The Absolute Best Linen Sheets Money Can Buy, According to Reviewers

We spend about a third of our lives in bed—and since sleep impacts so much of our energy and health, it’s more than worth investing in the ideal bedding setup. Sure, you might have your mattress and pillows figured out, but what about your sheets themselves? If you’re tired of overheating and feeling like you’re sleeping on cardboard, a set of the best linen sheets might just be the answer.

Your bedding really can influence the quality of your sleep. The optimal bedroom temperature for sleep is in the range of 60 to 67°F, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), and although your thermostat might control your room temperature, breathable sheets allow heat to escape, cutting down on sweating and restlessness.

The NSF recommends natural materials like cotton, bamboo, and linen for their temperature-regulating properties—and linen, while usually the most expensive of the bunch, has fibers that are especially good at keeping you cool, no matter your room’s climate. The fabric is made from the flax plant, which has longer fibers than cotton; this translates to more durable sheets with lower thread counts, which are slightly rougher, but no less comfortable.

How to choose the best linen sheets

Seek a lower thread count than usual. As a general rule, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets—but more isn’t necessarily better with linen, per the NSF. Instead of signaling comfort, higher thread counts could mean thicker and less breathable sheets, which negates the purpose of linen. Look for linen sheets with a thread count between 80 and 120.

Be prepared to invest. Flax fibers are tougher to extract and weave into linen, so the process is more costly than that of cotton and other materials. That extra effort is reflected in the price tags, which can easily top $200. But you can rest assured that your investment is worth it, since your sheets will be quite durable, breathable, and cozy.

Consider OEKO-TEX certification. Some sheets carry OEKO-TEX’s STANDARD 100 label, a stamp of approval given only to textile products crafted without harmful substances, meaning you can trust your sheets to respect you as much as you respect them.

Ready to upgrade your bed? Here are the best linen sheets worth trying, according to reviewers and Prevention testers.