The 9 Best Sateen Sheets, Tested and Reviewed
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Our top pick is the Lands’ End Premium Supima Cotton Sateen Sheet Set
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Fact checked by Alexandra Kay
When it comes to getting a luxuriously cozy night’s sleep, nothing quite beats the buttery-soft texture, wrinkle-resistance, and lustrous finish that sateen sheets offer.
Sateen refers to the weave pattern in which the sheet is constructed, according to Anki Spets, bedding designer and owner of AREA Home. “It follows a three-over-one yarn pattern, which gives sateen its shine and softness,” she said. “Sateen looks a little bit more luxurious and tends to be warmer than a percale.”
After hours of research, we put over 30 top-rated sateen sheets to the test in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating them by their quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value.
Read ahead for the best sateen sheets, backed by our thorough testing.
Best Overall: Lands' End Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Sheets
What We Like
Sturdy, high-quality material
Luxuriously silky texture
Excellent airflow and breathability
What We Don't Like
A bit wrinkly
Of all the options we tested, the Lands’ End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set hit the mark on all fronts, earning an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars during our lab testing. We were immediately impressed with the overall quality and design of the sateen sheet, as the thick stitching around the border and glossy finish made for a high-end appearance that looked great on the bed. As our tester made the bed with the sheet set, she noted how deep the pockets of the fitted sheet were, providing ample space to fit snugly over larger mattresses. The flat sheet also was relatively large and tucked easily. It allows for extra coziness, in case you like to pull the sheet up to your neck. Overall, we found that the sheets were easy to work with and draped beautifully over the bed.
The texture of the sheet itself felt extremely soft and smooth with a slight crispness. Our tester noted that the set felt sturdy with substantial weight, without being overly heavy or dense. There were no pills, snags, or other texture imperfections visible upon arrival. When laying underneath the sheets, our tester was pleasantly surprised by the sheets' breathability. Initially, they felt cool to the touch; after two minutes, they warmed up to a comfortable level. While our tester tends to overheat underneath most sheets, she didn't find that to be an issue with the Lands’ End Supima Sateen sheets. During the test, the sheets retained some body heat but allowed for adequate airflow, which created a comfortable sleeping experience.
After putting these sheets through the washer and dryer, they felt as good as new, with no signs of wear or damage other than a few loose threads on the pillowcase. A few wrinkles remained post-wash, but in general we were impressed that these sheets came out with virtually no change. With their reinforced seams and high-quality construction, they appear to be very durable. You’ll likely be able to keep them in your bedding rotation for a long time with proper care. Although these aren’t the cheapest sheets on the market, we think their high-quality construction, luxurious texture, and impressive durability make the Lands’ End Supima Sateen sheets a worthy investment.
Price at time of publish: $125.97 for Queen set
Material: Supima cotton | Thread count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King | Colors: Plum, Light blue, yellow, brown, blue, navy, ivory, tan, gray, white, light green
Text Link:The 13 Best Bed Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Budget: Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set
What We Like
Soft and smooth texture
Great value considering price point
OEKO-TEX certified
Excellent breathability
What We Don't Like
Some fading post-wash
No solid color options
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly sateen sheet set, the Threshold 400 Thread Count Printed Performance Sheet Set offers a ton of value at a relatively low price point. The sheet set feels way more high-end than it actually is, and upon arrival, we were immediately impressed with its quality construction. These printed sheets didn’t come with a super-shiny finish, but they still looked and felt great on the bed. They were easy to work with, and our tester said they fit snugly and smoothly over the bed without much effort. The texture of these sheets was soft, smooth, and a bit warmer than some other options we tested. They didn’t feel flimsy and had some heft and medium density.
Our tester loved how much airflow these sheets provided, as he noted that despite the sturdinesst, he didn’t feel stuffy after laying underneath them: “These sheets offered excellent breathability,” he said. “They kept me warm and did not make me feel overheated or smothered.” Post-wash, the sheets held up well, other than some fading on the fitted sheet. Otherwise, the seams, elastic, stitching, and overall texture of the sheets remained in perfect condition.
Price at time of publish: $55 for Queen set
Material: Cotton | Thread count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Colors: 22 multi-colored pattern options
Best Splurge: Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
What We Like
High-end craftsmanship and design
Heavier weight and sturdy construction
Soft and breathable
GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
Some shrinkage post-wash
If you’re willing to spend a bit more on a sateen sheet set that delivers on luxury, the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set is well worth it. The high-quality construction of the sheet set was evident immediately upon arrival, according to our tester. “I could feel the quality in the stitching, weight, and feel, just removing it from the bag,” she said. “I really enjoyed the deep cuff and almost a french inseam appearance.” We also loved the texture of the sheets, which felt soft and comfortable and had a nice thickness.
Despite the sturdiness of the sheets, our tester said they offered a ton of breathability, which allowed her to get comfortable without feeling overheated. The sheets warmed her up a bit while providing enough airflow, and she even said she could have easily drifted to sleep in minutes while laying underneath them. Post-wash, the sheets held up nicely, with no issues other than some shrinkage. We’re also impressed that the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set is both GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified, so you can feel good about the materials and manufacturing processes used to make these sheets. Although the set is definitely a splurge, the high-end look, sturdy construction, and soft and breathable texture make these sheets a top-notch pick you’ll keep for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $278 for Queen set
Material: Organic long-staple cotton | Thread count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King | Colors: White, beige, taupe, tan, light gray, gray, dark gray, light blue, navy, dark green
Best Breathable: Sijo TempTune Cotton Sheet Set
What We Like
Excellent breathability and airflow
Lightweight texture
High-end craftsmanship and design
What We Don’t Like
Not the softest texture
Lost some sheen post-wash
If you tend to overheat or feel stuffy while your sleep, it may be time to upgrade your sheets with something a bit more breathable. The Sijo TempTune Cotton Sheet Set is a great pick that’ll provide the perfect amount of airflow to help regulate your body temperature. Upon arrival, we found that the quality of the sheets was excellent, as they draped nicely and fit well on the bed. Our tester didn’t notice any pills, snags, or other texture imperfections. The texture of the sheets felt comfortable and cozy, but our tester noted they weren’t quite as soft as some of the other options we tested. The sheets are also lighter in density and weight, which can be especially helpful for those who tend to sleep warm.
These sheets excelled in terms of breathability. Our tester appreciated their temperature-regulating properties: “The density of the fabric was light for a sateen sheet, and because of this, I expected them to be drafty,” he said. “However, I was wrong. I never got cold or hot as I changed positions multiple times.” After washing these sheets, we found that they held up very well and proved to be durable. While they did lose some sheen post-wash, that can be normal for certain sateen sheets.
Price at time of publish: $180 for Queen set
Material: 20% temperature-regulating CLIMA fabric, 80% Supima Cotton | Thread count: Not listed | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Colors: White, beige, gray, dark gray
Text Link:The 11 Best Cooling Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Durable: L.L. Bean Garment Washed Sateen Sheet Collection
What We Like
Solid and durable construction
Soft and smooth texture
Very breathable
What We Don’t Like
A bit wrinkly
Finish is not as glossy as some other options
In addition to making sure your sheets feel soft and comfortable, you’ll want to check that they’re durable and well made to last for years to come. Of all the options we tested, the L.L. Bean Garment Washed Sateen Sheet Collection is one of our favorite picks for durability. We’re confident that they'll withstand lots of use and consistent washes. Post-wash, these sheets held up exceptionally well. There were absolutely no signs of wear or damage to the fabric, and the stitching looked solid and secure, according to our tester.
Other than a few noticeable wrinkles, the sheet set looked great on the bed. There were no visible imperfections, and everything fit snugly around the mattress. The overall design looked simple but had a solid construction. The material of the sheets seemed to be high-quality, which is also a good indicator of the product’s general durability. Our tester noted that the sheets had medium weight with a fairly tight weave. The texture felt soft and cozy, but it wasn’t as slippery and glossy as some of the other options we tested. The sheets’ breathability was also impressive, as there was ample airflow that kept our tester feeling comfortable during the sleep test.
Price at time of publish: $249 for Queen set
Material: Cotton | Thread count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Colors: White, light purple, light blue, light gray
Best Cotton: CHATEAU HOME COLLECTION 800-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets
What We Like
Sturdy and durable construction
Very breathable
OEKO-TEX certified
What We Don't Like
Lost some sheen post-wash
If you’re looking for a reliable bedding material that’s both durable and comfortable, you can’t go wrong with cotton. A set of Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets is among the best of the best, and we were definitely impressed with its high-quality construction. The material fit very easily onto the bed, and the sheets allowed for enough space to tuck underneath the mattress. Although we noticed some mild wrinkles, the sheets draped well and looked nice. They felt sturdy but not overly thick, which we appreciated.
The texture of the sheets was very soft and smooth, and our tester noted that they felt luxurious to the touch. During the sleep test, our tester said the sheets provided a ton of breathability, which impressed her. “They warmed me up when initially got under the top sheet but I never felt hot even with jeans on my legs,” she said. “I moved around and changed positions on the bed and never felt overheated.” Post-wash, we did notice that these sheets lost a considerable amount of luster, which slightly took away from the classic sateen finish. Other than that, they held up very well in the wash and had no visible signs of wear or damage.
Price at time of publish: $69.99 for Queen set
Material: Egyptian Cotton | Thread count: 800 | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Colors: White, gray, navy, blue, ivory, light green, silver, lilac, light green, mauve, taupe, multi-colored pattern options
Text Link:The 11 Best Cotton Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Bamboo: Kassatex Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set
What We Like
Soft material with glossy finish
Heavier weight and sturdy construction
Durable and well made
What We Don’t Like
Not as breathable
Wrinkly post-wash
While most sateen sheets are solely made with cotton, the Kassatex Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set is made with a bamboo-cotton blend that offers the best of both worlds for ultimate comfort. The overall construction quality of the sheet set is top-notch, featuring tight seams and well-made elastic. The sheets draped beautifully onto the bed, and the finish is subtly glossy, which helps enhance the elegant look. We loved the texture of the sheets, as they felt very soft yet sturdy. They weren’t overly heavy though, as our tester was easily able to move around and feel comfortable underneath the sheets during the sleep test.
Our tester did notice, however, that the sheets were not as breathable as some of the other options we tested. While they weren’t overly stuffy, they did warm up and trap in a bit more heat than average. It may not be the best option for those who tend to sleep warm, but in general, they shouldn’t cause too much discomfort while you sleep. Post-wash, there were no visible flaws or signs of wear, and the seams and elastic were still in great shape. While we did notice a few wrinkles, the sheets held up well overall.
Price at time of publish: $215 for Queen set
Material: 60% Bamboo Rayon, 40% Long-staple cotton | Thread count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, Queen, King | Colors: White, ivory, gray, light green
Text Link:The 8 Best Bamboo Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Organic: Quince Luxury Organic Signature Sheet Set
What We Like
Sturdy and durable construction
Very breathable
OEKO-TEX certified
What We Don’t Like
Not the softest texture
Wrinkly post-wash
If you choose to invest in organic bedding, you can rest easy knowing you’re sleeping with a product made without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides. Our favorite of the bunch is the Quince Luxury Organic Signature Sheet Set, which is Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certified and woven from 100 percent organic long-staple cotton. Upon arrival, we found the construction of these sheets to be well made with no visible imperfections, aside from some slight dethreading along some parts of the stitching on the flat sheet. The set was definitely heavier in weight than many of the other options we tested, which made it seem durable and luxurious from the get-go. Despite its heftiness, the sheets were still easy to work with and didn’t feel stiff. The texture of these sheets wasn’t over-the-top silky, but they did feel quite comfortable and soft, according to our tester.
Even with the added weight, our tester didn't overheat during the sleep test, thanks to the sheets' breathable nature. Immediately, she noticed the material of the sheets felt slightly cool to the touch, which she appreciated. “I could feel the breathability of these sheets while climbing into the bed,” she said. “I felt very comfortable and not overly warm.” Post-wash, the sheets experienced some shrinkage and quite a few wrinkles, but there were no signs of damage or wear otherwise.
Price at time of publish: $99.90 for Queen set
Material: Organic long-staple cotton | Thread count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Colors: White, ivory, light gray, light blue, dark gray, brown
Text Link:The 9 Best Organic Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Eucalyptus: Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets
What We Like
Lightweight and drapey material
Glossy finish
Held up well in the wash
OEKO-TEX certified
What We Don’t Like
Moderate breathability
If you prefer the softness, durability, and antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus fibers, the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets, which are made with Tencel lyocell derived from eucalyptus wood, are our favorite of the category. The sheet set was very easy to work with, as the flat sheet allowed enough space to tuck under the mattress and the fitted sheet’s elastic provided ample security. The sheet set has a bit more sheen to it than many of the other options we tested, which looked very elegant on the bed.
We also loved the luxurious texture of these sheets, as they felt extremely soft, silky, and smooth with a glossy finish. They were more lightweight than heavy and felt cool to the touch, according to our tester. During the sleep test, our tester found they only provided moderate breathability, as she warmed up significantly after laying underneath them. After running the sheets through the wash, however, they felt as good as new. There were no loose threads, snags, or pilling, and the sheets maintained their shine. We also love that these sheets are OEKO-TEX certified, biodegradable, and certified carbon neutral, making them a great pick for those who value sustainable manufacturing processes.
Price at time of publish: $199 for Queen set
Material: Tencel Lyocell | Thread count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King | Colors: White, silver, khaki
Read Next:We Tested the Best Eucalyptus Sheets to Keep You Cool All Night Long
Of all the options we tested, the Lands’ End Premium Supima Cotton Sateen Sheet Set earns our top spot because of its buttery-soft texture, sturdy construction, and impressive breathability. We also love the Threshold 400 Thread Count Printed Performance Sheet Set for a more affordable choice, as its cozy texture and lightweight feel add a ton of value to this reasonably priced pick.
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
How We Tested the Sateen Sheets
After researching the most beloved, top-rated sateen sheets currently on the market, we gathered over 30 options and put them to the test in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. Our testers then evaluated them on the basis of quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. They also assessed the sheets’ overall comfort, weight, weave tightness, and how well they held up in the wash. We analyzed our testers’ scores and insights, along with our supplemental research to compile this list of the 10 sateen sheets we believe are the best.
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
What to Look for in Sateen Sheets
Material
What really creates the luxurious texture of sateen sheets is the weave, not the material. However, sateen sheets are usually made of cotton, but in this roundup, we’ve also included options made with bamboo and eucalyptus fibers. “Bamboo and eucalyptus are a bit softer than cotton,” Anki Spets, bedding designer and owner of AREA Home, said. “They’re also lighter and have more of a slippery texture to them.”
Thread Count
The thread count of a sheet refers to how many strands are in one square inch of fabric. Generally, a sheet with a higher thread count usually correlates with softness, but Spets recommends opting for a sateen sheet with a mid-range thread count, around the 400 range. “If you choose a sheet with a thread count that’s too high, that fabric is going to be very tight, and if it's not made with the finest threads, the sheet is going to be pretty stiff,” she said. “You see sheets with 1,000 thread counts going for a lot a lot of money, but that may not be comfortable to sleep in.”
Quality and Durability
While it’s hard to tell the quality of a sheet without feeling it for yourself, it can be beneficial to request a sample before purchasing. If that’s not possible, scour the internet for reviews and customer photos to see unbiased looks at the product, or better yet, check out your favorite product-review website, and go from there!
When shopping for sateen sheets online, you’ll want to pay attention to the thread count, material, and care instructions of the product. It’s also important to note that while some certifications can equate to a more responsible manufacturing process, they might not directly affect the overall quality of a product.
Care
Sheets should be washed regularly, at least once every two weeks. You should check the manufacturer’s care instructions before purchasing new sheets, to ensure they don’t require you to hand wash or dry clean them regularly. Sateen sheets tend to be more delicate than other types of sheets, so you may have to give them a bit more attention than you normally would. You might not be able to just toss the sheets in with the rest of your laundry; you might need a separate cycle for proper cleaning. Additionally, if you choose to purchase white sheets, you might have to treat them with extra care in order to keep them looking bright and clean.
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Frequently Asked Questions
What thread count is best for sateen sheets?
While you may typically choose a sheet with the highest thread count, that may not be the way to go when shopping for a sateen sheet, according to Spets. When a sateen sheet has a very high thread count, it may cause the fabric to feel a bit stiff, and there won’t be enough airflow for adequate breathability. “I think the 300 to 400 is ideal because you want the sheets to be breathable. Otherwise, they’re too warm,” she said. “So if you're a hot sleeper and you buy sateen sheets with a very high thread count, it's not going to be comfortable.” However, if you tend to prefer bedding that’s a bit heavier and denser, you may want to look into a sateen sheet with a higher thread count.
Can I put sateen sheets in the dryer?
According to Spets, you can put your sateen sheets in the dryer, but only if you do it correctly. Otherwise, the dryer is usually what will ruin your sheets. “You should wash on a gentle cycle, use the cool setting for the dryer, and ideally take them out before they're overly dry,” she advises. “And then, fold them loosely and put them somewhere they can relax a little bit before you fold them.”
How long do sateen sheets last?
Generally, experts recommend you replace your sheets every two to three years or around 100 washes, depending on how much use the sheets get. According to Spets, even with proper care, high-quality and sateen sheets may have a slightly shorter lifespan than other sheets, due to how fine the threads are. If you’re looking for a sheet set that’s more durable, you may want to steer clear of sateen sheets, which are more delicate than, say, percale or plain weaves. Whatever type of sheets you have, though, any signs of wear (including holes, stains, significant shrinkage, or fading) are good indications that it may be time to replace them.
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at the Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted lab testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research about the topic. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our lab tests.
Pineda also spoke to an expert in the field in order to gather some guidance regarding the materials and construction of sateen sheets. Insight was provided by Anki Spets, bedding designer and owner of AREA Home.
