The Best Cotton Sheets for Cool, Cozy Sleep

A quick look at the best cotton sheets

• Editor’s pick cotton sheets: Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set
• Best percale cotton sheets: Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set
• Best sateen cotton sheets: Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
• Best organic cotton sheets: Looma Signature Sheet Set
• Best Egyptian cotton sheets: Parachute Percale Sheet Set
• Best lightweight cotton sheets: Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet set
• Best budget cotton sheets: Threshold Performance Sheet Set
• Best reviewed cotton sheets: California Design Den Store Sheet Set

When it comes to your nighttime routine, you might spend a lot of time focusing on winding down — maybe trying meditation or dabbling in aromatherapy — but how you feel between the sheets is also a big part of getting good sleep.

Sheets made with 100% cotton can be a breathable, soft, and cozy option for getting restful in bed. They’re also long lasting and come in a variety of types and styles.

To help you determine which cotton sheet set is best for you, we scoured the internet for the best options out there. Read on to find our 8 picks.

How we chose the best cotton sheets

There are numerous types of cotton sheets on the market. When choosing the best sheets, we considered these features:

• Variety: There are a lot of different elements that go into creating a cotton sheet set. We made sure to include a variety of options with different thread counts, types of cotton (like Pima, Supima, and Egyptian), and types of weaves (like percale or sateen). Not a total pro on what all these words mean? Read more below before diving into each product.
• Price: Cotton sheets can be pretty costly depending on where you look. For our top choices, we kept the prices under $300, since there are quality sheets that are also still affordable.
• Customer reviews and editorial testing: We went through customer reviews and tested some sheet sets on our own beds to determine which were the best and most-loved sets available.

Pricing guide

To compare pricing, we listed the queen size of each sheet set. Each product is marked with one of the following:

• $ = under $100
• $$ = $100–$200
• $$$ = over $200

Healthline’s picks for the best cotton sheets

Buy the Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set online.

Best percale cotton sheets

Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set

• Price: $$$
• Type: percale
• Fabric: 100% organic cotton
• Thread count: 360

Boll & Branch’s Percale Hemmed Sheet Set is made with 100% organic cotton and a percale weave, and it has a 360 thread count. This combination makes for a cool, smooth texture. The pockets of the fitted sheet are 17 inches deep, which works well for thick mattresses, and the set comes in six colors, including one with patterns.

The sheets are fair trade certified, which means they are manufactured in a factory that provides fair wages and a safe working environment. They’re also Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Standard 100 OEKO-TEX certified, which guarantee that the materials truly are organic and free from harmful substances.

Boll & Branch also says that they use 91% less water than most conventional manufacturing.

Overall, customers give the Hemmed Sheet Set a near-perfect score, noting that the product is worth the investment. Many reviewers compliment the cool summer feel, saying the cozy, soft texture doesn’t seem to wrinkle as much as other brands.

Our editorial team also tried these sheets and give them a 10 out of 10. The sheets are beautiful, luxurious, and really exceeded our expectations (even the box they came in was pretty!). We also spoke to other Boll & Branch fans who say they have become loyalists to the brand since purchasing this sheet set.

A few critical reviews say that the sheets are uncomfortable and too silky. They also say they might be too big for a thinner mattress. But, overall, customers say these sheets are the exact percale they wanted (and more).

Buy the Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set online.

Best sateen cotton sheets

Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

• Price: $$
• Type: sateen
• Fabric: 100% long staple cotton
• Thread count: 480

Brooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set is the thicker, silkier sateen version of their highly reviewed percale set. Perfect for the winter months or someone who likes cozy sleep, the sateen set has a higher thread count with a smoother feel.

Just like other Brooklinen sheets, the Luxe Core are OEKO-TEX certified, fit mattresses up to 15 inches thick, and come in twin to California king sizes.

The sateen set is also made using single-ply yarn and fine thread to help keep the sheets strong, smooth, and light.

Reviewers find the Luxe Core Sheet Set overwhelmingly comfortable and well-made. They say the sheets are really high quality for the price, and many say they plan on buying more sets after their first purchase.

Reviewers don’t find the sheets to be too hot at night and many think the fabric holds up well — even becoming softer — after the first and second wash.

Some negative reviews say the sheets don’t stay on the bed well and that the fabric is coarse and uncomfortable.

But with a near-perfect score from almost 16,400 reviews, it’s clear that most customers love the Brooklinen Luxe Core Set.

Buy the Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set online.

Best organic cotton sheets

Looma Signature Sheet Set

• Price: $$
• Type: sateen
• Fabric: 100% long-staple cotton
• Thread count: 300

Looma’s Signature Sheet Set is made with GOTS certified organic cotton from the Himalayan Basin. Though sateen sheets can sometimes feel thicker than other weaves, this set is supposed to be more breathable and lighter because of the single-ply thread.

The fitted sheet has a wide pocket for larger mattresses and the sheets come in several colors, including a limited-edition collection.

In addition to producing high quality organic sheets, Looma focuses on making an impact with its commitments to ethical, fair trade practices and environmental considerations.

Looma says purchasing from their brand saves 215 days of drinking water and 3.5 kg of CO2 emissions, plus they say no pesticides are used while farming the cotton.

Even more, Looma says they sponsor a month of education for every set sold by partnering with Hanuman Girl’s School in India.

Customers find the Looma signature sheet set soft, comfortable, and breathable. Reviewers consistently say they plan on buying another set of Looma because they love the first set so much, noting that they are long-lasting, durable, and cool at night.

In our own editorial testing, we also found these sheets super soft and breathable.

Buy the Looma Signature Sheet Set online.

Best Egyptian cotton sheets

Parachute Percale Sheet Set

• Price: $$ (fitted sheet and pillowcase set only)
• Type: percale
• Fabric: 100% Egyptian cotton
• Thread count: Not disclosed

Grown along the Nile Valley, Egyptian cotton is known for being incredibly soft and durable thanks to its fine, strong fibers. Egyptian cotton is often considered the best quality cotton for sheets and also the most expensive.

Parachute’s Egyptian cotton sheet set is known for being lightweight, crisp, and durable. Much like other percale sheets, Parachute says this set is breathable and cool for hot nights or hot sleepers. And it gets softer the longer you use it.

This set is well-received by reviewers, most finding it incredibly soft and temperature-regulating. People say the sheets are well worth the higher price. Some say they want to purchase more sets because the first is so great.

Other customers think the sheets are too rough and thin and say they don’t soften over time. Some also say that they’re not worth the price. But, by and large, customers review these Egyptian cotton sheets favorably.

Buy the Parachute Percale Sheet Set online.

Best lightweight cotton sheets

Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set

• Price: $$
• Type: percale
• Fabric: 100% Supima cotton
• Thread count: 215

These lightweight sheets are a winner for those wanting a cooler night’s sleep. Although the fabric may feel thin, the Supima cotton fabric is not only breathable, but it’s also durable and soft.

The sheets are OEKO-TEX certified and, unlike most sheets online, you can try the sheets out for 100 nights. The set also comes with a 2-year warranty.

Reviewers say the sheets are crisp and cool, but still soft and comfortable. They also say they hold up well in the wash, seeing very little shrinkage or wear and tear.

Conversely, other reviewers think the sheets are a bit rough and loud, and they don’t fit quite how they’d like.

We tried these sheets ourselves and thought they made an amazing addition to any bed. Some customers say they wrinkle easily, but we thought they smoothed out nicely after being on the bed for about a day.

Plus, with 100 nights to try them out, you have plenty of time to decide if they work for you.

Buy the Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set online.

Best budget cotton sheets

Threshold Performance Sheet Set

• Price: $
• Type: sateen
• Fabric: 100% cotton
• Thread count: 400

This pick comes from a popular Target brand, so it’s likely you’ve seen it while browsing the bedding aisle on one of your (many) Target runs. Threshold’s most popular sateen sheet set is described as being soft, wrinkle-resistant, and pill-resistant.

Even though it’s our budget pick, the product is still considered high quality by over 4,500 reviewers — with most rating it 5 stars.

Threshold says this set is easy to care for, bleach-friendly, and free of any harmful chemicals.

Reviewers say the sheets are soft and comfortable, and most confirm that they really are resistant to pills and wrinkles. Reviewers like the extra deep pockets at the corners of the fitted sheet. Many mention the sheets are breathable but still warm.

While some think the sheets are rough and not as soft as they expected, reviewers mostly think this set is perfect for the price.

Buy the Threshold Performance Sheet Set online.

Best cotton sheets on Amazon

California Design Den Store Sheet Set

• Price: $
• Type: sateen
• Fabric: 100% long-staple cotton
• Thread count: 400

The California Design Den Store produces the most popular, well-reviewed set of sateen sheets on Amazon. The company says their 100% long-staple cotton is eco-friendly and made ethically. They’re also OEKO-TEX certified.

The sheets come in many colors, from neutral tones to flowery patterns, and they come in twin to California king sizes (including twin XL and split King). The sheets are also very affordable, never costing more than $100 — even for the largest California king set.

Out of over 28,000 reviews on Amazon, 95% of customers have given this set either a 5-star or 4-star rating. Reviewers say the sheets are incredibly comfortable, soft, and sturdy, and they wash nicely with little wrinkling. Others think they’re getting a much higher quality product than expected and for a really great price.

Some reviewers, however, say the sheets are scratchy and that they seem to feel thinner and look faded over time. But, comparatively, many more customers found the sheets to be exactly what they were looking for.

Buy the California Design Den Store Sheet Set online.

How to shop for cotton sheets

There are several factors to take into account when buying cotton sheets. Here are some important considerations.

Thread count

One of the most highlighted features of bed sheets is the thread count. This is determined by how many horizontal and vertical threads are in a square inch of the fabric.

Depending on the type of fabric, the best thread count starts around 200 and lands in the 600 range. Generally, 400–600 is the sweet spot.

Anything over 600 doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. Be mindful of companies using double-ply yarn over single-ply yarn, which can make thread count appear higher than it actually is.

Type of cotton

It’s likely you’ve seen the different types of cotton in product descriptions, but what do they all mean?

• Short-staple cotton: Considered the everyday cotton fiber, this won’t be as resistant to tearing and pulling, but it will come at a more affordable price. Upland cotton is short-staple cotton, which accounts for 95%of the cotton grown in the United States.
• Long-staple and extra-long staple cotton: This fiber of cotton is both sturdy and soft. It’s considered the best quality due to its ability to avoid usual wear and tear, such as pilling, tearing, or fading in color. Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, and Supima cotton are all extra-long staple cotton. The main difference between Egyptian, Pima, and Supima cotton are where they’re grown.

Not all sheets say if they are one of these types of cotton. Some might just say “100% cotton.” In those cases, the products might be made from short-staple cotton or a blend of cotton types.

Keep in mind that some brands might mislabel their products. Companies, like PimaCott and the Cotton Egypt Association, have developed DNA testing to certify that cotton marketed as 100% Pima or Egyptian cotton is verified to be so.

This might not concern you if you’re buying more affordable sheets. But, if you’re splurging on a set, it might be a good idea to dig a little deeper into the brand you’re purchasing from. You can do this by checking the website’s materials or “about” pages.

Fabric

When you see words like “percale” and “sateen,” they refer to the type of weave used to create different cotton fabrics.

• Percale: A lighter and crisper fabric, percale is perfect for the summertime or if you’re more of a hot sleeper. It’s known to be super breathable, but it may be wrinklier and need a good ironing.
• Sateen: With a thicker, silky feel, these sheets generally have a higher thread count and work well in the chillier months. They may seem a bit more luxurious, as they tend to wrinkle less and drape wherever you decide to put them.
• Twill: This fabric might remind you of a pair of jeans. Twill fabrics have a lot of texture, and they are often thicker and sturdier than other weaves. Twill sheets can be great for winter, but you won’t find twill sheets as readily as other fabrics.
• Jersey knit: Unlike the other types of fabrics, jersey knitted cotton is knitted rather than woven. Knitted means the product is made of one spool of yarn rather than several. These sheets will be stretchy but still really soft.
• Flannel: Mostly a cold weather sheet, flannel cotton can be thicker and sturdier. They can also come in wool, which is moisture-wicking, or synthetic fibers.

Percale and sateen fabrics are the most common sheets you’ll find, and they’re generally higher-end products. The other weaves might be sold by fewer brands, with not as many options.

Certifications

There are a few common certifications you might see when shopping for sheets. Here’s what you should look out for:

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: This means every piece of fabric in the product has been tested for harmful chemicals, both regulated and non-regulated, and updated every year.
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): When a product is labeled GOTS certified, it means the fabric is certified organic from the harvesting to the selling.
• Fair trade: This certification makes sure companies are treating their employees fairly, providing safe workspaces, and promoting sustainability in the environment and livelihoods.

Products with these certifications often come with a slightly higher price tag. While they’re definitely nice to have, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing what you can afford.

Who cotton sheets are best for

Cotton fabrics are known for being breathable, absorbent, soft, durable, and easy to care for. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic.

Cotton’s breathability and ability to absorb moisture mean they’re a great option for hot sleepers. Percale cotton sheets in particular can help hot sleepers find relief since they’re the most lightweight of the cotton fabrics.

The softness, durability, and machine-washable quality of cotton sheets make them ideal for almost anyone. On top of being comfortable, you get your money’s worth, because the sheets last a long time and withstand regular washing.

Being naturally hypoallergenic means they can work well for those with sensitivities or allergies — especially when you purchase sheets that are made with certified organic cotton and without harmful substances.

Synthetic fabrics (like polyester or rayon) have been associated with asthma and allergies, according to a study from 2011. So, natural fabrics can be a better option if allergens are an issue for you.

Caring for cotton sheets

After purchasing a set of cotton sheets, it is important to wash them before your first use. This will help clean anything left over from production and soften the cotton. You can use either warm or cold water in the wash, but stick to like colors.

When drying your cotton sheets, select low power and low heat. Or, if possible, hang drying works best to keep the original form of the sheets. Pull your sheets out of the dryer as quickly as possible to avoid wrinkles. But, depending on the sheets, you can iron out the wrinkles too.

As for frequency, experts say to wash your sheets once a week, but every other week works as well. Your cotton sheets can collect dirt, dead skin cells, dust mites, and whatever else you happen to toss on your bed.

Not washing your sheets at this rate could lead to contact dermatitis, or it could trigger allergies. An unwashed pillowcase can also lead to acne breakouts.

Frequently asked questions about cotton sheets

What is the best type of cotton for sheets?

Egyptian cotton is considered the softest, highest quality cotton, but it usually comes with a steep price tag. It’s possible to find relatively affordable cotton from certain brands that hold up well over time and are cool or soft enough for your personal preference.

What is the best thread count on cotton sheets?

Quality thread count range is about 200 to 600. Choosing a cotton sheet set somewhere between 400 to 600 is usually a good choice.

Are 100% cotton sheets good?

These sheets are often considered soft, breathable, cozy, and easy to care for. Plus, they’re usually durable and easy to find in a slew of sizes, colors, and patterns. Cotton sheets may be too cool for those who tend to sleep cold.

The takeaway

Cotton sheets can be a super comfy addition to your bedding. With so many brands, types, and fabrics to choose from, you have a ton of options. So, it’s important to know what all these terms mean when shopping.

Whether you choose a lightweight and crisp percale or a sturdy sateen, cotton sheets can be a long lasting and comfortable staple for any bedroom.

Elena Bruess is a writer and multimedia journalist based in Chicago. Her work covers the intersection of health, environment, and human rights. You can follow her on Twitter here.