A luxurious mattress and a pricey set of pillows won’t promise a good night’s sleep if they’re paired with low-quality sheets. If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, it may be time to invest in a great set of bed sheets, that will keep you comfy and cool through the night.
“Your bedroom should be a haven of comfort,” says Pamela O’Brien, principal interior designer at Pamela Hope Designs. “I believe it’s worth the extra effort to make sure you create a bed you love and that helps you relax.”
To help you shop for the best sheets, we spoke to experts across disciplines, from dermatologists to interior designers. Below, you can find their tips on what to look for in a great set of sheets, some of their top picks and highly rated sheets we chose based on their guidance.
SKIP AHEAD How to pick the best bed sheets| Best bed sheets of 2023 | How to shop for the best bed sheets
Our top picks
- Best overall/editor’s pick: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
- Best for hot sleepers: PeachSkinSheets Night Sweats Soft Sheet Set
- Best budget pick: California Design Den
How to pick the best bed sheets
To determine what to look for in the best bed sheets, we spoke to textile experts. This is what they say to keep in mind:
- Material: Linen, cotton, satin and flannel are all common materials in bed sheets. They all offer different benefits, which we outline below. For our list, we included options made from a variety of materials.
- Size: Almost every bed sheet is available in twin to king sizes. Some options are also available in California King and split king.
- Machine washable: All of our picks are machine-washable, but keep in mind that their recommended dryer settings (and the type of laundry detergent you’ll want to use) differ by item.
The best bed sheets to buy in 2023
Based on guidance from the experts we consulted, we compiled some highly-rated bed sheets. We included options across fabric types and got some specific recommendations from experts as well. All of our recommendations have at least a 4-star average from more than 100 reviewers.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
“I’ve owned Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheet set for over a year now and find it extremely breathable, even on hot summer nights,” says Select associate editor Nishka Dhawan, “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.” It’s gentle on sensitive skin and extremely soft, according to the brand.
Size: Twin to split king| What’s included: Fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
Parachute Percale Sheet Set
These percale weave sheets are made from Egyptian cotton and strike a good balance between feeling structured yet smooth to the touch, says Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. The Oeko-Tex certified sheets soften with each wash, according to Parachute. The set 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 washed well, too.
Size: Twin to California king| What’s included: One fitted sheet, one pillowcase set
California Design Den
Winner of our 2023 Wellness Awards, these 400-thread-count cotton sheets are 100% cotton and have a sateen weave. They’re Oeko-Tex certified and both breathable and cool, and soft, yet crisp, according to Malin. “They remind me of sheets you’d find in a hotel room,” says Malin. “ 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 comes with one flat sheet, fitted sheet (that fits both low profile and tall mattresses) and pillowcases and are available in over 20 colors and patterns.
Size: Twin to split king | What’s included: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, one pillowcase
Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
Boll & Branch’s Signature Hemmed Sheet set is also a Wellness Awards winner and is made with long-staple cotton, which means “the sheets are incredibly soft but durable,” says Lindsay Stedman, a stylist and former textile technologist for Ralph Lauren and Victoria's Secret. The machine-washable sheets, which have a 4.8-star average rating from over 11,000 Boll & Branch reviews, are Oeko-TEX certified, too. Plus, it’s designed to get softer with every wash.
“Both of the Boll & Branch options I tested are – and I'm not being hyperbolic – life-changing”, says former editor Christina Colizzo. “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| What’s included: Fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
Mellanni Bed Sheet Set - Brushed Microfiber 1800 Bedding
Mellanni’s machine-washable microfiber sheets are resistant to fades, stains, shrinking and wrinkles, according to the brand. They’ve got a 4.5-star average rating from over 341,000 Amazon reviewers and can be bought with extra deep pockets if you have a thicker mattress. The edges have elastic sewn in to give these sheets, which come in over 40 colors, a snug fit on your bed.
Size: Twin to split king | What’s included: One fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
PeachSkinSheets Night Sweats Soft Sheet Set
These machine-washable sheets, which come in 24 colors, are “hands down the best all-around sheets for hot sleepers,” says Stedman. “ They are made from performance poly-fiber which wicks away sweat in order to stay drier and cooler.” The 1,500 thread count sheets are also hypoallergenic and the material is breathable, according to PeachSkinSheets. They’re also wrinkle-resistant, as well as antimicrobial, according to the brand.
Size: Twin to split king | What’s included: One fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheet Set
Brooklinen’s Classic Percale Sheet Set is a 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. Stedman agrees, calling the set “the perfect percale sheet if you are after that classic cool and crisp hand feel.” The sheets are made with a 270-thread count weave and 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 like solid white and a striped pattern (as well as six limited edition styles like a ginger color or garden patchwork print).
Size: Twin to California king | What’s included: One fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
Sheex Performance Sheet Set
This Sheex performance set comes recommended by Stedman for its moisture-wicking properties and its soft, breathable feel that comes from polyester and spandex materials. The sheets, which are available in seven colors, shouldn’t fade or shrink with continuous use, according to the brand. Plus, you can throw them in the dryer on a low-tumble dry setting.
Size: Twin to split king | What’s included: Fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set
“These linen sheets from Brooklinen really hit all the marks,” Stedman says. “They are a washed, 100% linen that gives it that perfect lived-in feel with little shrinkage after washing.” The machine-washable sheets are made from European flax and are Oeko-TEX certified, according to Brooklinen. They’re also a favorite of Select editor Lindsay Schneider and featured 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 | What’s included: One fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
Nordstrom 400 Thread Count Organic Cotton Sateen Sheet Set
“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| What’s included: One fitted sheet, one flat sheet and two pillowcases
Boll & Branch Flannel Solid Sheet Set
This flannel bedding set is popular among experts we consulted, who recommend these sheets for their softness and warmth. While flannel sheets are traditionally warmer, these 100% organic cotton sheets are surprisingly breathable, according to our experts. They might feel a little oversized when you first purchase them, but after a few washes, they’ll be the right fit, according to the brand.
Size: Twin to split king| What’s included: Fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (numbers vary based on size)
Related
How to shop for bed sheets
Fabric that feels smooth enough to fall asleep in for eight hours a night isn’t the only priority when shopping for bed sheets. Experts told us to consider several key factors, including thread count and materials like cotton, flannel and microfiber.
- Material: Different materials suit some people’s sleep needs better than others. Bedding made from bamboo, cotton or microfiber is best for hot sleepers because of its cooling properties, whereas a material like flannel is better if you tend to cool down quickly on winter nights, according to Stedman. Some sheets might say they’re organic, but that can be misleading. “The word organic can still be ascribed to cotton that utilizes certified organic crops even if it has been chemically modified with finishes or dyes,” he says. For example, if your goal is to buy organic cotton sheets to avoid added chemicals in the production process, Ilyas suggests looking for undyed organic cotton to meet your goals instead.
- Thread count: Thread count is a measure of the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, according to the Sleep Foundation. It is essentially how tightly woven the fabric is. Thread count is important, but emphasized that it’s not the end-all-be-all, according to Stedman. High-quality materials with high-quality weaves — how the individual fibers are brought together — “can still feel great” regardless of the thread count, she says. Conversely, a high thread count may not mean much if the materials are poor and the construction is shoddy.
- Oeko-TEX certification: Look for sheets with Oeko-TEX certification, which ensures that no harmful substances were involved in the manufacturing of a product. “The goal of this certification process is to try to add another level of consumer confidence for a growing concern about textiles, human health and our environment,” Ilyas says.
Types of materials
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. Below, we’re sharing fabrics and weaves.
Fabrics
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, not woven, 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.” One thing to note about them? Stretchy Jersey sheets don’t often stay in place and may come loose on your bem even if they’re fitted, according to Susan Peters, owner of and an interior designer at 9108 Designs.
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 told us. Although flannel does not wrinkle easily, its fluffy fibers can easily form into fuzzballs, our experts say.
Bamboo sheets
Bamboo sheets are soft, durable, breathable and oftentimes more expensive than cotton or flannel sheets. This material is available in different weaves like sateen and percale and is also antibacterial as well as hypoallergenic if you have sensitive skin and are prone to allergies. “People with sensitive skin may want to use hypoallergenic sheets which can help to minimize moisture, dust and mildew,” says Peters.
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 — offers 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
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.
Weaves
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, have a somewhat shiny appearance. One downside of sateen is that the sheets’ sheen can fade over time with wash.
One last note: If you’re not sure about what sheet is best for you, O’Brien suggests first ordering a pillowcase of the same material to test it out. This way you can see for yourself if the color, softness, pattern or build is right for you.
Meet our experts
At 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.
- Pamela O’Brien is a principal interior designer at Pamela Hope Designs.
- Dr. Erum Ilyas is a board-certified dermatologist and functional textile expert.
- Lindsay Stedman is a stylist and former textile technologist for Ralph Lauren and Victoria's Secret.
- Susan Peters is the owner of and an interior designer at 9108 Designs.
Why trust Select?
Justin Redman and Lauren Levy were formerly reporters for Select on NBC News.
Niska Dhawan is an associate commerce editor at NBC Select.
For this article, Justin, Lauren and Nishka spoke to textile experts about bed sheets and included top-rated options based on expert guidance.
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