The Best Bed Sheets of 2026, According to 25,000+ Nights of Testing
After testing more than 400 sets, our experts and real consumers swear by these sheets.
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Shopping for sheets can be overwhelming: There are seemingly endless options, too-good-to-be-true claims, and a bunch of new innovative materials that you may have never heard of before. That’s why the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab team of fiber scientists did the hard work for you by testing 400 sheet sets in the Lab to curate this list of the best sheets to buy.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set
- Best Value: California Design Den 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set
- Best Percale: L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
- Softest: The Company Store Legends Hotel Wrinkle-Free Sheets
- Best Microfiber: Mellanni Iconic Collection Microfiber Sheet Set
Our extensive testing consisted of cutting 3,200 fabric swatches for testing on lab equipment, completing 2,000 loads of laundry, and conducting over 28,000 nights of consumer sleep testing. You can learn about our rigorous sheet testing process—and find tips for choosing the best sheets for you—after our reviews (with prices listed for Queen sizes). If you're unsure which material to choose, here's a tip: Sateen is the most popular fabric among our consumer testers.
Best Deal
Pros
- Soft and comfortable
- Strong fabric that washes well
- Easy to make your bed, thanks to labels
Cons
- 16-inch fitted sheet may be tight on taller mattresses
WHY WE LOVE IT:
This set turned out to be a crowd-pleaser among testers and performed well in our softness and durability tests. It's also not too expensive for its level of quality and Brooklinen offers a lenient return policy, making it a low-risk purchase.
WHAT TO KNOW:
The fabric is a cotton sateen, which is ideal for people who prefer a soft and thick material. Sateen is a type of a satin weave in which the yarns in one direction float over several yarns in the opposite direction. Although sateen sheets do have a smooth feel, this pick's fabric isn't too smooth, so it's a good option for people who want a soft set that doesn't feel slippery.
The fitted sheet has a 16-inch depth, which should fit most mattresses, but may be a bit tight on taller beds or ones with mattress toppers. It also has tabs labeled "long side" and "short side," so it takes the headache out of making your bed on laundry day.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
We found the fabric to be 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. One shared, "These are classic sateen sheets—soft and smooth," while another said, "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: Brooklinen Sheets
| Material | 100% cotton sateen |
| Colors | 19 options |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Unbeatable price for quality cotton sheets
- Pill-resistant in our durability evaluations
- Most sleep testers loved the soft and substantial feel
Cons
- May not feel as smooth as luxury cotton sheets
WHY WE LOVE IT:
This one is hands down the best bet on a budget. It's hard to find any cotton sheets for under $100, let alone a set that's as soft and durable as this one is. I regularly recommend this set to friends and family, and they always tell me they're thrilled with the purchase after trying it out.
WHAT TO KNOW:
The fabric has a great balance between soft and crisp and feels substantial with a comfortable weight and breathable feel. It's not going to be quite as soft as the pricier cotton sateen sets we recommend, but it's ideal for anyone who wants an affordable buy without sacrificing comfort.
Popular on Amazon, this set comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes to fit just about any bed. You can purchase pillowcases separately if you need extras (a simple yet genius offering that we don't always see with other sheets). The brand says it's made to fit mattresses ranging from 8 to 16 inches tall, and our testers found that to be true.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
Most of our testers loved the feel of these sheets, with one who said, "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 especially loved how this set could be washed in warm water (which is better for keeping your sheets clean). The material had average scores for fabric strength, but perfect ratings in our pill-resistance tests, meaning you're less likely to see those unsightly balls on the surface.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: California Design Den
| Material | 100% cotton sateen |
| Colors | 34 options |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, plus six-piece sets with extra pillowcases |
Pros
- Super soft, luxury cotton fabric
- Strong and shrink-resistant
- Plenty of color and size options
Cons
- Some pilling in our test
WHY WE LOVE IT:
If softness is your top priority and you're willing to splurge, this set made of luxurious, top-quality fabric is for you. It also offers good sizing flexibility, so you can find a set that works best for your mattress.
WHAT TO KNOW:
The sateen weave fabric is made of Supima cotton, a U.S.-grown premium fiber that's longer than traditional cotton and helps the material become softer and stronger. Some ultra-soft sheets are made from polyester and rayon, so they feel noticeably thinner, but these cotton sheets are fairly thick in comparison.
Another perk: 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 Store customer service if you want to see and feel the fabric before you buy the sheets.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
This fabric earned the highest softness rating compared to other cotton sheets in a side-by-side comparison review. One sleep tester described it as "buttery soft and very luxurious without being slippery." Several also commented that they wanted to buy these sheets after feeling them. 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.
RELATED: The Softest Sheets
| Material | 100% cotton sateen |
| Colors | 15 options |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, plus deep pocket options |
Pros
- Crisp yet soft feel
- Breathable and cool
- Durable fabric
Cons
- Percale isn't as smooth as sateen
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Percale sheets are great for anyone who 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 stood out for feeling soft and outperforming other percale fabrics, both in our Lab and with consumer testers.
WHAT TO KNOW:
Percale means the fabric has a basic grid-like weave, making it feel more breathable and less smooth than sateen. This set is made of premium Pima cotton, which uses longer cotton fibers for increased softness. And selling for under $200, it's also more affordable than other quality cotton sets on the market. Besides its range of solid colors, it's available in prints at a slightly higher cost.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
It proved to be durable in our Lab's tests: The fabric held up to strenuous strength, shrinkage, and pilling evaluations. And while some percale sheets wrinkle easily, these became noticeably less creased than others. One tester who felt the fabric in a blinded comparison described it as feeling "like quality hotel sheets" and said, "It also feels a bit cool to the touch, which I like. I would love these sheets in my home."
RELATED: The Best Percale Sheets
| Material | 100% cotton percale |
| Colos | 11 options |
| Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Soft, smooth, and shrink-resistant
- Affordable
- Options to fit a variety of mattress sizes
Cons
- Synthetic fabric doesn't feel crisp like cotton
WHY WE LOVE IT:
I first tested this microfiber set years ago because of its popularity and low cost—since then, it's been a seven-time GH Bedding Awards winner. It's smoother, more durable, and less expensive than cotton sheets.
WHAT TO KNOW:
Microfiber uses thin polyester fibers that give the fabric a buttery soft feel. Polyester also means the fabric is more wrinkle- and shrink-resistant than natural fibers like cotton, but at the same time, it won't feel as luxurious or substantial. And though many people love microfiber's smooth feel, it may be too smooth for some who prefer a crisp sheet.
The bottom line: If you're shopping for sheets on a budget, it'd be hard to find better than this best-selling Amazon sheet set. 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 dozens of colors and prints.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
Our testers loved the comfy material, and several called the fabric "extremely soft," "smooth and luxurious," and "silky and lightweight" in a feel test. Some noted that it felt thinner than other sheet fabrications in a blind comparison, but that can be expected for this material.
“They are the softest sheets I’ve ever touched,” shared a tester. Another said, “These sheets are so soft. And when you get into bed, you feel like you’re on a cloud.” In Lab tests, the sheets were generously sized on our sample bed, hardly shrunk in the wash, and stood up to pilling tests.
RELATED: The Best Microfiber Sheets
| Material | 100% polyester microfiber |
| Colors | 44 options |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King, Split King, plus extra-deep options |
Pros
- Temperature-regulating technology
- Soft and smooth
- Elastic band keeps the fitted sheet in place
Cons
- Fabric isn't as strong as others
WHY WE LOVE IT:
A lot of sheets claim to be "cooling," but these are actually effective—all night long—at keeping you at a comfortable temperature. They're also super soft, and the fitted sheet has stay-in-place features.
WHAT TO KNOW:
The fabric is a blend of Tencel lyocell (which is lightweight and moisture-wicking) and Outlast viscose (which has phase-change materials to store and release your body heat). The result is a temperature-regulating sheet set, which is especially helpful for hot sleepers or people who experience night sweats.
Both of the fibers in the blend are types of rayon, which help to make the fabric incredibly soft and smooth against the skin. And though the sheets are on the pricey side, 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.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
At-home testers unanimously said their bodies stayed at a comfortable temperature throughout the night while sleeping on this set. They also gave the fabric high ratings for softness and overall comfort. One tester noted, "I didn't have trouble making the bed, and the elastics on the fitted sheet...didn't shift in the night." The fabric held up to wash testing without shrinkage, though it wasn't as durable as other materials in our fabric strength evaluations.
RELATED: The Best Cooling Sheets
| Material | 60% Tencel lyocell, 40% Outlast viscose |
| Colors | 7 options |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Smooth and lightweight
- Moisture-wicking
- Sustainably and ethically produced
Cons
- Not for those who prefer thick or crisp sheets
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Lightweight, soft, and super smooth, these sheets are made with sustainable lyocell rather than synthetic microfiber.
WHAT TO KNOW:
This West Elm set is made entirely from Tencel lyocell, and it outperformed over a dozen other sheets with similar material in our evaluations. Lyocell is a type of rayon that's trending in bedding because it feels substantially softer and smoother than cotton. It's made using wood pulp as the raw material, which then gets chemically processed into the lyocell fiber, making it partially natural and partially synthetic. Tencel is a brand of lyocell that's recognized for its sustainable production practices.
The fabric is both lightweight and moisture-wicking (great for managing night sweats!). Besides its sustainable sourcing, this set is also made at a Fair Trade-Certified factory.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
I've personally used this set many times on my bed at home and can attest to its softness, though it doesn't feel quite as substantial or crisp as cotton. Despite being lightweight, the fabric proved to be strong and pill-resistant when we tested it with our Lab equipment. It experienced slight shrinkage, but that was on par with others made from similar fabrics. Sleep testers loved that it was cooling and soft without feeling too slippery.
| Material | 100% Tencel lyocell |
| Colors | 9 options |
| Sizes | Twin/Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Pros
- Crisp, crinkled and relaxed feel
- Shrink-resistant
- Organic and Fair Trade Certified
Cons
- Some pilling and wrinkles in our tests
WHY WE LOVE IT:
If you like your bed more casual and cozy, these organic cotton sheets with a relaxed, lived-in look and feel are for you. The company is one of the most trusted and innovative sustainable brand companies in the bedding space.
WHAT TO KNOW:
The airy percale weave gives the sheets a crisp, breathable feel, and Coyuchi uses a special spinning and weaving process to achieve its unique crinkled texture. Not only is the set Fair Trade Certified, but the cotton material is GOTS-certified organic, meaning the whole supply chain, including how the cotton is grown, processed, and manufactured, follows strict environmental and social criteria.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
At-home testers praised the comfort and appearance of this sheet set. One user described it as "soft [and] luxurious yet crisp and cool." The fabric also held up in 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 laid-back appearance.
RELATED: Best Organic Sheets
Pros
- Softer than other linen sheets tested
- Chic, airy, lived-in look
- Luxurious sheets great for hot weather
Cons
- Some testers noted the sheets shed lint in the dryer
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Although linen is known for feeling a bit scratchy, this chic-looking set uses a stonewash process that produces impressive softness. Nice and breathable, it's ideal for warm weather or for hot sleepers.
WHAT TO KNOW:
Produced using the flax plant, linen is one of the most luxurious sheet materials because of its effortlessly stylish appearance while feeling airy and cool to lie in. It tends to be more expensive than cotton because the flax plant can only be grown in certain climates, and the fabric requires a more involved manufacturing process. This set from The Citizenry is made with French flax, which is considered premium quality.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS:
All testers reported that they preferred this set over their previous linen sheets—and a few of them even said the sheets got softer with each wash. "I loved the feel of the sheets. They are so soft yet substantial and natural feeling. I can't wait to get in bed and don't want to get out," said one satisfied tester. Another commented that they felt "airy and light during the hot summer nights."
These sheets outperformed all other linen sheet sets, combining durable construction with a comfortable feel. In a blinded softness evaluation, testers rated this set as softer than any other linen sheet. The material showed minimal shrinkage after laundering and proved to be strong in Lab tests too. Some testers noted extra lint after washing and drying though.
RELATED: The Best Linen Sheets
| Material | 100% French flax |
| Colors | 17 options |
| Sizes | Full, Queen, King, California King |
More sheet sets to consider
If you're interested in trying a more unique feel, you may want to consider sheets made from some less traditional materials. Here are a few I recommend:
✔️ Flannel sheets: The cozy Garnet Hill Hemstitched Supima Flannel Sheet set performed better than any other flannel sheets in our test. It's made of 100% cotton and is brushed on both sides to trap warmth and provide exceptional softness. In fact, it earned a perfect softness score from our sleep testers. It pilled easily, which is typical for flannel fabrics, but was fairly strong in our durability evaluations.
✔️ Jersey sheets: Most bed sheets are woven, but jersey sheets are knit and feel more like comfy apparel fabrics. The Pact Organic Favorite Tee Jersey Sheet Set was a top performer in our jersey sheet test. It earned high softness ratings in a blind comparison and good resistance to both wrinkles and shrinkage in Lab tests.
✔️ Silk sheets: The most luxurious bedding material, silk feels incredibly smooth and is naturally temperature-regulating to help keep you cool. Silk sheets are pricey, but the THXSILK 25 Momme Silk Bed Sheet Set was durable and washed well in our tests.
How we test sheets
We've put over 390 bed sheets through the wringer in recent years, both in our Textiles Lab and with consumer testers 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 Lab:
Fabric strength: As part of our durability evaluations, our specialized machine called an Instron (pictured) 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 where we visually measure for wrinkles and creases following industry standards (pictured).
Softness: Dozens of consumer testers feel and rate each fabric in a blind comparison (pictured), 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 consumer testers try out sheets for at least two weeks before 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) 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 special specifications, from cooling features to organic claims.
RELATED: Inside the Bed Sheets Testing Process at the Good Housekeeping Institute
What to look for when shopping for the best sheets
Fiber content
- Cotton is by far the most popular material for sheets: It's soft, durable, and feels luxurious. Long-staple cotton (like Pima or Egyptian cotton sheets) is considered higher quality because longer fibers make the fabric smoother and stronger.
- Polyester is more affordable, shrink-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant than cotton, but synthetic fabrics may not feel as luxurious as natural fibers.
- Rayon, viscose, and lyocell are called "regenerated cellulose" fibers because the raw material is some type of plant, which gets chemically processed into a fiber. Rayon is the umbrella term, and viscose and lyocell are types of rayon. They stand out for feeling incredibly soft; in fact, they're usually softer than cotton, though they're typically thinner and less substantial.
- Linen is breathable and airy, making it most popular during summer. Linen sheets also have a textured, relaxed look and feel.
- Silk is incredibly smooth and naturally temperature-regulating, but it's expensive and high-maintenance for sheets, making it less ideal for most shoppers.
Construction
- Percale is a basic weave that feels light and crisp. It's good for hot sleepers because it's more breathable than sateen.
- Sateen is a satin weave that feels silky smooth. This fabric is usually preferred over percale by testers in our evaluations, thanks to its softness and comfort.
- Microfiber is made of polyester fibers that feel buttery soft. Microfiber sheets are typically inexpensive but may feel a bit flimsy compared to others. They're also prone to shedding—the fibers break off during laundering and end up in our environment.
- Flannel is a brushed fabric that feels warm and cozy. It's generally made of cotton, but you can also find it made with polyester.
- Jersey is a stretchy knit material that feels more like a T-shirt. Usually made with cotton, these sheets are soft, though not typically as durable as percale or sateen, and they may be prone to pilling. Synthetic jersey sheets often have performance moisture-wicking features, but may feel more like activewear than bed sheets.
Mattress height
Standard mattresses are typically 10 to 14 inches tall and shouldn't have fit issues with most sheet sets. If your mattress is taller than 14 inches or you use a mattress topper, consider opting for a deep-pocket fitted sheet to ensure it stays secure without slipping off. You can also consider sheets that have a thick elastic band or extra straps to help secure it on the mattress, which is especially useful if you sleep on an adjustable bed.
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.
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.
RELATED: Bed Sheets Shopping Guide
What should you avoid when shopping for sheets?
Sometimes promises from bedding brands seem too good to be true—and usually they are. Brands can get carried away with their marketing claims, which can mislead shoppers into buying sheets for the wrong reasons. Here are the claims that often get exaggerated and what you need to know to avoid getting duped:
Thread count inflation
With all of the new fabrications that have been developed in recent years, thread count has become much less important. These innovations have made it much easier though for brands to inflate the thread count number without improving the feel of the material. A more reliable gauge of quality: Look at the fiber content and construction to determine whether a sheet set is right for you.
The only time thread count is relevant is with 100% cotton sheets —in our tests, top-performing cotton sheets in the 300 to 500 thread count range tend to perform best.
RELATED: What's the Best Thread Count for Sheets?
Self-cleaning fabrics
Some sheets proclaim to be "antimicrobial" because they contain silver-infused fibers or other finishes. Other sheets justify this claim because they dry faster, meaning there's less opportunity for bacteria and organisms to grow. Some brands even say that they stay fresher longer, and you can wash them less frequently.
Regardless of which claim you see, keep in mind that any product advertised as antimicrobial is considered a pesticide and should be EPA-registered. We've also thoroughly reviewed data for several of these sheets and are not convinced that it means you can wash your sheets less frequently.
Eco-friendly and health-related claims
Brands sometimes say their sheets are better for you and the environment. Be wary unless they're certified organic from a trusted source, like GOTS. Most sheets these days are certified to the 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—but it does not mean a fabric is organic or free of chemicals. This standard allows for low levels of chemicals in the finished fabric, and it doesn't mean there are no toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
Why Good Housekeeping does not recommend "bamboo" sheets
"Bamboo" bedding has dramatically risen in popularity in recent years, but Good Housekeeping does not recommend these sheets because the brands are actually mislabeling the fibers (which violates FTC guidelines!).
GH fiber scientists advise that these so-called "plant-based" sheets are 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 bamboo, eucalyptus, or other plant fibers after the chemical processing. Because these fibers are regenerated cellulose fibers and not natural fibers, they cannot be certified organic.
This doesn't mean the sheets are low quality; just be mindful of any plant-content claims if that's what is swaying your decision.
RELATED: The Truth About Bamboo Sheets and Plant-Based Fabrics
The easiest way to fold a fitted sheet
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy & operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing of all consumer products. She has been actively evaluating sheets since she joined Good Housekeeping over a decade ago, and during this time has rigorously tested hundreds of sets. She has also personally tried many of the sheets featured in this article.
Bed sheets are extensively evaluated on a regular basis, both in the Textiles Lab and in the homes of hundreds of sleep testers. In recent years, testing has been performed by Emma Seymour, Grace Wu, and Amanda Constantine.
More on the best sheets to buy:
- Types of Sheets
- Sheets Shopping Guide
- Best Softest Sheets
- Best Cooling Sheets
- Best Sheets on Amazon
- Best Sateen Sheets
- Best Percale Sheets
- Best Linen Sheets
- Best Microfiber Sheets
- Best Jersey Sheets
- Best Silk Sheets
- Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
- Best Organic Sheets
- Best Luxury Sheets
- Best Costco Sheets
- Best Sheets for Adjustable Beds
- Best Deep Pocket Sheets
