To determine what makes a great set of sheets, textile experts recommend we keep the following in mind:
Below are some highly rated bed sheet options across fabric types — expert recommendations included.
Brooklinen’s Classic Percale Sheet Set is an NBC Select Bed & Bath Award winner and favorite of Dr. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist and functional textile expert. “Percale carries the cool, crisp feel that is great for hot sleepers,” she says. The sheets are Oeko-Tex-certified, which means they’ve been tested independently for harmful substances, according to the brand. You can purchase them in five of Brooklinen’s essential styles as well as six limited-edition styles.
Size: twin to California king | Material: cotton | Thread count: 270 | What’s included: one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
Quince sent NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez a sample of this bamboo sheet set and he says it’s easily one of the softest and most comfortable sets he’s had the privilege of trying. If soft and smooth is your main priority, this is your best bet, especially since they’re almost comparable to silk, both in feel and look, according to Fernandez. “They have a subtle shiny appearance and they’re incredibly soft on my skin, but not so soft that it just slides off as a sleep or toss and turn,” he says.
Size: twin to California king | Material: bamboo | Thread count: 300 | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
An NBC Select Wellness Award winner, these cotton sheets have a sateen weave, which is known for having a particularly smooth feel, according to Fernandez. They’re Oeko-Tex-certified, breathable and soft, yet crisp, according to NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin, who received a sample from the brand for testing. “They remind me of sheets you’d find in a hotel room,” she says. “I’ve slept on them and washed them over a dozen times at this point, and they have not lost their softness or shape at all.” Each set, available in over 20 colors and patterns, includes a fitted sheet that fits both low profile and tall mattresses.
Size: twin to split king | Material: cotton | Thread count: 400 | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet, one pillowcase
This flannel sheet set is ideal for those who get cold easily, especially during the winter, late fall or, depending on where you live, just a chilly evening. The plaid collection, including the flat sheet, has weight to it to keep you warm, according to the brand. Plus, the manufacturers brush the flannel fabric to give it an extremely soft finish. Since flannel is a warm material, you may not even need a comforter or quilt in addition to the flat sheet. The sheet set, which has 4.8-star average rating from 1,622 reviews at L.L. Bean is entirely machine washable and dryable, according to the brand.
Size: Twin to king | Material: flannel | Thread count: n/a | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
These machine-washable sheets, which have a 4.4-star average rating from 5,669 reviews on Amazon, are another good choice for hot sleepers because of their breathable poly-fiber material. They help control moisture and promote airflow, they’re lightweight and have a soft feel, thanks to a high thread count, according to the brand. The sheets are also hypoallergenic, wrinkle-resistant and the material is breathable, according to PeachSkinSheets.
Size: twin to split king | Material: poly-fiber | Thread count: 1,500 | What’s included: one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
Former NBC Select associate editor Nishka Dhawan found Cozy Earth sheets “extremely breathable, even on hot summer nights,” she says. “I’ve machine-washed it over 20 times in the past few months and both the color and the fabric still look and feel as good as new.” Bamboo sheets are also known to be very cooling, great at wicking sweat and extremely soft, according to NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez, who regularly reports on bedding.
Size: twin to split king | Material: bamboo | Thread count: n/a | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
These sheets are made of sustainable, eucalyptus-derived Tencel lyocell, which makes the set naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, cooling and moisture-wicking, according to the brand. NBC Select senior social media editor Rosalie Tinelli, who considers herself a hot sleeper, found herself “consistently missing the cooling effect of these” after the brand sent her a sample for testing. The sheets come in seven colors and are coated in an antimicrobial treatment to slow the spread of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, according to Sijo.
Size: twin to California king | Material: eucalyptus | Thread count: 300 | What’s included: one fitted sheet, two pillowcases, optional top sheet
Boll & Branch’s Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, another NBC Select Wellness Award winner, is made with long-staple cotton, which makes for sheets that are extremely durable and get softer with each wash, according to the brand. They have a subtle sheen and the fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 17 inches tall, according to the brand. They have a 4.8-star average rating from over 11,000 reviews at Boll & Branch and are also Oeko-Tex-certified, too.
“Both of the Boll & Branch options I tested are — and I’m not being hyperbolic — life-changing,” says former NBC Select editor Christina Colizzo, who received samples from the brand. “I’ve always had nice-ish sheets, but these are the softest and most breathable I’ve ever slept on.”
Size: twin to split king | Material: cotton | Thread count: 300 | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
Mellanni’s machine-washable microfiber sheets, which have a 4.5-star average rating from over 350,000 reviews on Amazon, are resistant to fading, stains, shrinking and wrinkling, according to the brand. You can get the sheets with regular sizing or opt for a set with extra-deep pockets, which fit mattresses up to 16 inches tall, according to the brand. They’re also elastic, which means that the fitted sheet stays securely on the edges of the mattress and won’t slip off while you move.
Size: twin to split king | Material: microfiber | Thread count: n/a | What’s included: one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
These sheets, which have a 4.4-star average rating from 3,391 reviews on Amazon, have moisture-wicking properties, which makes them ideal for hot sleepers who sweat often. Plus, they’re soft, breathable and made from a polyester blend. They’re available in seven colors, and they’re resistant to fading or shrinking with continuous use, according to the brand. You can throw them in the dryer on a low-tumble dry setting.
Size: twin to split king | Material: polyester and spandex | Thread-count: n/a | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
These percale weave sheets are made from Egyptian cotton and strike a good balance between feeling structured yet smooth to the touch, says Malin, who received a sample from the brand for testing. The Oeko-Tex-certified sheets soften with each wash, according to Parachute, and comes in eight colors with a fitted sheet and two pillowcases but no top sheet.
They’re “very crisp, lightweight and breathable sheets,” says Malin, adding that they wash well, too.
Size: twin to California king | Material: cotton | Thread count: n/a | What’s included: one fitted sheet, one pillowcase set
The soft, lightweight and cooling feel of this set is why it earned one of our Bed & Bath Awards. NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, a hot sleeper, finds the sheets to be very light: “I didn’t feel hot or sweaty once throughout the night,” she says. The sheets come in 17 different colors and patterns, and also have a matching linen bag for easy storage when they’re not in use.
Size: twin to California king | Material: linen | Thread count: n/a | What’s included: one top sheet, one fitted sheet, two pillowcases
These machine-washable sheets are made from European flax and are Oeko-Tex-certified, according to Brooklinen. They’re also a favorite of NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider (who received them from the brand) and included in our guide to the best cooling sheets. “These are the only sheets I want to use come summertime,” Schneider says. “As a hot sleeper, I really noticed a difference when using these. They’re softer than other linen sheets I’ve tried, which can be incredibly stiff at first. These don’t feel like sandpaper and keep me from overheating at night.”
Size: twin to California king | Material: linen | Thread count: n/a | What’s included: one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
“These sheets have a luxurious look and feel and cover multiple categories: breathable, durable and comfortable,” says Ilyas. They’re machine washable, made from cotton and are Oeko-Tex–certified, according to the brand. The included fitted sheet can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches deep and each set is available in two colors.
Size: queen to California king | Material: cotton | Thread count: n/a | What’s included: one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
Malin says these Target Threshold sheets taught her that “you don’t need to spend over $100 to get a great set.” They’re made from a durable 100% cotton sateen and are Oeko-Tex certified, according to the brand. “They’re soft, smooth and keep me cool throughout the night, and their color and pattern hasn’t faded despite me washing them dozens of times over the two years that I’ve owned them,” she says.
Size: twin to California king | Material: cotton | Thread count: 400 | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcase
These sheets, which have a 4.6-star average rating from 28,397 reviews on Amazon, are made from jersey knit cotton, which is different in both texture and structure compared to woven sheets made from the same fabric. Jersey knit sheets are particularly stretchy, according to the brand, in addition to being soft. They’re good for warm sleepers or those who live in hot climates, according to Ilyas, they’re machine-washable and Oeko-Tex-certified, according to the brand.
Size: twin to king | Material: cotton | Thread count: n/a | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases
These sheets, which have a 4.3-star average rating from 117 reviews on Amazon, are 100% silk charmeuse (the type of weave), as opposed to a blend of different fabrics. The shrink-resistant, smooth texture of the sheets reduces friction and wrinkling, according to the brand. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and machine-washable.
Size: queen and king | Material: silk | Thread count: 600 | What’s included: fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases
Fabric that feels smooth enough to fall asleep in isn’t the only priority when shopping for bed sheets. Our experts say several key factors, including thread count and materials like cotton, flannel and microfiber, also matter.
When you’re looking for a new set of bedsheets, the two main features to consider are the sheet’s fabric and its weave, according to our experts. Fabric refers to a textile’s thread type, be it cotton, linen, bamboo or silk, while weave refers to how fibers are brought together. Weaves impact how a sheet feels, according to our experts.
Jersey sheets
Jersey sheets are made primarily of 100% cotton or cotton blends with synthetic fibers and are similar to the fabric of T-shirts, according to Ilyas. The construction of jersey fabric is knit, and just like a T-shirt, jersey is soft and breathable, she says. “It is meant for warmer climates as it keeps your skin a little cooler, but they’re not as durable as sateen or percale, given the knit construction.”
Linen sheets
If you aren’t afraid of some extra ironing, linen is a classic, natural bedding option made from flax plant fibers. It’s breathable, durable and great for moisture-wicking, according to our experts. Linen is also considered an eco-friendly product given its recyclable and biodegradable qualities, says Ilyas. “Its lightweight quality also makes it a favorable option for those that tend to get ‘overheated’ at night,” she says.
Flannel sheets
Flannel sheets are the ideal option for cold weather to keep sleepers cozy all night while remaining breathable, our experts say. Although flannel doesn’t wrinkle easily, its fluffy fibers can easily form into fuzzballs.
Bamboo sheets
Bamboo sheets are soft, durable, breathable and oftentimes more expensive than cotton or flannel sheets. It comes in different weaves like sateen and percale and many brands are also antibacterial and hypoallergenic if you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergies.
Cotton sheets
Not all cotton sheets are created equal — they vary greatly in how they feel against your skin based on their construction, weave and thread count, according to Ilyas. Each type of cotton — Tencel, Egyptian cotton, Organic cotton, Pima cotton and American Upland — have a different feel. “Blends with polyester and other materials make these sheets a little more wrinkle-resistant and softer to touch,” says Ilyas. But before deciding on cotton, Ilyas suggests considering your preferences when it comes to warmth overnight. “Many of my patients that struggle with hot flashes in the middle of the night may find cotton sheets more likely to trap in moisture and heat and not love this material,” says Ilyas. “However, many people in cooler and colder climates may prefer these to stay warmer at night.”
Silk sheets
Silk sheets are made from silkworms and are prized for their extremely soft texture and sheen. Silk is often confused with satin, which is a more affordable fabric that emulates the texture of silk. Compared to other textiles, silk is a fabric that repels moisture and prevents the absorption of droplets, which may be of benefit to those with acne-prone or eczema-prone skin , according to Ilyas.
Percale sheets
Typically made from 100% cotton, percale sheets usually have a matte-like finish since the weave doesn’t take on the shine of sateen or other cotton weaves, according to Ilyas. “Due to the construction, the fabric is lightweight and very breathable,” she says. Percale sheets are a great option for those who sleep hot or live in warmer, more humid environments. “I also have many patients that sleep with a humidifier on for eczema and other skin conditions and tend to find that percale is a good option here too because some patients will feel like their sheets feel damp if they choose a different weave or blend,” Ilyas says.
Sateen sheets
Sateen sheets, unlike percale, have cotton threads that are tightly woven in the same style as silk, and like silk, are very soft and sometimes have a shiny appearance. A few downsides of sateen, however, are that the sheets’ sheen can fade over time with wash and they aren’t as cooling as percale.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Justin Redman is a former reporter at NBC Select, Lauren Levy is a former contributor at NBC Select and Nishka Dhawan is a former associate editor at NBC Select.
Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select, where he reports on bedding, mattresses, home and kitchen.
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