7 Best Cooling Sheets That Actually Help You Sleep Cooler
We tested over 300 sets to find the coolest sheets for your bedroom.
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Have you ever woken up at 3 a.m. with your sheets strewn on the floor? I have been there. As a fiber scientist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I know that blasting the AC (and causing your electric bill to skyrocket) is not the only solution for hot sleepers: Let me introduce you to cooling sheets. Many bedding brands now offer innovative cooling bed sheets designed with moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, ideal for when temperatures rise or for anyone suffering from night sweats or hot flashes from menopause. What's the catch? Not all cooling sheets on the market do a good job of actually keeping you cool.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set
- Best value: Comfort Spaces Coolmax Sheet Set
- Best color options: Bedsure Cooling Sheets Set
- Best cotton percale: L.L. Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
- Best linen: The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set
To find the best cooling sheets, we tested a total of 393 sheet sets. In Lab tests, we check for durability, strength, shrinkage, pilling, and—most importantly for sweaty sleepers—moisture-wicking capabilities. We also ask consumer testers to weigh in on the softness of each sheet set in a blind touch test and have hot sleepers use these sheets at home so they can give their feedback on how they perform in real life. GH fiber scientists vet all cooling claims to ensure you aren't being duped. The Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set, also a GH Bedding Award winner, is our top performer in keeping our testers cool.
Best Deal
Pros
- Outlast temperature-regulating technology
- Tencel performance fabric
- No shrinkage after laundering
Cons
- Some pilling during Lab tests
BEST FOR: Hot sleepers searching for both moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating sheets, especially someone who likes a silky smooth feel
Moisture-wicking activewear fabric is what makes this sheet set from Slumber Cloud a game changer for super sweaty sleepers. The 40% Outlast viscose and 60% Tencel performance fabric uses cooling technology that stores and releases heat to keep you at a more stable body temperature, helping to prevent night sweats in the first place. We love that this brand offers a 60-day any-reason return period for ease of mind before ordering.
TESTING NOTES: Consumer testers were impressed that these sheets, a past Good Housekeeping Bedding Award winner, helped them maintain a stable body temperature all night, and one even said, "At no point did I wake up sweating or hot." One tester especially liked the "cool-to-the-touch and silky feel" and another said, "They feel like butter." They also appreciated the fitted elastic straps that "helped hold the corners in place and kept the sheets tight on my mattress even through days of sleeping on them."
These sheets aced our Lab's wash tests with a notably perfect laundering score, showing no shrinkage or changes in appearance after laundering. They also proved to wick away moisture easily but showed a bit of pilling during our abrasion resistance tests.
| Material | 40% Outlast viscose and 60% Tencel |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King |
| Pocket depth | 16 in. |
Pros
- Coolmax technology is instantly cool to the touch
- Moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry
Cons
- Lower fabric strength score
BEST FOR: Shoppers on a budget who want their sheets to have an immediate icy feel
Many cooling sheets use fabric technology that can make them pricey, but if you're looking for a set under $50, this one from Comfort Spaces has an unbeatable price. It uses Coolmax technology that the brand says has an instant cool-to-the-touch feel. We like that this set is made from synthetic materials for better moisture-wicking capabilities than cotton.
TESTING NOTES: I liked the immediate cool feel when I slept on these sheets. I stayed at a comfortable body temperature all night long because the sheets are super lightweight. The sheets were soft and smooth without feeling slippery or too silky, but they had a thinner, less substantial feel than the sheets I normally use.
These sheets received a perfect pilling resistance score in our Lab evaluations, but only had moderate fabric strength and moisture management scores.
| Material | 80% polyester and 20% Coolmax microfiber |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King |
| Pocket depth | 16 in. |
Pros
- Silky feel
- 25 color options
- Pill-resistant material
Cons
- Some misleading bamboo claims
BEST FOR: Home design lovers who prioritize style—these moisture-wicking sheets come in dozens of pretty colorways
With a solid mix of 25 shades to choose from, like icy pastels and rich jewel tones as well as sophisticated neutrals, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your bedroom. These top-tested sheets from Bedsure are made with rayon for moisture-wicking and offer an excellent value. They can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches deep too.
TESTING NOTES: In the Lab, these sheets proved to be pill-resistant and earned decent fabric-strength scores. Testers gave high marks for temperature regulation and hot sleepers were particularly impressed. "The sheets feel silky soft and cool to touch," reported one tester. "[They're] very comfortable to sleep on, especially if you get hot when sleeping." Another even said, "I no longer wake up with night sweats."
Note that these sheets are made of rayon, which is derived from bamboo, meaning the fabric is made by dissolving bamboo wood pulp in chemicals, resulting in a final product that contains no bamboo, and, hence, isn't a natural material.
| Material | 100% rayon |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King |
| Pocket depth | 16 in. |
Pros
- Breathable weave
- Pill-resistant and strong in Lab tests
- Supple Pima cotton
Cons
- Less smooth than other cooling sheet sets featured
BEST FOR: Hot sleepers who prefer crisp sheets over silky ones or anyone who likes the breathable feel of natural cotton
Percale sheets are known for their crisp and airy feel which makes for a breathable fabric. Made with 100% long-staple Pima cotton for a softer feel, this percale sheet set from L.L.Bean is available in nine colors at an affordable price for high-quality sheets.
TESTING NOTES: Proving to be both pill-resistant and strong, this fabric held up extremely well in our battery of Lab tests. Generally, percale sheets tend to wrinkle, but this set was noticeably less wrinkled than other percale sheets we've tested although it's less smooth than the other cooling sheet sets featured.
One tester said the sheets feel "like quality hotel sheets." They added that the fabric, "also feels a bit cool to the touch, which I like," so they're good for sweatier sleepers.
RELATED: The Best Percale Sheets
| Material | 100% Pima cotton |
| Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, and California King |
| Pocket depth | 15 in. |
Pros
- Soft feel compared to other linen sheets
- Relaxed, chic appearance
- Breathable and airy, according to testers
Cons
- Some testers noted that they shed lint when drying
BEST FOR: Lovers of natural materials who like a casual and breezy feel for their bed set-up
Linen sheets are about as airy as you can get. While the texture isn't as soft and smooth as cotton, this sheet set from The Citizenry earned the title of the softest linen sheet set in our blind touch test. They're available in 14 stylish colors and three subtle patterns and have a natural, lived-in look.
TESTING NOTES: Testers applauded the softness of these sheets compared to other linen sheets, and multiple users said they got softer with each wash. "I loved the feel of the sheets; they are so soft yet substantial and natural feeling," said one tester. She also loved their "rumpled, relaxed, and natural" appearance on her bed. Another tester added that they felt "airy and light during the hot summer nights."
These sheets also performed well in our durability tests, but some testers noticed that they shed more lint in the dryer than other sheets they've used.
RELATED: The Best Linen Sheets
| Material | 100% French flax linen |
| Sizes | Full, Queen, King, and California King |
| Pocket depth | 15 in. |
Pros
- Moisture-wicking in Lab evaluations
- Highly pill-resistant
- Testers loved the silky fabric that didn't slide off their mattresses
Cons
- Some testers wished the sheets were more opaque
BEST FOR: Sufferers of night sweats who want their bed sheets to help wick away moisture or anyone who hates wrinkled bedding
These silky soft West Elm sheets are made with 100% Tencel for excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. An added bonus of their impressive smoothness is that they stay relatively crease-free. A past recipient of a Good Housekeeping Bedding Award, this sheet set uses a sustainable material that's responsibly processed using wood pulp for less overall waste, comes in nine colors, and can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches deep.
TESTING NOTES: Multiple testers said these were the softest sheets they've ever used and loved that the silky fabric didn't slide off their mattresses. The fabric also proved to be moisture-wicking in our Lab evaluations by spreading out liquid quickly. The material showed no signs of pilling whatsoever, while most other tested sheet sets did.
"I liked the comfort of these sheets and the way they seem to wick sweat away from the body," said one tester. "I really enjoyed that the silkiness of the sheets made my bed feel more lush." Some testers wished they were more opaque, though.
| Material | 100% Tencel lyocell |
| Sizes | Full, Queen, King and California King |
| Pocket depth | 16 in. |
Pros
- Silky smooth lyocell fabric
- Excellent durability score
- Deep pocket
Cons
- The 20-inch pocket depth may be too tall for thinner mattresses
BEST FOR: Shoppers looking for the softest sheets that won't feel clammy in warmer weather
If you've been on the hunt for super soft sheets, look no further. This set from Sheets & Giggles is made with silky smooth lyocell fabric that's as incredibly soft as it is moisture-wicking. Also impressive is that the fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 20 inches tall and has a stretchy elastic bottom to help it stay put, which works well if you use a mattress topper too. (Note that it may be too tall for thinner mattresses.)
TESTING NOTES: Wowing our textile pros, these sheets were excellent performers in Lab evaluations, receiving high durability and moisture management scores and high softness ratings from our panel. This set earned a notably perfect pilling resistance score, showing no signs of pilling after testing.
Testers were equally pleased, loving the silky smooth feel that wicks away moisture while still being soft. One tester said of the fitted sheet, "It was very generously sized and fit my tall mattress and a mattress topper well (which I often struggle with using other sheets)."
RELATED: The Softest Sheets for Your Bed
| Material | 100% lyocell |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King and Split King |
| Pocket depth | 20 in. |
Other cooling sheets we tested
Brooklinen Percale Core Set: While I love sleeping on these sheets because of their crisp feel and smooth look, they had lower durability scores in our Lab evaluations for fabric strength.
Casper Hyperlite Sheet Set: Thanks to these sheets' unique grid construction, the weave allowed ample airflow for a breezy feel. Some testers noted they were too thin and see-through for their liking though.
ettitude CleanBamboo Signature Sateen Sheet Set: These sheets overall received respectable scores across the board in Lab tests, but we have some grievances with them. While they are marketed as bamboo, the material isn't actually bamboo fiber but rather processed lyocell derived from bamboo. Additionally, some testers found that they slept a little hotter than their usual cooling sheets.
Purple SoftStretch Sheets: Soft and stretchy like your favorite T-shirt, these jersey sheets from Purple help make your bed comfier and cooler. Testers gave the sheets nearly perfect scores for temperature regulation, but there was some noticeable pilling in our Lab tests.
Lusomé Temperature Regulating Sheets: Made with 100% cotton with infused cooling technology, these sheets combine the natural feel of cotton with innovative cooling capabilities to help reduce overheating and night sweats. However, they have a slight hexagonal pattern to them that not all testers liked and they do not come in Twin or Full sizing.
Mellanni Iconic Collection Microfiber Sheet Set: Starting at around $50 for a Queen set, this affordable option is made with lightweight polyester. Because the sheets were thinner than other sets, some hot sleepers found them to be breathable, but they didn't wick away sweat as well as other tested styles.
Rest Evercool: In our Lab tests, we were impressed by how cool to the touch and moisture-wicking these sheets were. The jersey knit material has an ultra-smooth, slick feel that is reminiscent of activewear, which made our testers divided on the texture. Plus, our experts aren't a fan of the brand's misleading antimicrobial claims about these sheets.
Slumber Cloud Essential Sheet Set: This innovative sheet set combines performance technology with natural cotton fibers. While our testers loved the snug elastic band that stayed put on their mattresses and the crisp feel, the material was not as moisture-wicking as the brand's Performance Sheet Set.
How we test cooling sheets
In recent evaluations, our fiber scientists have tested 393 different sheet sets to find the top-performing buys. To update this article, we put each of the featured sheets on a mattress to showcase what they look like made on a bed and ensure they're still the same quality as when we first tested them.
✔️ Moisture management testing: The machine pictured here is running a moisture-wicking evaluation of cooling sheets to determine the fabric's ability to keep you dry and cool. The machine drops a consistent amount of sweat-like solution on a piece of fabric to see how quickly the liquid disperses and dries.
GH fiber scientists also review cooling claims and fiber content labeling to flag any misleading marketing.
✔️ Softness testing: Our experts rate each sheets' fabric for softness, comfort, and smoothness. We also put together a large testing panel to compare and rate each sheet in a blind comparison test.
✔️ Consumer testing: We recruit consumer testers to sleep with sheets that suit their personal preferences over the course of several weeks or months. These testers then complete a survey to share their likes, dislikes, and thoughts on their experience with the sheets. They also rate the sheets' appearance, softness, ease of use, temperature regulation, and fit.
✔️ Pilling resistance: Our abrasion testing machine (pictured here) rubs fabric swatches together to mimic the wear and tear of real life use. Our fiber scientists then score signs of pilling using industry standards.
✔️ Washability: In our Labs, our fiber scientists repeatedly wash each sheet following its care label. We then evaluate shrinkage and any changes in appearance after laundering.
✔️ Wrinkle resistance: Immediately after laundering, we evaluate the sheets for any creases and wrinkling per industry standards in a room with specialized lighting.
What to look for when shopping for the best cooling sheets
When comparing sheets, many shoppers are overwhelmed by the surprising amount of fabric options available. While each material has its pros and cons, our fiber scientists explain which fabrics and features you should look for as a hot sleeper:
✔️ Material:
- Tencel/lyocell: These regenerated cellulose fiber fabrics have a luxuriously silky, cool-to-the-touch feel with excellent moisture management capabilities.
- Cotton: While cotton doesn't wick away moisture as successfully as synthetic fabrics, cotton lovers can still find cooler options. Opt for percale weaves because they're more breathable and airy than sateen picks.
- Linen: Like cotton, linen is also a natural fabric with a loose weave, providing excellent airflow. Note that linen sheets tend to be less soft than other materials.
- Polyester and other synthetics: Synthetic fabrics like polyester are popular for their smoothness and their ability to wick away moisture, but they can feel cheap. For even better performance, look for polyester yarns with added cooling technologies.
✔️ Specific cooling technologies, such as Outlast or 37.5, store and release heat throughout the night, so your body stays at a stable temperature. To test how moisture-wicking fabric is (a.k.a. how well the sheets will dissipate sweat to keep you at a more consistent body temperature), you can place a drop of water on it. The water should immediately spread out and dry quickly. Avoid fabrics where the water beads. They'll feel sweaty.
✔️ Thread count refers to the number of yarns in a square inch of fabric, but it shouldn't be a major factor when deciding which cooling sheets to buy. In our evaluations, thread count did not correlate with performance, but when shopping for 100% cotton, single-ply weaves, our tests found that 300 to 500 thread count is ideal.
✔️ Pocket depth corresponds to the maximum mattress height the sheets can accommodate. Before purchasing, we recommend measuring your mattress's height (and topper if you have one) to ensure your new sheets will fit properly.
What is the coolest fabric for a hot sleeper?
Generally, the best fabrics for hot sleepers are cotton percale, linen, and Tencel/lyocell, especially if they have added cooling technologies.
Although cotton holds onto moisture, cotton percale sheets are a great option for hot sleepers as the weave is light and airy. Linen is well known for offering unparalleled breathability for a cool feel, but it has a natural, textured feel that some testers loved and others disliked.
Semi-synthetic textiles like Tencel and lyocell feel smooth like your favorite activewear to wick away sweat for a drier, cooler feel. Some may include cooling technologies like Outlast and 37.5 for better temperature regulation. They're good for anyone who wants a smooth, super-soft bed sheet without the crispness of hotel sheets.
Are "bamboo sheets" cooling?
Firstly, "bamboo sheets" don't really exist! While many brands may sell sheets labeled as "bamboo" fabric, the material doesn't contain any bamboo. It's actually rayon, which is a regenerated cellulose fiber that uses the wood pulp from bamboo. It is dissolved in chemicals to the point that it no longer exists in the final fabric. The Federal Trade Commission has sued some companies for false bamboo labeling as the brand needs to list the manufactured name for rayon fibers.
Types of rayon include viscose, lyocell, and modal, which are known for being moisture-wicking and feeling silky and cool to the touch—ideal for cooling sheets. Be wary of any sheet sets with false "bamboo" labeling as the brand is greenwashing and misleading its consumers. Opt for Tencel, lyocell, viscose, or modal fabrics with proper fiber content labeling and excellent cooling performance.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate Textiles Lab director at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she has been testing bedding for over seven years. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience focused on product quality assessment.
