Editor's Note: We reviewed our bed sheet selections on December 19, 2022, and we stand by our current selections. We're also in the process of testing new bedding sets for future updates to this guide.
An exceptional set of bed sheets could be the missing link to getting a great night of sleep. If your bedding feels too pilled, stiff, or threadbare to be enjoyable, then it's time to make that upgrade for your sleep's sake. While it may seem like a small change, you'd be surprised by how a softer, smoother, and more breathable material can really make a difference.
When layered on your bed in conjunction with a great mattress, supportive pillow, and airy comforter, an upgraded set of sheets will help you to feel cool and relaxed all night long. Here are all of the best bed sheets that we most recommend, spanning a range of materials and price points, so you can find your perfect fit.
The Best Bed Sheets
What to Consider
The most important decision-making factor when it comes to buying the best bed sheets is the material of a set. Bed sheet material is largely a matter of personal preference — linen, cotton, bamboo, and eucalyptus are airier and cooler-feeling, while flannel, microfiber, and cotton blends typically retain more body heat for a warmer night's sleep.
The sheets’ thread count number (where available) is also helpful for noting the difference in feel between different sets. Check out the bottom of this page for more information on thread count.
Of course, it’s tough to discern variances in quality — let alone performance over time — from specs alone, which is why testing sheets in-house is important to us. We evaluated the best bed sheets in this guide based on the following criteria:
- Softness
- Thickness
- Breathability
- Fit on mattress
- Change in feel and fit after washing
We also look for transparency in the sheets' construction and material sourcing, which usually includes third-party certification for eco-friendly and ethical practices (e.g., OEKO-TEX certification, GOTS certification, Fair Trade certification). Bed sheet sets that are available in a wide range of mattress sizes and many color choices are a bonus, though not a strict deciding factor in determining which are the best quality.
How We Tested
Many of these bed sheets were the top contenders from our in-house product tests, while others were one-off trials. We took into consideration products that have been highly rated by other bedding review sites, buyer-favorite sets, and sheets from newer brands that prioritize quality materials and company transparency.
Our short-term testing trial for all sheets is 14 nights of sleep. Testers on our team are instructed to wash sheets before sleeping on them and then to wash them once more after the first full week to note the change in feel, if any. After getting the chance to try these sheets and live with them for a few weeks, these are the best bed sheets that impressed us the most in terms of construction, feel, and longevity.
Pricing Note: All of these sheets are available in a wide range of sizes, but we've listed the queen-sized price for all.
Learn more about how we test products, from the questions we ask our testing team, to the types of products we feel are actually worth testing, to the overall time we put into our testing process.
Best Overall
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Pros
- Fabric is smooth, soft, and breathable
- Incredibly durable set that holds up over time and countless washes
- Available in a variety of bedding bundles for convenience
Cons
- Color fades slightly over time
Key Specs
| Thread count | 480 |
|---|---|
| Color choices | 13 |
| Available sizes | Twin through California king |
Cotton sateen sheets are known for their silky feel and subtle sheen, and the Brooklinen Luxe Sheet Set is one of the best, not just in this category but of any that we've ever tested, because the material is exceptionally well made for a fair price.
These long-staple, OEKO-TEX-certified bed sheets are way more flexible and breathable than hotel-quality starched linens — yet their tight weave is smooth, soft, and not see-though whatsoever. The set's pillowcases feature an envelope flap that keeps the pillow from sliding out, and there are even handy tags on the inside of the sheets that denote where the sides and top are.
We first started testing Brooklinen's Luxe Sheets in 2016, and our original set is still going strong all of these years later. The material feels great, although the fabric's luster isn't quite what it used to be, and the colors have faded slightly. However, we've never experienced fraying, wearing, or degradation in this material beyond the usual softening that's expected with countless rounds of washing.
The Brooklinen Luxe Sheets are available in many different bedding bundle permutations, which include duvet covers, extra pillowcases, and even duvet inserts if you want a full-on bedding overhaul. Also noteworthy: If you're not a top-sheet person, you can opt for Brooklinen's Luxe Starter Set instead, which is between $20-55 cheaper, depending on your chosen size.
Best Percale Sheets
Parachute Home Percale Sheet Set
Parachute Home Percale Sheet Set
Pros
- Top sheet is optional
Cons
- Material wrinkles easily
Key Specs
| Color choices | 7 |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Twin through California king |
Percale sheets, though made with nearly the same type of cotton fibers as sateen bed sheets, are more crisp than silky in texture. The Parachute Percale Sheet Set perfectly encapsulates the airy smoothness that texturally defines this material
Crafted in Portugal, the OEKO-TEX-certified Egyptian cotton material of the Parachute Percale Sheet Set has great integrity, as it doesn't wear down into a dramatically different texture over time — in our opinion, this is the hallmark of a well-made percale set. Still, in our experience sleeping on these sheets, we've noticed that numerous washings will relax the fibers just a little bit, making the texture slightly cozier the more you use it.
As with all of their bed sheet sets, Parachute allows users to choose whether or not they want to include a top sheet, making a difference of $60-$90 on the total, depending on the chosen size. Having said that, if you're a top-sheet lover, this set may not be the best value for you — we'd recommend the Drumi Sheet Set if you have to have that extra layer without paying more.
Best Linen Sheets
Lands' End Garment Washed Belgian Flax Linen Breathable Bed Sheet Set
Lands' End Garment Washed Belgian Flax Linen Breathable Bed Sheet Set
Pros
- Breathable, smooth, long-lasting material
- Affordable compared to other linen sheets
Cons
- Takes a little time to soften up
Key Specs
| Color choices | 3 |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Twin through king |
Linen sheets have a characteristically airy and slightly grainy weave that softens up considerably, an unbelievably soft and cozy material that's incredibly long-lasting. The Lands' End Garment Washed Linen Bed Sheet Set is a long-time favorite of ours that just won't quit.
These sheets satisfy all of our baseline criteria in terms of comfort, breathability, and value. They're made from Belgian flax and pre-washed for a cotton-like feel that's a bit softer than linen's rough texture. This set got high marks from our team's tester for breathability, which is perfect for those whose body (or bedroom) temperature errs on the side of warm at night.
These bed sheets also hold up incredibly well to countless washes and near-constant use for the long term. As our team’s tester said, “They said, “The material has just gotten softer and more ‘lived-in’ with each wash. I’ve had these sheets for more than a year, and I’m still obsessed with them.”
Best Flannel Sheets
Boll & Branch Flannel Heathered Sheet Set
Boll & Branch Flannel Heathered Sheet Set
Pros
- Warm yet incredibly soft and breathable material
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Color choices | 2 |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Full through California king, including split king |
Boll & Branch takes rigorous measures to ensure that their textiles are some of the cleanest and highest quality on the market — and their flannel sheets are a great example of this. Though they are indeed an investment, it's money well spent for a set of Fair Trade-, GOTS-, and OEKO-TEX-certified sheets.
The Boll & Branch Flannel Sheets are made of long-staple organic cotton that's been yarn-dyed and crafted by master Portuguese artisans. The material is also pre-brushed and sheared to ensure less pilling and a longer lifespan. We've slept on these sheets ourselves and can attest to their silky softness, generous warmth, and true-to-fit sizing, making them perfect for outfitting your bedroom in the colder seasons.
Best Bamboo Sheets
Layla Bamboo Sheets
Pros
- Smooth and breathable texture
- Material holds up wonderfully over time
Cons
- Not great for tall mattresses
Key Specs
| Color choices | 2 |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Twin through California king, including split king |
Bamboo sheets tend to have a very relaxed, flexible feel to them, and the breathable, moisture-wicking material gives them a casual texture akin to performance wear. If casual and comfy is what you're after, you need to check out the Layla Bamboo Sheets.
Made of bamboo-derived viscose, the Layla Bamboo Sheets are soft, pliable, and have a very slinky (but not stretchy) feel. Quite simply, these are great cooling sheets. We've found that the fabric isn't thick or weighty at all, making these sheets great for the warmer seasons.
Cooling factor aside, it's a pleasantly soft material to have against your face and on your body while you sleep. Although they aren't as crisp as cotton (so don't expect starched corners on your pillowcases), the material also has a very nice, inviting sheen to it that hasn't faded in the two years that we've been using them.
Best Cooling Sheets
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Pros
- Sheet texture is incredibly soft, silky, and cooling
- Brand is meticulous about quality material sourcing and ethical working conditions
- One of Oprah's Favorite Things for 4 years running
Cons
- Set is more expensive than average
Key Specs
| Color choices | 7 |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Twin through California king, including split king |
While there are many types of cooling sheets you can buy, one of the best sets we've tried recently is the Cozy Earth Bamboo Bedding. Its OEKO-TEX-certified bamboo-viscose material may be a little pricier than the competition, but it's because every part of the manufacturing process is meticulous and held to the highest standards of sustainability and fair labor practices.
Our tester Cat Bowen adores the Cozy Earth sheets, touting how unbelievably cool and silky they are. She says, "As for the real feel of these sheets, and how they compare to a pricier cotton sheet, I can tell you that there is no comparison — Cozy Earth sheets are way better ... I literally will just rub my cheek against the pillow as I lay down because I like the feel of it under my face."
Reviewers adore the temperature-regulating properties (which make them great for both hot or cold sleepers) and soft texture that's like "sleeping on a bed of whipped cream or marshmallows." If that's not enough to entice you, Oprah is also a fan of the brand, putting them on her Favorite Things list for 4 years in a row!
Best Microfiber Sheets
Mellanni Hotel Luxury Sheet Set
Mellanni Hotel Luxury Sheet Set
Pros
- Soft and cuddly texture
- Affordable
Cons
- Not best for hot sleepers
Key Specs
| Color choices | 42 |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Twin through California king, including split king |
As far as budget goes, it's tough to beat microfiber polyester sheets. Though not quite as breathable as cotton or bamboo, they have a velvety coziness that makes for a good, flannel-like alternative in the colder months. The Mellanni Microfiber Sheet Set has a very cozy tactility and retains it for months (even years!) later.
In our experience testing these sheets, we've found that the material not only feels great, but it has some impressive grip to it, too. It'll stay on a mattress cover or pillowcase much more effectively than cotton or other materials to prevent slipping off in the night. If these sheets seem a little familiar to you, you likely saw them on Amazon — this is one of Amazon's most popular bedding sets with over 298,000 reviews!
Best Eucalyptus Sheets
Sijo Eucalyptus Sheet Set
Pros
- Super soft and cool material
- Top sheet is optional
Cons
- Color fades slightly over time
Key Specs
| Color choices | 6 |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Twin through California king |
If you like the idea of sleeping on silk sheets but not the reality of how sweaty they'd make you, the Sijo Eucalyptus Sheets are your perfect match. We love this particular set of sheets so much that we named it one of the Best of the Best Products we tested in 2021!
The Sijo Eucalyptus Sheets are made of a eucalyptus-based, OEKO-TEX-certified material called Tencel lyocell, and it has a similar cooling, smooth feel to bamboo-derived viscose — but these are even softer. These take virtually no time to break in, feeling supremely comforting on the first night's sleep. And fortunately, the feeling doesn't go away after washing.
Like with silk, these eucalyptus sheets don't have a lot of friction, so you may feel like you slide around a bit more on them when compared to cotton — though that may be just what you're looking for. Plus, if you tend to feel a lot of heat in your head and neck when you sleep, this cooling set's pillowcases are a dream to have against your face all night. We also like that this set gives users the option to add on a top flat sheet. If you prefer to sleep without one, those sheets are $50-75 cheaper.
Best Warm Sheets
Brooklinen Heathered Cashmere Core Sheet Set
Brooklinen Heathered Cashmere Core Sheet Set
Pros
- Sheets feel warm without retaining body heat
- Cashmere blend lends them a unique, silky feel
Cons
- Sheets may pill if washed and dried on a high heat
Key Specs
| Color choices | 6 |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | Full through California king |
If the approach of colder weather each year tends to fill you with dread, the Brooklinen Heathered Cashmere Sheets are the ideal bedding layer (and balm) for you. Crafted of a 95% cotton and 5% Himalayan cashmere blend, these sheets aren't just toasty warm, they're seriously silky, too.
In our trial with these sheets, we've found that the cashmere in the material lends the sheets a slickness and cozy fuzz that feels more akin to flannel bedding than cotton sateen. The material weave and weight is an excellent middle ground between the two sheet types, in case you've ever felt that flannel is a little too heat-retentive. We're also fans of the set's envelope-style pillowcases that keep your pillows in place, no matter how rumpled the rest of the bed gets.
However, do keep in mind these sheets require a bit more TLC than most to keep them in tip-top shape. The brand suggests washing on cold and tumble-drying on low, and we can attest that if you don't do this each time you launder them, you'll start to see the material pill. While pilling is a relatively easy issue to fix, it's not ideal to see. But if you have the patience and motivation to keep your nice things in great condition, the Brooklinen Heathered Cashmere Sheets are a very worthy investment set.
What does the thread-count number mean?
Thread count pertains to the number of threads woven within 1 square inch of the material. The higher the number of threads per square inch, the higher the thread count, and the more tightly woven that material will be. Luxury-grade sheets tend to be upwards of a 700-thread-count, giving you that crisp, hotel-quality feel. If you buy sheets with a high thread count, you're investing in a fabric that likely won't degrade or pill over time but will yield a softer texture the more that it's used. And yes, that'll usually mean paying a little bit more.
However, this doesn’t mean a smaller thread count means lesser quality. Sheets with a 300- or 400-thread-count can be much softer upon first night’s sleep, and they usually won’t need to be “broken in” by repeated washings. It’s worth noting that, in general, we’re noticing an industry trend toward lower thread counts (and brands that leave off this spec altogether), possibly reflecting a tide change favoring lighter, more casual, and cooler bedding.
What does OEKO-TEX mean?
OEKO-TEX is an independent certification system for textiles, which, according to its Code of Conduct, "enables consumers and companies to protect our planet by making responsible decisions."
OEKO-TEX certification is a rigorous process. Its label ensures that textile companies are committed to safe, legal, and environmentally responsible business practices that uphold human rights and fair labor standards.
What makes organic cotton sheets different?
For those looking to buy organic cotton sheets, make sure that it’s a product with a GOTS-certification seal because “organic” can be a misleading label. GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, and attaining this certification means that the material is vetted for environmentally and socially responsible harvesting, manufacturing, and marketing of the product to consumers. The GOTS website is a great resource to find out more about what meeting this criteria entails.
GOTS-certified organic cotton sheets are a little pricier than standard sheet sets, but opting for these is a great choice for any household trying to consume consciously and invest in bedding made with the smallest environmental footprint possible.
Is there a right way to wash a new sheet set?
It's best to consult the care label on a new set of sheets to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Washing with a gentle detergent should suffice, but take care to wash on a warm-water setting instead of the hottest temperature to avoid shrinking and expedited deterioration. If you've invested in dark-colored sheets, just keep in mind that some skincare and acne products like benzoyl peroxide do have the unfortunate side effect of staining dark fabric with light spots.
How often should sheets be changed?
It's perfectly fine to change your sheets on a weekly or biweekly basis, particularly if you sleep alone and/or shower before bedtime. (But no longer than that, please!) Your pillowcases should be changed every single week because the oil from your hair can transfer to your skin and make you break out.
Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.
