The 12 Best Bed Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

From cooling to cozy, these sheet sets have our testers' stamp of approval

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Sheets group shot

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Given the fact that you spend a third of your life in bed, it’s important to make sure you have the most comfortable bedding available. Getting eight hours of sleep a night is easier said than done, especially if you find yourself struggling to get—and stay—comfy under your sheets. "I feel like I hear two questions the most: Is it soft? Will it keep me cool?" says Anna Brakefield, cofounder of Red Land Cotton, on choosing a set of sheets. "To answer those two questions the customer needs to look at the weave structure and weigh the pros and cons."

If you find yourself tossing and turning all night, breaking out into a sweat, or just feeling uncomfortable in the sheets you have, it could be time to invest in a new set of sheets. We have spent thousands of hours testing 195 of the top sheet sets from different bedding brands. When testing sheets in The Lab and at home, we evaluate their quality, fit, durability, breathability, and value. As we compiled this list, we also considered the weave, materials, and thread count of each sheet set—all so you can find the best sheets for you.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Tencel Fiber Sheet Set

5
Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Tencel Fiber Sheet Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Silky look and feel

  • Sophisticated color options

  • Breathable and cooling

What We Don't Like
  • On the pricey side

Out of the many dozens of sheet sets we've tested, the Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Cooling Sheets are our favorites. For one, they're incredibly soft and silky, with cooling capabilities that can't be beat. Plus, they come in a handful of sophisticated colors that will complement a variety of different bedroom styles.

A key factor in these sheets' star quality is their material—100 percent Tencel lyocell, derived from organic eucalyptus fibers. This gives the sheets a naturally soft and breathable feel that we couldn't get enough of in our testing. It also makes them a more sustainable option, as eucalyptus can require less water to process than cotton when sustainably sourced, and according to the manufacturer, the sheets can even be composted at the end of their life span. All in all, this is a high-quality set of sheets that can offer a comfortable, cooler night's sleep for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $160 for queen size

Material: Tencel lycocell | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 15-17.5 inches | Certifications: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

5
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Limited edition colors and patterns released throughout the year

  • Labeled sheets

  • Can purchase in bundles for a discount

What We Don't Like
  • Pattern and color options limited in the core collection

After putting the Brooklinen Luxe Sateen 4-Piece Sheet Set to the test at home, we consider it one of our favorite sheet sets because of its incredibly soft and high-quality feel. Made with 100 percent long-staple cotton, these sheets have garnered a huge fandom for their durability and luxurious finish. We definitely agree with the accolades, and we gave them perfect scores for overall quality and durability in our testing. Wash after wash, these sheets maintained their quality, even getting more soft and comfortable with use.

In the set, you get a fitted sheet that’s 16 inches deep, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. You can choose from a number of colors and patterns, including limited edition ones released throughout the year. To achieve a satiny finish, the fabric is woven into a 480-thread count sateen weave that’s soft and smooth to the touch. These sheets felt like a cozy, soft cocoon when we crawled into bed. And even though they’re made with breathable cotton, they still feel sturdy—which makes them more versatile during colder months. Plus, all of Brooklinen’s bedding is OEKO-TEX certified, which means it's verified to be free from potentially harmful substances. 

While these sheets are a bit more expensive, our testing shows that they’re worth the investment because you will get a few years of use out of them. Plus, these sheets come with a two-year warranty—if they rip, pill, or fray during this period, Brooklinen will replace or repair them for you free of charge. After a year and a half of testing these sheets at home, we've found them to hold up incredibly well (even getting softer over time). Between the thoughtful construction and design and their proven durability, we think these sheets are worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: $199 for queen size

Material: Cotton | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 480 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX

Best Budget Sheets

Threshold 400 Thread Count Printed Performance Sheet Set

4.7
Threshold 400 Thread Count Printed Performance Sheet Set

Target

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Available in lots of patterns

  • Wrinkle-resistant

What We Don't Like
  • Not as durable or soft as other options

If you are a fan of cotton sheets but need a set that won't break the bank, this is a great option. The Threshold Performance Sheet Set impressed us in our at-home testing. Made of 100 percent cotton with a thread count of 400, these lightweight sheets have a smooth finish that makes slipping into bed a dream. We were big fans of their cooling sensation, which earned them perfect scores for both breathability and quality in our tests. Another standout feature was the fitted sheet's special fit technology, which ensures it doesn’t slip off your mattress, even if you have a deep-pocket mattress or you toss and turn a lot throughout the night.

If you're worried about how these sheets will wear over time, the fabric is wrinkle-, pill-, and shrink-resistant which will help them look brand new even after months of use. After laundering them, these claims checked out: we were pleasantly surprised by the lack of shrinkage and wrinkling. We also love that the sheets come in plenty of patterns, ranging from bright florals to delicate snowflakes, so you can purchase multiple sets to swap out with the season. Each set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases.

Overall, this set is proof that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to get a high-quality sheet set.

Price at time of publish: $39 for queen size

Material: Cotton | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 18 inches | Certifications: MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX

Best Bamboo Sheets

Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets

4.9
Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Silky and smooth texture

  • High cooling factor

  • Great value

What We Don't Like
  • Prone to wrinkling

  • Color options might not be for everyone

Softer than traditional cotton, bamboo is a naturally cooling and odor-resistant material that's perfect for sleepers who tend to run hot. BAMPURE's Organic Bamboo Sheets are one of our favorite options in this category, offering a soft and breathable feel. During testing, we were impressed with their silky look and feel, and they didn't wrinkle nearly as much as other cooling options. Throughout use, these sheets maintained their initial coolness, leaving us comfortable and sweat-free.

The BAMPURE Organic Bamboo Sheets are available in five sizes and a dozen colors, from softer neutrals to bright purple and blue. If you're looking for a more sophisticated look, however, we'd recommend you steer clear of the bolder colorways—they have a very saturated look that might not work for everyone.

Price at time of publish: $110 for queen size

Material: Organic bamboo | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX

Best Percale

Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

4.9
Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

Lands' End

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Smooth, cool texture

  • Durable, high-quality construction

  • Breathable and cool to the touch

  • Maintain softness after washing

What We Don't Like
  • We found one loose string in our test set

Best known for their durable construction, crisp finish, and lightweight texture, percale sheets are a very popular choice for bedding—and for good reason. Of all the percale sheets we've tested, we think this percale sheet set from Lands' End offers the best experience at a fairly reasonable price. (Sheets can, after all, get quite expensive!) During our tests, these luxurious sheets earned high marks for both texture and breathability because of their smooth, cool feel. The material boasts a soft, smooth texture, unlike some rougher, papery percale sheets we've tried. We found that the sheets hold up well in the washer and dryer, and they maintain their softness after several washes, too.

Made with Supima cotton, these sheets feel extremely durable. We ever-so-slightly knocked our quality score for this set—but that was because our test set included one loose string in the top sheet's stitching. The string didn't unravel more, and we didn't find any snags in the fabric or any other issues with quality. We also think the price tag is appropriate for such an impressive option (especially if you can get them at a discount during a Lands' End sale).

Overall, we think this set is a great pick for those looking for a soft, smooth set of percale sheets that will last over time—and not cost you an arm and leg up front.

Price at time of publish: $170 for queen size

Material: Supima cotton | Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: None listed

Best Eucalyptus Sheets

Nest Bedding Eucalyptus Tencel Sheet Set

4.8
Nest Bedding Eucalyptus Tencel Sheet Set

Nest Bedding

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Exceptionally cooling

  • Good value

  • Washed well

What We Don't Like
  • Wrinkle easily

If you're looking for a set of cool and comfortable sheets to add to your rotation, check out Nest Bedding's Luxury Tencel Sheet Set, which performed well in our testing. Tencel fiber is derived from the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees, and this 100 percent Tencel sheet set is ultra-soft, durable, and wrinkle-resistant. The silky smooth sheets are also breathable and moisture-wicking, so they’re perfect for warm nights and sweaty sleepers. 

During testing, we were impressed with the cooling capabilities of these sheets—no surprise there, given the material. We also found this sheet set easy to machine wash and tumble dry, with little to no shrinkage or changes. It’s available in a handful of versatile colors, including white, and fits mattresses up to 15 inches thick.

While the environmentally friendly, closed-loop manufacturing process for Tencel and eucalyptus bedding can make it pricey, given the quality, we'd say this sheet set is worth the splurge.

Price at time of publish: $162 for queen size

Material: Tencel lyocell | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: FSC and PEFC wood sources

Best Sateen

Lands' End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set

4.9
Lands' End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set

Lands' End

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • High-quality construction

  • Luxuriously silky texture

  • Excellent airflow and breathability

What We Don't Like
  • May be prone to wrinkles

Sateen sheets typically have a silkier feel than other weaves, with a lustrous sheen that many people love. If you're looking for a new set of sheets in this category, consider the Land's End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set. During our tests, we were immediately impressed by the overall construction quality and elegant look of these sheets, as they featured thick border stitching and a glossy finish that looked refined on the bed. 

If you love buttery-smooth bedding, you can’t go wrong with this sheet set that's made with Supima cotton, a long-staple cotton produced in the United States. Despite its softer drape, we still found that these sheets had a medium weight and felt sturdy enough to last for years to come. They’re also exceptionally breathable and comfortable to sleep with, making them a great option for all-season use. After washing and drying these sheets, they felt as good as new with no signs of wear. And considering their reinforced seams and high-quality workmanship, they seem to be very durable. We did notice that there were a few wrinkles that remained post-wash, but you can easily steam or iron them before making the bed if this is an issue. 

Price at time of publish: $210 for queen size

Material: Supima cotton | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Depth: 18 inches | Certifications: None listed

Best Cooling Sheets

PeachSkinSheets Night Sweats Sheets

5
Peachskinsheets-night-sweats-sheets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Breathable

  • Lots of color options

What We Don't Like
  • No quality certifications

If you tend to get hot during the night, your best bet is a set of cooling sheets. While Night Sweats Sheet Set from Atlanta-based brand PeachSkinSheets may look basic, we found in testing that they're made from a high-performance, athletic fabric that’s designed to wick away moisture while regulating your body temperature. Even when using them in humid Miami, we found that they effectively regulated body temperature all night long.

The star factor of this sheet set comes from the brand's "smart fabric," which, besides being breathable, is designed to resist fading, pilling, snagging, and stains. While technically microfiber, the fabric has a brushed finish that gives them a high-end feel (the equivalent of a 1,500 thread count). We found the sheets to feel soft and cool to the touch—even after multiple rounds of washing. They earned perfect scores across all categories, thanks to their breathability, color options, and reasonable price point.

The Night Sweats Sheet Set comes with a fitted sheet that can fit mattresses up to 22 inches deep, as well as a flat sheet and two pillowcases. When it comes to washing, you'll want to avoid high heat—this has the potential to break down the fabric.

Price at time of publish: $115 for queen size

Material: Polyester | Weave: Microfiber | Thread Count: 1,500 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king, split king, split head | Depth: 22 inches | Certifications: Not listed

Best Linen

Parachute Linen Sheet Set

4.9
Parachute Linen Sheet Set

Parachute

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4.9/5
  • Durability
    4.9/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Temperature-regulating

  • Refined look

  • Exceptionally soft

  • Durable

What We Don't Like
  • Plastic smell out of the box

  • Pricey

Linen fabric is great for warmer climates because it's breathable, absorbent, and durable. The fiber itself comes from the flax plant, and it's considered a "luxury fiber" because it's more expensive to prepare and spin. If you decide to invest in linen sheets, you can rest assured they’ll last for many years to come. This pick from popular home brand Parachute is a high-quality set of linen sheets, and during our lab and at-home tests, it earned nearly perfect scores across the board.

The OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified sheets are made from European flax, and upon arrival, we were immediately impressed with the material's buttery soft feel right out of the box. Although linen tends to be a bit stiffer than other types of sheets, we found that these sheets were consistently comfortable during our six-week testing period. We also loved just how breathable and cool these sheets stayed all night long, making them a great pick for those who tend to sleep hot. As with most linen sheets, these wrinkle quite easily—but for buyers who prefer a more bohemian, lived-in aesthetic, it shouldn't be an issue. 

During our long-term tests, these sheets held up exceptionally well, with no signs of wear or fading after multiple rounds of washing and drying. Available in 12 neutral hues sure to match a wide range of decor styles, we’re confident you’ll love the laidback yet design-forward look of these sheets. Although these sheets may be a bit more pricey than some of the other options on this list, they’re actually a pretty standard price when compared to other linen options.

Price at time of publish: $209 for queen size (without top sheet)

Material: European flax | Weave: Plain square | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Best Color Options

Linenwalas 100% Tencel Lyocell Bed Sheets

4.7
Linenwalas-100-tencel-lyocell-bed-sheets
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Over 20 colors to choose from

  • Breathable and cooling

  • Great value

What We Don't Like
  • Some loose threads upon arrival

If you’re looking to coordinate your sheets with your bedroom decor (or you're just sick of white sheets) the Linenwallas 100% Tencel Bed Sheets are worth considering. With eight sizes and over a dozen colors to choose from—including Baby Pink and Avocado Green, two surprising neutrals—the options are truly endless. 

Of course, there’s more to these sheets than just their appearance. During testing, we were particularly impressed with their material—like some other options on this list, the Linenwalas sheets are made with 100 percent Tencel lyocell, an über-breathable material derived from eucalyptus. This gives them a naturally cooling effect and a silky feel, so you can slide into bed with ease.

Price at time of publish: $74 for queen size

Material: Tencel lyocell | Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, California king, split king | Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX

Best Jersey Sheets

Royale Linens Soft Tees Jersey Knit Sheet Set

Royale-linens-soft-tees-jersey-knit-sheet-set

Walmart

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Good color variety

  • Wrinkle-resistant

What We Don't Like
  • More limited sizes than other options

If you want your sheets to feel cozy and welcoming, you might prefer jersey sheets, which are made from a knitted fabric that’s similar to T-shirt material. While we haven't personally tested the Royale Linens' Soft Tees Jersey Knit Sheet Set, it's a standout option in the category. The sheets come in a variety of muted colors, and the fitted sheet accommodates mattresses up to 15 inches deep. The fabric is made from 70 percent modal and 30 percent combed cotton, and it’s breathable and shrink-resistant.

Price at time of publish: $60 for queen size

Material: 70 percent modal, 30 percent cotton | Weave: Jersey | Thread Count: Not Listed | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: None

Best Hotel-Style Sheets

Matouk Lowell Sheets

lowell-sheets

Courtesy of Matouk 

What We Like
  • Over 30 colors

  • Taped border accent

  • Your choice of fitted sheet depth

What We Don't Like
  • Very expensive

Want to feel like you’re sleeping in a five-star hotel every night? To recreate the elements of luxurious five-star bedding, choose a set of hotel-style sheets, like the high-end Matouk Lowell Sheets. These best-selling linens boast a 600-thread count and are made of 100 percent cotton in a lightweight, breathable percale weave that will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The Lowell sheets come in classic white or ivory, and you have to buy the pieces separately. Each flat sheet and pillowcase is decorated with a simple sateen tape border for a touch of elegance, and the fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. We recognize that these are very expensive—but if you have the budget for it and you want an option that ticks all the boxes for a luxury sheet set, the Matouk Lowell Sheets are worth consideration.

Price at time of publish: $475 for queen size flat sheet

Material: Cotton | Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 600 | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Depth: 14-17 inches | Certifications: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX

Compare

Overall Rating Quality Texture Durability Value Breathability
Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Tencel Fiber Sheet Set
Best Overall:
Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Set
5
5 5 5 5 5
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Best Overall, Runner-Up:
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
5
5 5 5 4 5
Threshold 400 Thread Count Printed Performance Sheet Set
Best Budget Sheets:
Threshold Printed Performance Sheet Set
4.7
4.5 4.5 4.3 5 5
Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets
Best Bamboo Sheets:
Bampure Organic Bamboo Sheets
4.9
5 5 5 4.8 5
Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
Best Percale:
Lands' End Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
4.9
4.5 5 5 5 5
Nest Bedding Eucalyptus Tencel Sheet Set
Best Eucalyptus Sheets:
Nest Bedding Eucalyptus Sheet Set
4.8
5 4 5 5 4
Lands' End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set
Best Sateen:
Lands' End Sateen Bed Sheet Set
4.9
5 5 4.5 5 5
Peachskinsheets-night-sweats-sheets
Best Cooling Sheets:
PeachSkinSheets Night Sweats Sheets
5
5 5 5 5 5
Parachute Linen Sheet Set
Best Linen:
Parachute Linen Sheet Set
4.9
5 4.9 4.9 4.5 5
Linenwalas-100-tencel-lyocell-bed-sheets
Best Color Options:
Linenwalas Tencel Lyocell Bed Sheets
4.7
4 4 5 5 5
Royale-linens-soft-tees-jersey-knit-sheet-set
Best Jersey Sheets:
Royale Linens Ultra Soft Jersey Knit Sheet Set
Testing Now
lowell-sheets
Best Hotel-Style Sheets:
Matouk Lowell Sheets
Testing Now
Final Verdict

After testing, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheet Set earns our top spot because they’re durable, soft, and cooling. While the price point is a bit higher, these sheets are a worthwhile investment that you’ll be able to use for years. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend the Target Threshold Printed Performance Sheet Set, which offers a smooth, lightweight feel with a price point under $50.

Coyuchi

The Spruce / Dena Burreson

How We Tested the Bed Sheets

We regularly test sheets at The Spruce, and so far we have put 195 sets of sheets to the test in The Lab and at home. When we test sheets, we evaluate them on the basis of quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. In addition to rating the overall comfort and cooling properties of the sheets, our testers also assessed how the sheets felt right out of the package, how they looked and fit on the bed, and how they held up in the washer and dryer. We combined their insights with additional research and input from our editors and home testers to bring you this list.

What to Look for in a Sheet Set

Fiber

When choosing a new sheet set, you’ll first want to consider which fiber you find most comfortable. Cotton is a popular choice for bedding because it’s soft, breathable, durable, and usually affordable. There are also high-end cotton sheets, like those made from long-staple or organic cotton. If the sheets don’t specify what kind of cotton is used, it’s most likely American Upland, a widely used, basic fiber.

Linen, on the other hand, is considered a luxury fiber for sheets. Linen sheets are incredibly durable, often lasting decades when cared for properly, and they get softer each time you wash them. Additionally, they’re breathable and wick moisture away from the skin, and some people tout linen sheets as a great solution for those with sensitive skin. The downside of linen sheets is they’re incredibly expensive, and the wrinkled look might not be appealing to everyone.

Microfiber is a more cost-friendly option that's less prone to wrinkling and soft from day one. This makes it ideal for college students or those wanting a lower maintenance sheet set. With that being set, synthetic fabric does have its drawbacks. "[Microfiber sheets] are probably not the best option for people who get hot when they sleep, as they don’t absorb moisture as well," says Amanda Leather, Interior Designer at Havenly.

Synthetics are also often used as an alternative to cotton in sheet sets. "Synthetics have pros and cons," says Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton. "For example, most hotels need polyester in their sheeting so they can stand up to the crazy high temps and bleach used in their laundering. I think the downside to most synthetics is really the chemically intensive process it takes to make them." She adds, "They aren't naturally occurring, therefore, a good bit of energy and processing has to be done to make the fibers."

"When it comes to performance," Brakefield notes, "I will say the same thing as I have about thread count and weave: Fiber quality, yarn quality, and construction are going to make or break the sheet." 

Weave

The type of weave used to make sheets determines their overall feel, and it's generally a key consideration when choosing between different types of cotton weaves. Two of the most common weaves are sateen, which has a smooth, silky feel with a bit of sheen, and percale, which feels crisp and cool. Percale sheets are made with a plain weave—the yarns are arranged in an over-one-under-one pattern—that results in a crisp-feeling fabric. Thanks to their simple construction, these sheets are typically very strong and durable. However, they’re generally not the softest option available and are a bit more prone to wrinkles.

"When it comes to longevity, the more yarn that is exposed on the surface of the sheet, the more likely those fibers are to break as they are vulnerable to friction," says Brakefield. "This results in holes, pilling, fraying, etc. Typically, sheeting with an over-under basket weave will be more durable and last longer. A sheet with a sateen weave gets its slick finish because more yarn is on the surface of the fabric." While sateen sheets have a lustrous feel that many people enjoy, they’re not as durable as percale sheets and are much more susceptible to pilling.

Other popular weaves include jersey and flannel. As you might suspect, jersey sheets feel similar to a cotton T-shirt, while flannel sheets feel like, well, flannel shirts. Jersey is known for being soft and cozy, and flannel sheets are incredibly warm and a popular option for winter.

Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical strands of yarn in 1 square inch of fabric, and sheets have thread counts ranging from 200 to over 1,000. High thread count in sheets is often associated with high quality and softness, but a lot depends on the fabric and construction of the sheets.

"Thread count doesn't matter as much in my opinion when it comes to performance and quality," says Brakefield. "What matters more would be the quality of the fibers making up the yarn, the yarn diameter and the weave construction."

For example, a well-made set of sheets with a 300 thread count will be more comfortable than an 800-thread-count set that’s poorly constructed. So, take thread count into consideration, but know that it's not the only way to measure quality.

Sheet testing

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Fit

When it comes to how well your sheets will fit your bed, the most important factor to consider is your mattress depth. Mattress depths can range anywhere from 7 inches thick all the way up to 20 inches and can have a big impact on how certain sets of sheets fit. If you have an extra-deep mattress (sometimes referred to as a tall or extra-tall mattress), be sure to look for a fitted sheet with extra-deep pockets and a generously sized top sheet. This will ensure that everything can easily be tucked in and stay in place.

The opposite is true for low-profile or slim mattresses. Most standard mattresses are 8 to 12 inches deep, and most sheet sets are designed to fit mattresses within that range, but it's worth measuring your mattress before buying new sheets to get a good fit. Also, take into consideration that some fitted sheets have a fully elasticized hem, while others only have an elastic hem on two sides. If you tend to toss and turn at night, opt for a full-elasticized hem to help keep the fitted sheet in place.

Certifications

When shopping for sheets, you'll come across various certifications, the most common being OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and organic. OEKO-TEX is an international association of 18 independent research and test institutes that sets standards for safer textile products. If sheets are certified by OEKO-TEX, it means they meet the requirements of OEKO-TEX's sustainability standards.

GOTS-certified means sheets contain at least 95 percent certified organic fiber, have not been produced with bleach, formaldehyde, or any other potentially harmful substances, and are colored with natural dyes. If you simply see the term "organic" on a set of sheets, take that claim with a grain of salt: While the sheets may have been produced using some organically grown cotton, there's no way to know for sure unless they're GOTS-certified.

FAQ
  • How often should you replace your sheets?

    This depends on the sheets themselves and how you care for them. High-quality sheets that are washed on a gentle cycle and dried on low heat can last forever. The important thing is to always follow the manufacturer's care instructions on the tag.

    "If you are buying a quality sheet, you really shouldn’t have to replace them a lot, at all," says Brakefield. "The only part of a quality sheet that you might need to [replace] would be the fitted sheet as it does see the most wear. I would suggest replacing our fitted sheets every 5-8 years."

  • Does thread count matter?

    As mentioned above, thread count can help you understand the construction of a set of sheets, but it's not always an indicator of quality, like so many people think. Above anything else, the fiber quality, construction, and weave are going to determine the overall longevity and performance of a set of sheets.

  • What are the best sheet materials to look for?

    Cotton and linen sheets are some of the most durable options on the market, but they also come at a price, especially if you're buying high-quality ones. As mentioned above, synthetic sheets are durable and often used in commercial settings like hotels because they can withstand high wash temperatures and chemicals for sanitation. As recommended by experts throughout this roundup, you should pay close attention to the weave type, and consider the overall quality of materials used before purchasing a set of sheets.

  • Can you use a queen-sized sheet set on a full-sized bed?

    A queen mattress is 6 inches wider and 4 inches longer than a full mattress. It is possible to use a queen-sized sheet set on a full-sized bed, especially if you prefer more length on the sides of your bed. A queen-sized fitted sheet may be slightly too big for a full-sized bed, but not so big that it will come off the bed in the middle of the night.

Sheet group shot

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and edited by Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer specializing in home products and organization hacks. To choose the best product picks to include in this article, she consulted insights from our team of home and lab testers, along with customer reviews and third-party articles. Each of these options ranked the highest in our testing. Expert advice was provided by Amanda Leather, Interior Designer at Havenly.

Emma Phelps, an associate commerce editor for The Spruce, contributed additional research and reporting. She spoke with Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton, a family-owned and operated bedding business. With a background in marketing as well as working on her family's North Alabama cotton farm, Brakefield offers a unique, expert perspective on bedding. Bianca Pineda, a writer for The Spruce's bedding, bath, and home decor beat, also reviewed tester feedback and added newly tested products to the list.

What Is The Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Aminoff, Michael J et al. “We spend about one-third of our life either sleeping or attempting to do so.” Handbook of clinical neurology vol. 98 (2011): vii. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-52006-7.00047-2

  2. Choudhury, A. K. (2017). Sustainable Chemical Technologies for Textile Production. Sustainable Fibres and Textiles, 267–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-102041-8.00010-x

  3. Rekha, R. & Sudam, A.. (2009). Bamboo: Green and breathable natural fiberMan-Made Textiles in India. 52. 397-401.

  4. Best Thread Count For Sheets. Sleep Foundation.

Continue to 9 of 12 below.