The 10 Best Sheet Sets of 2021

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 Egyptian 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 another standard fabric, and it’s generally very affordable. This synthetic fiber is typically very soft from day one, but it isn’t as breathable as cotton and may leave you sweating in the summer. Microfiber sheets are typically the least expensive, but there are certain environmental considerations associated with the care of this fiber, which often deters eco-friendly consumers. Microfiber sheets are less wrinkly than cotton or linen so that's also something to consider.

Weave

The type of weave used to make sheets will create a different feel, and it's generally a main 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. These sheets are typically very strong and durable thanks to their simple construction. However, they’re generally not the softest option available and are a bit more prone to wrinkles. Sateen weave, where horizontal yarns are woven over several vertical strands creates a smooth, almost silky texture. These sheets have a lustrous feel that many people enjoy, but 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 one square inch of fabric, and sheets have thread counts ranging from 200 to over 1,000. High thread count is often associated with high quality and softness, but a lot depends on the fabric and construction of the sheets—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.

Fit

When it comes to how well your sheets will fit your bed, the most important thing to consider is your mattress depth. Mattress depths can range anywhere from 7 inches thick all the way up to 20 inches, so the depth of your mattress 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), you'll want to be sure to seek out a set of sheets that has extra deep pockets for the fitted sheet and a generously sized top sheet to make sure 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 sheets 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've been produced without the use of harmful chemicals and 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 toxic 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.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Sheets

By Camryn Rabideau

Most people buy sheets based predominantly on how they look and feel in the store. However, there are several other factors you should take into consideration if you’re serious about finding a high-quality set of sheets that you’ll love sleeping in and will last for years to come. After all, if you spend a third of your life sleeping, you should be comfortable while you do so.

Sheets are typically sold in sets that include a fitted sheet to go on your mattress, a flat sheet that acts as a buffer between your body and the comforter, and a few pillowcases. However, it’s also becoming more common for retailers to sell these pieces separately, as some people prefer to sleep without a flat sheet and have more or fewer pillows. Depending on your personal preferences, you might like soft, cozy sheets or cooler, breathable sheets—these different experiences are provided by various fibers and fabric constructions, as we’ll discuss below.

As you shop for sheets, you’ll likely encounter popular fibers like cotton, linen, and microfiber, as well as terms like percale and sateen, which refer to how the fabric is constructed. You’ll be able to choose from features like thread count, pocket depth, wrinkle-resistance, and more—there’s a lot to consider when buying sheets.

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can spend anywhere from $20 to $200 on new sheets, so it’s important to be able to differentiate between the various options to find the best sheets for your needs.

There are several factors that affect the performance of sheets, so it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with these considerations.

Leading Manufacturers

Just about every home goods store out there sells sheets, and many even have their own in-store brands, such as Threshold from Target. However, there are several stand-out brands that are known for their high-quality sheets.

Boll & Branch: This online retailer delivers top-tier percale, sateen, and linen sheets—for premium prices. They only carry plain colors, but reviewers rave about the high-quality linens from Boll & Branch.

Parachute: This retailer specializes in home linens, including high-end sheets. They offer percale, sateen, and linen options, and what’s interesting is that their sets do not include a flat sheet, as they claim this is the consumer preference nowadays.

Brooklinen: Brooklinen is another top performer in the world of home linens thanks to its impressive sateen, percale, and linen collections. While these sheets come at a premium price, they’re comparable to the high-quality sheets you’d find in a luxury hotel.

L.L. Bean: While perhaps best known for its outdoor apparel, L.L. Bean also offers a selection of quality sheet sets, including well-regarded percale options. This is also a great place to shop if you’re in the market for some cozy new flannel sheets.

Pottery Barn: Pottery Barn and its associated brands, such as West Elm, carry a wide variety of quality bedding, including many fabrics and fibers in several styles and colors. This is a good place to shop if you’re looking for organic cotton sheets, as they carry a wide selection, as well as patterned sheets.

The Company Store: While some people are more concerned with the feel of their sheets, others want sheets that look good, as well. If you’re looking for a wide array of colors and patterns, check out The Company Store, which carries many highly-rated options.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was edited and researched by Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer specializing in home products and organization hacks. To keep our product picks current and help you choose the best sheet set, she reads customer reviews, third-party articles, and brand websites.