Best Sheets (2020): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Our bed sheets can enhance our sleep quality and add to the aesthetic appeal of our bedroom. The texture, feel, or cooling abilities of our sheets contribute more to our comfort and sleep quality than we may realize.

In this article, we review some of our top picks for the best bed sheets on the market. We also discuss the key factors to consider when choosing the best sheets for yourself.

Best Sheet Recommendations

Most sheets are available as part of a sheet set, including 1 fitted sheet, 1 top sheet, and 2 pillowcases. Twin, twin XL, and full size sheet sets may include only 1 pillowcase. However, some brands sell their sheets and pillowcases separately.

1. Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Set

Amerisleep’s Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Set is made with long-staple Pima cotton fibers, providing a plush and luxurious feel to your bed. The long length of the fibers makes the sheets durable and resistant to pilling. These sheets have a percale weave and 300 thread count, which means they are crisp with a cool feel to them.

The fabric made with 100 percent long-staple cotton gets softer with every wash. The sheets are easy to maintain; just throw them in your washing machine and dryer. Once out of the dryer, the sheets are usually ready to sleep. Though cotton is prone to wrinkling, Amerisleep’s “single-pick insertion” weave minimizes the chances of wrinkles in this fabric.

The fitted sheet in this set has deep pockets to fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick, making them a perfect fit for tall beds. Most fitted sheets usually encase mattresses up to 14 or 15 inches thick.

Amerisleep offers a 1-year limited warranty on their sheet sets. If you notice any manufacturing defects, Amerisleep will replace the sheets for free within the warranty period. It’s a rare offer because few brands offer warranties on their sheets. The Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Sets are available in all standard sizes including the rare split king size.

2. Amerisleep Tencel® Sheets

Amerisleep’s Tencel® Sheets are softer than cotton. They are excellent for hot sleepers as well as those with sensitive skin. With a 310 thread count and sateen weave, this fabric feels breathable and smooth. The smooth fabric reduces the chances of skin rashes or irritation.

Tencel® has superior moisture-wicking abilities, keeping you cool through the night. Lack of moisture prevents the growth of allergens in your bed. Those prone to allergies often experience symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy throat, watery eyes, frequent sneezing, and coughing. These Tencel® sheets are a good hypoallergenic option, reducing sleep disruptions due to allergies.

To enhance the efficacy of these sheets, Amerisleep uses its patented Smarty-BandZz® technology, preventing sheet bunching. Unlike most fitted sheets, these sheets with Smarty-BandZz® technology have elastic bands that wrap around the entire bottom of the mattress. These bands are 1.5 inches wide and sewn horizontally to keep the sheets in place.

The fitted sheets fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick. The wrinkle-resistant Tencel® fabric can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, and tumble dried on low heat.

Tencel® is an eco-friendly material, sourced from the wood cellulose of eucalyptus trees. The trees are grown in un-irrigated lands, without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Environmentally conscious shoppers take pride in owning these smooth, cooling sheets made with sustainable materials.

3. Mellanni 1800 Collection Microfiber Sheet Set

The silky soft microfiber sheets are wrinkle-resistant, fade-resistant, and stain-resistant as well. They are available in 18 dark and solid colors. You get more options to match with your walls or curtains.

The tightly woven microfiber fabric discourages allergen growth, preventing sleep disruptions caused by allergic reactions. Microfiber is a synthetic material so these sheets are less expensive than natural materials such as cotton or silk.

Mellanni offers a lifetime satisfaction guarantee with their sheets. If the sheets don’t suit your needs, return them for a full refund at any time. Mellanni does not set a time restriction for returns, a rare find in the bedding industry.

These sheets are easy to clean but avoid ironing or dry cleaning them. High heat may damage the fibers, leading to a rough feel. Wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Tumble dry low and remove promptly. It’s better to wash these dark-colored sheets separately or with like colors only.

4. L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set

Flannel sheets are good for keeping you warm during colder months. L.L. Bean’s UltraSoft Comfort Flannel Sheets have a velvety smooth texture. L.L. Bean uses 100 percent brushed cotton flannel woven in Portugal. The world’s first cotton flannel fabric was manufactured in Portugal, over a century ago. Since then it has been the hub of the cotton flannel industry.

These sheets resist shrinking, fading, pilling, and get softer with every wash. They are available in 8 colors, including bright and neutral shades. The sheets are Standard 100 OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring the products are made responsibly and meet global health, safety, and environmental standards.

The sheets are machine washable and dryable. You may notice buildup in your lint trap due to the brushed flannel construction but that doesn’t affect the quality of the sheet. The set includes 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet fitting mattresses up to 15 inches thick, and two pillowcases.

5. Magic Linen Sheet Set

Linen sheets are naturally insulating with excellent temperature regulation, making them a good option for both winters and summers. They absorb moisture and maintain your body’s neutral temperature as you sleep comfortably through the night. The Magic Linen Sheets are stonewashed to enhance their softness. They are made with 100 percent European flax, making them a good eco-friendly product.

The Standard 100 OEKO-TEX® certified sheets are available in 18 different colors and designs. Some are solid colored, while others flaunt a stripe or grid pattern on them. Choose from fitted sheets measuring 10 or 18 inches deep to suit the thickness of your mattress.

Wash the sheets separately from other fabrics, in lukewarm water. High water temperatures may cause shrinkage and damage the linen fibers. Use a mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry or air dry your sheets by hanging them on a clothesline.

Magic Linen offers a 30-day sleep trial on their sheets. If the product does not meet your sleep needs, return it within the sleep trial period for a full refund. The products must be in good condition when returned.

Magic Linen also sells their fitted sheets, top sheets, and pillowcases separately, so you don’t spend money buying things you don’t need. For example, those who use duvets with duvet covers don’t need top sheets. Since comforters usually don’t have covers, using a top sheet acts as a hygiene barrier to prevent the accumulation of body oil, sweat, and shed skin cells on the comforter.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Sheets

Since sheets make direct contact with your skin for 7 to 9 hours every day, their texture is crucial for your comfort. A comfortable sheet can improve your sleep quality. Various factors such as the fabric material, weave, thread count, and fit determine the feel.

Fabric Materials

Bedsheets are made with natural materials such as cotton or silk, synthetic materials like microfiber, or semi-synthetic fibers such as Tencel®. Different types of fabric materials have unique features. Prioritize your needs to understand which fabric suits you the most.

Cotton

Cotton has been the most popular bedding fabric for quite some time. This naturally breathable material makes plush and luxurious sheets but the quality of the fabric depends on the length (staple) of the cotton fiber. The longer the cotton fibers, the softer and more durable the fabric.

Types of Cotton

Long-staple and Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton fibers are best for manufacturing premium quality sheets. Usually, Egyptian and Pima Cotton (also called Supima) have long-staple or ESL fibers, while Upland cotton has shorter fibers. More than 99 percent of the cotton grown in the United States is of the Upland variety. They are less expensive than Egyptian or Pima cotton.

• Egyptian Cotton: As the name suggests, Egyptian cotton is handpicked from the Nile River Valley. Since Egyptian cotton has to be imported, sheets made with it are expensive. The extra-long or long-staple Egyptian cotton fibers make super soft and durable sheets, lasting for decades. Sheets marketed as “Egyptian Cotton” may not always be the best as they can include blends of short-staple cotton fibers. Check for sheets made with 100 percent long-staple or ELS cotton.
• Pima Cotton: Pima Cotton grows in the United States so these sheets are less expensive than Egyptian cotton. The long and extra-long staple fibers of Pima Cotton make equally plush, luxurious, and durable sheets. The long cotton fibers are less prone to wrinkling, breakage, and pilling, as compared to short-staple cotton.
• Upland Cotton: This variety of cotton is commonly grown in the United States. The shorter length of cotton fibers breaks down faster, affecting the sheet’s quality. Pilling is caused due to broken cotton fibers forming small balls on the surface of the fabric. It makes the sheet rough and weakens the fabric. Sheets made with short-staple cotton last 1 or 2 years.
• Organic Cotton: If you want organic cotton sheets, look for the GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) label. A GOTS certified sheet contains a minimum of 70 percent organic fibers. Organic cotton is grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Sheets made with organic cotton are more expensive than regular cotton sheets because their production process is costly. You will find organic options in both Egyptian and Pima cotton.

Most cotton sheets can be machine washed with hot water, though we recommend checking the instructions on the care label before washing and drying any sheet. Washing sheets on a hot water cycle is good to sanitize the sheets. The high temperature kills bacteria, dust mites, fungi, and other indoor allergens thriving on our sheets. Our shed skin cells, body oil, and sweat accumulate on our sheets, providing a hospitable environment for allergen growth.

Tumble dry cotton sheets on low heat. Sometimes, high temperatures may damage fabric strength. You can even try air drying by hanging the sheets on a clothesline.

Blended Fabrics

Blended fabrics are typically cotton combined with other synthetic materials such as polyester. If you are shopping on a budget, blended fabrics are a good option. They include the benefits of both cotton and polyester but are not as expensive as 100 percent cotton sheets.

Sheets made with blended fabrics can be durable and wrinkle resistant. They feel smooth but are not as soft as 100 percent cotton sheets. Generally, they are washer and dryer safe but some blends containing linen or silk may need more delicate care.

Linen

Linen is derived from the cellulose fibers of flax plants. This recyclable fiber does not need irrigation or chemical treatment. Since flax plants are commonly grown in Europe and Central Asia, linen is usually imported. This inflates the price of the eco-friendly fabric.

The many benefits of linen include breathability, durability, temperature regulation, and natural insulation. Linen is thicker than cotton, but it is equally airy and breathable.

If you are prone to allergies, linen sheets are a perfect hypoallergenic option for you. Linen is naturally resistant to bacteria and other allergens, keeping your allergies at bay.

Linen sheets get softer with every wash. Some linen sheets are pre-washed before selling so they are ready for use, while others may need to be washed before you start using them. If pre-washing is needed, the care tag should include directions. Different companies suggest various ways of pre-washing. Pre-washing settles the thread, making the linen fabric comfortable for use.

Even regular cleaning of linen fabrics needs special attention.  Wash linen sheets separately on a cold or lukewarm setting. Use a mild detergent and run the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry the sheets on low heat. When they are still slightly damp, take them out of the dryer and air dry them on a clothesline. Air drying linen sheets maintain the fabric’s quality, enhancing its softness.

Polyester

Polyester fabric is also a popular option in bedsheets because it’s soft, durable, and budget-friendly. The production method of this synthetic material is cost-effective, contributing to its affordable price. The fabric is easy to maintain, and it doesn’t wrinkle easily. Machine wash on a lukewarm cycle and tumble dry the sheets on low heat.

If you are a hot sleeper or prefer natural materials, avoid polyester. This synthetic fiber is not as breathable as cotton or linen.

Microfiber

Microfiber refers to finely woven synthetic fibers commonly used in bedsheets. The tight weave makes microfiber sheets resistant to water and stains. If you wipe a stain as soon as it appears, it might disappear completely, leaving no marks at all.

Microfiber sheets hold on to their colors well, resisting fading. This material is soft and comfortable but prone to wrinkling. Ironing them is not an option because the high heat can damage the fibers.

To avoid the chances of wrinkling, tumble dry the sheets on low heat and remove them promptly from the dryer. Microfiber sheets are machine washable but use cold water and a gentle detergent.

Tencel®

Tencel® is the brand name for lyocell fabric, a type of rayon. Rayons are regenerated fibers sourced from natural materials. To make Tencel® fibers, the wood cellulose extracted from eucalyptus trees goes through an eco-friendly “closed-loop production process.” In this process, almost all the solvents used in the production process get reused and don’t pollute the environment.

The solvents break down the wood pulp, which is then re-formed into Tencel® fibers. These fibers are neither natural fibers like cotton or linen nor artificial fibers synthesized out of petrochemicals like polyester. The fine semi-synthetic fibers are hydrophilic in nature, providing Tencel® sheets with superior moisture-wicking abilities.

This eco-friendly fabric is easy to maintain too. Machine wash them on a cold or lukewarm setting with a gentle detergent and tumble dry on low heat.

Bamboo

Bamboo sheets, made with bamboo plant fibers, are becoming increasingly popular in the bedding industry. They are durable, silky soft, anti-microbial, and can regulate temperature. Bamboo plant fibers have excellent moisture-wicking abilities, preventing night sweats.

Bamboo plants produce an antibacterial and antifungal agent, naturally repelling microbial growth. Wood celluloses from bamboo plants are used to make the regenerated bamboo fibers. These fibers with antibacterial and antifungal properties repel allergens in your bed.

When shopping for bamboo sheets look for products marked as “100 percent rayon from bamboo” or “100 percent bamboo fibers.” Sometimes bamboo fibers are blended with cotton for increasing the durability of sheets, but it compromises the softness of pure bamboo sheets.

The bamboo sheets are easy to maintain. They can be machine washed on a cold water setting and tumble dried on low heat. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners because the chemicals can wear out the fabric.

Flannel

Flannel sheets are made with either 100 percent cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. These materials are brushed with a thin wire, raising the fine fibers of the loosely spun fabric. Raised fibers provide a soft, cozy feel against your skin, making flannel sheets perfect for cold weather.

Some flannel sheets contain cotton or wool blended with some synthetic fibers. A blended flannel sheet is less expensive than a pure cotton or wool flannel sheet. Some brands may differ in their care instructions, but most flannel sheets can be machine washed on a warm cycle with a mild detergent. Tumble dry them on a low heat setting to maintain fabric quality.

Silk

Silk is another natural material with many benefits but one drawback. This natural fiber spun by silkworms is smooth, durable, and naturally hypoallergenic but these sheets cannot be machine washed or dried.

The delicate fiber needs sensitive handling. Handwash the sheets to protect fiber quality. Some brands mention machine washing on a gentle cycle, after hand-washing the sheets for the first few times. Air dry your silk sheets on a clothesline because heat from the dryer damages the sensitive silk fibers. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fabric damage and color fading.

Weave

Weave refers to the way the fiber is stitched to make a fabric. The type of weave affects the sheet’s texture, which in turn can impact your sleep quality. The two main types of weaves commonly used in bedsheets are the percale and sateen weave.

• Percale: In the percale weave the threads go one over, one under, forming a tight-knit structure. The sheets woven in percale style contain an equal amount of surface threads on either side. The resultant fabric is breathable, crisp, and durable. Usually, cotton sheets are woven in the percale style to produce plush sheets. Percale weave fabrics have a matte finish.
• Sateen: Sateen weave fabrics have a sheen to them. In this style, more number of threads are placed on top of the sheet while stitching the fabric. For example, the threads go four over one under, lending a smoother feel to the top side than the underneath side of the sheet. Sateen sheets are also equally breathable and durable but they feel smoother than percale weave fabrics. Generally, Tencel® and silk fabrics are woven in the sateen style.

Thread Count

Thread count indicates the total number of horizontal and vertical threads in a square inch of fabric. On average, most quality sheets range from 200 to 800. The thread count of a sheet affects its breathability and durability, but higher is not always better. Be wary of manufacturers selling sheets with a thread count higher than 1000 as more luxurious options.

Some manufacturers use multi-ply yarns to artificially inflate the fabric’s thread count, which can also bump up the price. Multi-ply yarns are inferior quality threads twisted together.

The following are the optimum thread counts of different fabric types:

• Egyptian Cotton: 300 to 400
• Pima Cotton: 200 to 400
• Bamboo: 300 and above
• Linen: 100 to 200

Not all fabrics can be measured by their thread count because their weight determines the quality. Fabrics such as microfiber, flannel, and silk are gauged by their weight.

• Microfiber: 90 to 120 GSM (Grams per square meter)
• Flannel: 170 GSM
• Silk: 19 to 25 momme (momme equals to pounds per 100 yards of silk)

Fit

A well-fitted sheet is crucial for a comforting feel leading to a good night’s sleep. Before choosing your next set of sheets, measure the thickness of your mattress. Most fitted sheets accommodate mattresses up to 14 inches thick, but some pillow-top or soft mattresses are thicker than 14 inches. In such cases, you need deep-pocketed fitted sheets to encase your thick mattress properly. Deep-pocketed sheets can accommodate mattresses up to 18 or 20 inches thick.

FAQs

What are the smoothest sheets?

The smoothest sheets are usually sateen weave Tencel®, silk, or polyester sheets. Good quality silk fabrics are the most expensive type of sheets. They are more difficult to maintain as you need to hand wash the sheets for the first few times. Polyester sheets are the most reasonably priced, but they are not that breathable. Tencel® sheets, made with eco-friendly fibers, are breathable and easy to maintain as well.

Are percale sheets better than Egyptian cotton?

Percale is a style of weaving fabric, commonly used in cotton sheets. Egyptian cotton is a type of material used to make sheets, so percale and Egyptian cotton cannot be compared. Egyptian cotton can be woven in a percale style for a soft and durable sheet. While the Egyptian cotton feels soft, the tight-knit percale weave enhances the durability and crispness of the sheets.

Are 1000 thread count sheets worth it?

Sheets marketed with a thread count higher than 1000 may not be worth their price. Sometimes, manufacturers use multi-ply yarns to increase the thread count. Most high-quality sheets have a thread count between 200 to 800. Thread count affects your sheet’s breathability and durability, but the highest isn’t always the best. The fiber quality matters more than the thread count.

What are the best sheets for hot sleepers?

Tencel®, bamboo, and linen sheets are perfect for hot sleepers. They are breathable with moisture-wicking abilities, helping to prevent night sweats. Cotton sheets with a percale weave are also airy and breathable, but not as absorbent as Tencel®, bamboo, and linen.

What kind of sheets do hotels use?

Generally, hotels use Egyptian or Pima cotton sheets with a 300 thread count. These sheets feel airy and breathable so you sleep comfortably wrapped in them. The long-staple or ESL cotton fibers also make these sheets durable for long-term use.

Conclusion

Even the best mattress is incomplete without the perfect sheets. Choosing the right bedsheet for yourself is a matter of personal preference. When choosing new sheets, consider the color, fabric material, and price, as well as how easy they will be to maintain.

Not all sheets are machine washable. Some may need to be air-dried instead of machine-dried. Without proper maintenance, the bedsheets won’t last long and you may end up spending more money to replace them.

Take care to buy sheets that fit your mattress, budget, and sleep needs, and you’ll sleep comfortably every night.