The 9 Best Sheets for Your Bedding Capsule Collection
In all honesty, I’ve never had a ton of sheets. I’ve moved a lot (military kid) and lived in small Brooklyn apartments since, so I can count the best sheets I’ve had space for on one hand. Now, as a design editor, my work revolves around trying the best bedding on the market. After testing dozens and dozens of sheets, I’ve learned that you really only need to invest in a few good sets. Ultimately, your choices will come down to personal preference—i.e. whether you want something silky like bamboo or structured like percale—and, just like the other decor in your bedroom, your sheets should speak to your sense of style too.
Our Top Picks
Where I’m here to help is zeroing in on quality that can only come from thorough testing in real life homes. I have my favorites that have lasted countless washes in notoriously rough New York laundromats, but I also surveyed the rest of the Shop AD editors to gather recommendations from our full team. Spoiler alert, the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set remains the top pick in this story after several years, scoring bonus points for its polished sateen weave and organic materials. Read on for the rest of our top picks so you can start building out the bedding capsule collection of your dreams.
Editor’s Note: All prices reflect queen-size sheets, but many brands include twin XL to king-size options available for purchase.
Best Overall Sheets
Specs
- Thread count: 300
- Material: Organic long-staple cotton
- Colors available: White, natural, dune, mist, pewter, stone, sky, shore, mineral
- Warranty information: Boll & Branch’s items are returnable within 30 days of delivery. Refunds will exclude any shipping and handling that may have been charged to buyers.
- Washing instructions: Machine-wash in cold water with similar colors on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on medium heat. To avoid wrinkles, shake the sheets out between washing and drying and make sure the dryer isn’t overloaded so there’s room for the sheets to move around. The sheets are not preshrunk, so you may notice a tiny bit of shrinkage after a few washes.
Upsides
- King-size has a standard pillowcase option
- Many colorway options in solids and prints
- Features a top-stitched elastic band on the fitted sheet
Downsides
The neutral tones available might be less of a fit for a maximalist bedroom
These Boll & Branch signature sheets are shopping director Rachel Fletcher’s go-tos—she’s had them for about five years and keeps them in constant rotation. She had measured expectations since the brand markets these as their best-selling set, but she says the hype is real. First off, they are organic and Fair Trade (with certifications to prove it), but the real reason to invest in these sheets is the super soft sateen weave that has held up beautifully over time.
“That extra-soft feel paired with the lovely, cooling properties make them feel like the luxury sheets that they are,” Fletcher says. She washes these about once a month, and despite some very slight color fading, they’re as strong and even softer than when she first got them.
On the style front, I personally like the brand’s floral prints like “Meadow Garden” to make the muted tones stand out against a solid-colored duvet, but there are 25 color and pattern options available to satisfy most palettes.
Supersoft, Cottagecore-Inspired Linen
Specs
- Thread Count: N/A
- Material: 55% European flax and 45% long-staple cotton
- Colors available: 38 colors and patterns
- Warranty information: 90-day return policy.
- Washing instructions: Machine-wash at 40°C with similar colors, then air dry or tumble dry on a low setting. Iron on low for a smooth look or embrace the natural crumpled texture. Avoid using fabric softener and do not bleach.
Upsides
- Dozens of colors and prints to design a bedspread that fits your style
- The linen blend is a slightly more elevated version of standard cotton
- Lighter weight than standard linen for more breathability
Downsides
Might experience light pilling
Contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert is a cottagecore-stan, so she didn’t need any convincing to try Piglet in Bed’s product. One look at this set always makes her feel transported to the English countryside. “I love the dual-tone of the sage on the gingham pattern, which gives it more depth,” she says. “The sage green is darling when paired with pinks [like the blush quilts in my linen closet].”
Alpert has both the linen-blend and the pure linen at her house, but she does think the blend of European linen and long-staple cotton is superior. “I suppose the linen-blend feels a bit more brushed while the linen feels slightly more textured,” Alpert tells me. “Think of the linen-blend as cotton sheets that have seen the best of times, they feel lived-in, like you’re sleeping in a nest.”
These are so lightweight and beautifully drapey that Alpert recommended them to her mom. “She loves a good cotton bed sheet set, and this one is like cotton-plus,” she adds. “The linen really takes it up a notch in terms of the cushiness and coziness.”
A Luxe, Breathable Sateen
Specs
- Thread count: 495
- Material: 100% long-staple cotton
- Colors available: 23 colors and patterns
- Warranty information: One year
- Washing instructions: Machine-wash cool and tumble dry low.
Upsides
- Breathable
- Soft material
- Buttery finish
Downsides
Starchy feel before washing
The newest iteration of Brooklinen’s luxe sateen sheets prove that sometimes the sequel lives up to the original. Not one, not two, but three members of the Shop AD team—
shopping director Rachel Fletcher, shopping writer Julia Harrison, and director of commerce partnerships Meg Kernahan—put the new-and-improved bedding to the test. Because the new Luxe has a tighter weave, “the older version is definitely more matte,” says Fletcher. “Straight off the bat, I could tell there was a much smoother handfeel and a tighter weave on the new Luxe sateen, due to the higher thread count.”
Harrison, a longtime devotee to the brand, was particularly drawn to the breathable material and sturdy construction. “While I stand by the originals—the first Luxe were actually my first foray into good, grown-up sheets—if I were to buy sheets anew, I’d buy the 2.0’s. They’re softer, cooler, more structurally averse to the hell of New York laundromats,” she says. Kernahan thinks the bedding is a sound choice that can resonate with most sleepers: “Anyone looking for solid design, soft material, and a buttery finish, the new Luxe sheet set is for you.”
Blissful (and Affordable) Bamboo Sheets
Specs
- Thread count: 300
- Material: 100% viscose from organic bamboo
- Colors available: Sand, white, light gray, charcoal, nightfall, sky blue, eucalyptus, olive, terra-cotta, clay, soft blush
- Warranty information: 365-day return policy and one free return per order (with $15 deducted from your refund for each subsequent return).
- Washing Instructions: Machine-wash cold on delicate fabrics, tumble dry low. Avoid bleach. To prevent pilling, avoid fabric softener or dryer balls. To avoid wrinkles, remove immediately after drying. Iron on low if desired.
Upsides
- Variety of neutral and splashy colors
- Glossy design
- Deep pocket depth
Downsides
Retains light stains from oily hair products
I’m kind of Quince’s biggest fan in the bedding department—I have at least half a dozen duvets and sheets from them stacked under my storage bed as we speak, but I really wanted this set because it looks, well, fancy. The team likes bamboo sheets because they’re supposed to look and feel like silk for a fraction of the price, and these are proof. They’re smooth to the point that I actually glide into bed. My parents lived in New Mexico a few years back, which inspired me to try the warm terracotta colorway to remind me of the pretty canyons. But there are lots of other neutral and deep colors like burgundy if you want to try something a little moodier.
What’s cool (literally) about these is that they’re naturally moisture-wicking and actually feel refreshing to sleep on. Now that I’ve had them for over a full year, I can confidently say that these are comfortable in any season. I’m a chronically cold sleeper until the summer, so most of the year I’m hibernating under a mountain of blankets. This set’s airiness makes them great for layering without leaving me swimming in sweat. The only real downside is that I am faithful to my daily skincare and haircare routines, so oily residue leaves some staining. It’s still a little noticeable after giving them a thorough wash, but I think that’s a pretty fair trade-off for the price of these sheets.
A Silky Set for Sweaty Sleepers
Specs
- Thread count: 300
- Material: 100% lyocell derived from organically grown eucalyptus in Austria
- Colors available: Blush, clay, dove, fog, forest, ivory, sage, sapphire, snow, storm, stripe, teal
- Warranty information: 30-day sleep trial.
- Washing instructions: Machine-wash on a gentle cycle in cold water with like colors. Tumble dry on low. Remove promptly. For the best results, avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or washing with anything rough that could cause excess pilling, like wool dryer balls, items with zippers, or Velcro or rough fabrics, the brand advises. Another note from the brand: Don’t forget that some pilling is normal for natural fibers.
Upsides
- Supple and smooth texture
- Our tester says this More resistant to shedding than some cotton bedding
- Great for keeping cool in warm months and layering without overheating during col months
Downsides
Might be less ideal for shoppers looking for a textured bedspread like linen
I’m already preparing myself for the point in New York spring when it gets humid and hot until basically October. Shopping producer Lauren Arzbaecher can relate, which is why she relies on these eucalyptus sheets from Sijo. They’re similar to bamboo because they’re also a smooth and sustainable material, but they’re a tad silkier for genuinely hot sleepers. “What I’ve loved most about sleeping on these sheets is the lightweight construction of them,” Arzbaecher says. “It’s breathable enough that even bundled up underneath a duvet and blanket, I’m not sweating to death.”
Besides the texture, Arzbaecher thinks the easy care makes these worth shopping all year round. “One of my favorite things about eucalyptus sheets is that they don’t suffer from pilling as much as cotton or linen options do over time,” she says. “I’ve washed these sheets many, many times and they still have the same slick texture.”
An Organic Cotton Percale With Personality
Specs
- Thread count: 270
- Material: 100% organic cotton
- Colors available: 19 colors and patterns
- Warranty information: N/A
- Washing instructions: Machine wash cool and tumble dry low.
Upsides
- Thick and durable
- Lots of color and pattern options
- High end, hotel-quality set
Downsides
They’re not silky—if ultra-soft is your vibe, these might not be the sheets for you
Quince’s 100% organic cotton sheets are crisp and comfy, according to Condé Nast Traveler commerce editor and contributor Meaghan Kenny. She describes the bedding as “soft without being too thin or flimsy-feeling.” The 19 solid and patterned colorways afford a customizable approach to your bedscape, whether you plan to match your sheets to a coordinating duvet cover or are hoping to create a contrasting moment with your favorite comforter. “I absolutely adore the green florette print on these sheets,” Kenny says of her floral pick. “They gave my bedroom a much-needed breath of fresh air for spring and summer, and are a nice break from my usual boring white sheets.”
Comparing them to the sheets she’s slept on in previous five-star hotel stays, the travel editor reports that Quince’s take on percale manages to stay cool all night long while maintaining a breathable and cozy feel. “These are by far the most crisp, cool-feeling bed sheets I’ve ever slept on, but even on warmer days, the sheets didn’t leave me overheating.” And even after several washes, Kenny says her set still looks and feels brand new—”I love that they’re thick and durable with no loose threads or color fading in sight.”
More AD-Approved Sheets
Specs
- Thread count: N/A
- Material: 70% cotton, 30% Ethicot, with a 100% linen ruffle
- Colors available: White
- Warranty information: N/A
- Washing instructions: Hand or machine-wash in cold water or in a gentle cycle, line or tumble dry.
Upsides
- Delicate cottagecore look
- Crisp feel
- Easy to style
Downsides
The ruffled edge takes a bit of zhuzhing to lay flat, which can be a slight nuisance when making your bed on a daily basis
The intricate ruffled linen edge on Greenrow’s Cotton Percale Linen Ruffle sheet has a romantic look, however, the frill doesn’t overtly overpower the rest of Condé Nast Traveler commerce director and contributor Madison Flager’s bedscape. “It adds a fun, whimsical feel to my room while still matching any duvet cover or quilt,” she says. Placing this set in the same league as five-star hotels she’s visited in the past, Flager describes the feeling as “slipping into a luxury hotel’s setup,” thanks to the cotton blend’s crisp, slightly starchy feel. “They are pretty cool to the touch, which I appreciate as someone who prefers to sleep in a cold environment,” she says. “I’ve only washed the set once so far, and I was a little nervous about how delicate the ruffle would be, but they came out with minimal loose threads.”
Specs
- Thread count: 270
- Material: 100% percale cotton
- Colors available: 24
- Warranty information: Returns are accepted within the first 365 days of purchase. All returns are subject to a $9.95 return fee taken from your refund amount.
- Washing instructions: Machine-wash cold with like colors. Tumble dry low, remove promptly. Non-Chlorine bleach only. Warm iron if needed.
Upsides
- Feels like crisp hotel bedding
- Structured without feeling stiff, and smooth to the touch
- Available in more unexpected prints like bold stripes
Downsides
Alpert says sometimes night sweats make the sheets feel cold against her skin
Even though percale sheets are already popular for being crisp—like what a dress shirt feels like after it gets a dry clean—Alpert tells me this Brooklinen set is a step above. “Yes, these feel crisp, but also incredibly smooth, almost like a sateen but with a cooling layer,” she says. “Cheesy as it may sound, it makes me think that these are bed sheets made for a princess—airy and luxe.” This is her pick if you want something that feels super light and high-end but is accessible price-wise. It even has a “satisfying crinkle” when she fluffs her bedding and climbs in, like what you might notice if you’re sleeping in a hotel bed.
The material alone makes these Alpert's favorite cotton sheets of all time, but the bold prints, like the coral tandem stripe, take it to another level. “It definitely wakes up my bedding collection which is mostly solid colors, with a few florals,” she says. “In fact, my husband is really on board with it because he likes the print and is happy not to sleep in a bed of flowers. (He thinks all floral sheets look like a shower curtain.)”
Specs
- Thread count: N/A
- Material: 100% linen
- Colors available: One with embroidery
- Warranty information: N/A
- Washing instructions: Machine-wash cool and tumble dry low. We recommend line drying to extend the life of the embroidery.
Upsides
- Heirloom-quality softness
- Artisan-crafted embroidery
- Extremely durable material
Downsides
Line-drying recommended to keep up the quality of the embroidery
Giving some love to a luxury linen in this list. These aren’t like the lighter Piglet in Bed blend featured above—shopping writer Julia Harrison says this true, 100% linen from Erica Tanov has a thicker, stonewashed quality that makes them feel truly soft. “They still have the tactility that always comes with linen (that’s, to me, the wonder of a purely natural fabric) but they don’t do any of the catching or scratching that other linen sets do,” she says. “The bedding is super breathable, really moisture-wicking. I wouldn’t say it’s cooling but as a cold sleeper, I’m not really looking for that.”
Almost all Erica Tanov sheets have custom embroidery, and this set’s design takes inspiration from Palestinian motifs. Harrison says these thoughtful details are like nothing else on the market, and stands by them as a worthwhile investment. “I love that its price point is completely realistic for the quality and detail of the bedding,” she says. “That feels rare to me, things often feel severely overpriced and what’s affordable often cuts corners in terms of material blends or manufacturing processes. This is a true, honest, fantastic product.”
The whimsy of the set is paired with practicality–they’ve made it through rickety washing machines and actual drywall from Harrison’s ceiling dropping on top of them. So, I think it’s safe to say these won’t tear apart in this lifetime or the next.
How We Tested
At AD, we don’t test in a lab or scientific vacuum—we test them in our very own homes. Why? Because that’s where you’ll be using them too. Each of the sets in our Sleep Week roundups has been washed, dried, and slept on for countless nights by our editors and writers to ensure that we’ve put them through the ringer of everyday life. The sets are selected to reflect a variety of price points, materials, and styles and we pride ourselves in giving each set first-hand, real world use. Here’s a few of the questions we asked our testers.
FAQs
What Should I Avoid When Shopping for Sheets?
No one knows your sleep like you—when shopping for a new set it’s important to keep in mind what your dream sleep setup looks like or if you have any needs that influence the products you use. For example, if you have sensitive skin, a 100% cotton set (like our Parachute or Boll & Branch picks) is more up your alley. If you need something cooling in your arsenal, a flannel or cashmere blend set may be out of the question. In terms of materials, we think it’s worth investing in high-quality shams—especially since you’ll (hopefully) be spending a solid eight hours a night on these textiles. One of the many reasons you won’t find any synthetic fibers on this list.
What Should I Look for When Shopping for Sheets?
As you can see from the list above, there are several materials to choose from, and the choice you make is largely up to your own preferences. For example, if you’d like a luxe, silky sleep setup, opt for bamboo or sateen. If you would like crisp bedding that mirrors that of a high-end hotel, percale is likely for you. Once you make your selection, keep these other below factors in mind.
Durability: Look out for thread counts to assess your bedding’s durability. Generally, somewhere between the 300 and 600 range reflects high-quality construction that feels soft and can outlast wash after wash.
Comfort: Comfort can be subjective, but look at each of our sections above on materials like linen, percale, and more to determine what set would feel most comfortable to you.
Design: As experts in design, we’re not only on the hunt for the best bedroom furniture but we’re also searching for stylish options to match any aesthetic. Many options are available in patterns like this Petite Plume timeless toile set, but you can find others like scalloped or floral designs for a whimsical bedroom and gingham bedding for a cottagecore-inspired space.
How Often Should I Wash Sheets?
Mary Gagliardi, Clorox’s in-house scientist and cleaning expert (also known as Dr. Laundry), recommends washing your sheets once a week. However, if you’re not a hot sleeper, Brooklinen’s design director Katie Elks says you can push it to two weeks before tossing your linens in the washer and dryer.
And though you might be tempted to run bedding on your regular wash settings, Gagliardi recommends using the hottest water possible for cotton, satin, and polyester. For linen bedding made of flax, she says “care instructions typically recommend the delicate cycle, with lower agitation and spin speeds that help reduce wrinkling—which is good but also means washing with cold water, which is less effective at cleaning.” Also, hand-wash silk pieces unless the care instructions note that they are durable enough for a delicate or hand-wash cycle.
How Long Do Sheets Typically Last?
With the right care, a good pair of sheets can last at least three years. The biggest thing to keep in mind is routine care. Mary Gagliardi, Clorox’s in-house scientist and cleaning expert (also known as Dr. Laundry), recommends washing your sheets once a week. However, if you’re not a hot sleeper, Brooklinen’s design director Katie Elks says you can push it to two weeks before tossing your linens in the washer and dryer.
How Can You Make Your Sheets Last Longer?
It’s always a good rule of thumb to look at the care label for the sheets, as even if the material is similar to another set in your linen closet, brands have different wash and dry instructions. As we mentioned above, some settings that can help prevent excess wear are delicate wash cycles as well as tumble dry low settings.
Should You Iron Your Sheets?
Overall, we don’t think it’s necessary. Some have delicate materials that can wear from high, direct heat contact from ironing. For this reason, we either recommend steaming your sheets or allowing them to air-dry immediately after washing to help keep wrinkles from setting in. However, if you’re set on ironing, be sure to use a low setting if possible.
How Do I Fold a Fitted Sheet?
Folding a fitted sheet is a challenge in and of itself, but follow the key pointers below to nail it every time:
- Place your hands in the two top corners of the fitted sheet along the long side across your body. Make sure the elastic side of the sheet (not the fabric side) is facing you, then hold the fitted sheet out in front of you.
- With both hands inside the fitted sheet pockets, grab the inside of the right corner with your fingers and invert it. (If you’re left-handed, our team says it might be easier to start with the left-hand corner.) Heads up: Your sheet will look a bit skewed, but that’s okay.
- As you’re holding on to the inverted corner with your fingers, find the inside of the left corresponding corner and fold the inverted (right) corner into it. Note: The corner seams should touch.
- Lay the sheet on a flat surface and straighten the edges. This side of the sheet should look like an L. Now look to the other side and repeat step 3. You should now have a U shape, with the elastic running lengthwise at the top.
- Insert your hands into one of the pockets again. Notice that it has two layers now. Find the elastic corner, pinch with your fingers, and invert as you had done in step two.
- Take the inverted side and connect it to the opposite corner, as you had done in step three. You’re back at the L shape, but now it should be four layers thick.
- All four corners should be stacked together; if they are not, rearrange them with your hands and smooth the sheet as much as possible. Pushing out the extra air will make the next steps much easier.
- Lay the bed linen down on a flat surface and smooth out the wrinkles again. Take the straight edge of the sheet and fold it toward the elastic band about halfway.
- Fold over again to the opposite edge of the flat edge. Depending on the size of your sheet, you should have a narrow rectangle. At this point you can fold as you would with any flat sheet, folding over in doubles or thirds, depending on your storage space.
- Given that a fitted sheet with an elastic is bulkier overall, try to smooth out the air as you fold for the most compact storage without messy bunching. Stack the fitted sheet with other sheets in your linen closet.
More Sheets We Love—by Material
From soft, relaxed sets to crisp, cooling varieties—we’ve tested and reviewed all of the best sheets to shop now:
- Best Linen Sheets: For linen lovers or the linen curious, read on for our favorites. Linen is a fantastic material to sleep on. Why? It’s naturally bacteria-resistant, ventilating, moisture-absorbing, and hypoallergenic. A linen sheet set is especially great for hot sleepers, as the sheets breathe easily and will keep you cool through the worst that a summer heat wave has to throw your way. Despite being such a light and airy material, certain variations can also be thick and hardy for cooler weather as well. And even though linen tends to wrinkle for that gently lived-in look, we consider that part of the charm. There are plenty of affordable options on the market as well, so you don’t have to lump these in the steep investment category.
- Best Bamboo Sheets: We really love the Cozy Earth set mentioned above, and we also tested more top picks here. This material tends to resemble silk because of the smooth fibers, however, they’re more durable and have easier care instructions.
- Best Percale Sheets: These options are perfect for warm nights and cool days. Crisp and smooth, cotton percale sheets are a great option for hot sleepers. High thread counts for this type often exceed 200, resulting in a tight weave that gives the bedding a sturdier feel. Despite the added heft, they’re still incredibly airy and moisture-wicking. Woven in a cross-cross pattern, percale sets are made from high-quality or long-staple cotton. Percale sets are sometimes made with cotton mixed with other materials like silk or rayon, which give them a silkier feel. One of the other perks of percale is that this material pills less than others, like the Petite Plume Timeless Toile Set we’ve tested and approved in our “how we tested” video listed above.
- Best Sateen Sheets: Sateen distinguishes the weave and finish, not the material (they’re still cotton after all). Made of a looser weave and thick yarn, cotton sateen sheets often have a slightly silky and smooth texture, like the Sferra Giotto Fitted Sheet we mention in the “how we tested” video in this story. This is due to the long cotton fibers being soaked in lye, sealing the fibers and giving them added durability.
- Best Cotton Sheets: While we’ve already touched on percale and sateen weaves, you’ll still want to keep the material of the fibers in mind. The most popular cotton sets are made of Pima cotton, supima cotton, or Egyptian cotton. Each of these can produce quality bedding, but there are a few subtle differences. Pima cotton has extra-long silky fibers. Supima cotton is pretty much the same as Pima, the main difference is that Supima refers to U.S. grown cotton versus Pima that’s sourced worldwide. Egyptian cotton fibers are extra-long yarn and more fine than typical cotton, and it is prized for its durability and breathability
- Best Cooling Sheets: Eucalyptus, linen, bamboo, cotton, and hemp are the most common cooling sets for a bedspread. For some, sleeping is always a sweaty activity—no matter the season. For self-identified hot sleepers, beeline for sets made of materials like breathable cotton or bamboo, linen, and moisture-wicking eucalyptus fiber.
- Best Sheets on Amazon: Treat yourself to an easy bedding refresh. Our editors have shared tested and approved affordable sets on this e-tailer from trusted brands, like Doz by Sijo and California Design Den that have sheet offerings made with nearly all of the aforementioned materials.