To find the best sheets for every sleeper, we put 68 sheet sets to the test (both in our Lab and at home) to evaluate their quality, breathability, durability, value, and more. We also considered factors like material, weave, and certifications when coming up with this list. For expert advice on what to consider when shopping for bed sheets, we spoke to Preeti Gopinath, the program director of the textiles department at Parsons School of Design. Since sheets can range in price depending on the material and quality of the fibers, Gopinath says it’s important to keep in mind that “the best sheet will be the one you can afford.” Our top pick, the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set, is ultra soft and comfortable to sleep in. It regulates your temperature throughout the night, so you don’t get too hot, and high-quality construction makes for durable, long-lasting sheets. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer bedding with a crisp, plain weave. The Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set earned high scores in all of our tests for its incredible softness, refreshing touch, and excellent craftsmanship. Our testers were impressed with its cooling capabilities, especially in the summer, which can help improve the quality of sleep for those who run hot at night. “Handling them, I actually felt cooler and my body temperature lowered,” says one tester. In our testing, we found that these sheets fit easily on a bed despite some slight shrinking after washing, and we didn’t notice any loose threads or wear that occurred. Another benefit is that the manufacturer tests all of its sheets to ensure there’s no pilling, enhancing their durability. Since they’re made with a sateen weave, these sheets will add a subtle sheen to your bed. They also come in a variety of colors to mix and match to your existing bedding, and they feature a deep 17.5-inch pocket. These sheets are made from 100-percent eucalyptus, which is often touted as hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. Gopinath explains that while materials like bamboo and eucalyptus naturally have antimicrobial properties, it’s not always clear if they have been tested and remain after they go into chemical solvents. “Normally when people advertise antimicrobials, an antimicrobial finish exists, but just saying that it’s bamboo or that it’s eucalyptus in the lyocell doesn’t give us that guarantee.” Still, for those looking to upgrade their sleeping experience with sheets that are cool, silky, and soft-as-can-be, the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheets check off all of those boxes and provide a luxurious feel without the hefty price tag. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket: 17.5 inchesSizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, and California kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-TexReturn Policy: Free returns within 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People with thick mattresses who need deep-pocket sheets. For a budget-friendly alternative to our top pick, we recommend the Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Sheets. Our testers were pleased with the smooth and buttery touch of these sheets and didn’t find any defects or flaws during our testing. This set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases made from a bamboo viscose-polyester blend, which keeps them light and airy well throughout the night thanks to bamboo’s temperature regulating properties. However, testers noted that these sheets do not have as deep of a pocket as advertised: “The fitted sheet fits a small mattress tightly, if they have a thicker mattress they will not fit.” One detail that helped these sheets stand out from the crowd was that the fitted sheet features thick elastic bands around the corners, so you can secure it to your bed and not have your sheets move around all night. That design element, plus their remarkable softness, is what makes these sheets so impressive for their price point. Product Details:
Material: 60 percent polyester microfiber, 40 percent bamboo viscosePocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split kingCertifications: NoneReturn Policy: Free returns within 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who can’t stand the look of wrinkled bedding. Tencel lyocell, a fabric made from eucalyptus wood pulp, has moisture-wicking properties that keep you at a just-right temperature while you sleep, even in the warmer months. One of our testers confirmed this after initially trying these sheets, saying: “I didn’t feel like I was getting warmer when sitting underneath them; the surface of the sheets was cool to the touch.” We also appreciate the texture of these cooling sheets, which is likely thanks to their smooth sateen weave. During our evaluations, the first thing our testers said when they felt this set was “these are so soft!’” And even though these sheets are on the thinner side, they didn’t have any visible flaws when coming out of the packaging and they held up well in the wash, too. We also love that the fitted sheet has tags that tell you which part of the sheet is the top and bottom, which makes it so much easier to put on your bed. Unfortunately, these sheets only come in four neutral colors, which may be a bit disappointing if you were hoping to bring some color into your bedroom setup. Also keep in mind that the sheets aren’t available in a set, meaning you’ll have to purchase the flat sheet and pillowcases separately. But given the overall quality and comfort, these sateen-woven sheets are a solid pick for people in search of soft sheets that keep them cool at night. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, full, queen, kingCertifications: N/AReturn Policy: 90 days
Who it isn’t for: People who want a wide range of colors to choose from. Saatva’s Organic Percale Sheet Set uses 100-percent long-staple cotton (which is GOTS-certified) to create a blissful sleeping experience without any harsh chemical additives. While many high-end organic sheets have a stiff feeling, our testers praise this set for its comfort and incredible softness. “While some of the other ones I’ve tested felt very papery and stiff, this one felt so cozy and smooth,” one tester says. During our evaluations, we found that these sheets retained slightly more heat than others, but we still felt they were still breathable enough as testers didn’t wake up overly hot or sweaty. Additionally, these sheets retain fewer wrinkles, making them a good fit for people who prefer a smooth ironed look to their bedding. One downside of organic sheets is that they tend to be more expensive, but this set is made with high-quality materials, so it lives up to the price. The sheets feel soft and cozy against the skin and hold up well after washing, making them a durable and lasting investment. Product Details:
Material: CottonPocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split kingCertifications: GOTSReturn Policy: 45 days
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to pay extra for a top sheet. Parachute’s Percale Sheet Set features a plain weave with a matte finish, which creates a sheet that is crisp, cool, and classic. Texture-wise, these sheets are soft as opposed to silky—the brand likens them to your favorite button-down shirt. “Sometimes cotton sheets can be crunchy, but these were very comfortable,” one tester says. They also liked that these sheets didn’t have a smell to them after coming out of the packaging (a benefit from the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification), and noted that they didn’t show any signs of wear after washing. The weave is on the looser side, which allows the sheets to feel breathable throughout the night. The sheets have a matte finish and are made with 100-percent long-staple Egyptian cotton, which is a better indicator than thread count when it comes to sheet quality. After a month of use, these sheets remained flawless. “I look forward to crawling into bed every night thanks to these soft, crisp, lightweight sheets,” says one tester. Keep in mind that this set doesn’t automatically come with a flat sheet, so you’ll need to pay extra for one if you can’t bear the idea of foregoing a top sheet. If you’re ready to invest in top-tier bedding, these classic percale sheets are likely to provide you with many nights of restful sleep. And with the brand’s 60-day return policy, you have plenty of time to make sure they’re right for you. Product Details:
Material: CottonPocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-TexReturn Policy: 60 days
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer sheets that feel smooth and lightweight. While linen sheets tend to have a rough texture before they’re broken in, The Citizenry’s Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set feels incredibly soft right out of the package. Our tester says these sheets were “a joy to sleep in” because they have a heavier weight, unlike others that can feel thin and papery. Made from high-quality French flax and woven in a family-run mill in Portugal, these linen sheets bring a chic and lived-in vibe to your bed with a variety of colors and patterns that you can match to your decor style. However, we do think the fit of these sheets could be improved. “The fitted sheet was way too big, to the point where I thought they might have sent a size too large,” one tester says, although they found that the flat sheet fit their bed nicely. While linen sheets don’t have a thread count, what matters more is the fabric’s texture—and this set exceeds our expectations. “We really are looking for softness, and that usually comes about with more use and more laundering and that softens the fabric,” says Gopinath. If you’re interested in linen sheets and aren’t sure if they’re the right choice for you, The Citizenry offers linen swatches for just a few bucks, so you can feel the fabric before committing to the sheet set. Product Details:
Material: FlaxPocket: 15 inchesSizes Available: Full, queen, king, California kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-TexReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer the crisp matte feeling of percale bedding. This soft and silky bamboo sheet set from Bampure will feel super comfortable throughout the night. Our testers were enthusiastic about its shiny appearance, which makes these sheets look sleek and expensive, as well as the variety of color options available. Plus, this set has the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification. Bamboo sheets are renowned for their ability to keep cool, which did not go unnoticed during the testing process. In fact, testers think these sheets are ideal for staying comfortable during heat waves. Aside from being temperature-regulating, they’re also quite soft—and in our tests, they felt even softer after washing. This ensures that you’ll have soft and cuddly sheets for years to come. Our testers also found that the Bampure sheet set is convenient to put on your bed. The fitted sheet was on the looser side, making it easy to pull to all corners of your mattress, and it features elastic straps in each corner to ensure that it stays in place throughout the night. Product Details:
Material: Bamboo viscosePocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-TexReturn Policy: Free returns within 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who have a thick mattress and are worried about their fitted sheet sliding off. We’ve already established that Tencel sheets wick away heat and moisture to keep you comfortable in your sleep, but the Nest Bedding Luxury Tencel Sheet Set goes above and beyond. Testers were pleasantly surprised to discover the long-lasting cooling effect of these sheets, noting that they stayed cool to the touch throughout the entire duration of our testing. Our testers also describe these sheets as “buttery, silky, and soft,” noting that texture-wise, they felt like luxe cotton sheets. In addition to feeling high-quality, these sheets look it, too: They drape over the bed nicely, and we didn’t find any pilling or loose threads post-wash. However, it should be mentioned that these sheets wrinkle very easily, so be sure to properly fold them after taking them out of the dryer. Since these sheets have 15-inch pockets, they might not be the best choice for people with very thick mattresses. One tester says the corner of their fitted sheet routinely pops off their pillow-topped mattress in the middle of the night—however, the overall value of these sheets more than made up for it. “I don’t really mind because they are so pretty and soft,” they say, which is a true testament to the coziness and cooling quality of these eucalyptus sheets. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket: 15 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingCertifications: NoneReturn Policy: 30 days
If you want something even more affordable, we recommend the Cosy House Collection Bamboo Sheets, which are made with a blend of bamboo viscose and polyester that feels smooth against your skin.
Our Testing Process
To find the best bed sheets, we blind-tested 68 sets made with various materials in our Lab. Since every sleeper is different, we enlisted testers with a variety of sleeping preferences. First, we evaluated the quality of each sheet, inspecting each for loose threads, dye imperfections, and other flaws. We also examined the fit of each sheet by comparing their dimensions to those reported by their manufacturers and judging how easily they covered our mattresses. Then, we ran our hands along the surface of the sheet to check for any bumps or pills. Next, we tested the breathability of each sheet set by lying in them for five minutes and evaluating how cool or warm they felt, as well as taking note of any changes that occurred. Testers also observed the amount of airflow while tucked underneath the top sheet. We held up all sheets to a lamp to see how much light pricked through the material to evaluate the characteristic of their weave. Finally, we took our sheets to the wash to assess their durability. Our testers washed and dried their sheets according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then retook their measurements and compared them with our initial recordings to determine if there was any shrinkage. We then remade the bed, observing any changes in size, construction, dye, texture, and fabric quality. Once all tests were concluded, our testers were given the price of each sheet to evaluate their overall value considering their performance.
How to Shop for Sheets Like a Pro
Material
According to Gopinath, there are a couple of things to consider when deciding what sheet material to go for, including your sleeping preferences, style, and budget. Hot sleepers will likely prefer a linen sheet because “linen adapts to the temperature of your body,” she advises, noting that it’s a material that tends to be more expensive. During our testing, the linen sheets that stood out the most were The Citizenry’s Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set. In addition to linen, cotton sheets are also wonderful if you like the feeling of natural fibers against your skin. Linen has more of a textured feeling whereas cotton is smoother, so that’s another consideration to make as well. Cotton is also cheaper, and it’s easy to care for, too. You may also see Tencel sheets derived from eucalyptus—Tencel is the brand name of lyocell, which is a fabric made from wood pulp. “That allows for making very smooth, fine fibers because we can decide how fine or how coarse the fiber,” Gopinath says. To make lyocell, “you take natural materials from the trunks of trees and then basically pulverize it into a pulp and mix with a solvent.” Afterward, it gets strained to create yards of material that solidify. Because it’s manufactured using organic materials, lyocell combines elements of natural fibers with synthetic processing, giving manufacturers more control over how their sheets look and feel. Additionally, lyocell is known to be very cooling, so it’s often recommended for hot sleepers. Our best overall recommendation for bed sheets—the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheets—are made from Tencel lyocell.
Weave
Sheet weave impacts the look, feel, quality, and breathability of your sheets, so it’s worth paying attention to. Common types of weaves include percale, sateen, and flannel, and they each appeal to different types of sleepers. Percale sheets use a loose, plain weave to create a crisp sheet with a matte finish, making them a great pick for hot sleepers. Sateen sheets have a heavier drape than percale, but they are known for their lustrous finish and silky touch. “If you like perfectly smooth sheets, then look for sateen sheets,” says Gopinath. For cold sleepers, flannel sheets are preferred since their heavier weight and napped finish give them a warm and fuzzy feeling that’s perfect for cozying up in the winter. (We plan on testing flannel sheets soon and will update this article with those insights once available.)
Breathability
Regardless of if you sleep hot or cold, no one enjoys waking up feeling sticky from a stifling bed sheet, so it’s important to look for weaves and fabric types that promote air circulation in your sleep. Fabrics like lyocell, linen, and cotton are renowned for their cooling properties, especially in warm climates. Flannel sheets and sateen sheets feature a tighter weave, which helps trap body heat, making them warmer.
Thread Count
Contrary to popular belief, thread count doesn’t indicate the quality of your sheets. “Thread count started as a sincere form of letting us know the density of the cloth and to have a sense of how fine the yarns are,” Gopinath says. “Now, you will find sheets that are microfiber sheets, and they won’t be anywhere as coarse as cotton or linen.” Microfiber sheets can have thread counts in the thousands, but many companies will inflate the thread count number shown on packages by wrapping multiple fibers into one thread, so it’s more important to consider fabric quality and fiber length. The only exception might be with sateen sheets: “That’s the only time that thread count matters,” Gopinath says. The higher the number, the smoother and softer–and pricier—your sheets will be.
Certifications
When researching sheets, you’ll come across labels such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Oeko-Tex, which provide insight into the safety, manufacturing, and fabric quality of the sheets. “Certifications are good if you are very environmentally conscious,” says Gopinath. “It gives the people selling the materials some sort of guarantee that there was transparency in the production systems in terms of adhering to sustainable standards.” If you’re looking for organic sheets, which are known to be made with top-tier materials free from harsh chemical additives, the GOTS is the strictest certification available. GOTS examines the entire supply chain to ensure that all materials are environmentally friendly and ethically sourced, as well as the finished product to ensure that it has no harmful additives. Saatva’s Organic Percale Sheet Set is the only option on our list that’s GOTS-certified, which is why it’s our recommendation for the best organic sheets. Another common certification is the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which ensures that the final product hasn’t been treated with harmful chemicals and is safe for consumers. But, this certification doesn’t vet the product’s supply chain, and its chemical limits aren’t as strict as GOTS. If you find yourself stressing out about sheet certifications, here’s what Gopinath suggests: “Use labels as reference points and then make personalized decisions for your body type.” Ultimately, the sheets that are going to be the best fit for you are the ones that are going to keep you comfortable throughout the night.
More Bed Sheets to Consider
Lands’ End Premium Supima Cotton Percale Sheet Set: We were impressed with how silky these Lands’ End sheets felt against the skin, and we liked that they provided good airflow too. We did notice a long string in the sheet’s top stitching, but overall we found them to be of good quality. Plus, they were quite smooth and plush to lay in. Kassatex Linen-Bamboo Sheet Set: These sheets have a slight stretch, making it easy to make the bed, and our testers found them to be soft, cuddly, and lightweight—ideal for summer. However, we did find several loose threads on the fitted seams after taking them out of the package, though they didn’t seem to worsen after washing.
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the best way to wash sheets?
Always check the care instructions first as certain sheets may have specific guidelines on washing. Washing at a cooler temperature is recommended because it improves the longevity of your sheets—hot water can weaken fabric fibers and make them more prone to pilling. Many manufacturers recommend line drying sheets to avoid wear and prevent fading, but most likely you’ll want to tumble dry your sheets on low and remove them promptly to avoid wrinkles.
How often should you change your sheets?
For most people, washing sheets every one to two weeks is recommended, but there are other factors to consider when deciding if your sheets are due for a cleaning. “The other thing to keep in mind is tiny things like dust mites and stuff,” says Gopinath. “You want to just avoid the growth of any such infestations.” More frequent washing is also recommended if you eat in bed, have allergies, go to bed without showering, or have a pet that sleeps in your bed.
How do you prevent your sheets from pilling?
Pilling is the result of friction against your sheets, which causes the fibers to break and curl into a ball, explains Gopinath. “The more often you wash and run your sheets through the dryer, the more breakage of fiber will occur,” she says. Even high-quality bedding is at risk of pilling without proper care, but sheets made with synthetic materials and harsh chemical additives are more likely to pill. Linen sheets don’t pill, but they do shed, according to Gopinath: “Linen sheds a lot because the fibers break in, especially in the initial years, but they last for many, many more years.” To prevent pilling, wash your sheets in cold water and use a small amount of mild detergent—not bleach—when doing so. Air drying is best for pilling prevention, but tumble drying at a low temperature works too. Then, store your freshly laundered sheets away from direct sunlight.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To compile this list, we tested 68 sheets in our Lab and evaluated them based on material quality, durability, breathability, and overall value. For expert advice on what to consider when shopping for sheets, we consulted Preeti Gopinath, the program director of the textiles department at Parsons School of Design.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
