The Softest Sheets of 2024, Tested by Real People
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We tested 224 sheet sets, including cooling bamboo sheets and cozy flannel — these are our favorites
People / Dera Burreson
Sleep Week Deals
Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheet Set is 25% off at coyuchi.com.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is 20% off at cozyearth.com.
Olive and Crate Tencel Eucalyptus Sheet Set is $30 off at oliveandcrate.com.
Bampure 100% Viscose Bamboo Sheet Set is 11% off at Amazon.
Sleep is such a personal thing, so the sheets that help you sleep the best can vary from person to person. “Each sheet material has its unique benefits, and the best choice depends on individual preferences, climate, and desired sleep experience,” celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch tells PEOPLE. According to Welch, when choosing the best sheets, you should “consider factors like breathability, softness, durability, and cooling properties to find the perfect fit for a restful and comfortable night's sleep.”
While some prefer cozy flannel and others will always opt for cooling bamboo sheets, we can all agree: There's nothing like falling into a fresh set of super soft sheets to kickstart a relaxing night's sleep (or Sunday nap — no judgment here!)
Read on for the softest sheets of 2024, according to our testing.
Behind the Scenes
We tested 224 sheets, including traditional cotton, bamboo, percale, linen, flannel, and everything in between.
Sheets were docked points if they weren't breathable, contained loose threads, or pilled easily. Almost every sheet set shrank in the dryer, so we didn't dock points for that.
If you're looking for a cooling sheet set, opt for a set of bamboo or eucalyptus sheets.
Tencel fabric is newer to the bedding scene, and you'll see it on this list. It's made up of either lyocell, modal, or a blend. It tends to replace polyester in high-quality bedding sets (and is more breathable). It's expensive, so Tencel blends (like Tencel and cotton) achieve a similar soft feeling without such a high price.
Best Cooling: Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheet Set
Pros
Impressive cooling ability that made a noticeable difference in the quality of sleep among our testers
Ultra-soft and silky fabric that’s comfortable to sleep on and washes well
Cons
We wish the set came with labels to help make the bed, such as “top” or “side”
Do cooling sheets make a difference? Welch says yes. “Cooling sheets can make a difference, especially for those who tend to get hot during sleep.” He adds that they can wick away moisture and help your body maintain a balanced and comfortable temperature, making them a great year-round option.
Similar to this story, when we comprised our list of best cooling sheets, we looked at a range of tests we had performed on around 114 sheets to see which materials were the best for hot sleepers. The Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets beat out the competition with their ability to cool folks off — that, combined with an ultra-soft texture, breathable material, and overall durability.
Earning a perfect score in each of our tests, the eucalyptus sheets showed an impressive design without obvious imperfections. They washed well (though they shrunk just the tiniest bit) and showed no signs of loose threads or snags afterward. But the most obvious benefit of these sheets is the cooling effect of the material — giving them the title of ‘best cooling.’ Our team loved how lightweight and breathable the sheets were, and they were noticeably cooler when lying on these sheets rather than other basic fabrics.
How they’ve held up:
We sent the sheets home with testers for three months to see how well they lived up to our lab results. Our testers, both of whom run hot, said the sheets become a permanent part of the sheet rotation in their household (if not the primary sheet in that rotation). The silky nature of the fabric makes these sheets a dream to sleep on. The only complaint was that the sheets take longer to dry than other materials, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker for a cool night’s sleep.
Material: Tencel Fiber Eucalyptus Lyocell | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: 7 | Machine washable: Yes, tumble dry on delicate cycle | Certifications: Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified tencel fibers
Best Budget: Better Homes & Gardens Washed Cotton Percale 300 Thread Count Sheet Set
Pros
The most inexpensive sheet set on our list, while still maintaining a high quality
Its construction and design held up to washing without any notable changes
Cons
Though breathable, these sheets are not as cooling as fabrics like bamboo or eucalyptus
Percale cotton is a basic fabric, and won’t seem luxurious compared to satin or higher-end materials
Editor's Note: Better Homes & Gardens is owned by PEOPLE's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.
When sheets start under $25, you might question the quality, but we’re here to tell you the Better Homes & Gardens cotton percale sheets are the real deal. The stitching and overall design impressed our team, as well as the breathability of the percale cotton fabric. While there’s some ventilation, it’s not necessarily cooling, so these could be a good year-round option for summer and winter temperatures.
After throwing the sheets in the washing machine, we didn’t see any changes in the quality or texture. The material felt just as soft and the fitted sheet stretched the same amount over the mattress (without shrinkage). It’s a budget option because it’s not going to compete with some of our best overall options, but it’s still a solid sheet set that will last you many years without having to spend a fortune. Plus, it’s available at Walmart.
Material: Percale cotton (300 thread count) | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Colors: 8 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: None
Best Bamboo: Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets
Pros
Bamboo viscose offers a silky soft texture that’s almost cool to the touch, which can help hot sleepers
No shrinkage or obvious wear occurred post-wash; the sheets only got softer with each wash
Design offers a deep pocket that goes over even plush mattresses
Cons
We couldn't find any!
If you're looking for quality bamboo sheets, Bampure Organic Bamboo Sheets offer a silky texture and cooling abilities. Bamboo sheets almost feel like a mix of cotton and satin sheets, offering breathability with a buttery smooth finish — and these sheets met those expectations. The design impressed our team with solid stitching and a deep pocket that made for an easy fit around any mattress.
In testing the performance, we learned that the bamboo sheets could be washed without issue: No loose threads or shrinkage occurred, though the material was wrinkly afterward. It also continued getting softer after each wash, ensuring longevity and continued comfort over time. Between the quality and the cooling effect, which can be a bonus for hot sleepers, these bamboo sheets are a great choice all around.
Material: Bamboo viscose | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 12 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: OEKO-TEX®-certified
Best Investment: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Pros
The bamboo material looks luxurious and is breathable
Silky finish is so comfy and kept us cool while sleeping
Sheets came out of the dryer wrinkle-free
Cons
This was the most expensive set that we tested
Cozy Earth and Oprah are almost synonymous at this point because the TV personality has labeled these sheets as one of her “Favorite Things.” Our team has to agree, having tested the sheets in our lab and finding them to be highly breathable, cool to the touch, and durable after washing.
Made with a viscose from bamboo, the Cozy Earth sheets are silky and cool to the touch, and they kept their soft feeling even after throwing them in the washing machine on a cold cycle. We noticed some fraying and slight shrinkage when we remade the bed, but we appreciated that the sheets were essentially wrinkle-free when removed from the dryer. Though it’s the most expensive sheet set on our list, we think it’s worth the investment if your budget allows it.
How they’ve held up:
We tested the sheets for six months to ensure that the lab tests weren’t a one-off performance. Cozy Earth lives up to its reputation because we used the sheets every day, washed them frequently, and loved them as much on day 182 as we did on day one. They feel downright silky and kept us cool most nights and comfortable always.
Material: Viscose from bamboo | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: 7 | Machine washable: Machine wash cold | Certifications: No
Related: The 19 Best Pajamas for Women That Are Equally Comfortable as They Are Stylish
Best Linen: Parachute Linen Sheet Set
Pros
The linen wicked away moisture well, adding to its breathability score
No loose threads, color fading, or other noticeable wear after washing
Cons
We couldn't find any!
To test linen sheets, we assembled a group of lab testers and real-world testers to see how well the sheets performed in various environments. In the lab, we noticed there were some stray threads right when the Parachute linen sheets were unpackaged, but the general construction and design seemed sound. Surprisingly (for linen), these sheets are quite stretchy, and our team could fit them over the mattress with little effort (apart from the sides, which appeared scrunched and had to be smoothed out).
Linen is a lightweight fabric that is fairly breathable (our senior editor loved her linen sheets so much, she made linen dresses her new work uniform). Besides these sheets' breathability, we were especially impressed with how well they wicked away moisture. They also seemed to hold up to washing — our team didn’t notice any color fading, shrinkage, or major texture changes. Overall, we liked these sheets' appearance, comfortable fabric, and durability. As with any linen sheet set, expect it to get softer with each wash.
How they’ve held up:
After three months of trying these sheets out in one of our testers’ homes, they have continued to uphold their original impressive performance. They were washed on a normal cycle with cold water and dried on low heat around three times (as they were mixed in the sheets rotation with a few other sets). Despite our tester’s deep mattress, the sheets fit like a glove. They did notice the same bunching effect on the sides of the sheets when making the bed, but this was by no means a dealbreaker, just something to take note of.
Material: Linen | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 4 | Machine washable: Yes, tumble dry | Certifications: OEKO-TEX®–certified
Related: The 10 Best Cooling Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Hot Sleepers
Best Satin: Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets
Pros
The satin material has a soft-as-butter texture that didn’t snag when washed
Fit the mattress with well and didn’t budge even when tossing and turning
Consistent performance over three months of testing at home
Cons
The top sheet got a little tangled when we simulated tossing and turning, as is common with this type of material
During our test of the best satin sheets, the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets found favor with most members of our team. Everyone loved the design of the sheets, which were soft, silky, and smooth against the skin. The fitted sheet went around the mattress with ease and stayed in place. We did notice the top sheet moved around some when we simulated tossing and turning.
After the wash test, we were happy to report no sightings of snags, loose threads, or other signs of wear. It should also be noted that despite the word “silk” in the product’s name, these sheets are actually made with polyester that has a satin weave. Fabric ingredients aside, the sheets are still incredibly silky to the touch, and as the second least expensive pick on our list, they’re a solid value.
How they’ve held up:
After testing the sheets for three months at home to gain additional insights, our team is still impressed. Our specific tester washes and dries the sheets on delicate cycles after around seven to 10 days of use, and so far, there has been no color fading, pilling, shrinkage, or loose threads. They are happy with the performance of the sheets, which becomes even more alluring when you consider the price.
Material: Satin | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 18 | Machine washable: Yes, wash cold, tumble dry | Certifications: None
Best Cotton: Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set
Pros
These cotton sheets have a solid weight, classic thickness, and smooth, soft texture that all add to the comfort
Both top and fitted sheet fit the mattress well and stayed in place despite testers tossing and turning
Has a breathable material that absorbs and wicks away moisture in under 10 seconds
Cons
Not necessarily cooling; it warmed up to our body temperature shortly after lying down
This Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set offers a classic design, smooth texture, and medium weight that provided some extra coziness. In terms of fit, the pocket of the fitted sheet went around the mattress without issue, and despite our team tossing and turning, both sheets stayed in place. Through several other measures, we determined the sheets can wick away and absorb moisture in under 10 seconds while also being breathable. They didn’t have a cooling effect per se, since they warmed up to match our body temperature once we were lying down, but cotton is breathable enough to serve as a year-round comfortable sheet material. Plus, they held up well to washing and actually softened even more afterward.
How they’ve held up:
For three months at home, one tester put these sheets to the test in real-life scenarios. They used the sheets regularly, washing them on a cold cycle almost every week. Mostly, the sheets lived up to our testing lab insights in almost every category. The only exception was the mattress fit. Our tester said the fitted sheet frequently slipped off the mattress, rather than the snug fit we saw in our lab. These results will depend on the height and style of your mattress. Overall, they were satisfied with the sheets' softness, comfort, and durability.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: Full, queen, king | Colors: 2 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: OEKO-TEX®–certified
Best Flannel: Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets
Pros
This flannel sheet set is so soft it almost feels like cashmere
The sheets are a good balance between thick and thin and offer some breathability
Durable material didn’t have any wear after washing and actually felt softer
Cons
Too warm for sleepers who run hot
You might never want to get out of bed (kidding, but definitely possible!)
Though many people seek out cooling sheets, some sleepers need a little more coziness to fall into a deep sleep. For great flannel sheets, look no further than the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheet set. As a bit of a Goldilocks, the sheet wasn’t too thick or too thin. Flannel is warm — that’s a given — but this sheet set was also surprisingly breathable.
The sturdy material held up as expected after the wash. The sheets retained their soft feel, and the solid material didn’t show any snags, loose threads, or other imperfections post-wash. Essentially, the set provides a soft and cozy place to sleep at night without weighing you down like some flannel products are reported to do. It’s durable, breathable, and a solid value, given the price.
How they’ve held up:
Our tester was so overwhelmed with the softness of the flannel set, they buried their face in the sheets before they could help it. They were delighted that no chemical smells were present and even made the bed up with the sheets right out of the packaging. Our team felt the sheets were almost velvety in feel, describing them as almost like cashmere. Given the warm, cozy material, these sheets would not be for sleepers who run hot.
Material: 100% brushed cotton (flannel) | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Colors: 3 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: None
Best Percale: Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
Pros
These percale sheets are made of a breathable, high-quality material that feels silky and smooth to the touch
The sheets held up well without stray threads or shrinkage after washing
Slight cooling quality to them that would benefit hot sleepers
Cons
We couldn't find any!
When we tested percale sheets, looking at qualities like texture, breathability, and durability, the Lands’ End Cotton Percale earned nearly perfect scores in each category. While there was one stray thread upon opening the sheets (yes, we had to get this nit-picky to find a flaw), the overall design impressed us. They feel high quality when you run your hands over them — the material has a nice thickness and weight to it while still being breathable.
The sheets consistently felt silky and smooth and were comfortable when lying between them during testing. After our wash test, the sheets remained soft without losing the integrity of the original texture, hadn’t shrunk at all (still fit the mattress well), and continued to provide good ventilation, a bonus for hot sleepers who need that cooling quality.
How they’ve held up:
We sent the sheets home with a team member for one month of testing in their home to see how they held up to real-world sleeping and washing. The overall impression was that the sheets were comfortable, high quality, and washed really well. Percale cotton doesn’t necessarily stand out among some of the more luxurious fabrics on our list, but as our testers confirmed: This is a well-made, comfy sheet set.
Material: Percale cotton | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 6 | Machine washable: Yes | Certifications: None
Related: The 21 Best Bed Frames of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Things to Consider Before Buying Sheets
Material
Welch breaks down what to expect with popular sheet materials:
Linen: Linen is a natural textured fabric that is highly breathable and allows for airflow. Welch feels that linen also makes a sheet feel more sophisticated, and we have to agree. If it comes down to cotton vs. linen, linen is the more luxurious option.
Cotton: Cotton is one of the most well-known materials for clothing, sheets, and towels.
It’s popular because it’s soft and comfortable against your skin, fairly durable, and versatile. Cotton also varies widely in thread count and weave type — such as percale, which can be highly breathable.Bamboo: Welch likes bamboo sheets because they are “eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and naturally moisture-wicking,” making them a versatile option for anyone with allergies or skin sensitivities.
Flannel: Flannel is a type of brushed cotton that creates an ultra-soft feel. These sheets are ideal for cold climates and chilly winter nights.
Satin: Like percale, satin is a type of weave, usually done with silk. This creates a silky, smooth texture that can be cool in temperature but is somewhat less breathable than other fabrics. It’s also known to snag when washed or handled roughly.
Cooling: A few different materials — bamboo, percale-woven cotton, and eucalyptus — succeed in cooling off hot sleepers via good ventilation and wicking away sweat.
Thread Count
But don't get too caught up on this number, as it varies, depending on the material. “Thread count can matter to some extent,” says Welch. He says sheets with a higher thread count can have “a smoother and softer feel, but it's not the sole factor determining quality.”
A thread count of 300 is usually a sweet spot for luxurious sheets, but the material can also play a factor. For instance, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheet Set and Lands' End Cotton Premium Supima Cotton Percale Sheet Set have a thread count of 300, whereas the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets have a thread count of 400. That said, Welch suggests focusing on the fabric’s quality, materials, and weave when choosing sheets.
Durability
How long a sheet lasts depends on the overall durability — which is often determined by the material. Linen sheets hold up well to washing, per Welch’s expertise. He says they are “quite durable and tend to get softer and more comfortable with each wash.” Cotton is another strong material that can “withstand regular use and washing”, especially long-staple cotton like Egyptian or Pima. Flannel is another material that can last for years with the right care. Bamboo sheets are somewhat durable, but their lifespan will depend “on the manufacturing process and the quality of the fibers.” Lastly, satin is known to snag, affecting its overall durability.
People / Dera Burreson
Related: The 10 Best Mattress Pads of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
How We Tested Sheets
Since this article combines the results of five different tests, we’ll share a glimpse of what those processes looked like. We tested 224 sheets in total, focusing on flannel, percale, cotton, bamboo, linen, and eucalyptus sheet sets. We evaluated them on the following criteria:
Feel and Fit: We evaluated the look and feel of the sheets and the design and construction looking for imperfections, loose threads, and other snags. After we took the sheets out of the packaging, we made up a mattress with each pair to test the overall fit.
Temperature Regulation: To test cooling abilities, our team lay between each sheet set to see how cool they felt to the touch and if lying there for a few minutes caused them to warm up. With certain tests like the flannel sheets one, we even took the temperature of the sheets before and after lying on them with a thermometer to track any changes.
Durability: To check durability, we washed and dried the sheets (according to manufacturer instructions) to see if the colors faded, any threads were pulled, or if the texture changed (like pilling or added roughness). We also remade the beds to determine if any shrinkage had occurred.
Long-term Testing: For up to six months, we continued testing many of the sheets in a real-world environment — that of our testers’ homes. We had hot sleepers try out cooling sheets to see if the breathability made a difference in their sleep over time, as well as consistent washing and drying of all the sheets we tried out at home to test durability. We used all of these insights to determine the absolute best sheets of 2024.
Related: The 10 Best Air Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sheet material pills the most?
According to Welch, linen sheets pill initially, but that effect lessens with time “with proper care and washing.” Cotton doesn’t pill as quickly, but it will depend on the thread count and specific fabric. Bamboo is prone to pilling “due to the fiber characteristics,” and flannel is the most likely to pill thanks to the material’s “brushed surface,” says Welch.
What materials are best for cooling sheets?
Similarly to the clothes you wear on your body, certain fabrics are just more breathable than others, and some even help wick away sweat for added comfort. Per Welch’s expertise, “Linen is known for its cooling properties, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience even on warm nights.” Cotton is another well-known breathable fabric, but when it has a percale weave, it provides even more ventilation. Bamboo and eucalyptus are some of the most commonly used materials for cooling sheets because they help wick away moisture and feel cool to the touch. The one material that is definitely not designed for cooling is flannel (reach for these sheets in the winter instead to stay cozy). Satin is somewhere in the middle, since it’s cool to the touch but not as breathable.
Which sheet material is best for your skin and hair?
Generally, it’s thought that silk (in this case, with a satin weave) is the best material to sleep on for your hair and skin (that's also why silk pillowcases are so popular). Since silk is so smooth, it usually results in less breakage and fewer skin irritations. Regardless of what material you sleep on, you should wash your pillowcases frequently to keep your skin happy.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she interviewed celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch, host of Roku’s Murder House Flip and Neflix’s Hack My Home. Yauger also used testing insights from five different sheet tests we held in our lab and in various testers’ homes. We considered the materials, durability, and fit of each sheet set, as well as breathability, cooling abilities, and water absorbency.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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