The Best Sheets of 2025

UPDATED
Written by David Rubin
Reviewed by Michael J. Breus, PhD

Sleep Doctor independently selects the products we test. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on our site.

Bedding is an essential component of your sleep space. The sheets and pillowcases you use can play a major role in how well you sleep each night. With so many types of bedding available, choosing the right sheet set can be challenging.

The most common materials for sheets made today include cotton, polyester, linen, Tencel, and viscose derived from bamboo. Other qualities, like weave and thread count, can also affect the feel, breathability, and lifespan of your sheets. You should also take into account practical factors, such as pocket depth, ease of care, and pricing.

We’ll walk you through the process of buying sheets that align with your sleep style without exceeding your budget. We outline our top picks for the best sheets below. Further down, you’ll find our comprehensive guide for choosing, buying, and using new sheets.

Best Overall

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
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Some sateen sheets trap heat around the body, but the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is made with materials that helped keep heat retention to a minimum during our tests. They’re also incredibly silky.

Material 100% viscose derived from bamboo
Weave Sateen
Cooling Great airflow
Size Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King, Split King, California King
Pros
  • Bamboo-derived viscose is breathable with moisture-wicking properties
  • Luxuriously soft feel from the sateen weave
  • Sheets and pillowcases are warrantied against pilling
Cons
  • Not optimal for people who prefer crisp sheets
  • Too expensive for most budget shoppers

Quality sateen bedding is generally soft, but the sheets and pillowcases in the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set feel exceptionally silky and smooth thanks to their composition. Other key strengths include excellent cooling and a long lifespan.

The sheets are made with viscose derived from bamboo, a material best suited to people who want sheets that drape closely to the body. The fabric glides gently without feeling coarse or rubbing too harshly, so sleepers with sensitive skin may also benefit. Our testers identified breathability as another standout quality. Bamboo-derived viscose sleeps cool in most environments, and the material has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable on humid nights. 

The fabric is highly durable and shouldn’t pill or tear easily in the wash. Cozy Earth’s warranty lists pilling and abnormal rips as covered defects, so you may qualify for coverage if the sheets wear poorly. The sheet set is available in seven sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions as well as a split king for co-sleepers with adjustable bases. You can also choose from five neutral colors. A generous pocket depth of 20 inches makes the fitted sheet compatible with virtually any mattress sold today.

As an added bonus, each component is machine-washable and stain-resistant. Standard ground shipping is free of charge, and each purchase is backed by a 100-night sleep trial with free returns. The manufacturer’s warranty for this sheet set covers pilling and other defects for up to 10 years.

Best Value

Sijo LuxeSoft Cotton Sheet Set

Sijo LuxeSoft Cotton Sheet Set
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Sijo's LuxeSoft Cotton Sheet Set is both high-quality and affordably priced, making it a solid option for shoppers with limited budgets. People with sensitive skin should also appreciate the soft fabrication and silky-smooth hand-feel.

Material 100% GOTS-certified long-staple organic cotton
Weave Sateen
Cooling Great airflow
Size Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • Organic long-staple cotton is durable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting
  • Generous 16-inch pocket depth
  • Sateen weave gives each item a silky, soothing hand-feel
Cons
  • Not ideal for people who prefer crisp bedding
  • Fabric may pill over time

The Sijo LuxeSoft Cotton Sheet Set proves you don't need to spend too much money on quality bedding. Each sheet and pillowcase in this collection is crafted from durable long-staple cotton that offers luxurious softness and excellent breathability. A GOTS certification also ensures the cotton has been sustainably grown and cultivated, making the set a good pick for eco-conscious shoppers. However, the sticker price falls well below average for cotton sheets of this caliber.

Cotton is a naturally soft and smooth fabric, and a sateen weave nicely enhances these qualities to make each item feel silky and easy on the skin. You'll notice the sheets draping closely to your body, but the breathable fabrication ensures strong airflow and minimal heat retention. Over time, the cotton fibers will further relax to make the sheets and pillowcases feel even more lived-in. You may notice some pilling on the fabric, but this shouldn't occur until the set has been used for at least a couple years.

The LuxeSoft Cotton Sheet Set delivers exceptional quality and comfort at a fraction of the average asking price. Pure cotton sateen toes the line between breathable, lightweight, and soft to keep you cool without feeling too crisp. A 16-inch pocket depth for the fitted sheet also means you can use the set with almost every mainstream mattress available today, and each item in the collection is fully machine-washable for quick and easy care. Five colors are available. You can also choose from six standard sizes, with or without a flat sheet.

Best Luxury

Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set

Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set
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The Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set felt buttery smooth against my skin. These are ideal sheets if you enjoy bedding that feels cool to the touch.

Material 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton
Weave Sateen
Cooling Great airflow
Size Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Queen Upper-Flex, King Upper-Flex
Pros
  • Organic cotton with a sateen weave offers a balance of softness and breathability
  • GOTS certification ensures sustainable growth and production
  • Available in three colors and nine sizes
Cons
  • Expensive sticker price compared to the competition
  • Not compatible with mattresses over 16 inches thick

During our hands-on tests, we found that the Organic Sateen Sheet Set epitomizes Saatva’s reputation for luxurious and eco-friendly sleep products. The sheets and pillowcases in this collection consist of organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), a leading authority for sustainably produced fabrics. The sateen weave gives each item a buttery-soft feel that glides gently across the skin.

Approachable pricing and free shipping within the contiguous U.S. make the Organic Sateen Sheet Set a good option if you want to invest in high-end bedding without breaking the bank. Your order comes with a return policy that allows you to test the sheets for up to 45 nights. If you decide to keep the set, you’ll also receive a 1-year limited warranty against defects in workmanship.

A midrange thread count of 300 ensures the sheets are lightweight and breathable without feeling flimsy. We found that the bedding sleeps cool in hot temperatures but also drapes closely enough to provide insulation on chilly nights, making the set suitable for year-round use. Easy care is another perk for owners, as all components in the set can be washed and dried in household machines. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches thick.

The components of Saatva’s Organic Sateen Sheet Set are soft, breathable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Sustainable craftsmanship further sweetens the deal for eco-conscious shoppers. You can choose from three neutral colors to complement your bedroom decor. The set is also available in nine sizes, including standard mattress dimensions as well as split king. Additionally, the queen upper-flex and king upper-flex options are exclusively compatible with Saatva’s Solaire upper-flex mattress and adjustable base.

Softest

Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set

Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set
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The Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set is engineered for consistent cooling and airflow with a breathable, moisture-wicking blend of cotton and bamboo-derived fabric. You can choose between a standard four-piece set or a seven-piece collection with a duvet cover and extra pillowcases.

Material 70% cotton, 30% viscose
Weave Sateen
Cooling Excellent airflow
Size Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • Ultra-cool cotton and viscose fabric blend
  • Available in 4-piece or 7-piece sets
  • Corner straps and elastic band secure the fitted sheet to your mattress
Cons
  • Pocket depth varies by size
  • Expensive pricing may be a dealbreaker for budget shoppers

If you prefer your bedding silky-smooth, it's hard to beat the Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set. Each item in this collection is composed of 70% cotton and 30% bamboo-derived viscose, ensuring a luxuriously soft hand-feel, and a sateen weave further enhances the softness and drapiness. At the same time, breathable construction helps ensure you won't overheat or sweat too much in bed.

Bamboo-derived viscose is a naturally silky and smooth material. By blending the viscose with natural cotton in a sateen weave, Slumber Cloud has created a sheet set that feels exceptionally soft and gentle on your skin. The sheets drape closely and glide over your skin, making this set a good match for people with acne, eczema, and other conditions that cause skin sensitivity. Since bamboo-derived textiles are generally more resistant to pilling than cotton, this set should also hold up well over time.

The Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set should satisfy anyone who prefers soft, smooth bedding. Hot sleepers can also benefit from the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, as can people who reside in places prone to warm or humid conditions. The pocket depth ranges from 12 to 15 inches, depending on the size you select, so the set may not provide enough reach for some high-profile mattresses. All items in the set can be washed and dried in your household machines. Four neutral colors are available.

Best Cooling

Sijo CrispCool Cotton Sheet Set

Sijo CrispCool Cotton Sheet Set
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The Sijo CrispCool Cotton Sheet Set features crisp fabrication and a breathable percale weave to ensure excellent airflow and consistent cooling. A generous pocket depth and an optional flat sheet add to the appeal of this wallet-friendly bedding collection.

Material 100% GOTS-certified organic long-staple cotton
Weave Sateen
Cooling Excellent airflow
Size Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • 100% long-staple cotton is soft and durable
  • Percale weave gives each item a crisp, breathable finish
  • Option to include or exclude the fitted sheet
Cons
  • Not ideal for people who prefer smooth, drapey sheets
  • Fabric is prone to wrinkling

If you're a hot sleeper, the sheets you choose can have a major impact on the temperature of your sleep surface – for better or worse. Sijo's CrispCool Cotton Sheet Set lives up to its name thanks to breathable cotton fabrication and a crisp, lightweight percale weave that promotes plenty of airflow. Percale bedding also resists pilling and holds up well over time, so the expected lifespan of this sheet set is longer than average. A GOTS certification verifies the cotton has been sustainably grown, cultivated, and processed.

Percale-woven cotton has a very distinctive hand-feel – many liken this fabric to that found in crisp dress shirts. You won't notice much draping from the sheets, and the pillowcases should feel cool to the touch most of the time. Over time, the cotton fibers relax to become softer and more lived-in. Each component is fully machine-washable. Please note the items may wrinkle if you don't remove them directly from the dryer once the cycle has ended.

Many sheet sets are advertised as suitable for hot sleepers, but still manage to retain some heat. The CrispCool sheets and pillowcases are the real deal. Each item feels lightweight and cool to the touch, and the percale weave helps ensure excellent breathability and ample airflow. We also like how the sheets and pillowcases initially feel crisp, but will eventually soften over time without sacrificing thermoregulation or moisture control.

Conversely, the Luxe Starter Bundle features a fitted sheet and pillowcases for those who don’t need a flat sheet. We expect the Luxe Core Sheet Set to appeal to shoppers with tight budgets thanks to its affordable pricing and free shipping across the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a generous sleep trial, allowing you to try the new bedding for up to a year. An additional 1-year limited warranty protects against manufacturing defects.

How We Test

To choose which sheets are the best, we try them ourselves. In our Seattle sleep lab, we test every sheet set in the same categories to help us understand how they’ll feel and perform. Our testers also take sheets home to see how well they hold up in a non-lab setting.

We use every set the same way, examining how their weave, fabric, and thread count feels against the skin. We look carefully at fabric details and research textiles to learn how they were made. Our trials also include breathability and durability tests. In addition to personally trying every set, we also use customer reviews and surveys to get a thorough sense of what real-world users think.

What Types of Sheets Are There?

Many types of sheets are available for today’s shoppers. You can choose from various materials, weaves, and thread counts to find a set that’s comfortable for you. Other considerations that may influence your decision include ease of cleaning, color or pattern, pocket depth, and price. We’ll discuss each of these factors in detail to help you find the ideal sheet set based on your needs and preferences.

Cotton Sheets

Cotton is a widely grown crop used to produce a multitude of different products. For cotton sheets, one of the most important considerations is the staple length, which is the length of individual cotton fibers used in the sheets. Staples fall into three general categories:

  • Short-staple: Shorter than 1.13 inches long
  • Long-staple: 1.13 to 1.38 inches long
  • Extra-long staple: Greater than 1.38 inches long

Longer staples usually produce softer and more durable fabric. Long-staple and extra-long staple (ELS) cotton are associated with high-end bedding. Short-staple cotton, which tends to wear out more quickly and feel rougher, is common in inexpensive sheets.

Beyond staple length, cotton sheets can fall into additional categories based on their composition:

Types of Cotton Used in Sheets

Types of Cotton
Description

Regular

Regular cotton is a generic term for non-organic cotton. There is not a specific staple length or thread count associated with this type of cotton, and it may be constructed using any weave or knit.

Pima

Pima cotton is an extra-long staple variety that originated in Peru. Today, it is grown across the globe. Exceptional softness, consistent breathability, and a long lifespan are some of Pima cotton’s defining traits. Genuine Pima cotton sheets tend to be fairly expensive but durable.

Supima

Supima cotton refers to Pima cotton grown in the U.S. Like traditional Pima, Supima cotton offers luxurious softness and excellent cooling. The extra-long staples also ensure above-average longevity. With proper cleaning and care, you can enjoy Supima cotton sheets for five years or more. Expect steep price-points for non-blended Supima cotton sheets.

Egyptian

Egyptian cotton is another extra-long staple variety known for exceptional softness and breathability. To qualify as genuine Egyptian cotton sheets, each fiber must be traced back to Egypt. However, some manufacturers advertise sheets as Egyptian cotton if they contain even a small percentage of the material. A certification from the Cotton Egypt Association can help you verify the authenticity. Egyptian cotton sheets are typically among the most expensive types of bedding sold today.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown naturally and cultivated without chemical-based fertilizers, pesticides, or fungicides. While organic cotton does not refer to a specific type of plant, it must be grown from non-GMO seeds to qualify. Genuine organic cotton should carry certifications from authoritative organizations, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). You can generally find relevant certifications on the product pages for organic cotton sheet sets.

A lot of times, fiber type is more important than thread count. High-quality Pima cotton with a lower thread count is probably going to last longer than synthetic fiber with a high thread count.

Sheets Made From Other Natural Materials

Cotton is one of the most popular natural fibers for sheets, but it’s not the only option. Other natural materials can also offer superior breathability and durability compared to synthetic alternatives, such as polyester. While you might pay extra for sheets made from natural materials, their cooling abilities and longer lifespans may make them a solid investment.

Other Natural Materials Commonly Used in Sheets

Materials
Description

Linen

Linen is a textile derived from the flax plant. Most linen sheets are initially coarse, but the feel gradually softens. Certain washing techniques during production can relax the fibers to make them softer at first touch. Our testers frequently note linen’s exceptional breathability and durability.

Silk

Silk is derived from cocoons spun by silkworms. While silk bedding is luxuriously soft, smooth, and lustrous, it also tends to be durable. In our tests, silk sheets also usually offer excellent cooling. However, shoppers should be prepared for steep price tags — some silk sheet sets cost thousands of dollars.

Flannel

Flannel sheets can be made from cotton, wool, or polyester. Most flannel sheets are heavy and intended to provide superior insulation on cold nights. The fabric may be brushed to give the sheets a luxuriously soft, fuzzy feel. Otherwise, flannel may feel somewhat coarse. While flannel sheets are a great investment for cold temperatures, they may be too warm during hotter times of the year.

Synthetic Materials and Fabric Blends

Sheets made from synthetic textiles are usually more affordable than those containing natural materials. While synthetic fabrics may not offer the same durability or overall performance as natural fibers, they can be engineered for potentially beneficial qualities, such as stain or wrinkle resistance. It’s also important to note that some fabrics, while technically synthetic, are derived from natural sources. 

Common Synthetic Materials Used in Sheets

Synthetic Materials
Description

Bamboo (Rayon)

Brands often refer to this material simply as bamboo, but it is technically rayon derived from bamboo. Known for exceptional softness and breathability, rayon from bamboo tends to drape well and have a silky appearance. Its resistance to pilling makes it fairly durable.

Tencel Lyocell

Lyocell is a fabric derived from wood pulp, and Tencel is a trademarked type of lyocell that frequently uses eucalyptus tree pulp. Our testers often praise their silky-smooth feel, excellent breathability and moisture control, and wrinkle resistance. Tencel and lyocell sheets can be fairly expensive compared to other synthetic options, but they also tend to be more durable.

Polyester

Polyester is one of the most widely used synthetic fabrics. Sheets made from polyester are typically among the most affordable options, making them accessible for shoppers on a tight budget. They are also widely available online and in stores. In our tests, common drawbacks include limited breathability and a shorter-than-average lifespan.

Microfiber

Microfiber uses extremely fine fibers that may consist of polyester, nylon, cellulose, or other materials. A tight weave makes microfiber sheets wrinkle-resistant and relatively durable. Microfiber sheets are usually affordable. However, they also tend to trap heat and sleep uncomfortably warm in our tests.

Fabric Blends

A fabric blend consists of two or more types of fibers. Fabric blends may combine exclusively natural fibers, just synthetic fibers, or both natural and synthetic components.

Sheet sets often use synthetic blends or blends of synthetic and natural fibers. Cotton and polyester are the most common pairing. Elastic materials, like spandex, may also be used in blends to make sheets stretchy.

Some blends enhance the fabric’s performance by combining the benefits of two types of materials. Blends can also serve as cost-saving measures. Customers interested in premium components without a high price tag might seek out a blend to cut costs. Meanwhile, some manufacturers use blends so that they can advertise the pricier fiber without spending as much on raw materials.

Common Weaves and Knits for Sheets

In addition to the type of material, the weave or knit used to construct sheets can affect factors like softness, breathability, and longevity. Weaves consist of lengthwise warp yarns and crosswise weft yarns floating over and under one another to create a uniform, grid-like pattern. A knit is composed of a single yarn interlooped through itself. We’ll explain the most common weaves and knits used for bedding.

Percale: Percale is a weave with a one-over-one-under pattern. This strong weave results in a signature crisp hand-feel. With subsequent use and laundry cycles, the fibers relax and become softer. Percale bedding tends to be more breathable and better suited to warm weather than sateen sheets.

Sateen: The sateen weave differs from percale in structure. Most often, it uses a four-over-one-under or a three-over-one-under pattern. This results in a dense weave that produces a silky-soft feel and close draping. Sateen sheets may sleep somewhat warmer than percale options, but using a breathable material can offset heat retention.

Twill: The twill weave creates a diagonal rib pattern. This weave is more commonly used for hardier textiles, like furniture upholstery and denim. While twill sheets are fairly rare, they tend to be quite durable. However, they may feel somewhat rough.

Jersey: Jersey is a knit traditionally used for T-shirts, though many sheets incorporate it today. Threads are continuously looped, resulting in a soft, pliable fabric that clings lightly to the skin but also breathes well. Jersey sheets are generally somewhat stretchy. Some integrate spandex or a similarly elastic material for extra stretch. 

Weave is important to consider and you shouldn’t overlook it. A set of cotton sheets with a crisp percale weave is going to feel really different than the same cotton that’s woven using a silky sateen weave.

Good Thread Counts for Different Types of Sheets

Thread count refers to the number of individual threads in one square inch of fabric. Thread count plays a role in breathability, softness, and durability. Historically, higher thread counts have often correlated with higher quality.

However, some brands inflate their numbers to make their sheets appear higher in quality. A common method to justify this is incorporating two-ply or three-ply threads, which consist of more than one yarn twisted together. A brand may count each yarn toward the overall thread count, which increases the number without adding to the sheet’s overall structure.

So while certain thread counts are a good starting point, this is not the most reliable indicator of overall quality.

Common Thread Counts for Quality Sheets

Materials
Thread Count

Cotton

Cotton sheets typically have a minimum thread count of 200 to 400. While a higher thread count may sometimes enhance the quality, our testers generally report little noticeable difference once the thread count reaches 600. Additionally, thread counts over 900 are often inflated, which can make it difficult to assess the true quality.

Bamboo (Rayon)

Rayon derived from bamboo uses fine threads, allowing for a slightly higher thread count. We recommend a thread count of 300 to 500 for a balance of softness and breathability.

Linen

We generally suggest that linen sheets have a thread count between 80 and 140. However, this is rarely listed on product pages. Linen yarns are especially thick, hence the lower range.

Percale Weave

Most high-quality percale sheets have a thread count between 200 to 400. This lightweight weave generally uses fewer threads per square inch than sateen.

Sateen Weave

The denser sateen weave allows for a higher thread count than percale. We recommend sateen sheets in the range of 300 to 600.

Some Materials Are Measured by Weight

Rather than thread count, some sheet fabrics are measured by weight.

  • Silk: The momme unit, or pounds per 100 yards, is used to measure the weight of silk. We recommend silk sheets in the range of 17 to 22 momme.
  • Microfiber: Microfiber is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Most high-quality microfiber sheets fall within a range of 90 to 120 GSM.
  • Flannel: Flannel sheets are also measured in GSM but tend to be heavier than microfiber bedding. Look for a measurement of at least 170 GSM for flannel sheets.
  • Jersey: Jersey sheets typically use GSM, generally hovering around 150 GSM. 

Textile Certifications and Eco-Friendly Solutions

Certifications indicate that sheets have met certain criteria regarding their content, production, or carbon footprint. Most certifications involve a rigorous, multi-tiered evaluation conducted by a certifying organization. While all certifications indicate that sheets have met certain standards, some carry more weight than others. We’ll break down some of the most common certifications for today’s sheets.

Common Textile Certifications

Textile Certification
Description

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification ensures every component of the sheets has been tested for harmful chemicals and substances. This certification is very common in the bedding industry.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

A GOTS certification indicates the materials used to produce sheets are grown, harvested, and manufactured through environmentally and socially responsible means. This certification is considered the gold standard for organic textiles.

USDA Organic

Certain textiles may also receive organic certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture if they are derived from natural materials that meet certain growth and processing standards.

100% Egyptian Cotton

The Cotton Egypt Association certifies bedding and other products made of Egyptian cotton. This certification includes DNA testing to verify that the fiber traces back to Egypt.

Eco-Friendly Solutions for Your Sheets

Sheets made from natural or organic materials produce the smallest carbon footprint. As such, these are widely considered the most eco-friendly bedding options. However, there are measures you can take to lessen your environmental impact if you prefer sheets made of synthetic textiles.

Synthetic sheets can shed fibers when you wash them. Eventually, these fibers can make their way into the water table or oceans, contributing to microplastic pollution. Experts think microplastics may be harmful to human and animal life. Using a specially designed washing bag can help prevent these fibers from escaping your household machine.

Upcycling or reusing old sheets are also eco-friendly solutions for bedding owners. Old sheets can be repurposed for a wide range of uses, such as soil barriers in gardening, coverings for items in your garage or attic, and drop cloths for painting. If your sheets are made entirely from natural materials, they may also be compostable.

About the Author

Director of Product Testing for Sleep Doctor

David Rubin

Director of Product Testing for Sleep Doctor

Position: Side Sleeper

Temperature: Hot Sleeper

Chronotype: Lion

David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity. Since then, David has researched everything from bedtime routines to mattress toppers in his quest for a great night’s sleep.

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