.
PlushBeds offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. on all purchases. There is no sleep trial, but you can return an unopened sheet set for a full refund minus the price of shipping. Purchases also come with a 5-year warranty.
Looma’s Signature Sheet Set utilizes a simple, luxurious sateen design that has the potential to improve anyone’s sleeping experience. These sheets are made of 100% organic cotton and feature a sateen weave, which has a soft, silky feel that differs from the crisp feel of percale. The organic cotton used is an extra-long staple and sourced from the Himalayan basin. Long staple cotton is known to be both softer and more durable, and these sheet’s 300-thread count only adds to these qualities.
Beyond its soft feel, the Signature sheets are sustainably made and certified organic. Due to its sourcing and production practices, producing these sheets saves a significant amount of water and emits less carbon then common industry practices. The sheets are certified organic by Fairtrade International, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOLS), and OEKO-TEX.
The set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. It’s available in all the standard sheet sizes from twin to split king, and is available in eight different colors, presenting an opportunity to decorate your bed. Looma offers a “Forever Warranty,” meaning they’ll send you a brand new pair of sheets if there are any defects in the workmanship or materials, no matter how long ago you purchased them.
In our cotton sheets buying guide, we’ll discuss these and other important considerations to take into account as a first-time buyer. We’ll also look at common cotton types and answer some common questions about cotton bedding items.
There are a few basic considerations when choosing sheets of any material, as well as cotton-specific factors. As you browse sheet sets from different brands and models, watch out for misleading or inaccurate descriptions regarding thread count, quality, country of origin, and whether or not the fabric is organic. Some luxury bedding sets live up to their names and deliver great performance, while others are merely overpriced.
Weave and Knit
The way cotton yarns are woven together can impact durability, breathability, and overall feel, as well as price-point. Percale, which is lightweight and crisp, and sateen, which is smooth and silky-soft, are the two most common weave types. For sheets, jersey is the most common knit. Unlike weaves, which involve several criss-crossing threads, knits consist of single interlaced threads.
Staple
Staple refers to the length of cotton fibers used to produce yarn. Short staple cotton, which measures 1.125 inches or shorter, is susceptible to pilling and other forms of wear and tear after a few years of use. Long-staple fibers measure 1.25 inches long, while extra-long staple (ELS) fibers typically measure up to 2 inches long. These staples are much more durable.
Feel
Each weave is associated with a different feel. For example, percale has a crisp, lightweight structure that makes it breathable and ideal for warmer weather, while sateen has a silkier feel and drapes closer to the body. Some cotton sheets are also treated using techniques such as garment-washing to provide extra softness.
Fit
Before choosing a sheet set, make sure to measure the height of your mattress. Every fitted sheet is designed for mattresses up to a certain thickness; this measurement is known as the pocket depth, or sometimes just depth. Cotton tends to shrink a bit in the wash, so we recommend leaving a few extra inches of leeway between your bed’s profile and the listed pocket depth measurement.
Price
The price of a cotton sheet set may fall below $50 or exceed $500, but based on our research, the average price range for a high-quality cotton set is $150 to $250. Staple can drive up the price-point as can the type of cotton used, since some varieties – such as Egyptian and Pima – are costlier to produce.
Thread Count
Thread count, TC for short, refers to the number of individual threads found in 1 square inch of fabric. These include lengthwise warp threads and crosswise weft threads. Thread count can affect both durability and feel, so many bedding manufacturers will list this detail with other product specs. That said, thread count is a minor consideration compared to other factors. We’ll discuss thread count in-depth later in this guide. Thread count only applies to weaves, not knits.
Design, Color and Pattern
The look of your sheets might seem like a superficial afterthought next to performance and feel, but color and pattern can brighten up your bedroom and complement your existing decor. Keep in mind some brands charge more for eye-catching patterns and vibrant colors than they do for more neutral shades.
Breathability
Cotton offers natural breathability and moisture absorption to help keep you cool at night. How breathable your sheets feel is specifically tied to the staple of the cotton and the weave type. Generally speaking, percale is more breathable than sateen because the former is lighter and crisper, whereas the former drapes closely to the body.
Durability
With proper use and care, the best cotton bed sheets will last anywhere from five to 10 years. Staple and cotton type play important roles with bedding longevity. Over time, you may notice small bumps on the fabric surface. This issue, known as pilling, can occur quickly with less durable types of cotton.
Ease of Care
With few exceptions, cotton sheets can be washed and dried in any household machine. You won’t need to spend time hand washing the bedding or pay dry cleaning expenses to keep your sheets and pillowcases clean. However, you should avoid washing your cotton sheets too frequently, otherwise they may pill and/or deteriorate prematurely.
When selecting new bed sheets, you can choose from a wide range of cotton types. Distinctions between different types include the staple of the cotton, where it is sourced, how it is grown and cultivated, and which weave or knit is used. Some of the most common cotton classifications include the following:
Types of Cotton
Weaves
A natural fiber, cotton offers breathability and moisture absorption that helps it stand out from polyester and other synthetics. Cotton sheets are also widely available, and shoppers can choose from many different types and varieties. However, these sheets can be somewhat expensive and they also suffer from certain structural shortcomings. Pros and cons of cotton sheets are listed below.
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Cotton offers several characteristics that give it universal appeal as a bedding material. If you prefer your sheets crisp and lightweight, then you’ll probably feel quite comfortable with a cotton percale set. Alternatively, sateen sheets are more suitable if you like a soft, draping feel. Hot sleepers are also well-suited to cotton sheets due to the material’s natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
If you need more warmth and insulation while you’re sleeping, consider cotton flannel sheets. Flannel is derived from cotton percale or twill that is “napped,” or drawn out on both sides to create a plusher texture. Sheets made from flannel offer the breathability of cotton, but they also provide a warmer, cozier feel when the temperatures are low. For maximum insulation, wool flannel is a bit warmer than cotton.
If you enjoy the feel of cotton but would rather not spend $150 or more for a sheet set, then a polyester or rayon set might be within your budget. These synthetic fabrics are quite soft. Additionally, rayon is fairly breathable, especially varieties that integrate plant-based materials such as rayon from bamboo.
The ideal thread count for cotton sheets varies by weave and type, but 200 is a good benchmark. As mentioned above, thread count refers to the total number of threads found in a square-inch section of fabric.
Low thread counts may indicate cotton of lesser quality, but a higher thread count does not necessarily mean the material is superior. In fact, excessive thread counts can mean the fabric feels bulky and traps in body heat. A high thread count can also indicate misleading information from the manufacturer. For example, manufacturers often use “two-ply” threads consisting of two intertwined strands. Some brands will include both plies when measuring thread count, which essentially doubles the number without substantially improving the quality of the fabric.
For these reasons, each weave and cotton type has an ideal thread count range. These ranges vary due in part to how the fabric is constructed. Percale has a tighter weave that consists of fewer threads, so its ideal thread count range will be lower than that of sateen, which has a looser weave. Ranges for different cotton weaves and types are listed below:
Regarding cotton jersey, this material is a knit, not a weave. Thread count is not an accurate representation of its quality. Like other knits, jersey is evaluated in weight instead. An ideal weight for jersey is 5 to 10 ounces per yard, depending on whether the material is single- or double-layered.
The average set of high-quality cotton sheets costs between $150 and $250. You’ll pay more for certain materials, such as pure Pima or Egyptian cotton. Organic cotton also tends to carry a higher sticker price than regular upland cotton.
The average cotton sheet will last at least three to five years – possibly longer if you wash them infrequently – but the expected lifespan of a cotton set depends on the material, weave, and staple. Pilling, fraying, and ripping are common wear and tear issues you’ll encounter as the sheets age.
Most cotton sheets can be laundered at home using a conventional washing machine and dryer. Always refer to specific care instructions on the product tag for recommended water temperature, detergent, and dryer settings. We suggest washing the sheets somewhat infrequently to preserve their shape and structure. You may want to purchase more than one set in order to necessitate fewer laundry cycles.
Organic cotton sheets are a good investment if you value breathability and durability from your bedding. You should also consider organic sheets if you consider sustainable farming and manufacturing to be important product qualities. Remember: in order to actually be considered organic cotton, the material must be certified by the GOTS, USDA, or another preeminent certifying organization.
Egyptian cotton offers a crisp, lightweight, and breathable feel that many sleepers consider well worth the investment. Sticker price is the biggest downside to this material. A set of pure Egyptian cotton sheets will typically cost at least $400. You may encounter cheaper Egyptian cotton sets, but there’s a chance these items are produced from a blend of Egyptian and regular cotton.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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