Cotton is well-known for its softness, breathability and durability, making it an excellent choice for bedding. However, not all cotton sheet sets are created equal. The best cotton sheets are so comfortable they make you excited to jump into bed, and they stand the test of time after countless cycles through the washing machine. My top pick for 2024 is Brooklinen’s Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set; made with long-staple cotton, a comfortable 480 thread count and a breathable sateen weave, these sheets proved themselves to be the best of the best after I tested dozens of different linens.
The Coyuchi Sheets are among the best cotton sheets on the market and boast a comfy, crisp feel.
Ahead, you’ll find my list of other sheets that stood out as quality choices, including the best hotel-style cotton sheets and the ideal sheets for hot sleepers. I personally tested each of these picks and selected them for their comfort, durability and ability to accommodate specific needs.
These sheets from Brooklinen have more than 22,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on the company’s site, making them one of the brand’s most popular sheet sets. This set has a sateen weave, which gives them a buttery-smooth feel and a slight sheen. The tightly woven fabric and 480 thread count make these sheets feel cozy enough for year-round use. They’re also made with long-staple cotton, which is a softer material than regular cotton, more durable and less prone to pilling.
For added convenience, the fitted sheet has “long” and “short” side labels, which eliminates the corner guessing game that comes with making your bed. Plus, the set has softened with each wash. The sheets are also free from a number of harmful substances since they’re Oeko-Tex certified. The Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set is available in 16 colors, so there’s something for every bedroom aesthetic. They come in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king sizes. The twin and twin XL sets include one pillowcase, and the king and California king sets include two king-size pillowcases.
What our tester says: I slept on these sheets, and they are one of my favorite sheet sets out of the dozens I’ve tested. When friends ask for sateen sheet recommendations, these are my go-to pick. They are soft and the perfect thickness—not too thin or thick. I keep them in regular rotation on my bed. If you like a cozy sateen sheet, you will adore these.
Expert tip: The sheets feel a little stiff after unboxing, but they’re perfectly comfortable after one or two cycles through your washing machine. They get softer with each wash.
Lands’ End is known for its premium products, and I especially love its 5-ounce cotton flannel sheets. If you’re looking for extra-cozy sheets, these are brushed on both sides, which gives them a soft, velvety texture. Oftentimes, cheaper flannel sheets will be brushed only on one side of the fabric, so the sheet feels somewhat rough and thin on the other side, but that’s not an issue with these. In addition, Lands’ End combs the soft cotton to remove shorter fibers for better durability and reduced pilling. According to the brand, the sheets are made in Portugal by master weavers with decades of experience for the highest-quality sheets.
These flannel bed sheets are lightweight but warm, making them great for chilly days when a comforter or blanket isn’t quite enough. They are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king sizes. These linens fit mattresses up to 14 inches thick, and the fitted sheet has elastic all the way around to keep it secured on the bed. Choose from an assortment of soothing colors such as Bering Sea Blue, Light Stone, Deep Balsam and more. For added personalization, you can have the sheets monogrammed.
What our testers say: This is one of my favorite sets of flannel sheets. Lands’ End really delivers on its reputation for high-quality bedding with these sheets. I love the plush feel of the flannel, and the weight is perfect for keeping me warm, but I don’t get so hot that I overheat. Some flannel sheets I’ve tried are thin and rough, but these are extremely soft and cozy.
Expert tip: Wash and dry these a few times before using to get rid of any extra lint.
According to Coyuchi, this is one of the brand’s most popular sheet styles, which isn’t a surprise to me considering how comfortable they are. This set has a tightly woven, 300 thread count percale weave that promotes a cool and breathable feel, making them an especially good choice for warm sleepers. You can rest easy since they’re made with 100% organic cotton and have a plethora of certifications such as GOTS, Fair Trade, 1% for the Planet and Made Safe.
Each set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet and accompanying pillowcases, but there’s also the option to buy individual pieces. The set is available in most regular sizes: twin, full, queen, king and California king. Choose from beautiful colors like Alpine White, Undyed, Stone and Juniper.
What our testers say: These are some of the crispest percale sheets that I have tested. They have that just-ironed feel, like you’re sleeping in a hotel. These sheets are comfortable enough to sleep with year-round, but I especially love them for summer since they are breathable and crisp.
Expert tip: To minimize wrinkles, remove them from the dryer right when the cycle finishes and make your bed with them.
The Company Store Legends Hotel sheets give your mattress a high-end feel that compares to a comfortable bed at the Four Seasons. They’re made from Supima cotton, which is grown in the U.S. and has a longer staple length than regular cotton—meaning these sheets are softer and stronger. They also have a wrinkle-free sateen finish that gives them a soft and smooth feel. With a 450 thread count, they are thick enough for chilly temperatures but light enough for year-round use.
With 17 colors to choose from, The Company Store’s Supima cotton sheets can fit almost every bedroom. The standard-pocket sheets fit mattresses up to 18 inches tall, but there is also a deep-pocket option that can accommodate a mattress up to 20 inches thick. The fitted sheet has elastic around the entire sheet edge to ensure it stays in place. You also won’t have to worry about harmful substances since these are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. The Company Store also offers an option for personalization: You can add a monogram for $18 per sheet set.
What our testers say: You can tell these sheets are made with high-quality cotton right away. When I sleep on these, the material feels soft and smooth. The 450 thread count gives them a heavier feel than many sheets, so they’re ultra cozy. I also love that they’re wrinkle-resistant, so my bed looks clean and crisp without having to drag out the iron.
Expert tip: Choose the pocket size closest to the thickness of your bed for the best fit. If it’s 18 inches or taller, go with the deep-pocket sheets.
The Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set keeps warm sleepers in mind with a breathable and lightweight feel. It provides better airflow due to its open percale weave and 270 thread count, which helps keep you cooler on hot and humid nights. And with a matte finish, these sheets won’t feel like they’re clinging to your skin.
For extra convenience, the fitted sheet is labeled “short” and “long” on each side, so making the bed is just as breezy as sleeping in it. The Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set comes with pillowcases that have envelope closures to keep your pillow from slipping out. Sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king. Choose from 10 colors and prints with an additional 5 seasonal colors that are available for a limited time.
What our testers say: Brooklinen’s percale sheets are so crisp and lightweight. I especially like them in the summer because they don’t cling to my damp skin like some other types of sheets. These also dry very quickly if I happen to sweat. Plus, the “short” and “long” side labels are very helpful when I make the bed.
Expert tip: Consider these sheets if you or your partner sleep hot because they are breathable and help wick moisture away.
The Garnet Hill Solid Wrinkle-Resistant Sateen Sheets bring you the best of both worlds: a subtle, luxurious sheen and the hassle-free ease of minimal wrinkling. I’ve owned a solid-colored version of these sheets in the past and can attest to them looking smooth and fresh out of the dryer with very little wrinkling, which eliminates the need for ironing.
These linens are made with a 400 thread count, which gives them a thicker and cozier feel than your average sheets. The long-staple cotton is also combed, so they’re soft and durable. Elastic runs all the way around the edge of the fitted sheet for a secure fit on the bed, and the sheets fit mattresses up to 15 inches. With the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, you won’t have to worry about a number of harmful substances.
There are eight colors to choose from, and size options include full, queen, king and California king. (Just note that the pieces are sold separately, so you’ll need to individually order a flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcases.)
What our testers say: The Garnet Hill sateen sheets are a reliable choice for people who want a clean look less prone to kinks and wrinkles. The sheets resist wrinkles much better than regular linens, so I don’t have to worry about pulling them out of the dryer right away.
Expert tip: Smooth out any deep creases in the sheets after washing them but before putting them in the dryer. Putting them on the bed immediately after drying helps to cut down on wrinkles.
How I Tested The Best Cotton Sheets
When choosing the best cotton sheets, I used my experience testing dozens of popular cotton sheets from well-known brands. I considered each sheet’s properties and specifications, including cotton type, weave, thread count and breathability, to choose a variety of cotton sheets to suit different preferences.
I featured only those picks that were personally tested by me or other Forbes Vetted editors and contributors—so we can vouch for their quality. A few picks on this list are ones that I’ve owned for a few years and are in regular rotation on my bed. I also relied on my textile knowledge from working in product development and quality assurance at a home textiles company (as well as at Nike), along with my degrees in mechanical engineering and apparel and textile design.
What To Look For In Cotton Sheets
Though shopping for cotton sheets might seem simple—it’s just one fiber, after all—there’s actually a lot to keep in mind. Different styles of weaves, as well as a variety of postproduction measures, can drastically change how a cotton sheet feels and your experience sleeping on it.
Types Of Cotton Sheets
- Sateen sheets have a soft and smooth feel because of the way they’re woven. When compared to percale, sateen sheets may feel thicker because they’re woven more tightly.
- Percale sheets have a more open weave, meaning there’s more space between each thread. This makes percale more breathable than sateen, so sheets of this fabric are a great choice in warmer temperatures. They are also known for their crisp feel. If you like the feel of a freshly ironed sheet, you might want to choose percale.
- Flannel sheets are typically cotton sheets that are brushed to make them feel fluffier. This process also means they offer more warmth than sateen and percale sheets. They’re a popular choice for those who live in cold climates or like to feel extra cozy.
Fiber
Sheets that are softer and of higher quality are often made with Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton or another type of long-staple fiber. The long-staple fibers make for a softer and more durable sheet, though they also frequently come with a higher price tag.
Some sheets mix cotton with other fibers, like cashmere or polyester (often in jersey sets). Blends give you the benefits of both fibers, such as the breathability and crispness of cotton with the wrinkle-resistance and color retention of polyester. Just be aware, blends may be more prone to pilling.
Thread Count And Breathability
All cotton is breathable, but thread count and breathability often go hand in hand. Breathability is important in sheets because it allows heat and moisture to escape, which keeps you at a comfortable temperature. It’s especially important for hot sleepers who need to get rid of excess heat. A lower thread count often results in higher breathability because the fabric is less dense, so heat and moisture can escape. On the flip side, a higher thread count can yield a sheet with less breathability. The weave influences breathability as well. Percale sheets are known for their airy weave, and so percale cotton sheets with a lower thread count are generally the best when it comes to breathability.
Durability
It’s hard to tell which sheets are durable just by looking at them, but there are a few things to keep an eye out for. If you want a durable sheet, look for long-staple cottons, such as Egyptian, Supima or pima, which are softer and more durable than regular cotton. Also, make sure to check the pocket depth of the fitted sheet; if it’s too small for your mattress and you’re constantly struggling and pulling to make it fit over the bed, it can lead to tearing or your sheet wearing out faster.
Size And Color Options
Make sure to choose the correct size when shopping for sheets, including the size of the bed and the pocket depth of the fitted sheet to ensure the fitted sheet fits your mattress. If you have a thick mattress and like to tuck your sheet under, you may also want to check the size of the flat sheet to make sure there’s enough room to tuck it under and that it doesn’t fall short.
What Is The Best Thread Count For Cotton Bed Sheets?
Thread count is often thought to correlate to the quality of the sheet, but you shouldn’t make decisions based purely on the number. Generally, a higher thread count means the sheet is thicker and more durable. However, the weave, type of fiber and personal preferences all play a role in how the sheet feels to you. While a higher thread count seems like it would be better, those who prefer an airier sheet should opt for a lower thread count sheet since it’s lighter.
What Is The Best Cotton For Bed Sheets?
The best cotton for bed sheets is extra-long-staple fibers, such as Egyptian cotton. Supima and pima cotton are also higher-quality cotton fibers than regular cotton. The main factor to weigh if you’re looking for quality sheets is staple length. Growing and harvesting practices, for example, don’t play the same role in the final product.
Do 100% Cotton Sheets Make You Hot?
Most cotton sheets do not make you hot—the fiber is known for its breathability for a reason. But there are certain types of cotton that are cooler-feeling than others. If you tend to sleep hot, you may want to choose percale sheets, which allow for more airflow than, say, sateen sheets. You may also want to consider a lower thread count sheet since they are thinner and likely more breathable.
How Do You Wash Cotton Sheets?
Most cotton sheets are easy to care for and can be machine-washed and tumble-dried. Keep in mind, though, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make your sheets last as long as possible.
My Expertise
I’m a New York City–based freelance writer specializing in product reviews for many textile and apparel items. I have extensive experience testing dozens upon dozens of sheets. I also have vast experience testing other bedding products such as pillows, comforters, mattresses and much more. I’ve been testing and working with consumer products for over a decade, with professional experience in product development and engineering.
To keep this information as helpful as possible, Forbes Vetted regularly updates this guide with new insights. It was last updated in June 2024 with new product additions.
