The 11 Best Cotton Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

After many hours of testing, these soft, breathable cotton sheets made the cut

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Nestwell Egyptian Cotton Sateen 625-Thread Count Sheet Set

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

High-quality cotton sheets are comfortable and durable, so you can look forward to sleeping on them for a long time. While there are many qualities in sheets to look at such as weave type and thread count, your personal comfort outweighs anything else.

"I’ve been selling bedding to people now for six years, and I really think it does all come down to personal preference," says Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton. "When it comes to being happy at the end of the day, we’re going to be looking at texture and sleeping temperature.” Brakefield says that keeping your sleeping style in mind while shopping for sheets will also lead to finding a set of sheets that work best for you.

We've tested more than 130 different sets of cotton sheets (including those made with cotton blends) in The Lab and in our homes—that adds up to hours upon hours of thorough testing in order to evaluate the sheets' quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. We've also conducted additional research and interviewed textile experts to provide context for both our selection and testing processes. Whether you prefer a super crisp cotton or one with a silkier feel, these 100 percent cotton sheets have outperformed the competition in our tests, making them well worth your hard-earned cash.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

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

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

Lands' End

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • An all-around great set of cotton sheets

  • Happy medium between crisp and soft

  • Suitable for cold and hot sleepers

  • Easy to launder

What We Don't Like
  • Not as cooling as some other options we tested

If you enjoy the crisp feel of percale cotton, we think the Lands' End Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set is your best bet. In both our lab and at-home testing, we thought they had an exceptionally great texture for percale. They boast a breathable, cool-to-the-touch construction like the best percale sheets, but they still have a soft, silky, and super luxe feel.

The four-piece set is made from a 300-thread count Supima cotton, a type of cotton that's produced in the United States and features extra-long staple fibers for added durability and softness. When we first took the sheets out of the package, we found one loose string in the stitching of the top sheet, but it didn't unravel the material when pulled so we weren't too concerned. However, with that in mind, we did slightly dock the set's quality score in our testing. We noticed zero issues in the material itself and otherwise gave the sheets a perfect score across the board.

The sheets are available in six different colors ranging from neutral ivory to vibrant yellow. We tested the Rich Steel version and appreciated that the dark gray hue was extra easy to care for. We also found that they fit our two test beds well and are easy to wash. With a list price of $170, they aren't the cheapest option on the market—but they also aren't the most expensive, and we've noticed that they can frequently be found on sale. If you can manage to get them at a discount, you'll find they're well worth the cost.

How It Performed Long-Term

After testing this set of sheets in our lab, we predicted that the material's high-quality feel indicated a potentially long-lasting product. When we tested them at home over the course of one month, we confirmed that the sheets remained nice and soft. Wash after wash, the sheets maintained their quality, and we had no issues adding this sheet set to our existing sheet line-up. The sheets were put to the test in real life by one person who sleeps average to cold, in terms of temperature, and one person who sleeps hot. While no significant cooling effects were noted after a full night of sleep, neither tester found the sheets unpleasant to sleep on—a testament to how broadly appealing we think these sheets are.

Price at time of publish: $170 for a queen set

Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: None listed | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Best Budget

Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set

Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Soft and cozy texture

  • Highly breathable

  • Sturdy construction

What We Don’t Like
  • Not as cooling as some other options we tested

  • Limited sizes available

If you’re looking for high-quality bedding at an affordable price point, we recommend the Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) This set performed exceptionally well during both our lab tests and at-home tests, and at just over $50 for a queen-sized set, these sheets are a steal. The texture of these sheets is lightweight and softer than many of the other options we've tested. They have a brushed surface, so the lifted fibers make them cozier than a typical percale but less silky than sateen. 

We were impressed with the high-quality construction of these sheets, as they have a medium weight and feel well-made and sturdy. And while we didn’t find these sheets to be especially cooling, we love the amount of breathability they provide throughout the night. This makes them suitable for all-season use, as they’ll keep you warm without becoming too stuffy. One thing to note, though, is that the sheets are only available in three sizes (full, queen, and king). If you have a twin, California king, or other size mattress, you'll need to opt for a different set.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over the course of six weeks, these sheets held up exceptionally well, with no color fading or visible signs of wear. Despite the low price point of this sheet set, its performance was up to par with many of the other luxury and high-end options on the market.

Price at time of publish: $55 for a queen set

Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Full, queen, king | Certifications: None listed | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

Best Splurge

Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set

Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set

Boll & Branch

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    4.3/5
What We Like
  • Dense, sturdy construction

  • High-quality workmanship

  • Silky smooth texture

  • Durable

What We Don’t Like
  • Expensive

Considering just how much time we spend in our beds, you may want to consider investing in some high-end sheets. The Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set is absolutely a splurge, but it’s also the best of the best. The fabric feels dense, silky, and very pleasant to the touch. The soft and thicker texture made for a luxurious sleeping experience that we couldn’t get enough of.

The workmanship of the sheets was also highly impressive, as all of the stitching and seams were top-notch quality and there were no visible imperfections to be found. Despite the heaviness of the material, the sheets still felt exceptionally breathable. They’re not necessarily cooling, but they’ll provide enough airflow to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

The sheets are made with long-staple cotton that is Certified Organic Cotton from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the sheets are manufactured in a Fair Trade-certified factory, ensuring that they're produced with environmental and social responsibility in mind.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over the course of six weeks and numerous washes, we found that the quality has not depleted and the sheets feel as good as new. So although this sheet set comes at a steep price we’re confident that you’ll be able to see and feel its luxury for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $498 for a queen set

Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, Fair Trade Certified Factory, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Care: Machine wash gentle cycle with cold water, tumble dry low

Best Cooling

Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Wayfair

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight, breathable fabric is ideal for hot sleepers

  • Showed exceptional durability in our tests

  • Gets softer after washing

  • Fitted sheet was easy to put on our test mattresses

What We Don't Like
  • Pillowcases might be a tight squeeze for lofty pillows

Right from the start of our testing, we noticed that the Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set felt like a great option for hot sleepers. Percale cotton features a closely woven plain-weave fabric that still allows for airflow, resulting in a smooth, breathable set of sheets that stands the test of time and appears crisp and attractive. In our testing, we found these cotton sheets to feel smooth to the touch, lightweight, and breathable. They passed our breathability test with flying colors, with water quickly dispersing across the fabric. This means you'll be less likely to wake up feeling clammy on warm nights.

We observed several loose threads in our test sheet set, but they were detached and easy to remove, and we didn't notice any snags or color imperfections in the material. While the sheets felt slightly stiff at first, we found that they softened up after washing them. The sheets are quite durable, too. We ran sandpaper over one of the sheets, and to our naked eye, the abrasion didn't seem to affect the material at all, which is rare in our testing. When we stained them with oil and coffee, the stains completely lifted after spot treatment and washing. Makeup proved harder to remove from the material—the foundation we used faded after washing, but was still visible, which is something to keep in mind if you tend to get makeup stains on your pillowcases.

Speaking of pillowcases, we did notice that they could be roomier to better fit standard bed pillows—which could be a concern if your pillow is on the lofty side. However, in our testing, we found that the fitted sheet was a comfortable fit on our test mattresses, and they stayed on even with a good amount of tossing and turning. Overall, if you sleep hot and thick sheets often feel stifling to you, we think this cotton set is definitely worth a try.

How It Performed Long-Term

After testing this sheet set for a full month, we can confirm that they're a nice option for keeping cool. We sent the sheets home with a self-described hot sleeper, and she said that they were more effective at temperature regulation than the previous sheets she'd used. If it's very hot in your bedroom, we wouldn't expect these to work any miracles—but if you're looking for a breathable, comfortable sheet, this set is a great option.

Price at time of publish: $100 for a queen set

Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 220 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: None listed | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Best Organic

West Elm 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set

West Elm 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set

West Elm

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    3.8/5
What We Like
  • GOTS and Fair Trade certified

  • Soft and smooth texture

  • Lightweight construction

What We Don’t Like
  • Might not be as durable as other options we've tested

You can rest easy knowing you’re sleeping on soft, organic sheets. West Elm's 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheets are made with 100 percent cotton that's certified organic by GOTS, and produced in a Fair Trade-certified factory. Knowing that they're manufactured in accordance with rigorous social and environmental standards can offer extra peace of mind.

These organic cotton fibers also make for a comfy night's sleep, as we love the lightweight, crisp texture of the sheets. Unlike our Best Cooling pick, the Lacoste Percale Sheet Set, these didn't prove to be exceptionally breathable or moisture wicking in our lab testing. But in real-world testing, we did notice some cooling qualities—more on that in the "How It Performed Long-Term" section below.

While we were able to lift coffee and oil stains from the sheets in our testing, rubbing one of the sheets with sandpaper created a small hole in the fabric. This suggests that they might not be the most durable option out there, especially if you tend to toss and turn when you sleep. However, all in all, we think the comfortable texture and lightweight construction of these sheets make them a nice organic option.

How It Performed Long-Term

During our real-world tests, we used this sheet set at home for one month and were pleased with the quality and feel of the sheets. We found that these sheets were very crisp and drew moisture away from the skin to stay comfortable throughout the night. In at-home testing, some makeup also stained the material, but treating the spots with a laundry stain remover did the trick. And we didn't notice any wearing-out of the cotton material over the course of the month, despite our initial concerns about durability in lab testing.

Price at time of publish: $149 for a queen set

Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, Fair Trade Certified Factory | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry, warm iron as needed

Best Lightweight

Casper Percale Sheet Set

Casper Percale Sheet Set

Casper

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    3/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Lasting crisp feel

  • Light and breathable

  • Durable

What We Don't Like
  • Prone to wrinkles

Relax in the cool comfort of Casper's Percale Sheet Set, which we especially love for sleepers who prefer a lightweight, rather than thick, sheet. These organic cotton sheets offer great breathability, all while feeling light against your skin. During our tests, we loved their airy nature and found these sheets helped prevent middle-of-the-night wake-ups due to a rising body temperature.

While these crisp and nicely breathable percale cotton sheets are thin, they're also surprisingly durable. The fabric holds up well with regular use and washing, and it'll even withstand tougher wear and tear. When we brought the sheets home, we were impressed with how well these sheets held up in a household with pets. Not only were they completely resistant to snagging, but they were also easy to clean.

However, you'll want to make sure to remove these sheets from the dryer ASAP after each wash. We noticed that they became incredibly wrinkly, and leaving them in a bundle may mean they need the wrinkles ironed out when you're ready to make the bed. (If you loathe the look of wrinkles, you might want to opt for our favorite wrinkle-free sheets instead.)


Price at time of publish: $139 for a queen set

Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: None listed | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

Best Durable

Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

Parachute

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Buttery-soft texture

  • Highly durable

  • Breathable construction

What We Don’t Like
  • May be prone to wrinkles

Of all the sheets we tested, we’re confident the Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set will last the test of time and withstand quite a bit of wear and tear. Upon arrival, we were impressed with the texture of these sheets, as they had a smooth, crisp feel and a medium weight. They felt softer than many of the other options we tested, which is due to the brushed surface.

The quality workmanship was also immediately evident, as the sheets were in perfect condition with no signs of wear. In terms of breathability, these sheets were great at allowing adequate airflow and regulating body temperature. They aren’t overly stuffy but won’t feel chilly at night either, making them a great pick for year-round use.

How It Performed Long-Term

Throughout the duration of our long-term tests, we found that these sheets held up exceptionally well and felt as good as new after six weeks. And after scratching the sheets with sandpaper, there was no pilling, thinning, or loose threads evident in the area. So if you’re in the market for sheets that will last you for years to come, the Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set is definitely worth the splurge.

Price at time of publish: $169 for a queen set (no top sheet)

Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: None listed | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Care: Machine washable

Softest

The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set

The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set

The Citizenry

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Soft and silky texture

  • Lightweight and airy

  • Highly durable

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

If softness is your top priority when shopping for cotton sheets, then look no further than The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set. These sheets are among the highest-quality cotton sheets we’ve tested, and they performed exceptionally well in both our lab and at-home tests. The 400-thread-count sheets are made with 100 percent organic long-staple Turkish cotton, giving them a buttery-smooth texture straight out of the package. The Citizenry uses a proprietary weave that we found light, airy, and smooth—a bit more like sateen than percale. The high-quality construction of these sheets was evident by the reinforced seams, serged edges, and understitch reinforcement.

We were also impressed by the durability of the product, as all stains were completely removed after spot treatment. Likewise, these sheets withstood the abrasion test well, as there was very little indication that the sheet had been thinned or compromised. We also love that the product is Fair Trade certified, so you can feel good about your purchase.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over the course of six weeks, the sheets held up very nicely, maintaining their texture and quality very well. And while they may come at a hefty price, we think it’s worth it for those looking for an incredibly soft, lightweight, and durable sheet set that will last you for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $249 for a queen set

Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Full, queen, king | Certifications: Fair Trade Certified Factory, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Care: Machine wash gentle cycle with cold water, tumble dry low

Best High-Thread Count

Mayfair Linen Hotel Collection

Mayfair Linen Hotel Collection

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
What We Like
  • High thread count

  • Deep pockets

  • Crisp appearance

What We Don't Like
  • Deep creases and odor when first opened

Get that hotel-quality feel you love, right in your own bedroom. Mayfair's Linen Hotel Collection sheet set is made from 100 percent Egyptian Cotton yarns to keep your comfort top of mind, even when you aren’t traveling. With an 800-thread count, the sateen sheets ensure a super-soft luxurious feel that’ll keep you at ease for all nights ahead, making them a favorite among all the cotton sheets we’ve tested. 

All of the brand’s sheets come with a 4-inch hem and are tailored with deep pockets to enhance your bedroom decor. The long-staple Egyptian cotton fabric wicks away moisture to keep you cool through the night, with a crisp, hotel-like appearance that we absolutely loved. Straight out of the package, they feel very thick, crisp, and cool to the touch—like a freshly made hotel bed.

Just note to make sure to wash the sheets before using: Upon unpacking the sheets, we found them to have an unpleasant odor and deep creases. While the scent dissipated after washing, it was hard to keep the wrinkles at bay. This led us to dock one point on durability, quality, and overall value.

Price at time of publish: $58 for a queen set

Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 800 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Care: Machine wash

Best Cashmere

Brooklinen Heathered Cashmere Core Sheet Set

Heathered Cashmere Core Sheet Set

Brooklinen

What We Like
  • Textured look

  • Super soft and cozy yet breathable

  • Machine washes well

What We Don’t Like
  • May be prone to pilling

  • Expensive

Brooklinen takes the comfy Core Sheet Set to the next level with this Heathered Cashmere version, which is soft, cozy, and perfect for chilly weather. Made from a blend of cotton and cashmere, the sheets are breathable and warm without feeling hot and heavy. The fabric has a diagonal twill weave, which creates a heathered look, and they're brushed for extra softness. Plus, they only get softer with every wash.

The luxe sheet set comes in a range of sizes and includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. You can choose from a selection of classic colors, like white or cream, or opt for a bold color like limited-edition shades ink blue and rust. Just note that the cashmere cotton can pill easily, although these sheets are pretty simple and straightforward to care for.

Price at time of publish: $350 for a queen set

Weave: Diagonal | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry

Best Value

California Design Den 600 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheets Set

California Design Den 600 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheets Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3.8/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    3/5
  • Value
    3.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • High-quality offering at under $100

  • Breathable and airy

  • Substantial thickness

What We Don’t Like
  • Not the most durable

For sheets that will give you the most bang for your buck, we love the California Design Den 5-Star Hotel 600 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheets Set, which offers a ton of value at a moderate price point. During our tests, we found the sheets to be extremely smooth and soft with a luxury, hotel-quality feel. They had a medium weight and a substantial thickness that was neither overly heavy nor thin. We appreciated their cozy and comfortable texture that would be suitable for year-round use. 

We also were pleasantly surprised by the product’s breathability, as we noticed that they regulate body temperature very well. In our lab tests, we did find that the sandpaper ripped a hole through the sheets, which may not be a positive indicator of its durability. However, with proper care and attention, we think that its sturdy texture will help maintain its lifespan.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over the course of six weeks and multiple washes, there were no signs of wear or color fading, and the sheets held up very well all things considered. And at just $80 for a queen-sized set, these sheets are a solid option to add to your rotation.

Price at time of publish: $80 for a queen set

Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 600 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Compare

Quality Texture Durability Value Breathability
Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
Best Overall:
Lands' End Premium Supima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
4.5 5 5 5 5
Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set
Best Budget:
Better Homes & Gardens Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set
4.8 5 4.5 4.5 5
Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set
Best Splurge:
Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set
5 5 4.8 4 4.3
Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Best Cooling:
Lacoste Percale Sheet Set
4 5 4.8 5 5
West Elm 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set
Best Organic:
West Elm Organic Percale Sheet Set
4.8 5 4 4 3.8
Casper Percale Sheet Set
Best Lightweight:
Casper Percale Sheet Set
4 3 5 4.5 4
Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set
Best Durable:
Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set
4.8 5 4.8 4.5 5
The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set
Softest:
The Citizenry Organic Cotton Sheet Set
4.5 5 5 4.5 4
Mayfair Linen Hotel Collection
Best High-Thread Count:
Mayfair Linen Hotel Collection
4 4 4 4 4
Heathered Cashmere Core Sheet Set
Best Cashmere:
Brooklinen Heathered Cashmere Core Sheet Set
California Design Den 600 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheets Set
Best Value:
California Design Den Cotton Sheets Set
3.8 4.5 3 3.5 5
Final Verdict

Made from 100 percent long-staple cotton with a buttery-soft weave, the Lands' End Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set is our top choice for comfort and style. For a more affordable option, we love the Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set, which is highly breathable, boasts a soft and cozy texture, and feels exceptionally well made.

How We Tested the Sheets

After researching the most beloved, top-rated cotton sheets currently on the market, we gathered 130 of the best options and put them to the test in The Lab. We evaluated them on the basis of quality by inspecting the cotton sheets both before and after following the care instructions. We looked for any loose threads, pilling, snags, and imperfections in the stitching, dye, or pattern. We also noted any specifics about each cotton sheet, including the fiber quality, thread count, and weave. Additionally, we tested for any crocking, or color transfer in the lab. Next, we assessed the texture of each cotton sheet, considering its thickness, weight, softness, structure, and smoothness. At that point, we made the bed with the cotton sheets, observing how snugly the fitted sheet fit over the mattress, whether there was shifting or bunching, and how it draped over the bed. We also paid special attention to the depth of the fitted sheet and whether or not there was any excess fabric hanging over the sides.

The Spruce Team Finds the Best Cotton Sheets

We then tested the sheets’ breathability by lying underneath them and seeing how much airflow the sheet allowed through. We also placed a drop of water in the middle of the sheet to see how moisture-wicking the material was, by observing how quickly and how much the water dispersed over the area. To evaluate the durability of each cotton sheet, we performed a spill test and poured coffee, oil, and foundation over each sheet, noting how easy the stain was to remove and whether or not we could tell that it had been stained previously. We also carefully followed care instructions and judged whether there were any signs of wear, imperfections, wrinkles, or shrinkage post-wash. We used a sanding block to abrade the area and took note of the quality of that section. Finally, we assessed the cotton sheets’ value by comparing their retail prices with their overall quality. 

In addition to our standard in-lab testing, we conducted long-term home testing in order to see how the cotton sheets held up over time, checking in after several weeks. In our at-home testing, we considered not only the quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value, but also how (if at all) the sheets enhanced our day-to-day lives. We also considered how the sheets changed in texture after consistent washes, our sleep quality during those six weeks, and whether or not we would recommend the products to friends or family members. We analyzed our testing scores and insights, along with our supplemental research, to compile this list of the cotton sheets we believe are the best.

dog resting head on Threshold Sheets

The Spruce / Karen Tietjen

What to Look for in Cotton Sheets

Type

Cotton sheets are known for being soft, breathable, and affordable. But if you want the best of the best, choose extra-long staple cotton, often used in Egyptian, Pima, or Supima cotton sheets, which are considered premium options. You can also look for eco-minded options, like sheets made with 100 percent organic cotton that meets third-party certification requirements, such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Thread Count

A higher thread count isn’t always better, since thread count can be manipulated during the manufacturing process. Most of these options we tested fall between 200 and 400. This makes for the softest, most breathable cotton sheets. Our Best Organic pick, the West Elm Organic Percale Sheet Set, has a thread count of 400 and is made with a breathable percale weave for a cool, comfortable night's sleep.

"Anything above 500 thread count is probably just a falsehood," says Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton. She adds that a thread count above 500 is no longer an indication of softness and quality, as it's usually achieved by counting twists in the yarn, rather than threads per square inch of fabric.

Weave

The majority of our picks fall under two weave options: percale and sateen. If you like lighter, crisper sheets, choose percale sheets. If you prefer smooth and silky sheets, try sateen sheets instead. Just note you’ll typically pay a premium for sateen since it’s a more complicated weave, but some shoppers love the shiny look of this pick best.

FAQ
  • What is the best type of cotton for sheets?

    There are several types of cotton that are commonly used for sheets. Not all cotton is created equally, so you’ll want to consider your preferences and budget when shopping for cotton sheets. Supima cotton is a luxury, soft cotton grown in the United States. To receive the Supima name, the cotton must have been sourced through a specific supply chain. Egyptian cotton sheets are made of long, fine fibers to give the sheets their softness. This type of sheet is also durable and will wash well. In general, look for sheets made with high-quality cotton fibers and your favorite weave.

  • What is the best type of weave for cotton sheets?

    There are a number of different weaves that will create different textures and looks in cotton sheets, so it’s mostly up to personal preference. Percale sheets are very popular and known for their crisp, lightweight texture and cooling properties. Sateen is also a great choice for those who prefer an exceptionally smooth surface with a lustrous finish. Jersey sheets are ideal for those who love a stretchy and soft fabric with temperature control. Understanding what you’re looking for in sheets can help you narrow down your decision.

  • How do you soften cotton sheets?

    There are a few ways to soften up new bed sheets. Brakefield recommends washing cotton sheets—or any natural fiber sheet—with cold water and drying them on a low heat setting to ensure the fibers maintain their strength over time. "What I always say is during that cold and flu season, if you want to do a quick warm wash, then you can expect a little shrinkage, but maybe try to air dry afterward," says Brakefield. She also recommends avoiding fabric softener, which can also degrade cotton fibers. Keep in mind that cotton sheets will also naturally soften after several washes.

PB Classic 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Sheet Set pillowcases on two pillows

The Spruce / Hannah Huber

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted lab and at-home testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research about the topic. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our tests. Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer specializing in home products and organization hacks, contributed additional reporting for this article.

Emma Phelps, an associate commerce editor for The Spruce, also offered support for this roundup by speaking to Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton, a family-owned and operated bedding business. Brakefield offers a unique, expert perspective on bedding by having previous professional experience in marketing and branding and working on her family's North Alabama cotton farm, which supplies all of the fibers for Red Land Cotton's bedding.

Updated by
Grace Gallagher
picture Grace Gallagher
Grace Gallagher is a lifestyle expert and writer with five years of experience covering home furnishings, storage, and organization. She has also written for Greatist, Veracity Selfcare, Brit + Co, and others. Grace also taught creative writing workshops in Portland, Oregon.
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The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. The Cotton Fiber. Supima.

  2. Boll & Branch LLC. Global Organic Textile Standard.

  3. Why Fair Trade? Fair Trade Certified.

  4. OEKO-TEX Standard 100. OEKO-TEX.

  5. Skyline Exports. Global Organic Textile Standard.

  6. The Standard. Global Organic Textile Standard.

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