The Best Sheets

Though many people seek out cooling sheets, some sleepers need a little more coziness to fall into a deep sleep, and from our best-rated flannel sheets test, the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets took the top spot. As a bit of a Goldilocks, the sheet wasn’t too thick or too thin. Flannel is warm — that’s a given — but this sheet set was also surprisingly breathable.

The 9 Best Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Madison Yauger is a senior shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with seven years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing.

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Sleep is such a personal thing, so the sheets that help you sleep the best can vary from person to person. “Each sheet material has its unique benefits, and the best choice depends on individual preferences, climate, and desired sleep experience,” celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch tells PEOPLE. According to Welch, when choosing the best sheets, you should “consider factors like breathability, softness, durability, and cooling properties to find the perfect fit for a restful and comfortable night’s sleep.”

Some folks might prefer the soft feel of cotton or flannel while they drift off to sleep, while others need something a little cooler and silkier — like bamboo or eucalyptus. Acknowledging these different preferences, we found the best sheet in every category by testing around 220 sheets (yes, we got lots of z’s!) in our lab and at home. We also considered varying budgets and found solid options at both ends of the price spectrum.

Read on for the best sheets of 2023, according to our testing.

Best Cooling

Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheet Set

• Impressive cooling ability that made a noticeable difference in the quality of sleep among our testers
• Ultra-soft and silky fabric that’s comfortable to sleep on and washes well

• We wish the set came with labels to help make the bed, such as “top” or “side”
• Showed some shrinkage and took longer to dry than cotton and other fabrics we tested

Do cooling sheets make a difference? Welch says yes. “Cooling sheets can make a difference, especially for those who tend to get hot during sleep.” He adds that they can wick away moisture and help your body maintain a balanced and comfortable temperature, making them a great year-round option.

Similar to this story, when we comprised our list of best cooling sheets, we looked at a range of tests we had performed on around 114 sheets to see which materials were the best for hot sleepers. The Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets beat out the competition with their ability to cool folks off — that, combined with an ultra-soft texture, breathable material, and overall durability.

Earning a perfect score in each of our tests, the eucalyptus sheets showed an impressive design without obvious imperfections. They washed well (though they shrunk just the tiniest bit) and showed no signs of loose threads or snags afterward. But the most obvious benefit of these sheets is the cooling effect of the material — giving them the title of ‘best cooling.’ Our team loved how lightweight and breathable the sheets were, and they were noticeably cooler when lying on these sheets rather than other basic fabrics.

How they’ve held up:

We sent the sheets home with testers for three months to see how well they lived up to our lab results. Our testers, both of whom run hot, said the sheets become a permanent part of the sheet rotation in their household (if not the primary sheet in that rotation). The silky nature of the fabric makes these sheets a dream to sleep on. The only complaint was that the sheets take longer to dry than other materials, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker for a cool night’s sleep.

Price at time of publish: $109.99

Material: Tencel Fiber Eucalyptus Lyocell | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: 7 | Machine washable: Yes, tumble dry on delicate cycle | Certifications: Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified tencel fibers

Best Budget

Better Homes and Gardens Washed Cotton Percale 300 Thread Count Sheet Set

• The most inexpensive sheet set on our list, while still maintaining a high quality
• Its construction and design held up to washing without any notable changes

• Though breathable, these sheets are not as cooling as fabrics like bamboo or eucalyptus
• Percale cotton is a basic fabric, and won’t seem luxurious compared to satin or higher-end materials

Editor’s Note: Better Homes and Gardens is owned by PEOPLE’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.

When sheets start under $25, you might question the quality, but we’re here to tell you the Better Homes and Gardens cotton percale sheets are the real deal. The stitching and overall design impressed our team, as well as the breathability of the percale cotton fabric. While there’s some ventilation, it’s not necessarily cooling, so these could be a good year-round option for summer and winter temperatures.

After throwing the sheets in the washing machine, we didn’t see any changes in the quality or texture. The material felt just as soft and the fitted sheet stretched the same amount over the mattress (without shrinkage). It’s a budget option because it’s not going to compete with some of our best overall options, but it’s still a solid sheet set that will last you many years without having to spend a fortune. Plus, it’s available at Walmart — a top pick for our best places to buy sheets online.

Price at time of publish: $24.89+

Material: Percale cotton (300 thread count) | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Colors: 8 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: None

Best Investment

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

• The bamboo material looks luxurious and is breathable
• Silky finish is so comfy and kept us cool while sleeping
• Sheets came out of the dryer wrinkle-free

• This was the most expensive set that we tested
• Slight shrinkage and some fraying after washing and drying the sheets

Cozy Earth and Oprah are almost synonymous at this point because the TV personality has labeled these sheets as one of her “Favorite Things.” Our team has to agree, having tested the sheets in our lab and finding them to be highly breathable, cool to the touch, and durable after washing.

Made with a viscose from bamboo, the Cozy Earth sheets are silky and cool to the touch, and they kept their soft feeling even after throwing them in the washing machine on a cold cycle. We noticed some fraying and slight shrinkage when we remade the bed, but we appreciated that the sheets were essentially wrinkle-free when removed from the dryer. Though it’s the most expensive sheet set on our list, we think it’s worth the investment if your budget allows it.

How they’ve held up:

We tested the sheets for six months to ensure that the lab tests weren’t a one-off performance. Cozy Earth lives up to its reputation because we used the sheets every day, washed them frequently, and loved them as much on day 182 as we did on day one. They feel downright silky and kept us cool most nights and comfortable always.

Price at time of publish: $271.20+

Material: Viscose from bamboo | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: 7 | Machine washable: Machine wash cold | Certifications: No

Best Bamboo

Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets

• Bamboo viscose offers a silky texture that’s almost cool to the touch, which can help hot sleepers
• No shrinkage or obvious wear occurred post-wash; the sheets only got softer with each wash
• Design offers a deep pocket that goes over even plush mattresses

• The material wrinkles quite easily, which creates a messy look even when clean

During our testing of the best bamboo sheets, the Bampure Organic Bamboo Sheets came out on top for their silky texture and cooling abilities. Bamboo sheets almost feel like a mix of cotton and satin sheets, offering breathability with a buttery smooth finish — and these sheets met those expectations. The design impressed our team with solid stitching and a deep pocket that made for an easy fit around any mattress.

In testing the performance, we learned that the bamboo sheets could be washed without issue: No loose threads or shrinkage occurred, though the material was wrinkly afterward. It also continued getting softer after each wash, ensuring longevity and continued comfort over time. Between the quality and the cooling effect, which can be a bonus for hot sleepers, these $100 bamboo sheets are a great choice all around.

Price at time of publish: $99.98+

Material: Bamboo viscose | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 12 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: OEKO-TEX®-certified

Best Linen

Parachute Linen Sheet Set

• The linen wicked away moisture well, adding to its breathability score
• No loose threads, color fading, or other noticeable wear after washing

• A few loose threads were visible right after unboxing the sheets
• The sides scrunch when making up the bed, so you have to smooth them out

To test linen sheets, we assembled a group of lab testers and real-world testers to see how well the sheets performed in various environments. In the lab, we noticed there were some stray threads right when the Parachute linen sheets were unpackaged, but the general construction and design seemed sound. Surprisingly (for linen), these sheets are quite stretchy, and our team could fit them over the mattress with little effort (apart from the sides, which appeared scrunched and had to be smoothed out).

Linen is a lightweight fabric that is fairly breathable (our senior editor loved her linen sheets so much, she made linen dresses her new work uniform). Besides these sheets’ breathability, we were especially impressed with how well they wicked away moisture. They also seemed to hold up to washing — our team didn’t notice any color fading, shrinkage, or major texture changes. Overall, we liked these sheets’ appearance, comfortable fabric, and durability.

How they’ve held up:

After three months of trying these sheets out in one of our testers’ homes, they have continued to uphold their original impressive performance. They were washed on a normal cycle with cold water and dried on low heat around three times (as they were mixed in the sheets rotation with a few other sets). Despite our tester’s deep mattress, the sheets fit like a glove. They did notice the same bunching effect on the sides of the sheets when making the bed, but this was by no means a dealbreaker, just something to take note of.

Price at time of publish: $189+

Material: Linen | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 4 | Machine washable: Yes, tumble dry | Certifications: OEKO-TEX®–certified

Best Satin

Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets

• The satin material has a soft-as-butter texture that didn’t snag when washed
• Fit the mattress with well and didn’t budge even when tossing and turning
• Consistent performance over three months of testing at home

• The top sheet got a little tangled when we simulated tossing and turning

During our test of the best satin sheets, the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets found favor with most members of our team. Everyone loved the design of the sheets, which were soft, silky, and smooth against the skin. The fitted sheet went around the mattress with ease and stayed in place. We did notice the top sheet moved around some when we simulated tossing and turning.

After the wash test, we were happy to report no sightings of snags, loose threads, or other signs of wear. It should also be noted that despite the word “silk” in the product’s name, these sheets are actually made with polyester that has a satin weave. Fabric ingredients aside, the sheets are still incredibly silky to the touch, and as the second least expensive pick on our list, they’re a solid value.

How they’ve held up:

After testing the sheets for three months at home to gain additional insights, our team is still impressed. Our specific tester washes and dries the sheets on delicate cycles after around seven to 10 days of use, and so far, there has been no color fading, pilling, shrinkage, or loose threads. They are happy with the performance of the sheets, which becomes even more alluring when you consider the price.

Price at time of publish: $31.99+

Material: Satin | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 18 | Machine washable: Yes, wash cold, tumble dry | Certifications: None

Best Cotton

Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

• These cotton sheets have a solid weight, classic thickness, and smooth texture that all add to the comfort
• Both top and fitted sheet fit the mattress well and stayed in place despite testers tossing and turning
• Has a breathable material that absorbs and wicks away moisture in under 10 seconds

• Not necessarily cooling; it warmed up to our body temperature shortly after lying down

In testing the best of each kind of sheet, cotton was one of the materials we narrowed in on. During our cotton sheets test, we really had no choice but to throw praise at the Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set for its outstanding performance. These cottons sheets arrived in perfect condition, and we appreciated their classic design, smooth texture, and medium weight that provided some extra coziness.

In terms of fit, the pocket of the fitted sheet went around the mattress without issue, and despite our team tossing and turning, both sheets stayed in place. Through several other measures, we determined the sheets can wick away and absorb moisture in under 10 seconds while also being breathable. They didn’t have a cooling effect per se, since they warmed up to match our body temperature once we were lying down, but cotton is breathable enough to serve as a year-round comfortable sheet material. Plus, they held up well to washing and actually softened even more afterward.

How they’ve held up:

For three months at home, one tester put these sheets to the test in real-life scenarios. They used the sheets regularly, washing them on a cold cycle almost every week. Mostly, the sheets lived up to our testing lab insights in almost every category. The only exception was the mattress fit. Our tester said the fitted sheet frequently slipped off the mattress, rather than the snug fit we saw in our lab. These results will depend on the height and style of your mattress. Overall, they were satisfied with the sheets’ softness, comfort, and durability.

Price at time of publish: $169+

Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: Full, queen, king | Colors: 2 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: OEKO-TEX®–certified

Best Flannel

Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets

• This flannel sheet set is so soft it almost feels like cashmere
• The sheets are a good balance between thick and thin and offer some breathability
• Durable material didn’t have any wear after washing and actually felt softer

• Too warm for sleepers who run hot
• You might never want to get out of bed (kidding, but definitely possible!)

Though many people seek out cooling sheets, some sleepers need a little more coziness to fall into a deep sleep, and from our best-rated flannel sheets test, the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets took the top spot. As a bit of a Goldilocks, the sheet wasn’t too thick or too thin. Flannel is warm — that’s a given — but this sheet set was also surprisingly breathable.

The sturdy material held up as expected after the wash. The sheets retained their soft feel, and the solid material didn’t show any snags, loose threads, or other imperfections post-wash. Essentially, the set provides a soft and cozy place to sleep at night without weighing you down like some flannel products are reported to do. It’s durable, breathable, and a solid value, given the price.

How they’ve held up:

Our tester was so overwhelmed with the softness of the flannel set, they buried their face in the sheets before they could help it. They were delighted that no chemical smells were present and even made the bed up with the sheets right out of the packaging. Our team felt the sheets were almost velvety in feel, describing them as almost like cashmere. Given the warm, cozy material, these sheets would not be for sleepers who run hot.

Price at time of publish: $198+

Material: 100% brushed cotton (flannel) | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Colors: 3 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: None

Best Percale

Lands’ End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

• These percale sheets are made of a breathable, high-quality material that feels silky and smooth to the touch
• The sheets held up well without stray threads or shrinkage after washing
• Slight cooling quality to them that would benefit hot sleepers

• Had a tiny loose thread upon opening the sheets, but no other cons detected during testing

When we tested percale sheets, looking at qualities like texture, breathability, and durability, the Lands’ End Cotton Percale earned nearly perfect scores in each category. While there was one stray thread upon opening the sheets (yes, we had to get this nitpicky to find a flaw), the overall design impressed us. They feel high quality when you run your hands over them — the material has a nice thickness and weight to it while still being breathable.

The sheets consistently felt silky and smooth and were comfortable when lying between them during testing. After our wash test, the sheets remained soft without losing the integrity of the original texture, hadn’t shrunk at all (still fit the mattress well), and continued to provide good ventilation, a bonus for hot sleepers who need that cooling quality.

How they’ve held up:

We sent the sheets home with a team member for one month of testing in their home to see how they held up to real-world sleeping and washing. The overall impression was that the sheets were comfortable, high quality, and washed really well. Percale cotton doesn’t necessarily stand out among some of the more luxurious fabrics on our list, but as our testers confirmed: This is a well-made, comfy sheet set.

Price at time of publish: $139.95+

Material: Percale cotton | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 6 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: None

Things to Consider Before Buying Sheets

Material

Welch breaks down what to expect with popular sheet materials:

• Linen: Linen is a natural textured fabric that is highly breathable and allows for airflow. Welch feels that linen also makes a sheet feel more sophisticated, and we have to agree. If it comes down to cotton vs. linen, linen is the more luxurious option.
• Cotton: Cotton is one of the most well-known materials for clothing, sheets, and towels.
  It’s popular because it’s soft and comfortable against your skin, fairly durable, and versatile. Cotton also varies widely in thread count and weave type — such as percale, which can be highly breathable.
• Bamboo: Welch likes bamboo sheets because they are “eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and naturally moisture-wicking,” making them a versatile option for anyone with allergies or skin sensitivities.
• Flannel: Flannel is a type of brushed cotton that creates an ultra-soft feel. These sheets are ideal for cold climates and chilly winter nights.
• Satin: Like percale, satin is a type of weave, usually done with silk. This creates a silky, smooth texture that can be cool in temperature but is somewhat less breathable than other fabrics. It’s also known to snag when washed or handled roughly.
• Cooling: A few different materials — bamboo, percale-woven cotton, and eucalyptus — succeed in cooling off hot sleepers via good ventilation and wicking away sweat.

Thread Count

But don’t get too caught up on this number, as it varies, depending on the material. “Thread count can matter to some extent,” says Welch. He says sheets with a higher thread count can have “a smoother and softer feel, but it’s not the sole factor determining quality.”

A thread count of 300 is usually a sweet spot for luxurious sheets, but the material can also play a factor. For instance, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheet Set and Lands’ End Cotton Premium Supima Cotton Percale Sheet Set have a thread count of 300, whereas the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets have a thread count of 400. That said, Welch suggests focusing on the fabric’s quality, materials, and weave when choosing sheets.

Durability

How long a sheet lasts depends on the overall durability — which is often determined by the material. Linen sheets hold up well to washing, per Welch’s expertise. He says they are “quite durable and tend to get softer and more comfortable with each wash.” Cotton is another strong material that can “withstand regular use and washing”, especially long-staple cotton like Egyptian or Pima. Flannel is another material that can last for years with the right care. Bamboo sheets are somewhat durable, but their lifespan will depend “on the manufacturing process and the quality of the fibers.” Lastly, satin is known to snag, affecting its overall durability.

How We Tested Sheets

Since this article combines the results of five different tests, we’ll share a glimpse of what those processes looked like. We tested 220 sheets in total, focusing on flannel, percale, cotton, bamboo, linen, and eucalyptus sheet sets.

In our lab tests, we evaluated the look and feel of the sheets and the design and construction — looking for imperfections, loose threads, and other snags. After we took the sheets out of the packaging, we made up a mattress with each pair to test the overall fit. To test cooling abilities, our team lay between each sheet set to see how cool they felt to the touch and if lying there for a few minutes caused them to warm up. With certain tests like the flannel sheets one, we even took the temperature of the sheets before and after lying on them with a thermometer to track any changes.

To check durability, we washed and dried the sheets (according to manufacturer instructions) to see if the colors faded, any threads were pulled, or if the texture changed (like pilling or added roughness). We also remade the beds to determine if any shrinkage had occurred.

For up to six months, we continued testing many of the sheets in a real-world environment — that of our testers’ homes. We had hot sleepers try out cooling sheets to see if the breathability made a difference in their sleep over time, as well as consistent washing and drying of all the sheets we tried out at home to test durability. We used all of these insights to determine the absolute best sheets of 2023.

According to Welch, linen sheets pill initially, but that effect lessens with time “with proper care and washing.” Cotton doesn’t pill as quickly, but it will depend on the thread count and specific fabric. Bamboo is prone to pilling “due to the fiber characteristics,” and flannel is the most likely to pill thanks to the material’s “brushed surface,” says Welch.

Similarly to the clothes you wear on your body, certain fabrics are just more breathable than others, and some even help wick away sweat for added comfort. Per Welch’s expertise, “Linen is known for its cooling properties, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience even on warm nights.” Cotton is another well-known breathable fabric, but when it has a percale weave, it provides even more ventilation. Bamboo and eucalyptus are some of the most commonly used materials for cooling sheets because they help wick away moisture and feel cool to the touch. The one material that is definitely not designed for cooling is flannel (reach for these sheets in the winter instead to stay cozy). Satin is somewhere in the middle, since it’s cool to the touch but not as breathable.

Which sheet material is best for your skin and hair?

Generally, it’s thought that silk (in this case, with a satin weave) is the best material to sleep on for your hair and skin (that’s also why silk pillowcases are so popular). Since silk is so smooth, it usually results in less breakage and fewer skin irritations. Regardless of what material you sleep on, you should wash your pillowcases frequently to keep your skin happy.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she interviewed celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch, host of Roku’s Murder House Flip and Neflix’s Hack My Home. Yauger also used testing insights from five different sheet tests we held in our lab and in various testers’ homes. We considered the materials, durability, and fit of each sheet set, as well as breathability, cooling abilities, and water absorbency.

What Is People Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

The Best Sheets

To find the best sheets, we’ve washed, dried, stretched, rubbed, and slept on dozens of sets, and we think most people will be happy with the L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set. And if you prefer smooth sateen, plush flannel, or airy linen, we have other recommendations to help you get a great night’s sleep.

Our pick

L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Best percale sheets

If you like a cool, crisp feel to your bedsheets, these are comfortable, very breathable, and reasonably priced. They’re available in twin, full, queen, king, and California king, and in nine neutral colors.

Buying Options

Pros:	Con:
Made of breathable and cool 100 percent pima cotton that’s Oeko-Tex certified	All percale feels a bit textured, may feel rough to some people
Hold up over time and become softer with more washes
Our favorite sheets for six years

Find the right sheets for your needs

• Breathable, soft cotton in percale or sateen: Best cotton sheets
• For a cozy winter bed: Best flannel sheets
• For a splash of pattern and color: Best printed sheets
• For dorm beds: Best twin XL sheets
• Budget sheets for kids or for guest rooms: Best bedsheets for under $50
• For summer, or hot sleepers: Best linen sheets
• The best sheets for a California king bed
• What about organic cotton sheets?
• Don’t get alternative fibers: Bamboo and microfiber sheets
• Further reading

Breathable, soft cotton in percale or sateen: Best cotton sheets

Why we like them: Everyone should own at least a couple of sets of soft, breathable cotton sheets, and L.L.Bean’s 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheets and Wrinkle Guard’s 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheets have been our favorites for since 2014 (read more in our guide to the best cotton sheets). They feel nicer than sets twice the price and wear exceptionally well. L.L.Bean’s percale set feels cool and crisp, reminiscent of boutique hotel bedding, making it ideal for warmer temperatures. The Wrinkle Guard sateen set has a silkier, heavier texture that makes it a little warmer; the sheets are nearly wrinkle-free. We think that both sets make a solid base layer for dressing your bed year-round.

The L.L.Bean sheets wrinkle a little more than our sateen picks but no more than any of the other top-ranking percale sets that we tried. Photo: Michael Hession

The cotton fibers in the L.L.Bean sheets absorbed well, keeping moisture off the skin and giving the sheets the classic cool feeling that percale is known for. Photo: Michael Hession

The embroidered-hem finish on the JCPenney Home sheets is nearly identical to that on the more expensive Cuddledown sheets. The detail adds to the luxurious feel of these sheets. Photo: Michael Hession

The L.L.Bean sheets wrinkle a little more than our sateen picks but no more than any of the other top-ranking percale sets that we tried. Photo: Michael Hession

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some people find L.L.Bean’s percale set rough. But all percale feels a little textured; if you prefer supersmooth fabric, get a sateen set.

The only complaints we have about the Wrinkle Guard sheets are some mild static cling when folding them, and the fact that this set has been rebranded three times since we first recommended them in 2014. They were originally under the Royal Velvet brand, then JCP Home, and now simply Wrinkle Guard, but we’ve tested them all, and they are all the same sheets with the same high quality.

Available sizes: L.L.Bean percale set comes in twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Wrinkle Guard sateen comes in full, queen, king, California king, and split king.

Our pick

L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Best percale sheets

If you like a cool, crisp feel to your bedsheets, these are comfortable, very breathable, and reasonably priced. They’re available in twin, full, queen, king, and California king, and in nine neutral colors.

Buying Options

JCPenney Wrinkle Guard 400 TC Sheet Set (queen)

Best sateen bedsheets

If you prefer soft and smooth, drapey sheets that resist wrinkling, this set feels luxurious and is better than sets twice the price.

Buying Options

See our complete coverage and learn more in our full review

The Best Cotton Sheets

We’ve spent more than 625 hours over six years researching and testing cotton sheets. Here’s what we recommend.

For a cozy winter bed: Best flannel sheets

Why we like them: If you prefer the feel of flannel, we don’t think you can beat the performance and price of L.L.Bean’s Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set. We’ve tried more than a dozen sets since 2016, for our guide to the best flannel sheets, and the L.L.Bean set consistently ranks among the plushest while never feeling clingy. These sheets are expensive, but that’s because they’re made of high-quality long-staple cotton, which means they should last you many years if you care for them properly. Some Wirecutter staffers have used these sheets for years and rave about them.

The L.L.Bean Ultrasoft flannel sheets have a soft, plush texture, but they don’t cling to the skin like some other flannel sheets. Photo: Michael Hession

The seams are securely stitched, which we think will help these sheets stand up to years of use and washing. Photo: Michael Hession

The L.L.Bean Ultrasoft flannel sheets have a soft, plush texture, but they don’t cling to the skin like some other flannel sheets. Photo: Michael Hession

Flaws but not dealbreakers: In our tests, these sheets shed more lint than other sets. We suspect that they will become less plush over time, but that probably won’t happen until after many years of use.

Available sizes: twin, full, queen, king, and California king

Our pick

L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set

Best winter sheets

Supersoft, well-made, and reasonably priced, these flannel sheets will keep most people toasty and happy on cold winter nights.

Buying Options

See our complete coverage and learn more in our full review

The Best Flannel Sheets

After six years and almost 200 hours of research and testing, we still prefer L.L.Bean’s Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set .

For a splash of pattern and color: Best printed sheets

Our pick

Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set

Hip prints, from classic to quirky

Crisp and cool, these percale sheets feel lovely against the skin. The sharp prints change every few months and suit a range of styles.

Buying Options

Why we like them: One of our favorite printed sheets, the Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set, comes in a rotating selection of modern prints. These sheets are made with a percale weave, a cool, breathable type of cotton weave that feels light and crisp against skin. The sheets themselves are thinner (and lighter) than our top percale sheet pick from L.L.Bean, and they feel crisp and airy to sleep between. They’re Oeko-Tex certified, and they’re made with long-staple cotton that gives them a smooth feel and enough strength to endure years of washing. Brooklinen’s prints are far more modern than L.L.Bean’s, though, and the company told me it changes out the designs quarterly. The options range from timeless classics like pinstripes and window panes to some truly abstract wonders. We’ve also recommended the coordinating Brooklinen Classic Duvet Cover for years, if you want to match your whole bed.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Senior staff writer Jackie Reeve has tested several sets over the past four years, and washes them constantly; they hold up beautifully, but over time they don’t soften up as much as the L.L.Bean sheets. You have one year to return them if they’re not right for you. But, don’t wait to buy a print you like—the popular ones seem to sell out fast.

Available sizes: Limited edition prints are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king sets.