The Best Sheets That'll Have You Sleeping Like a Baby

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We recently reviewed this guide and still stand behind our top-tested sheet recommendations.

Good sheets are key to getting a good night's sleep — after all, they're the essential bedding pieces that directly touch your skin all night long. It's important that the fabric is comfortable and soft, breathable to prevent overheating and durable to last through years of laundering and daily use. They should also fit your mattress well and hopefully be wallet-friendly so you don't have to shell out a fortune. It may seem like an impossible task to find a set that meets your criteria, but that's where we come in.

In recent years, the bedding experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested over 275 sheet sets and analyzed more than 13,000 data points to find the best sheets for every preference. We use specialized equipment to evaluate durability and performance aspects like strength, shrinkage, pilling, wrinkle resistance and more. Then, we have our proprietary panel of consumer testers weigh in with two types of tests: an at-home sleep test to get in-depth feedback after several weeks of using the sets and a feel test to blindly compare sheets with similar constructions.

What's the best sheet set for most people? The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set is our pick for the best overall sheets. They earn good scores across the board without being overly expensive and have a lenient return policy, making them a low-risk purchase. As Good Housekeeping's textiles product analyst Grace Wu pointed out after our most recent test, "They honestly just check all of the boxes. If someone asked me for a recommendation, this would be the one I’d go with."

Our top picks:

As you shop for sheets through the end of the month, keep an eye out for Memorial Day sales. Many bedding brands offer discounts around the holiday, and they often last longer than just Memorial Day weekend.

You can find more information about how we rigorously test sheets, how to shop for your perfect set and other helpful tips at the end of this guide. Read on to learn more about the best sheets to buy for your bed, with prices listed for Queen size.

Softest Sheets | Best Cooling Sheets | Best Cotton Sheets | Best Microfiber Sheets | Best Hotel Sheets | Best Percale Sheets | Best Sateen Sheets | Best Linen Sheets | Best Organic Sheets | Best Silk Sheets | Best Flannel Sheets | Best Sheets on Amazon

Luxe Core Sheet Set

This popular set is an excellent performer in our tests and has an easy online shopping platform with free shipping both ways, making it our top pick. The smooth cotton fabric comes in a variety of neutral colors and prints, with limited edition options added regularly. Brooklinen has a variety of sheet offerings available (including a cotton percale), but this one's the most popular and by far our favorite because of its durability and positive feedback from users.

As an added bonus, making your bed is much easier thanks to clever tabs labeled "long side" and "short side" on the fitted sheet. Plus, the brand offers a lenient any-reason return policy for an entire year so there's little risk in trying it out. The fitted sheet is fairly generous for most mattresses at 15 inches deep, though it may be a tighter fit on taller models or beds with mattress toppers.

TESTING NOTES: The fabric was durable across the board in our Lab tests: It was strong, didn't pill easily and held up well to repeated laundering. Testers liked its basic, no-frills construction and shared comments like, "These are a classic sateen sheet — soft and smooth," and "I really liked the material they were made of. It was a much softer material without being a silk sheet. They feel nice on my skin."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: These Luxury Brooklinen Sheets Are Actually Worth the Hype

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Take 15% off your Brooklinen purchase using code GOODHOUSEKEEPING15.

1800 Collection Microfiber Bed Sheet Set

After seeing this best-selling Amazon sheet set available at such a low cost, we couldn't wait to test them ourselves — and it did not disappoint. The set stands out for its soft, buttery feel and has over 330,000 reviews from real users. On top of that, it comes in variations to fit a wide range of bed sizes with options for split or extra deep mattresses — plus over 40 colors and prints to match any bedroom decor.

Besides the silky feel, the polyester material also helps keep it durable and easy to care for. Just keep in mind that the synthetic material might not be as substantial or breathable as natural cotton, and those who prefer a crisp sheet might find the fabric too soft. Still, if you're looking to save and want the best bang for your buck, this one's value can't be beat.

TESTING NOTES: Our panel loved the comfy feel and gave it feedback like "extremely soft," "smooth and luxurious" and "silky and lightweight" in a feel test. Some noted that it felt thinner than other sheets in a blind comparison, but that can be expected for this material. One at-home tester described them by saying, "I like the softness and smoothness of these sheets. My body felt like it was gliding over them as I moved." In Lab tests, the sheets were generously sized on our sample bed, hardly shrunk in the wash and stood up to pilling tests.

400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set

If you're on a budget but prefer cotton sheets over microfiber, this option is your best bet. In fact, it's hard to find any cotton sheets for under $100, let alone one that performs as well as this set. It feels substantial with a good weight and it's comfortable with a balance between soft and crisp. It's also popular on Amazon with over 85,000 reviews and an average 4.6-star rating.

This set comes in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes to fit just about any bed. You can purchase pillowcases separately in case you need extra (a simple yet genius offering that we don't always see with popular sheet sets!) and there are more than 35 solid colors, stripes and designs to choose from. The brand says it's made to perfectly fit mattresses ranging from 8- to 16-inches tall, and our testers found that to be true in their reviews.

TESTING NOTES: Most of our reviewers raved about the feel of these sheets with feedback like, "I like the weight and quality of the fabric. It also had a nice sheen and a smooth feel." One tester said they weren't quite as soft as other sheets she's slept on but noted, "I liked the shape and fit of these better than any other sheets I've tried. There wasn't any additional fabric that bunched or came untucked easily." In Textiles Lab tests, we appreciated how this set could be washed in warm water (which is better for getting your sheets clean). It had average scores for fabric strength, but perfect ratings in our pill-resistance tests.

Legends Hotel Wrinkle-Free Sheets

This luxury set has among the softest cotton fabrication you can find. Some ultra-soft sheets like polyester and rayon feel noticeably thinner, but this sateen fabric is thicker and made with Supima cotton, a premium fiber grown in the U.S. It also comes in more than 15 colors to match any bedroom.

If you prefer to build your own set, you can purchase the fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases separately, with the option for a deep-pocket version that fits mattresses up to 20 inches tall. You can even request a free swatch from the company if you want to see and feel the fabric before you buy it.

TESTING NOTES: The fabric earned a higher softness rating than other cotton sheets in a side-by-side comparison test. In fact, several testers told us they wanted to buy these sheets after feeling them. One described it as "buttery soft and very luxurious without being slippery." The fabric was also strong and shrink-resistant in our tests, though it did show some pilling after the fabrics were rubbed together and some creases after laundering, despite the "Wrinkle-Free" claim in the name.

Performance Sheet Set

If you sleep hot or experience night sweats, this cooling sheet set can help keep you cool and dry all night. The fabric is a blend of moisture-wicking Tencel lyocell and viscose with Outlast technology, which stores and releases your body heat. Besides its cooling features, it's also incredibly soft and smooth against the skin.

The brand offers a 60-day any-reason return period, meaning you can get a full refund if you don't love the set after sleeping on it. Just note that this set only comes in white, grey, blue or tan.

TESTING NOTES: At-home reviewers unanimously said they stayed at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night while sleeping on this set. The fabric also earned high ratings for softness and overall comfort from our panel of at-home testers who told us they wanted to continue using it on their beds. One tester also noted, "I didn't have trouble making the bed, and the elastics on the fitted sheet were functional and didn't shift in the night." The fabric also held up to wash testing without shrinkage, though it wasn't as durable as other materials in our fabric strength evaluations.

Silky Tencel Sheet Set

Lyocell is a type of rayon that's super trendy in bedding because it feels substantially softer and smoother than cotton, and Tencel is a form of lyocell that's known for its sustainable production practices. West Elm's set is made entirely of Tencel and outperformed more than 14 other rayon sheets in our evaluations.

The fabric is both lightweight and moisture-wicking (great for managing night sweats!). Besides its sustainable sourcing, it's also made at a Fair Trade Certified factory. The sets come in nine colors and you can add an extra pillowcase pair to match.

TESTING NOTES: Despite being lightweight, the fabric proved to be strong and pill-resistant when we tested it with our Lab equipment. It had slight shrinkage that was on par with sheet sets made with similar fabrics. During sleep testing, users loved how it was cooling and soft without feeling too slippery.

Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Percale sheets are ideal for anyone that prefers a light and crisp feel instead of a silky smooth one, but they sometimes get a bad rap for feeling rough. This luxe set stands out for outperforming other percale fabrics, both in our Lab and with consumer testers.

It's made of premium Pima cotton, which has longer fibers for more softness, and it uses a simple weave that offers good breathability. It's also more affordable than other premium cotton sets on the market. Besides its range of solid colors, the set is also available in prints at a slightly higher cost.

TESTING NOTES: Our experts were impressed by the set's durability after the fabric held up to strenuous strength, shrinkage and pilling evaluations. And while some percale sheets wrinkle easily, these were noticeably less creased than others. One tester described it as feeling "like quality hotel sheets. It also feels a bit cool to the touch, which I like. I would love these sheets in my home."

Microfiber Sheet Set

If you're looking to spend as little as possible, you can find popular sheets on Amazon that'll help you save. In fact, this set from Amazon's own brand is a total steal at around $20. Similar to the Mellanni set, the polyester microfiber has an incredibly smooth feel which the brand describes as a "peach-like finish." The synthetic fiber also has built-in shrink- and wrinkle-resistant properties.

On top of that, it comes in 44 colors and has nearly 360,000 reviews with an average 4.6-star rating. It's the perfect set for anyone on a budget, with a spare bedroom or in a temporary living space, like dorms and starter apartments.

TESTING NOTES: Despite its low cost, this was another top performer in our tests thanks to its durable material, meaning you can expect it to hold up to long-term use. And while some testers thought these sheets felt thin and flimsy compared to others, most raved about the smoothness, with one calling it "soft and lightweight."

Organic Cotton Sheet Set

Riley's splurge-worthy set uses an indulgent sateen weave, long-staple cotton (ideal for smooth and durable fabrics) and a combing technique so there are no short fibers to poke you. The result is a sturdy yet soft fabric that impressed our testers and analysts alike.

Besides its quality material, this set was also loved for its convenience features, like its side envelope-closure pillowcases, "top" and "bottom" tabs on the fitted sheet and generous sizing that fits even tall mattresses. Just note that while the set is made of organic cotton, we weren't able to verify that the entire production process follows organic standards without having proper certification.

TESTING NOTES: Testers especially loved how they were comfortable yet still lightweight. One even highlighted how they felt "more breathable than most sateen sheets." And while cotton sheets tend to wrinkle easily, these resisted creases better than other sets in our Lab's evaluations. Beyond that, they held up to washing with minimal shrinkage and didn't pill during our durability tests.

Organic Cotton Bed Sheets

Good news: You don't have to spend a fortune or sacrifice quality to go green. Smooth luxury sheets that are truly organic can cost several hundred dollars, but this set is GOTS-certified and costs less than $200.

The GOTS certification is especially important because it means the entire manufacturing process is organic, not just the way the cotton is grown. This set doesn't come in a wide of variety colors like some other sets, but it's available in neutral hues to go with almost any bedroom palette. You can also purchase extra pillowcases and a matching duvet cover to complete your set.

TESTING NOTES: The fabric outperformed other organic sheets in our series of tests. Though the sheets did see some shrinkage and creases after washing, the sateen fabric proved to be both soft and strong in Lab and consumer evaluations. The fabric is not as thick or hefty as some other sateen sheets we've reviewed, and one tester noted, "I love the lightweight feel and overall smoothness."

Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

This sheet set stands out for being GOTS-certified organic as well as crisp and breathable thanks to its airy percale weave instead of sateen. It's ideal for people who like a relaxed bed as opposed to a super smooth fabric; the brand uses a special process to achieve its unique crinkled look.

Besides its GOTS certification, it's also Fair Trade Certified, which focuses on ethics throughout the supply chain. So even though this one's a bit pricier than others, the brand works to improve the wages and working conditions at the farms and factories where it's produced.

TESTING NOTES: At-home users raved about its relaxed look and feel. One user even described it as "soft, luxurious and yet crisp and cool." The fabric also held up to lab laundering tests with hardly any shrinkage. It did show some pilling and the fabric looked creased after washing, but that's expected for these "crinkled" sheets and their casual aesthetic.

Hotel Sateen Sheet Set

If you love the elegant and smooth look of a hotel bed, this sateen set has a wrinkle-resistant finish that keeps it looking smoother than other cotton fabrics. And while there are sometimes concerns around chemicals like formaldehyde in wrinkle-resistant fabrics, this one is Oeko-Tex certified so you know it's been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels in the fabric.

The cotton is also combed, which means short, poking fibers are removed so it feels extra soft. It comes in white with various options for colored stitching as a decorative accent, and the brand says these sheets are used in luxury hotels throughout the country.

TESTING NOTES: In our test, this set had the smoothest appearance after laundering, plus our testers said it had a smooth feel and they earned high softness ratings in a blind comparison. The fabric wasn't the strongest in our test, but it still proved to be durable overall and was generously sized, fitting our test mattress with room to spare.

Novelty sheet sets to consider

Besides the traditional sheet fabrics described in this article, there are also some non-traditional materials on the market that our experts think are worth trying if you're interested in a unique feel.

• Best Flannel Sheets: The Garnet Hill Hemstitched Supima Flannel Sheet set performed better than any other flannel set in our test. It's made of 100% cotton and is brushed on both sides to trap warmth and provide the ultimate softness. In fact, it earned a perfect softness score from sleep testers. It pilled easily, which is typical for flannel fabrics but was fairly strong in our durability evaluations.

• Best Brushed Sheets: The Parachute Home Brushed Cotton Sheet Set is ideal if you want the softness of flannel sheets without the warmth. Its fuzzy texture gives it a cozy feel that the brand describes as feeling like "your favorite lived-in T-shirt." It also was more durable than flannel, and testers liked how soft it was compared to traditional percale fabrics.

• Best Linen Sheets: The Piglet in Bed Linen Sheet Set stood out for its durability and tester satisfaction ratings from users who said they loved both the feel and textured appearance. And while linen can be extremely pricey, this set is fairly priced at under $200.

• Best Hemp Sheets: The Tuft & Needle Hemp Sheet Set has the unique texture of linen sheets but feels substantially softer. It's pricey — a Queen set costs $270 — but hemp is considered sustainable because it doesn't require as much water to grow. Testers gave it nearly perfect ratings across the board, though it's less ideal for people who prefer the traditional feel of cotton.

How we test sheets

We put bed sheets through the wringer both in our Textiles Lab and with consumers to see how comfortable they feel and how well they'll hold up over time. Here's what we consider when we test sheets in our Labs:

• Fabric strength: As part of our durability evaluations, our specialized machine called an Instron (pictured here) pulls swatches of fabric until they break, letting us know how sturdy each material is.

• Washability: Each sheet is repeatedly washed according to its care label and gets scored multiple times on both shrinkage and appearance after laundering.

• Wrinkle resistance: Immediately after the sheet dries, each one is taken to our specialized lighting room and visually measured for wrinkles and creases following industry standards.

• Softness: Dozens of consumer testers feel and rate each fabric in a blind comparison, which occurs after laundering to remove any leftover finishes from production. Fabrics are compared against similar constructions — e.g., sateen sheets, percale sheets, linen sheets, etc.

• Sleep tests: Our panel of reviewers try out sheets for several weeks at a time, weighing in with feedback like the ease of making the bed, softness, comfort, temperature regulation, appearance and overall satisfaction. They also share responses to open-ended questions, which gives us more insight into their experiences.

• Pilling resistance: We use our abrasion machine (pictured here) to rub swatches together, which mimics tossing and turning as well as regular wear and tear. We then visibly score signs of pilling against textile industry standards.

• Other factors: We also check measurements to see how well the sheets fit onto a mattress and consider any specifications, from cooling features to organic claims.

How to pick the best sheet fabric for you

Consider both the fiber content and the construction when picking out the best material for you. Here are your top choices for each:

✔️ Fiber content tells you what the fabric is made of. This information is required to be listed on the product label, and virtually all sheet sets will have the fiber content displayed when you shop online.

• Cotton: This is the most popular choice because the fiber is soft, durable and feels natural against your skin. Long-staple cotton varieties (like Egyptian or Pima) are often smoother and more durable, but be warned: There have been instances of brands falsely labeling sheets with these premium fibers.

• Polyester: Sheets made with polyester are more affordable, more shrink-resistant and more wrinkle-resistant than cotton. But while they're super smooth, they're not as luxurious as cotton and they often have a synthetic feel. You can also find cotton and polyester blends that are mostly cotton for a compromise between the two.

• Regeneration cellulose: More commonly known as "rayon," "viscose" or "lyocell," these sheets are made using plants (like bamboo or eucalyptus trees) that get chemically processed into fibers. They stand out for feeling incredibly soft; usually even softer than cotton sheets.

• Linen: Popular for summer, linen sheets feel breathable and airy. They're crisp and have a unique texture with a relaxed look. Similarly, hemp sheets feel like linen and are starting to gain popularity.

• Silk: Incredibly smooth and naturally temperature regulating, silk sheets are the ultimate luxury purchase. The downside is they're much more expensive and won't stand up to repeated washings as well. You can always opt for a silk pillowcase to get the benefits without outfitting your entire bed.

✔️ Construction tells you how the fabric is built (regardless of the fibers used) and has a major effect on how the sheets feel. Most brands list the construction in online descriptions and packaging.

• Percale: A basic weave that feels light and crisp. Ideal for hot sleepers, these sheets are more breathable than other fabrications.

• Sateen: A satin weave that feels silky smooth. Testers in our evaluations tend to prefer the soft feel of cotton sateen over cotton percale.

• Flannel: Bushed fabric that feels warm and cozy. Flannel sheets are typically made of cotton, but you can find them in polyester, as well.

• Jersey: Stretchy knit material that feels more like a t-shirt. Cotton jersey sheets are soft, though not typically as durable as percale or sateen. Synthetic jersey sheets have performance moisture-wicking features but may feel like activewear on your bed.

• Microfiber: Tiny polyester fibers that feel buttery soft. They're typically inexpensive but may feel a bit flimsy compared to others.

What to keep in mind when shopping for bed sheets

Here's what to consider as you pick out your perfect set of sheets:

✔️ Price: You don't have to spend a fortune to get good sheets. We've found that the $100 to $200 range is the sweet spot for a mix of good value and high quality. That being said, there are luxury sets over $200 that are worth the splurge, and you can also find some excellent options under $100, like our best value sheet, Mellanni, which is made of polyester instead of cotton.

If you're concerned about cost and looking for ways to save on sheets (besides opting for less expensive materials), consider shopping during a holiday weekend. You'll be able to find sales during major shopping holidays like Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday and more. Some brands also give you a discount for signing up for their email newsletter. On top of that, you may be able to save if you're flexible with the sets and don't need all the pieces. Most sheets are sold as a four-piece set with a flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillowcases, but you can sometimes find open stock options (i.e., individual pieces) or three-piece sets without the flat sheet.

✔️ Softness: This comes from the fiber content and construction that's outlined above. Rayon fibers like viscose and lyocell typically make the softest sheets. Polyester microfibers are also buttery soft, though they do have a synthetic feel to them. Cotton's softness depends on the construction: Sateen weaves and special techniques like combing or brushing help them feel softer, and these are often highlighted when you shop.

✔️ Durability: It can be difficult to tell whether a sheet fabric will be durable just by looking at the specs, and the results sometimes surprise us in our tests. In general, polyester fibers are more durable than cotton because they're more resistant to things like shrinkage and pilling. Still, there are plenty of cotton sheets in our tests with high durability ratings, as well as some polyester sheets with below-average scores. This is why we highlight durability aspects for each of our included picks.

✔️ Care instructions: Most sheets are machine washable, but some call for cold water or delicate cycles. Your sheets will be cleanest if they're washed in warm or hot water, so it's best to opt for ones that can withstand these settings if you're a sweaty sleeper or you don't wash sheets regularly.

✔️ Wrinkle resistance: This is a matter of personal preference, but many people want sheets that look smoother with fewer creases. Cotton sateen sheets wrinkle less than percale, and they sometimes include a wrinkle-resistant finish. Polyester sheets (or a blend of cotton and polyester) wrinkle less than cotton, while linen sheets are the easiest to crease. Still, it's your choice if you prefer a crinkled set for a casual look.

✔️ Cooling features: Look for sheets with temperature-regulating technology to help keep you comfy all night, moisture-wicking capabilities to wick away sweat, or breathable weaves like percale to prevent overheating. You can also consider fibers that have inherent cooling aspects, like linen or lyocell.

✔️ Organic certifications: Organic claims are commonly misused with bedding items. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the easiest way to check whether sheets are truly organic because it outlines strict standards throughout the entire production process, not just the growing of the cotton or other natural fiber. You can double-check whether a brand is certified through the GOTS public database.

How to avoid misleading sheet marketing claims

Some bedding brands get carried away with their marketing claims, which can mislead shoppers into buying sheets for the wrong reasons. Here are some common areas with suspicious claims, and what you need to know about them to avoid getting duped:

✔️ Thread count: With all of the new fabrications that have been developed over the years, thread count ishas become much less important, especially if the sheets are not 100% cotton. Though we often see top-performing cotton sheets in the 300-500 thread count range, it's easy for brands to inflate the number. It's better to look at the fiber content and construction to determine whether a set is right for you.

✔️ Bamboo, eucalyptus and other tree fibers: You may notice these so-called "plant" sheets when you shop, and other review sites may even promote their sustainability claims. However, our scientists advise that these are sheets falsely labeled — and are actually rayon.

While bamboo sheets may sound natural and luxurious, they undergo an intensive chemical process that removes all traces of the original plant. Lyocell often follows a more sustainable manufacturing process than other types of rayon, but there's still no trace of eucalyptus or other plant fibers after the chemical processing. This doesn't mean the sheets are low quality; just be wary of any plant-content claims if that's what is swaying your decision.

✔️ Eco-friendly and health-related claims: Brands sometimes claim their sheets are better for you and the environment. Our experts share that you should be wary unless they're certified organic from a trusted source, like GOTS. Most sheets these days are certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, which means that a finished fabric has been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals.

While it's certainly good to check whether a textile product is deemed safe, just be wary of any claims a brand makes that are attributed to this standard. It does not mean a fabric is organic or free of chemicals because it does allow for low levels of chemical presence, and it doesn't support claims related to the manufacturing process since toxic chemicals could've been used but washed out.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing for all bedding, including sheets. She has been actively evaluating sheets since she joined Good Housekeeping in 2013, and during this time has rigorously tested more than 200 sets.

Bed sheets are extensively evaluated on a regular basis, both in the Textiles Lab and in the homes of real consumer testers. In recent years testing has been performed by textile analysts Emma Seymour, Grace Wu and Amanda Constantine.