Best Cotton Sheets

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 Cotton Sheets Video

Watch our video below to get a closer look at the feel and construction of some of our top sheets picks. Our product experts will explain the benefits of each sheet set.

Product Details

Boll & Branch produces a wide range of bedding items. The Signature Hemmed Sheets are among the brand’s most popular offerings, and this is due in large part to the exceptional softness of each item in the collection. Long-staple cotton with a sateen weave feels smooth and buttery-soft, making the sheets and pillowcases suitable for people with sensitive skin. The set is certified organic to boot, so you can rest easy knowing your bedding has been sustainably produced.

Exquisite stitchwork gives the sheets a luxe, hotel-inspired look. You can choose from 10 solid colors to match your decor. These options include classic neutrals like white and gray, as well as more offbeat selections such as shore, sand, and mist. The set is available in eight sizes, six of which correspond to standard mattress dimensions. You can also choose a king size set with standard size pillowcases, or a split king with two fitted sheets if you and your partner share an adjustable bed.

Each component is fully machine-washable for quick and easy care. The cotton has received certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, ensuring sustainable growth and cultivation. Boll & Branch is also a Fair Trade certified company, which indicates workers are ethically treated and compensated.

All customers in the U.S. receive free shipping with their purchase. Returns are accepted within 30 days of the delivery date.

Cotton is known for its natural breathability, but the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Cotton Sheets take it one step further by combining cotton with bamboo-derived rayon, another material that excels at thermoregulation. The cooling design makes these sheets ideal if you overheat easily or live in a warm climate.

The fabric feels exceptionally soft with a silky hand feel commonly associated with bamboo-derived bedding. The sheets are especially well suited for sleepers with sensitive skin, since the smooth feel is less likely to cause friction and irritation. In addition to thermoregulating properties, the cotton and rayon wick moisture from your body to help keep you dry if you sweat a lot at night.

The Deep Pocket Bamboo Cotton Sheets are available in white, khaki, or silver. You can choose between seven size options, including a split king size. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth that can accommodate mattresses up to 17 inches thick, so these should fit with most beds on the market.

The sheets come with a 30-day sleep trial and a 1-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

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.

Brooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set showcases the luxuriously smooth feel and exceptional breathability of long-staple cotton sateen. The fabric glides gently and shouldn’t cause any irritation for people with acne and other conditions that cause sensitive skin. And although the sheets drape closely to the body, the cotton resists excessive heat buildup and sleeps cool throughout the calendar year.

The set is available in six sizes corresponding with standard mattress dimensions. Twin and twin XL sets feature a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one pillowcases, while larger sizes add a second pillowcase into the mix. The Luxe Core Sheet Set is Brooklinen’s standard cotton sateen collection. You can also opt for a smaller set that forgoes the flat sheet, or larger options that also include duvet covers, comforters, pillows, and extra pillowcases.

The flat sheet has a pocket depth of 16 inches, so you may use it with most mattresses made today. All components are machine-washable for quick and easy care, but you should launder them with items of similar colors to prevent running. You can choose from several solid colors and patterns, including some limited edition prints.

The Luxe Core Sheet Set is reasonably priced compared to the competition, and Brooklinen offers free ground shipping for all shoppers within the contiguous U.S. The company also provides a generous 365-night sleep trial — one of the longest available from an online bedding brand — and if you choose to keep the set, you’ll receive an extra year of warranty coverage once the trial ends.

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 company’s 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.

The Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Sheet Set from The Company Store should appeal to a wide range of shoppers. Supima cotton is both soft and durable, ensuring long-lasting comfort and minimal pilling over time. The cotton is also highly breathable, making the set well-suited to hot sleepers and people who are prone to night sweats. A sateen weave enhances the Supima’s silky-smooth feel for a close body drape and good insulation when temperatures drop.

Customers can choose from 17 different colors for their set. These include the usual neutrals such as white and grey, as well as more striking choices such as redwood, blue dusk, and wisteria. The set is also sold in six sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions. These collections feature a fitted sheet with a 14-inch pocket depth. Those with taller queen, king, or California king sizes should opt for a “deep pocket” set, in which the fitted sheet’s pocket depth measures 18 inches. For an extra fee, you can order monograms for the fitted sheet and pillowcases.

Each component in the set is fully machine-washable. Wash in cold water with like colors on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low heat. Do not use bleach with chlorine, and avoid overloading your appliances – this can cause permanent damage to your sheets and also create excessive wrinkling.

The Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Sheet Set is reasonably priced and shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S. The Company Store accepts returns for undamaged, non-monogrammed sets within 90 days of the purchase date.

If you’re a hot sleeper or your local climate is prone to extreme conditions, high-quality cooling sheets can make a world of difference at night. Quince’s Luxury Organic Sateen Sheet Set certainly falls into that category. Each item in this collection is composed of organically sourced cotton rendered in a sateen weave. The fabric provides a close drape, but the cotton’s natural breathability prevents heat buildup and the sheets should excel at temperature control throughout the year — even during periods of excessively hot or humid weather.

People with sensitive skin can also benefit from using these sheets. The weave produces a luxuriously smooth feel — many of our testers likened the material to silk, noting a gentle glide with little to no irritation. Sateen bedding can pill somewhat quickly if not properly cared for, so we recommend carefully following the cleaning tag instructions to ensure the longest possible lifespan for your sheets and pillowcases.

A total of 11 solid colors and prints are available for the set. You can also choose from five sizes, and opt to either include the flat sheet or forgo this component for a lower up-front price. The fitted sheet has a 16-inch pocket depth and is compatible with most mattresses on the market. “Top” and “Bottom” labels guide you when making the bed. 

The Luxury Organic Sateen Sheet Set’s sticker price falls well below average, and shipping is free of charge for all orders. Quince’s 365-night trial period gives you plenty of time to test out the bedding and decide whether it’s right for you.

Egyptian cotton is one of the most luxurious bedding materials on the planet – and as such, sheet sets made from this fabric tend to be quite expensive. Pure Parima’s Yalda Sheets might cost more than the average bedding collection, but their sticker price falls well below average for this type of cotton sheet with a generous pocket depth. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth allows you to use it with any mattress up to 18 inches thick, a range that encompasses most models sold today.

Extra long-staple fibers ensure both excellent longevity and a decadently soft feel, the latter of which is enhanced by the silky-smooth sateen weave. The set is available in six standard sizes, as well as a split king size for adjustable beds that comes with two fitted sheets. All other sizes include a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one or two pillowcases with double-hem stitch details. 

You can choose from 12 colors, ranging from neutrals to brick organic and forest green. A certification from the Cotton Egypt Association ensures all fibers used to construct the set’s components are sourced directly from Egypt. All components are fully machine-washable. Wash the sheets and pillowcases alone in cold water, then line dry or tumble dry on low heat. Shake out each item before drying to minimize wrinkling, and remove promptly from the dryer once the cycle is complete.

Pure Parima offers free ground delivery to all 50 states and reasonable flat-rate shipping for Canadian customers. The company also accepts returns of undamaged bedding within 100 days of receipt.

Cotton has a well-established reputation for breathability, making cotton sheets a popular choice for hotter months, but not all of these sheet sets are as suitable when temperatures drop. Thanks to a mid-range thread count and drapey sateen weave, the Soprano Sheet Set from Peacock Alley walks a fine line between cooling and insulation. The result is bedding you can use to sleep comfortably any time of the year. The fitted sheet also has a 17-inch elasticated deep-pocket that can accommodate mattresses up to 21 inches thick, making it a great choice for people who own high-profile beds.

Each item in the collection is composed of extra-long staple cotton, a variety known for exceptional durability and resistance tio wear and tear. This type of cotton is also luxuriously soft, and this quality is enhanced by a silky sateen weave. The sheets glide gently across the skin and won’t cause irritation for people with acne, eczema, and other conditions that cause sensitive skin. Even compared to other sateen sheets, our testers found this set very smooth. Satin stitch embroidery adds an elegant touch to the design.

The set is available in seven sizes. Twin and twin XL sets include a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcase, while larger sizes include all of these components as well as an additional pillow. If you and your partner share an adjustable king size bed, you can also opt for a split king set with two fitted sheets. For an additional charge, you can order monogramming for the flat sheet and pillowcases. Peacock Alley also offers six color options, and matching duvet covers are available to further coordinate your bedding.

Many sheet sets sleep cool thanks to their fabrication, but the Sijo TempTune Cotton Sheet Set takes temperature control to the next level. Each item in this set is constructed from Supima cotton, a durable material known for its silky-soft feel and natural breathability. The cotton fibers are woven with phase change material designed to capture and release body heat on contact, maintaining a comfortable sleep surface even on exceptionally hot or humid nights.

The set is suitable for chilly nights, as well. Thanks to the sateen weave, the sheets drape closely and insulate your body from the cold. The weave gives each item a smooth hand-feel, so you won’t experience any harsh rubbing against your skin. Full, queen, king, and California king sizes are available. Each set includes two pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet – but if you don’t want the latter component, you can forgo it and decrease the cost of your purchase.

The fitted sheet’s pocket depth of 16 inches makes it compatible with most mattresses made today. Caring for the set is quick and easy, as each item is fully machine-washable. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low. Avoid washing with garments that feature zippers, as these can tear the cotton. Remove the sheets and pillowcases from the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished to minimize wrinkling.

Standard ground delivery is free of charge for orders of $65 or more, which includes each available size of the TempTune Cotton Sheet Set. Sijo allows returns within 30 days of the delivery date, and return shipping is also free.

How to Choose Cotton Sheets

New sheets might seem like a fairly straightforward purchase, but considering how often you use them, there are several factors you should consider. Take cotton sheets. In addition to the color and size you choose, you should also look at technical aspects of the fabric such as weave, thread count, staple length, and the fitted sheet’s pocket depth.

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.

What to Consider When Buying Cotton Sheets

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.

What Types of Cotton Sheets Are Available?

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

• Regular Cotton: Regular cotton is a catch-all term that refers to non-organic, U.S.-grown cotton. Bedding made from standard cotton may be constructed using any weave or knit, and can carry any thread count.
• Pima Cotton: Traditionally grown in Peru, Pima cotton is an extra-long staple cotton variety that is now widely cultivated in the United States, as well. Pima is highly regarded for its breathability and moisture absorption, as well as its longevity. Prices for Pima cotton sheets are somewhat high, but still accessible.
• Egyptian Cotton: Widely considered one of the finest cottons available, Egyptian cotton is another ELS variety known for its crisp, breathable construction. Pure Egyptian cotton can be quite pricey, but many bedding sets advertised as Egyptian cotton are actually fabric blends.
• Organic Cotton: Organic cotton must meet certain requirements concerning its growth and cultivation. The plants cannot be grown using GMO seeds and farmers must avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The true hallmark of organic cotton is certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), or another certifying agency that holds farmers and manufacturers to strict criteria.

Weaves

• Percale: Each weave is characterized by the configuration of lengthwise warp and widthwise weft threads. For percale, also known as plain weave, the warp and weft threads float over and under one another to create an even grid shape. This design renders breathable fabric with a crisp texture that gradually softens over time.
• Sateen: In a sateen weave, the warp and weft threads will float over and under each other at irregular intervals. This gives the fabric a smoother texture than percale and also makes the fabric feel initially softer and drapier.
• Twill: Twill is distinguished by its diagonal weave. The weft will float over multiple warp threads on the same line, slightly alternating between rows to create a zig-zagging pattern. Twill is often used for denim, furniture upholstery, and other heartier fabrics, and sheets made of twill are somewhat rare.
• Jersey: Technically jersey is a knit, not a weave. Individual cotton yarns are interlaced to construct this material, which is frequently used to make sheets as well as T-shirts and other soft garments.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets?

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.

Pros

Cons

Cotton sheets are naturally breathable and absorbent, making them ideal for warmer climates. Cotton is a very versatile fabric. Each weave, staple, and type offers a unique texture and feel. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which wear out and become less comfortable over time, cotton will become softer as it ages. People with certain allergies and sensitivities will feel more comfortable sleeping on cotton because it is a natural fiber. Most cotton bed sheets can be washed and dried in household machines, which saves you time and money when cleaning these items.

Cotton is reasonably durable, but its lifespan tends to be a bit shorter than synthetic and blended fabrics. Also keep in mind your cotton sheets will probably shrink in the laundry; pre-shrunk bedding is available if you’d like to avoid this issue. Sheets and pillowcases made from cotton are prone to heavy wrinkling. This is particularly true of percale. The price range for cotton bedding is quite wide, but expect to pay at least $150 for a high-quality cotton set in a queen size or larger.

Who Is Best Suited to Cotton Sheets?

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.

What Is the Ideal Thread Count for Cotton Sheets?

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:

• Pima Cotton: 200-400 TC
• Egyptian Cotton: 300-400 TC
• Percale: 200-300 TC
• Sateen: 300-600 TC
• Twill: 200-500 TC

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.