Louise Oliphant
Upgrade your sleep routine with the best bed sheets on the market. Our sleep editors got to work tested dozens of sets and picked our favorite options.
The sheets we rate the highest below are the best of the best, otherwise, we've narrowed this guide down by bed sheet material — from cotton to linen, bamboo, and microfiber. There's something for everyone.
Whether you've recently moved in or you're on the hunt for a crisp white set that you can rely on year-round, here are our favorites. If it's fancy, seasonal bedding that you're searching for, then don't miss our best bedding sets guide for fun designs that are trending now.
The best bed sheets — by material
We've tested a bunch of the best bed sheets, as rated by shoppers or created by some of our favorite bedding brands such as Brooklinen, Cozy Earth, Comphy... and more.
For photo purposes, the bed sheets in this guide have been featured in white. The majority of the sheets below also come in other colors though, FYI.
The best cotton bed sheets
Let's kick things off with cotton bed sheets. This is arguably the most popular material of bed sheets — and sometimes it's one of the most affordable. Here are our three favorites...
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Material: 100% long-staple cotton
Thread count: 480
Set includes: Fitted Sheet, Flat Sheet, 2 Pillowcases, 1 Duvet Cover, and 2 extra Pillowcases
Colors: 7 (+4 patterns)
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $363
+ Luxurious satin finish
+ Great value for money
+ Pattern options available
- Needs ironing after washing
- Expensive
Our reviewer Jaclyn is obsessed with these Brooklinen sheets. So much so that we've put them first on our list of cotton bed sheets. And, if you don't believe us, 86,000 other reviewers can vouch for the fact they're worth your money, too. Jaclyn loves the luxurious satin finish that, after almost two years, still looks as good as new. She did note that they do get super wrinkly after washing, though.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Material: 100% cotton
Thread count: 400
Set includes: 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, and pillowcase(s)
Colors: 15 patterns
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $35
+ 15 patterns
+ Inexpensive
- Prone to creasing after wash
- No plain colors
Target has always been a reliable source for bedding basics. Threshold (its own line) has nailed a collection of prints with perfect designs in everything from florals to geometrics — all for a small price. This set has 8,000 positive reviews from shoppers, with most commenting on how well they fit and how comfortable they are. Though FYI: if you can't stand wrinkles, you'll have to iron it after washing.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Material: 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton percale
Thread count: Not listed
Set includes: 1 fitted sheet, 1 pillowcase set
Colors: 9
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $129
+ Mid-range price
+ Cooling
- Top sheet costs extra
Parachute found that 40% of Americans sleep without a top sheet, so they wanted to create a bedding bundle with just the essentials. Nothing more, nothing less. This set is designed to last and is made from high-quality Egyptian cotton, finished with a crisp percale cotton weave that makes them lightweight, breathable, and cool to the touch for a hotel-fresh finish. Shoppers give them 4+ stars and most comment on how perfect they are for summer and warmer climates, while others say they are worth the extra money. The colors are also muted and cute, too!
The best linen bed sheets
Linen sheets are durable, soft and they look super expensive. Hence why they are so popular! Though they do come at a price tag, as you'd expect, you can rely on these three to bring your bedroom up to scratch...
Sizes: Twin, queen, king, California king
Material: 100% linen
Thread count: Not listed
Set includes: 2 standard pillowcases, 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet
Colors: 13 (+3 patterns)
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $325
+ Prewashed for softness
+ Low maintenance relaxed look
+ Pattern options available
- Expensive
Lightweight and breathable linen sheets are an excellent match for anyone who wants to keep cool overnight and avoid ironing pretty much altogether. Cultiver takes comfort very seriously and pre-washes all of its bedding. Seriously, it's one of the few linen sheets made with European Flax we've tried that were soft enough to put onto the bed straight out of the (plastic-free) packaging. Our reviewer Jaclyn loved hers, though they do come at a rather hefty price tag.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king
Material: 100% European flax
Thread count: 150GSM
Set includes: Fitted sheet and pillowcase(s)
Colors: 11
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $79.90
+ Affordable
+ Fits deep mattresses
- Takes a few washes to get soft
Linen sheets are definitely an investment, but Quince has managed to take away the sticker shock with more than affordable European flax bedding. If you're in love with a set from a big-name brand, you can get around $100 off by picking these just-as-chic sheets. You'll have to give them a wash before you put them on the bed though as they're a little stiff at first, but they get softer with each wash, trust our reviewer Jaclyn who found hers a dream to sleep under.
Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal king
Material: 100% French flax
Thread count: 160GSM
Set includes: Flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcases
Colors: 13 (+3 patterns)
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $289
+ Beautiful hem detail
+ Sustainably sourced
+ Pattern options available
- Will naturally shed
Not only are The Citizenry's sheets sourced from one of the oldest family-run mills in Portugal in a fair trade environment, but they're also stonewashed for added softness. The hems of the flat sheet and pillowcases also have a beautiful eyelet detail. In addition to the pretty colors, they're also available in chic gingham and stripe, too. We're yet to review this set ourselves, but more than 800 reviewers gave it five stars out of five. Shoppers say this set ticks all the boxes and feels so lovely, while it's great for hot or cold sleepers.
The best bamboo bed sheets
Bamboo bedding is quickly becoming one of the most preferred bedding materials, as it is naturally cooling and softer than you might expect. Here are our top three bamboo bed sheets to shop today.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Material: 100% premium viscose from bamboo fabric
Thread count: Not listed
Set includes: 1 flat (top) sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
Colors: 7
OEKO-TEK certified: No
Price from: $339
+ Great quality
+ Eco-friendly
+ Cooling
+ Durable
+100-night trial
+ 10-year warranty
- Expensive
This set from Cozy Earth gets our editor-in-chief Melissa's approval. She's been using them for three years now, and she really rates their durability. They're buttery soft to the touch and they wash so well, which is impressive seeing as they're totally eco-friendly, too. She mostly loves how they're cooling — though they never make you chilly. They may be a bit of a splurge but believe us: these are the freshest sheets around.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Material: Bamboo lyocell
Thread count: Not listed
Set includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcase(s)
Colors: 12
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $180
+ Eco-friendly
+ Luxurious sateen finish
+ Hypoallergenic
+ 30-night trial
- Slept sweaty for some
Ettitude has its own proprietary fabric called CleanBamboo that uses 500 times less water and produces 52% less CO₂ than cotton during production, meaning they're even better for the environment. Beyond being incredibly soft, these slick sheets look super chic and come in a ton of colors, too. Our reviewer Lousie claims they boast a silky finish that just makes her rather plain bedroom look luxurious. But even better: the smooth bamboo is kind on her sensitive skin and is simply just cozy AF. It also comes inside a bag (made from scrap fabric) and the fitted sheet has a top/bottom label to make your life easier.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Material: Bamboo viscose
Thread count: 250
Set includes: Pillowcase, flat sheet, fitted sheet
Colors: 16
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $64.99
+ Super affordable
+ Cooling
- No trial or warranty
This Amazon choice bedding set from Bedsure has racked up almost 50,000 positive reviews from customers, with a 4.5-star overall rating. Made from bamboo viscose, these cool-to-the-touch sheets (in some super stylish color choices) won't cost you — or the earth. Reviewers say how cool they are to sleep under, and how perfect they are because they don't crease. They also apparently dry nice and fast... result!
The best microfiber bed sheets
Microfiber sheets are some of the most affordable sheets you can buy — but that doesn't mean they aren't high quality. Our three favorite sets are among the most reasonably priced sheets in this guide, and they wash incredibly well...
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Material: Microfiber Twill
Thread count: Not listed
Set includes: Flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcase(s)
Colors: 11
OEKO-TEK certified: No
Price from: $144
+ Cooling
+ High quality
+ Anti-crease
+ Recyclable
Our reviewer Annie is sleeping under these bed sheets right now and says they are seriously luxurious. In fact, she thinks they are the closest thing to hotel bed sheets she's ever owned. They're super soft and really easy to clean — plus they dry mega fast. They're great for use in the summer as they're nice and cooling, and the fitted sheet stays where it's meant to be. This set also comes neatly tucked into a bag (though you'll probably never be able to wrestle the entire set back in there, FYI). The best part? They're recyclable after use.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king
Material: 100% Polyester
Thread count: 170
Set includes: Pillowcase(s), flat sheet, fitted sheet
Colors: 5
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $9.50
+ Super affordable set
+ Washes well
+ Great for students
- No patterns
Another editor favorite, these affordable sheets from Target took Melissa through college. In fact, they were the only sheets she slept on from high school through college! She claims they were SO soft and a piece of cake to wash (and held up great). Considering their super affordable price, this is incredible. What's more? They come in a range of solid colors and shoppers even give them a high star rating, too.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Material: 100% Microfiber
Thread count: Not listed
Set includes: Flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcase(s)
Colors: 29 (+11 patterns)
OEKO-TEK certified: Yes
Price from: $46.37
+ So many colors
+ Super cheap
+ Extra deep sizes
- Not made to last for years
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a small fortune on a great pair of sheets. With more than 350,000 (!!) positive reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-star rating, it's safe to say that Mellanni's bedding is a fan fave among the Amazon crowd. These sheets are super-soft, great quality, and stylish with an embroidered edge. All this for a fair price? Consider us sold. Reviewers mostly rave about how they are wrinkle-free and super soft considering the price.
What to consider when choosing bed sheets
- Size: Bedding isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. In addition to buying sheets that match your bed size, you'll need to take the depth of your bed into consideration, too. Make no mistake, most mattresses are compatible with a traditional set of sheets. However, if your mattress’ height exceeds 14 inches, you’ll likely need to invest in deep-pocket sheets. Since deep pocket sheets have some extra fabric, they stretch over the extra height and offer a snug, non-constricting, fit.
- Material: When it comes to shopping for bedding, there’s a good chance you prioritize softness above all else. After all, nobody wants to spend those precious eight hours wrapped in stiff, scratchy sheets. However, the type of fabric you choose can play a huge role in your bedding’s overall comfort. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like bamboo or linen are ideal for the summer or for anyone who runs hot when they sleep. Conversely, heavier fabrics like flannel and cashmere will come in handy once the temperature drops. If you’re looking for middle-of-the-road bedding you can use year-round, opt for a cotton material like percale or sateen.
- Finish: The finish of sheets is just as important as the material. Before you add some new bedding to your cart, check out the fine print. Anyone who is prone to pesky allergens will want to buy sheets that are hypoallergenic or made with materials that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Want your bedding to get Mother Nature’s seal of approval? Keep an eye out for sheets with Fair Trade, OEKO-TEK, or even GOTS certification.
FAQs
Does thread count matter?
For years, it's been believed that your bedding thread count matters — the higher your thread count is, the softer it will feel. However, a lot of top bedding brands like Brooklinen and Parachute claim thread count isn’t as important as we once thought.
Thread count is determined by the number of vertical and horizontal strands in one square inch. While this may sound appealing, it could actually result in thicker, coarser threads, making it heavy and hot. According to Brooklinen, anything over a 500-thread count should raise some eyebrows. Instead, prioritize quality. High-quality, single-ply bedding may have a lower thread count, but there’s a good chance it’ll be softer and more durable than those 800-thread-count sheets that seem too good to be true.
What’s the difference between percale and sateen?
This may come as a surprise to you, but not all cotton sheets are created equal, and they often fall into two categories — sateen and percale. Their nuanced weave patterns make a difference.
Percale’s simple one-over-one-under weave typically results in crisp sheets with a matte finish. Sateen, on the other hand, uses an intricate four-over-one-under weave to create a luxurious, silky feel.
When is the best time to buy bedding?
Looking to save some money on cheap bedding? You can snag a great deal around seasonal sales like Black Friday or even Amazon Prime Day in the summer and fall. these large sales events typically include sleep products like mattresses, comforters, and bed sheets.
How we test bed sheets
All our reviews are based on the real-life experience of using these sheets at home, many of which have been used (and washed) many times over. We contact the brands behind these bedding sets who will send them to one of our writers or editors to review. They then sleep under these sheets and wash them a couple of times before noting their verdict. Only the best picks end up in this guide.
These gorgeous bedding sets are often given to us free of charge, and due to the personal nature of bedding, we have been able to keep our samples. These are our favorite bedding sets based on factors like quality of construction, material, breathability, color options, value for the money, and ease of care.
All of the products in this guide with a star rating have been reviewed by a member of the Real Homes team. Ones without a star rating have been chosen purely based on their customer reviews.
As Real Homes' previous ecommerce editor, Louise tested the Ettitude Signature Sateen Sheet Set. Jaclyn was previously our sleep editor and former ecommerce editor at Homes & Gardens. She knows her stuff when it comes to great bedding and tested the Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set, the Cultiver Linen Sheet Set, and the Quince European Linen Fitted Sheet Set.
For a truly luxe experience, consider investing in some hotel-style bedding. From fluffy duvets to high-thread-count sheets, your bed will transform into a cloud. Look forward to your best sleep ever.
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