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Jackson Lindeke
By Jackson Lindeke
Methodology
Up-to-Date

Sateen sheets have a reputation for luxury because of their silky feel, beautiful drape, and subtle luster.

While most sateen sheets are made of cotton, sateen technically refers to the weave itself rather than the materials. A sateen weave follows a three or four yarn over, one yarn under pattern that gives the sheets their distinctive look and feel.

If you prefer a noticeable sheen, a wrinkle-resistant finish, a cozy but breathable feel, and/or a silky smooth texture, sateen sheets may be right for you. We’ll highlight our top picks, share more information on sateen, and provide tips on what to look for while you shop.

Best Sateen Sheets Video

Our product experts get hands-on with sateen sheets, exploring the design, feel, and performance of some of our top picks.

In-Depth Reviews

Price

$245

Material

100% GOTS-certified organic cotton

Weave

Sateen

Below-average durability is a common complaint about sateen sheets, as the exceptional softness created by this weave can make fabric more susceptible to wear and tear. However, the Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set is a notable exception. Each item in this collection is composed of long-staple cotton, a material that holds together longer than most short-staple varieties.

Our tests show cooling is a major strength of these sheets and pillowcases. This can be partially attributed to the 300 thread count, which ensures adequate structure without sacrificing breathability or making the bedding feel too heavy. The smooth finish should also be ideal for people with acne, eczema, and other conditions that cause sensitive skin.

The set is available in nine different sizes. In addition to options that correspond with standard mattress dimensions, you can also choose a split king if you and your partner share an adjustable bed of that size. Saatva also offers two split sizes that are exclusively compatible with the brand’s adjustable frames. All split options include two fitted sheets with pocket depths of 16 inches. Three neutral colors are available, as well.

Each component of the set can be washed and dried in household machines, making the set easy to clean. Wash in cold water with similar colors on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low heat. A Global Organic Textile Standard certification indicates the cotton has been sustainably grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers, while Fair Trade certification informs you the workers who produce the sheets are ethically treated and compensated.

An affordable sticker price and free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. makes the Organic Sateen Sheet Set a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers. You can also add two additional pillowcases to your order for a small upcharge. Saatva backs each purchase with a 45-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty against structural defects.

Price

$125

Material

100% Egyptian long-staple cotton

Weave

Sateen

Egyptian cotton is one of the most sought after bedding materials on the planet due to its natural breathability, softness, and longevity. Unfortunately, some brands advertise their bedding as Egyptian cotton that is actually a cotton blend that won’t offer the same qualities as pure fibers. The Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheets are the real deal.

While the sheets and pillowcases are produced in Portugal, a Genuine Egyptian Cotton certification ensures this collection is made entirely from cotton that can be traced directly to Egypt. A 300 thread count keeps the sheets airy and lightweight, while a gentle sateen weave brings out the cotton’s natural softness and creates an elegant sheen for each item.

The sheet set is available in five neutral colors. In addition to the standard collection – which contains a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one to two pillowcases – you may also purchase a duvet cover or spare pillowcase set made from the same material. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 15 inches, making the set compatible with most of today’s mattresses. Each component is fully machine-washable.

Silk & Snow provides free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Your order includes a 100-night sleep trial for testing out the sheets, as well as a 1-year warranty should you decide to keep the set.

Price

$279

Material

100% Organic Long-Staple Cotton

Weave

Sateen

Boll & Branch’s Signature Hemmed Sheet Set has a sateen weave that is smooth to the touch and comes in a variety of colors.  The set boasts a 300 thread count and is made from organic and fair-trade certified fabric. Eco-conscious shoppers with larger budgets may want to consider these sheets.

Each item in the set is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. This cotton is also a long-staple variety, making the sheets exceptionally durable. Thanks to the sateen weave, the sheets drape close to the body. The material has a silky hand-feel that can soothe sensitive skin. The insulation from the sateen weave paired with the cotton’s natural breathability makes the sheets an excellent choice for year-round use.

Boll & Branch offers the Signature Hemmed Sheet Set in four designs: classic hemmed, embroidered, eyelet, color block, and striped. The hemmed design has the most color options, ranging from neutral whites and grays to navy and dark green. Set sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, king with standard pillowcases, California king, and split king. With the exception of the twin and twin XL set, sheet sets include one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 17 inches.

Boll & Branch ships free to all 50 states. If you wish to test out the Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, the company has a 30-night sleep trial.

Price

$189

Material

100% long-staple cotton

Weave

Sateen

The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set has a high thread count and hotel-like feel.

This 480 thread count set uses long-staple cotton, giving it a smooth, buttery feel and a slightly luminous finish. While some sateen sheets are chemically treated to prevent wrinkles, the Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set uses 100% cotton without harsh chemicals. Because of this, the sheets may wrinkle in the wash, but this should lessen as they become more supple over time.

Our testers give the Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set high ratings across the board, but temperature regulation and comfort were its strongest areas.

The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set comes in the six standard sizes, and the fitted sheet works with mattresses between 10 and 15 inches thick. Each fitted sheet has “long” and “short” side labels to make it easier to put it on the bed correctly. The pillowcases have envelope closures to prevent pillows from escaping during the night.

Color and pattern selections include white, cream, steel, graphite, navy, glacier, rose, smoke stripe, window pane, graphite and steel oxford stripe, and graphite grid. Limited edition options are also available and typically feature bold patterns.

The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set is OEKO-TEX certified for safety standards. It comes with a 365-day return policy during which customers can return their sheets for a full refund of the purchase price at no cost.

Price

$230

Material

100% certified Egyptian cotton

Weave

Sateen

Shoppers looking for a sheet set with a wide range of colors should look no further than the Pure Parima Yalda Sheets. This sheet set comes in 12 color options, ranging from neutrals to bold orange, dark blue, and green. The variety should suit most people’s tastes and bedroom decor. 

The Yalda Sheets are made from 100% extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, a variety known for its exceptional durability, softness, and breathability. The material’s softness is enhanced by a silky sateen weave that drapes close to the body. The sateen weave should insulate cozy warmth during colder seasons, while the cotton’s natural breathability prevents overheating during summer months. This combination makes the sheets excellent for year-round use. 

Six standard sizes are available, as well as a split king with two twin XL fitted sheets for those who own adjustable beds. Other sizes come with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one or two pillowcases. Twin and twin XL fitted sheets accommodate mattresses up to 17 inches thick, whereas the others are compatible with models up to 18 inches thick. 

To care for the sheets, wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat. Pure Parima ships free to customers in all 50 states. The Yalda Sheets are backed by a 100-night risk-free trial.

Price

$160

Material

100% Viscose from Bamboo

Weave

Sateen

Sateen sheets tend to sleep warmer than those made of percale, but fabrication is a key factor. The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set stands out from other sateen collections thanks in large part to its composition, which consists of viscose derived from bamboo. This fabric is highly breathable and its fibers wick moisture away from your skin to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable – even on hot or humid nights.

The sateen weave makes each item luxuriously smooth and ideal for people with acne, chronic rashes, and other conditions that cause sensitive skin. Deep pockets are another perk. The fitted sheet is compatible with any mattress measuring up to 17 inches thick, a range that encompasses the vast majority of mainstream models sold today.

Customers can choose from eight solid colors, including classic neutrals as well as more offbeat selections such as terracotta, sapphire, and sage. The set is also available in seven sizes. One of these options is a split king intended for couples who share an adjustable bed base in that size. All components in this collection are fully machine-washable.

The Luxury Sheet Set is competitively priced and Luxome provides free standard shipping for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Each order comes with a handy carrying bag for storing the sheets when not in use. Returns are accepted within 30 days of the delivery date.

Price

$230

Material

100% GOTS-certified viscose from bamboo (400TC)

Weave

Sateen

Many people enjoy the exceptional softness and breathability of fabric derived from bamboo, but sheet sets made from this material can be somewhat pricey. The Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets are not only affordable but also eco-friendly. The collection has received Global Organic Textile Standard certification, ensuring the bamboo is sustainably grown. A smooth sateen weave and 400 thread count makes each item soft and lightweight. The fabric drapes closely to the body, but it shouldn’t trap too much heat in the process.

The material’s smooth feel is conducive for people with acne, rashes, and other skin sensitivities. Viscose from bamboo also has moisture-wicking properties to aid those who tend to sweat in their sleep. Sweet Zzz offers five neutral colors for the sheet set. Customers also select from seven different sizes, including a split king for couples who use adjustable bed bases.

The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 6 to 14 inches, making the set compatible with most standard size mattresses. To clean the bedding, machine-wash on a gentle cycle using organic detergent and then tumble dry on a low setting. You can also lay the items flat for drying to reduce wrinkles.

Sweet Zzz provides free ground shipping to customers throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial period spans 50 nights in length. Additionally, the Organic Bamboo Sheets are protected by a lifetime warranty against structural and material defects.

Price

$259

Material

100% GOTS-certified organic cotton (600TC)

Weave

Sateen

Avocado has built a strong reputation for luxurious sleep products that are also environmentally friendly. Take the Deep Pocket Organic Cotton Sheets. Each sheet and pillowcase in this collection is composed of organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. Avocado also holds carbon negative status, meaning the company offsets more than 100% of its emissions through sustainable manufacturing and shipping practices.

As the name implies, the fitted sheet in this set has a generous pocket depth – it is compatible with any mattress up to 22 inches thick. This allows you to use these sheets with just about any mattress made today, including many custom models, pillow-top hybrids, and other mattresses that are too tall for standard-pocket sheets. Cooling is another strong point. The organic cotton is naturally breathable to keep you comfortable throughout the year.

The set is available in seven sizes. These include the six standard mattress dimensions, as well as a split king option for couples who use adjustable bed bases. You can also choose from two versatile neutral colors that will complement any bedroom decor. Each item is fully machine-washable for quick, convenient care.

Avocado ships the Deep Pocket Organic Cotton Sheets for free throughout the contiguous U.S. Each purchase comes with a sleep trial that runs 100 nights in length. Those who choose to keep the set also receive a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty against structural defects. Comparatively, many competing sheet sets are backed by shorter trial periods and are not covered under any sort of warranty.

Price

$325

Material

100% Egyptian Cotton

Weave

Sateen

The Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set from Pure Parima is made from long-staple Egyptian cotton, which is highly sought after for its excellent durability, supreme softness, and natural cooling. It’s a sure bet if you’re looking for sheets that look and feel luxurious.

The cotton has a 700 thread count and a sateen weave that gives the material a buttery-soft finish. The sheets drape closely to insulate your body on cold nights, but the fabric is also breathable enough to keep you comfortable when temperatures are high. For added styling, the pillowcases and flat sheet feature triple-stitch embroidery.

The set is available in queen, king, and California king sizes, each of which includes two pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet. The latter has a generous 18-inch pocket depth that makes it compatible with the vast majority of mattresses sold today. The set is fully machine-washable, as long as you wash everything separately in cold water and either line dry or tumble dry on low heat.

Pure Parima offers free ground shipping to all 50 states. Returns are permitted for U.S. orders within 100 days of delivery.

What is Sateen?

The sateen weave has the same three or four yarn over, one yarn under pattern often used to craft satin. However, sateen is made of exclusively spun yarns, like cotton or bamboo rayon, rather than filaments.

Since more of the thread surface is exposed, the resulting fabric is usually silky and lustrous, though the sheen may fade over time. Sateen sheets drape nicely and tend to resist wrinkles, which can give your bed a more polished look without the need for ironing. The material holds color well and often gets softer with additional washings, but some sateen sheets may pill or snag.

Thanks to its thicker weave, sateen has a more substantial feel that may be cozy in winter, but many sets are also breathable enough to use throughout the summer. Sateen sheets are typically silky or buttery soft and gentle on the skin.

Many shoppers looking for new sheets will ultimately decide between two weaves: sateen and percale. Percale uses a one over, one under pattern that creates a light, crisp fabric that’s highly breathable. Because of this, percale sheets are generally one of the top options for hot sleepers. While percale is more prone to wrinkling than sateen, it is less likely to pill. Both sateen and percale sheets can be extraordinarily comfortable, so the option that is best for you will depend on your personal preferences.

How to Choose Sateen Sheets

Factors like materials, thread count, price, durability, and more may come into play whenever you consider buying a new sheet set, and sateen sheets are no different. We’ll highlight the most important aspects shoppers typically look for when purchasing new sheets.

What to Consider When Buying Sateen Sheets

While you’ll need to consider the same standard criteria you’d take into account when shopping for any sheet set, sateen sheets have some special considerations.

Material
While sateen sheets generally consist of cotton, rayon options are also available. Both are breathable, but rayon tends to wick moisture better. Rayon sheets often have more vibrant colors because the material holds dye well.

Eco-conscious shoppers may prefer rayon if it is made of bamboo, because this plant is easy to grow and is often produced with minimal waste. Cotton requires more water and pesticides to cultivate, though organic varieties are available.

Both rayon and cotton sateen sheets can be supremely soft and comfortable, so which material is best for you comes down to personal preference.

Feel
While the feel will depend partly on the material and quality of the sheets, most sateen sheets have a silky smooth texture that some describe as buttery. Because this weave creates a fairly thick but supple sheet, sateen is frequently cozier than some alternatives.

Fit
The fit of sateen sheets plays a role in determining their comfort. Sheets that are too large may bunch, and those that are too small may not stay put on the bed or could restrict the mattress’s conforming capabilities. It’s best practice to select sheets that correspond to the size of your mattress. However, mattress depths vary, so you should check the measurements of the fitted sheet’s pocket to make sure it can accommodate your bed.

Price
Ideally, price shouldn’t be the main factor you use to decide which sheet set to buy, but it is impossible to ignore. While inexpensive sheets may seem more budget-friendly, you should weigh quality with price. If you purchase low-quality sheets because they’re easier on the wallet, your cost over the years could ultimately be higher due to the need to replace them more often.

Thread Count
A high thread count can be a sign of quality since it traditionally indicates the use of finer threads to create a smoother and more durable fabric. However, this method for judging quality is not foolproof because some manufacturers inflate the thread count by tallying multi-ply yarns separately. While the resulting total may seem high, the sheets may not be as soft and durable as some lower thread count alternatives. A good thread count for sateen sheets typically falls between 300 and 600.

Design, Color, and Pattern
Sateen is traditionally mercerized, meaning it is exposed to sodium hydroxide. This process gives the fabric a smooth, lustrous finish and causes it to hold dye better. Sheets with a sateen weave come in a huge array of both muted and vibrant colors, so most shoppers should be able to find a set that coordinates well with their existing decor. Some pattern options are also available, though these are more limited.

Breathability
Most sateen sheets use either cotton or bamboo-derived rayon. Both of these materials are breathable, so excessive heat can escape. However, sateen sheets are usually thicker than percale, allowing less air circulation. Many sleepers feel sateen is breathable enough for summer and cozy enough for winter, but some hot sleepers may disagree.

Durability
A set’s durability will depend largely on its quality and materials. Most high-quality sateen sheets should last for years. However, this weave is more prone to pilling than percale, which could limit a set’s usable lifespan.

Ease of Care
Most sateen sheets are machine-washable and dryable, but owners should always follow the care instructions that come with their set to prevent damage. Additional washings frequently make sateen sheets softer and more supple, but pilling could also occur over time. Since sateen is wrinkle-resistant, the fabric should be relatively smooth without ironing.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Sateen Sheets?

Sateen sheets offer a silky-soft hand-feel and luxurious sheen. However, the material also carries certain drawbacks related to durability and heat retention.

ProsCons
  • The looser 3-over-1 weave of sateen results in a buttery soft hand-feel that drapes closely to the body, which some sleepers prefer to crisper materials like percale or linen. This is particularly true for people with sensitive skin.
  • Sateen resists wrinkling better than other bedding materials, so owners usually don’t need to iron their sheets after washing and drying hem.
  • The attractive sheen of sateen sheets is a major selling point for shoppers looking to accent their bedroom decor.
  • Sateen is not as breathable as percale or linen, and the material can bottle in heat and sleep somewhat warm. That said, this quality also makes sateen fairly cozy and well suited to people who reside in cold climates.
  • The weave structure of sateen means the material is more susceptible to pilling and other forms of wear and tear. The sheen is also likely to fade with time.

Who Is Best Suited to Sateen Sheets?

Sateen is the ideal bedding material for sleepers who enjoy soft, closely draping sheets. The 3-over-1 weave creates a looser, thicker feel that makes it exceptionally smooth. People with sensitive skin will probably prefer sateen over percale, which feels crisper due to its tighter weave and doesn’t offer the same drapiness. Sateen also offers aesthetic value thanks to its shiny and wrinkle-resistant surface.

The thicker weave of sateen also means the material can bottle up heat. This may be a benefit or a drawback, depending on where you live and whether you tend to sleep uncomfortably warm. If you’re in the market for long-lasting sheets, sateen may not be the best option for you. The material is more susceptible to pilling after subsequent washes than percale, linen, and other bedding materials.

What Is the Ideal Thread Count for Sateen Sheets?

Thread count refers to the number of individual warp and weft threads found within one square inch of fabric. While higher thread counts are often associated with better quality and durability, some argue other characteristics – such as material composition and weave – are more significant when judging a fabric.

To add to the confusion, textile manufacturers often exaggerate the thread counts of their products. This is particularly common for fabrics composed of multi-ply threads. Since each individual strand consists of two or three threads, manufacturers may double or triple the overall thread count even though the material is not necessarily stronger or longer-lasting.

In terms of ideal thread count for sateen, the sweet spot for most sleepers will fall between 300 and 600. Sateen sheets with higher thread counts may feel excessively heavy, whereas bedding with a thread count below 300 tends to be less durable and of lower quality. Since more threads are needed to produce sateen, these sheets will generally carry higher thread counts than percale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical price range for sateen sheets?

The cost of a sateen sheet set will depend on a handful of factors, such as size, material quality, thread count, the brand, and the number of different components in the collection. However, you should expect to pay between $60 and $200 for high-quality sateen sheets. The typical price-points for sateen are on par with percale, and lower than those of other materials like linen or silk.

How long do sateen sheets last?

With proper maintenance, cleaning, and storage, a sateen sheet set should last at least three or four years. Keep in mind that sateen sheets tend to pill, especially if you wash them frequently. The sheen may also fade over time.

How do I Wash and Care for Sateen Sheets?

The best way to care for any sheet set is by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. These procedures are developed specifically for the materials and construction of the sheets, so following them carefully can help prolong the lifespan of your set.

Most sateen sheets can be machine washed in cold water on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Usually, they can also be tumble dried with low heat. However, line drying may be preferable to preserve the fibers, elasticity, and color. Since sateen sheets typically drape well on their own, they generally do not require fabric softener or ironing, but pressing with a warm iron shouldn’t damage them if you prefer a smoother finish.

Still have questions?

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Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

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