We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
8 Best Deep-Pocket Sheets, According to Textile Experts
Your fitted sheets shouldn't be popping off at night.
Finding the best sheets can feel complicated, even if you already know what you like, and if you've got a tall, luxury mattress or a thick mattress topper, it gets a little more challenging. Most standard sheets are made to fit a mattress height of 10 to 12 inches, but there are plenty of high-quality deep-pocket sheet sets out there to ensure your new fitted sheet properly fits on your bed.
To help supplement your shopping experience, our expert analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have scoured our extensive sheet testing data — including Lab results and consumer feedback for over 275 sheet sets — to find the best deep-pocket sheets available.
Our top picks:
In our Lab, we evaluate sheets via hands-on testing, using specialized equipment along with industry-standard testing protocols to assess properties such as fabric strength, pilling resistance, washability, wrinkle resistance and shrinkage from laundering. We also enlist the help of consumer testers, who feel and rate the sheets in a blind comparison on softness and how much they like the feel. Plus, we have sleep testers try them out at home for more insight into their everyday performance. We've collected more than 13,000 data points to help us determine the best sheets, from the best cotton sheets and best linen sheets to the best cooling sheets and best organic sheets.
Read on to learn more about what to look for when shopping for sheets at the end of this article. But first, here's everything you need to know about the best deep-pocket sheets, with prices listed for Queen sizes.
Best Percale Sheets | Best Sateen Sheets | Softest Sheets | Best Hotel Sheets | Best Sheets on Amazon | Best Flannel Sheets | Best Silk Sheets | Best Jersey Sheets | Best Microfiber Sheets
Pros
- Super soft Supima cotton fabric
- Thick and substantial
- Wide variety of colors
Cons
- Some pilling in Lab tests
- Not the deepest pockets
Luxuriously smooth, this sateen set is one of the softest sheets we've ever tested. In fact, several consumer testers told us that they wanted to buy them after feeling them just once in a blind softness test. One even described the texture as "buttery soft and very luxurious without being slippery." Our at-home testers agreed, praising the "silky smooth" feel.
While the standard fitted sheet comes in a 14-inch depth, the brand also offers an 18-inch depth that will accommodate many tall mattresses. The downside is that the fabric pilled more than others we tested and wrinkled a little after laundering.
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Deep-Pocket Queen, King, Deep-Pocket King, California King, Deep-Pocket California King |
| Pocket depth | 14" (standard), 18" (deep-pocket) |
Pros
- Buttery soft microfiber
- Shrink-resistant in tests
- Excellent durability
Cons
- Not as breathable as cotton
Boasting nearly 350,000 Amazon reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, this sheet set from Mellanni is one of the most popular you'll find online, and it didn't disappoint in our tests. The polyester microfiber stands out for its buttery, brushed texture and excellent durability.
In fact, the fabric barely shrank and resisted pilling in our tests, even after 1,000 rubs on our abrasion machine. On top of that, the deep-pocket version features a generous 21-inch depth. The caveat is that the material won't feel as breathable as your standard cotton or linen sheets, so it's not ideal for hot sleepers.
| Material | 100% polyester microfiber |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, plus extra deep options for taller mattresses |
| Pocket depth | 16" (standard) or 21" (extra deep pocket) |
Pros
- Thick and smooth cotton sateen
- Excelled in Lab durability tests
- High softness and comfort scores from testers
Cons
- Deep-pocket version costs extra since each component needs to be purchased individually
The deep-pocket version of these luxe hotel sheets has a generous depth of 25 inches, which should fit even the tallest mattresses. While it certainly comes at a steeper price than some of our other picks, it's one of the most durable sets we've ever evaluated, earning particularly high scores for its fabric strength and pilling resistance.
Beyond its performance in our Lab's durability testing, it's one of the best cotton sheets we've tested, earning high praise from consumer testers. One tester even described sleeping on them to be a "decadent experience." Note that you'll have to buy each component (i.e. fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases) separately if you want the deep-pocket version.
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Pocket depth | 16" (standard) or 23" (deep-pocket) |
Pros
- Silky smooth feel
- Excellent durability in tests
- Moisture-wicking lyocell
Cons
- Some testers found them "too silky"
- We couldn't verify the brand's eucalyptus claims
For hot sleepers, falling asleep (and staying asleep) can feel like an uphill battle, especially in the summer. While it's not a perfect fix, a set of cooling sheets can help ease the discomfort of waking up hot in the middle of the night. This set from Sheets & Giggles is made of silky smooth lyocell that wicks away moisture to help manage night sweats.
It comes in a generous 20-inch depth, plus a stretchy elastic bottom to help stay in place. On top of that, the fabric earned high scores in Lab durability tests and consumer softness tests, too although some found the material felt a bit too slippery for their taste.
| Material | 100% lyocell |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King and Split King |
| Pocket depth | 20" |
Pros
- Customizable pocket depth and pillowcase design
- Beautiful linen fabric
- Respectable scores in Lab tests
Cons
- Longer shipping times
Linen sheets are known for their unique, airy texture, and this set from Linoto offers true customizability. Not only can you pick the depth of your fitted sheet from three options, but you can also choose whether you want the pillowcase to open at one end or at the back. Plus, there are tons of colors to choose from, and you can even opt for the organic linen version for a higher cost.
Beyond that, these sheets stood out for their substantial yet breathable feel, impressing our testers with their quality material and gorgeous appearance. Just note that this set usually takes three to four weeks to ship, according to the brand.
| Material | 100% linen |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Queen, King, California King and seven special-order sizes including Olympic Queen and King, and Split Queen and King |
| Pocket depth | 9" (shallow), 14" (standard), 18" (deep pocket) |
Pros
- Soft cotton sateen
- Good results in Lab tests
- GOTS-Certified and Fair Trade Certified
Cons
- 17-inch depth may not be enough for very tall mattresses
- Some shrinkage in Lab tests
Organic sheets can come at a premium, but this set is Fair Trade Certified and certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This means you can trust that the entire manufacturing process follows strict guidelines in both organic production and ethical issues, such as fair wages and working conditions.
As for the sheets themselves, they earned one of the highest scores in our most recent blind softness tests with high praise for their smooth hotel-like feel. Beyond that, they earned respectable scores for their resistance to pilling and wrinkling. The caveat is that the depth for these sheets is only 17 inches which may not be deep enough for some super-tall mattresses, and we noticed some shrinkage in our tests.
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King |
| Pocket depth | 17" |
Pros
- Luxe extra-long staple cotton
- Praised by testers for its soft feel
- Earned high scores in Lab durability tests
Cons
- Noticeable wrinkles in our tests
While you may know Avocado for its organic mattresses and pillows, this luxurious sheet set is not one to overlook, especially with its generous 22-inch depth. It's made with extra-long-staple cotton, which is known for its softer feel and durable nature. Testers agreed, saying that the fabric felt "soft, yet not overly smooth."
In addition, the fabric proved strong and durable in our Lab tests, earning high scores in both aspects. The only thing to note is the sheets wrinkled more than similar sheets we evaluated, with noticeable creases straight out of the dryer.
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Pocket depth | 16" (standard) or 22" (deep pocket) |
Pros
- Crisp and airy cotton percale
- Certified by the Cotton Egypt Association
- Elastic bands help keep fitted sheet in place
Cons
- Hasn't been fully tested in our Lab
Egyptian cotton is one of the most sought-after types of cotton for its extra-long-staple fibers that result in a softer and smoother texture. But keep in mind: Cotton origin is notoriously difficult to prove. This set is certified by the Cotton Egypt Association, making it a more reliable purchase.
In our evaluations, Pure Parima's sheet sets stand out for the extra elastic bands on the corners of the fitted sheet, which are a tester favorite for keeping it secure on their beds. We're still in the process of testing these sheets in our Lab, so we'll report back soon on the strength and durability of the crisp cotton percale fabric.
| Material | 100% egyptian cotton |
| Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King |
| Pocket depth | 18" |
How we test deep pocket sheets
Each year, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab rigorously evaluates sheets both in our Lab and in the homes of hundreds of consumer testers to find the best sheets available. In order to narrow down the top performers, we reviewed over 13,000 data points gathered from testing more than 275 sets. When selecting the best deep pocket sheets, we look at tester feedback on mattress fit as well as pocket depth listed by brands. Here's a quick overview of what we focus on when evaluating sheets:
✔️ Washability: Each sheet is washed multiple times according to its care label and evaluated for shrinkage and changes in appearance.
✔️ Wrinkle resistance: Immediately after laundering, we move the sheets to a room with specialized lighting to assess any creases or wrinkling according to industry standards.
✔️ Dimensional stability: To gauge how much a fitted sheet shrinks or grows after washing, we follow industry-standard protocols for measuring dimensional stability. We assess changes after the initial wash and once again after multiple launderings.
✔️ Softness testing: Our large testing panel feels and rates each fabric for softness and comfort in a blind comparison or through sleep testing in their own homes.
✔️ Consumer testing: Consumer testers try sheets that match their personal preferences over the course of several weeks or months before completing a survey. They rate various criteria like mattress fit, softness, ease of use, temperature regulation and appearance before sharing thorough feedback on how the sheets compare to others they've used as well as any specific likes, dislikes or comments about their experience. For deep pocket sheets, we paid attention to mattress fit on a variety of mattresses.
✔️ Fabric strength: We prepare swatches of fabric and load each into a machine called an Instron. The Instron measures the tensile strength of the swatch by pulling it apart to assess the force needed to break it.
✔️ Pilling resistance: Our abrasion testing machine (called a Martindale Pilling & Abrasion Machine) rubs swatches of fabric together exactly 1,000 times to mimic real-life wear and tear. The swatches are then scored for pilling — loose strands or balls of fabric that build up over time — using industry standards after every 100 cycles.
Things to consider when shopping for deep pocket sheets
Of course, the first priority is ensuring your deep-pocket sheets are deep enough to accommodate your mattress, but beyond that, here are a few other things to keep in mind:
✔️ Fiber content tells you what material the sheets are made of. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones you'll see:
- Cotton: This is the most popular fiber in bedding as cotton is known for its soft feel, durable nature and "natural" texture. Long-staple cotton varieties, including Egyptian and Pima, are known for being smoother and more durable but can be mislabeled by brands, which is why we always try to verify brand claims.
- Polyester: Sheets made from this fiber are often more affordable, shrink-resistant and wrinkle-resistant, but they have a synthetic feel.
- Regenerated Cellulose: Also known as rayon, viscose or lyocell, these fibers are made using plants (like bamboo or eucalyptus trees) that are chemically processed and spun. They have a super-soft and slippery texture but can be falsely labeled as bamboo or eucalyptus without any trace of the original plant left.
- Linen: With a unique, airy texture, these sheets are popular for the summer. They have a crisp feel and relaxed look.
✔️ Construction refers to the structure of the fabric and is just as important as fiber content. Here are a few of the most popular you'll find:
- Percale: A simple weave, typically using cotton, with a lightweight and crisp feel. Percale is also known for its breathability.
- Sateen: A satin-like weave, typically using cotton, with a smooth and substantial feel. Some sateen fabrics have a silky or slippery texture.
- Flannel: Fabric with a brushed surface for added warmth that's ideal for colder temperatures. Flannel is often made with cotton or polyester.
- Jersey: Similar to your favorite t-shirt, this knit fabric is stretchy and soft but not as durable as woven material. Jersey sheets are typically made using cotton or polyester but often use blends of multiple fibers.
- Microfiber: These synthetic polyester fibers have a buttery soft texture. While they're easy to care for and inexpensive, they can feel a bit thin or flimsy.
✔️ Thread count: This refers to how many threads there are per square inch in both directions of the fabric. While you may have heard that the higher the thread count, the higher the quality, this isn't always true. Thread count doesn't matter as much as you think as manufacturers can use thinner threads and twist them together (into plies) just to reach a higher thread count. However, a higher thread count does signify that the fabric is thicker and more tightly woven, resulting in a smoother, more durable material but with lower breathability. In our evaluations, we've found that sheets in the 300 to 500 range provide a good balance of softness and durability.
✔️ Certifications: In addition to GOTS for organic cotton, there are other certifications you can look for to avoid high levels of unwanted substances in your sheets. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Made in Green certifications both ensure that there are no unsafe levels of chemicals, and Oeko-Tex Made in Green ensures that the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly.
What pocket depth should I look for when shopping for sheets for my mattress?
Look for a pocket depth equal to or larger than your mattress height (including any mattress toppers). That being said, some sheets below that range may fit taller beds if the elastic band is sufficiently thick, but note that sheets will shrink over time. If you want to err on the safer side, look for sheets with a pocket depth of 1 or 2 extra inches compared to your total mattress height to allow for shrinkage.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and has evaluated tons of bedding products using specialized laboratory equipment and feedback from hundreds of consumer testers. She's written several stories on various types of sheets, including the best linen sheets and hotel sheets. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
Readers Also Read
90 Birthday Freebies Most People Forget About
Amazon Is Selling a Magical Igloo Tent
The Best Vacuum Cleaners
LEGO's 'Home Alone' Set Isn't Coming Back
