8 Best Sateen Sheets, Tested by Bedding Experts
Snuggle up and drift off to sleep in the softest, smoothest sheets ever.
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If you love soft, smooth sheets with a luxe feel, sateen is hard to beat. In my experience, the best sateen sheets feel silky and substantial without being overly heavy or slippery.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, my team and I have tested 145 sateen sheets, evaluating everything from softness and fabric strength to pilling, shrinkage, and wrinkle resistance. We've also worked with thousands of at-home consumer testers for firsthand feedback on real-world comfort. Our best overall pick, Brooklinen’s Luxe Sateen Sheets, stands out for its soft, comfortable feel, generous return-policy, and strong performance in our Lab tests.
Our top picks:
Best Deal
Pros
- Durable fabric that stands up to washing
- Helpful labels make it easier to make the bed
- Year-long, any-reason return window
Cons
- Softer fabric pilled a bit in Lab tests
Brooklinen’s updated sateen sheets earned our top spot for their standout softness, comfortable feel, and strong performance in Lab tests. I'd recommend these to anyone who wants the signature smoothness of sateen without an overly silky feel: The fabric feels substantial without being overly heavy.
The convenient “long side” and “short side” labels on the fitted sheet also make bed-making a breeze. We also like that Brooklinen offers an any-reason return policy for a year after purchase, so you can receive a full refund (minus a $9.95 return fee).
How it performed in our tests
We had high expectations when Brooklinen updated one of our longtime favorite sheet sets. The new iteration proved just as durable, and it won over our testers with its exceptionally soft feel. One tester said, "Every time I got into bed, I noticed how comfortable the fabric was to lie on. Sometimes newer sheets can feel too thin or too thick, but these had a 'just right' feel."
In the Lab, the fabric proved strong and held up to repeated laundering without major changes in appearance or shrinkage. The trade-off is that it wrinkled a bit more and earned average scores in our pilling-resistance tests.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Sheets Review
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Thread count | 495 |
| Fitted sheet depth | 15 in. |
Pros
- Perfect score for pilling resistance
- Sturdy elastic band on fitted sheet for easy bed making
- Plenty of color and size options
Cons
- May not feel quite as luxurious as pricier cotton sheets
This set from California Design Den delivers the smooth, substantial feel of pricey sateen sheets at a much more accessible price. The fitted sheet has strong elastic for a secure fit, and testers found it easy to put on the bed without excess fabric bunching or coming untucked. Plus, there’s a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes to choose from.
How they performed in our tests
Our testers liked the substantial weight and smooth, crisp feel. Some even found that they softened over time. One tester said, “The sheets are very comfortable and crisp, without being overly crisp to the point of being stiff.”
The fabric also held up well in our durability evaluations. It resisted pilling even after 1,000 rubs on our abrasion tester and had minimal shrinkage after repeated washing. Still, it earned average scores for fabric strength and wrinkled a bit more than other sateen sets.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: California Design Den Sheets Review
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Thread count | 400 |
| Fitted sheet depth | 16 in. |
Pros
- Highest softness scores among testers
- Impressive fabric strength
- Available in deep pocket sizes for tall mattresses
Cons
- Some pilling in our Lab test
For something a little more indulgent, The Company Store’s sheets are the softest we’ve tested, with a thick, substantial feel that makes them especially cozy. They're made with Supima cotton, a premium fiber grown in the U.S. with long-staple fibers that help give the fabric its soft yet sturdy feel.
For taller mattresses, opt for Deep Pocket Queen, King, or California King sizes.
How they performed in our tests
These sheets stood out for their soft and smooth feel, earning some of the highest scores in our blind comparison tests. Our sleep testers were equally impressed: One called them “buttery soft and very luxurious without being slippery,” while others compared their comfort to hotel sheets.
In Lab tests, the fabric proved strong with minimal shrinkage, although it did show some pilling after samples were rubbed together.
| Material | 100% Supima cotton |
| Thread count | 450 |
| Fitted sheet dept | 16 in. (standard), 20 in. (deep pocket) |
Pros
- Strong, durable fabric
- Great pilling resistance
- Lightweight and smooth
Cons
- Slight wrinkling and shrinkage in Lab tests
Delilah Home stands out for its Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, which is the most rigorous certification when it comes to organic bedding. Beyond how the cotton is grown, it ensures that the entire manufacturing process adheres to strict guidelines.
While this set comes in fewer colors than some of our other picks, its versatile neutral shades should complement most bedrooms.
How they performed in our tests
The fabric proved durable, earning high scores for tensile strength and having minimal pills after 1,000 rubs on our abrasion tester. Still, we noticed some shrinkage and prominent wrinkles after washing.
Our testers were especially impressed by how breathable and soft the fabric felt from the first wash. One said, “These sheets are the best sheets I have ever owned. They regulated my body temperature better than very expensive sheets that I own.”
| Material | 100% organic cotton |
| Thread count | 300 |
| Fitted sheet depth | 17 in. |
Pros
- More airy than other sateen sets
- No shrinkage or pilling after laundering
- Includes helpful directional tabs
Cons
- The finished set is not certified organic
If you tend to sleep hot, Riley’s sateen sheets have a lighter, airier feel than other sateen sets we’ve tested. They’re made with long-staple cotton that feels smooth and soft without the heaviness of some sateen fabrics. The fitted sheet also has deep pockets for thicker mattresses and handy directional tabs that make bed-making easier.
How they performed in our tests
The fabric had minimal shrinkage after repeated washing, resisted pilling in our durability tests and wrinkled less than many other sets we evaluated.
Testers consistently praised the sheets for feeling comfortable and lightweight. One highlighted how they felt “more breathable than most sateen sheets.”
Note that while the brand says these were made with organic cotton, we weren't able to verify that the entire production process meets organic standards since the set doesn't carry an organic certification.
| Material | 100% long staple comb-led cotton |
| Thread count | 300 |
| Fitted sheet depth | 16 in. |
Pros
- Smooth, breathable fabric
- High scores in soft blindness tests
- GOTS-certified organic cotton
Cons
- Some shrinkage observed in Lab tests
Boll & Branch’s Signature Hemmed set is a favorite among our experts and testers for its soft yet slightly crisp feel. Made with long-staple GOTS-certified organic cotton, the sheets feel substantial and breathable without being overly silky. In fact, this set even won over percale loyalists in our tests. The 17-inch-deep fitted sheet also has thick elastic for a secure fit, and the set comes in a wide range of muted shades and sophisticated prints.
How they performed in our tests
These sheets earned one of the highest scores in our blind softness tests. Testers praised their balanced texture for feeling smooth without being overly silky. One described them as “crisp, soft, and breathable,” while another said, “I felt like I was in a five-star hotel.”
The fabric also performed well in our durability evaluations, with excellent pilling resistance and good wrinkle resistance. It had average shrinkage after laundering, though it earned lower scores for fabric strength.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Boll & Branch Sheets Review
| Material | 100% organic cotton |
| Thread count | 300 |
| Fitted sheet depth | 17 in. |
Pros
- Aced our pilling-resistance tests
- Premium Supima cotton
- Chic hemstitched design
Cons
- Just average fabric strength scores
Few sets we tested felt as indulgent as Macy’s Hotel Collection. Made with premium Supima cotton, the sheets pair exceptional softness with an elegant hemstitched finish, while the option to buy each piece separately lets you build the set that works best for your bed.
How they performed in our tests
These sheets were a tester favorite, earning some of the highest ratings for softness and comfort in our at-home evaluations. One tester praised the "luxurious feel," and another described sleeping on them as a “decadent experience.”
This set excelled in pilling-resistance tests, showing no visible pills or wear after 1,000 cycles on our abrasion tester. It also resisted shrinkage and wrinkles better than some other sets we tested, but the fabric received average scores for strength.
| Material | 100% Supima cotton |
| Thread count | 680 |
| Fitted sheet depth | 16 in. |
Pros
- Wrinkle-resistant finish
- Combed for extra softness
- High softness ratings over other hotel-style sheets
Cons
- Lower scores for fabric strength in Lab tests
When it comes to crease-free, polished sheets, none compare to Cuddledown's sateen set, one of our top picks for the best hotel sheets. The fabric's wrinkle-resistant finish looks smoother than other cotton fabrics and feels extra soft, thanks to its combed cotton construction.
Though there are sometimes concerns around chemicals like formaldehyde in wrinkle-resistant fabrics, this one is certified by OEKO-TEX so it's been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels in the fabric
How they performed in our tests
This set was the top performer in our hotel sheets test and earned high softness ratings in our blind comparison. Testers preferred its soft, smooth feel over several other luxury options and liked the embroidered details.
It also held up well to repeated washing with minimal shrinkage but earned lower scores for tensile strength in our Lab tests.
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Thread count | 400 |
| Fitted sheet depth | 16 in. |
What are sateen sheets?
Ideal for those who prefer softness over crispness, cotton sateen bedding tends to have a light sheen and smooth feel, thanks to its satin-like weave. Special techniques like combing or brushing the fabric make sateen feel softer than other types of cotton. Some sateen sheets are even treated with a wrinkle-resistant finish for an iron-free look.
The fabric tends to feel thick and substantial, making it best suited for someone looking for a cozy, soft sheet as opposed to a hot sleeper who prioritizes maximum breathability (who would be better suited to cotton percale sheets).
How we test sateen sheets
Our fiber scientists in the Textiles Lab have tested over 400 bed sheets—including 145 sateen sets—in recent years both in the Lab and with the help of thousands of consumer testers.
RELATED: Inside the Bed Sheets Testing Process at the Good Housekeeping Institute
Here's what we consider:
- Expert analysis: Our analysts vet claims and certifications while considering factors including fitted sheet depth, material, and construction.
- Consumer testing: Our testers try out the sheets at home before providing feedback on comfort, ease of bed-making, temperature regulation, and overall satisfaction.
- Softness: In a blind comparison test, dozens of consumer testers feel and rate each fabric after it's been laundered to remove any leftover finishes from production. At-home sleep testers and experts try the top performers.
- Fabric strength: We use our specialized machine called an Instron (pictured here) to pull swatches of fabric until they break and measure the tensile strength.
- Pilling resistance: An abrasion machine rubs swatches together, which mimics tossing and turning as well as regular wear and tear. We visibly score signs of pilling against textile industry standards.
- Washability: Each sheet is repeatedly washed following its care label and evaluated for wrinkle resistance and shrinkage after the first and final wash.
- Wrinkle resistance: Once the sheet dries, it is immediately taken to our specialized lighting room and visually measured according to industry standards for wrinkles and creases.
- Dimensional stability: After the first wash and final wash, we measure the percent change in each direction on several parts of the fitted sheet to evaluated any shrinkage.
What to look for when shopping for sateen sheets
✔️ Softness: Fiber content can be telling when it comes to gauging a sateen sheet's softness. Long-staple cotton means there are no short fibers to stick out or break off, making the fabric smoother and more durable. Combed cotton includes longer cotton fibers that feel smoother and are less likely to break.
✔️ Price: Cotton sheets tend to cost more than ones that include synthetics, like polyester-cotton blends and microfibers, but you don't need to spend a fortune to get good quality. We've found that our top-performing sheets land in the $100 to $200 range and strike a balance of good value and high quality.
✔️ Care instructions: Sateen sheets tend to be pretty low maintenance as cotton is machine washable, but it's always best to follow any special instructions that each care label may prescribe. Pro tip: Warm water is ideal for cleaning cotton sheets, especially if you're a hot sleeper or don't wash your sheets regularly. It's best to opt for sheets that can withstand these settings.
✔️ Organic certifications: Some bedding brands may misuse organic claims. When shopping outside of our vetted picks, you can check the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) public database as the easiest way to confirm whether sheets are truly organic. It outlines strict standards throughout the entire production process, not just the growing of the cotton or other natural fiber.
✔️ Thread count: Though this isn't the most important factor to consider when shopping for sateen sheets, make sure you know what thread count really refers to—i.e., the measure of the total number of threads in a square inch of fabric. In our testing, we've found that sheets in the 300 to 500 range have a good balance of softness and durability. Just keep in mind that a higher thread count doesn't necessarily translate to a better quality sheet but does indicate a thicker, more tightly woven fabric. This may result in smoother, more durable fabric, but a tighter weave also lowers breathability and creates a heavier sheet (something hot sleepers may want to avoid).
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu has tested over 100 sheet sets in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She's written several stories on different types of sheets and personally tested dozens of sets. Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
