The best sheets we tested:
Best cotton sheets: L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Best flannel sheets: Garnet Hill Hemstitched Supima Flannel Bedding
Best linen sheets: Parachute Linen Sheet Set
A good night’s sleep depends on several factors, including the right mattress and mattress topper, or the right pillow depending on your sleep position. The type of sheets you choose also play a role, as some can help cool you off during the night or keep you warm, whatever your preference and time of year.
Finding the perfect type of sheet can be difficult, as there are many different materials on offer. To help you choose, we tested nine sets of cotton sheets, seven sets of flannel sheets and 19 sets of linen sheets to find the best ones for cooler and warmer months—and every month in between. After our testing was done, we named the following five cotton sets, two flannel sets and five linen sets as the best of the best in each category.
Best cotton sheets
The L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set is the nicest-feeling sheet set we tried. Breathable and crisp, they’re great at regulating your temperature throughout the night. And the eyelet hem along the top sheet and pillowcases made these sheets feel straight out of a hotel.
The crispest set we tested, the Casper Percale Sheets are the best we tried for hot sleepers. They are light and airy while wicking away sweat, and feel ultra-smooth to slip into at night.
The Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set’s gauzy percale material manages to be softer than others we tried while still cooling effectively. Available in more fun patterns and colors than any other set we tested, they’re ideal for people tired of neutrals or wanting to take their bedroom decor up a notch.
Our hotel-ready recommendation for sateen lovers, the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set is silky and sumptuous. The sheets are soft to slip into at night, and impart a sense of luxury we didn’t get from others we tested. Available in a broad array of tasteful neturals, the Boll & Branch sheets are chic and guaranteed to impress.
JCPenney’s Wrinkle Guard cotton sheets are the silkiest sateen we tested. They always look crisp and don’t require ironing, coming out of the laundry completely smooth each time we washed them. With the queen size we tested coming under $150, the JCPenney sheets offer serious quality for the price.
Best flannel sheets
Garnet Hill?offers a delectably comfortable flannel sheet that's luxurious without feeling overly thick or weighty, at a mid- to high-end price for queen size (which we tested). These flannels come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, and you can be confident you’re getting a quality product that’ll last for years to come.
If you’re sleeping in really cold weather and you want to feel positively bundled,?then L.L.Bean?makes a weighty flannel sheet for you — and at a competitive price for the level of craftsmanship.
Best linen sheets
The Parachute Linen Sheet Set has a unique texture and is among the most luxe we tested. These linen sheets come in a broad range of colors and sizes, and each different piece of the bedding set is available individually for replacements or to mix and match with other fabrics.
The light and gauzy but durable Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set is a master class in stylish rest. Woven in a mill in Portugal from French flax, these linen sheets have deep pockets and an amply sized top sheet to fit on any depth of bed.
The Brooklinen Washed Linen Core Sheets are soft and light, wicking heat away effectively for people who sleep warm, but still regulating heat nicely in cooler climates. Simultaneously high-end and already perfectly worn in, these linen sheets were delightful from the first touch.
The sheets in the Simple & Opulence 100% Washed Linen Sheet Set held their own in comfort and design, with a soft feel out of the box. These linen sheets have a lovely satin-stitched piping along the edge of the top sheet. The set has the weight and hand of much more expensive sheets but comes at nearly half the cost.
Offering the best of all worlds, the Cultiver Linen Sheet Set feels elegant straight out of the box. The fit of the sheets on the bed is impeccable and only got softer with repeated washings. Available in more colors than any other linen sheets we tested, these are sure to satisfy nearly any taste or style.
How we tested
After selecting the most popular sheet sets to test in each category, we slept with each for multiple nights. We compared performance, quality and durability, as well as the overall buying options.
Throughout our extensive testing, we evaluated each type of sheet on the following criteria to find the best options.
Performance
- Sleep feel: We noted how each sheet set felt while sleeping, and whether the fabric was soft and breathable or stiff and crinkly. We found sheets across the spectrum of comfort levels.
- Fit: Although all the sheets we tried were queen-sized, each had slightly different dimensions. We evaluated how well the top sheets fit, if they had sufficient drape over our mattress to tuck into the sides and if the fitted sheets had any issues with bagginess (or the opposite).
Quality/durability
- Durability: After washing each sheet set, we assessed for any wear and tear. One set we tested developed holes after only a single wash and was disqualified. Most others fared well in our tests.
- Quality: We assessed the quality of each sheet set, checking each for stitch quality, whether they had any pulls or snags and how durable the elastic in each fitted sheet seemed.
- Shrinkage:?All sheets will shrink in their first wash after purchase. We calculated the rate of shrinkage for each set’s flat sheet, and similarly noted whether the flat sheet was still large enough to sufficiently fit onto our mattress during fit tests.
Options
- Size options: We preferred sets with a broad range of size options.
- Color options: We noted how many colors and style choices there were for each model.
Other cotton sheets we tested
The Company Store Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
$149 (queen) at?The Company Store
The Company Store Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set is well-constructed and attractive. During testing, the sheets had minimal shrinkage in the washer and barely wrinkled in the dryer. Unfortunately, the flat sheet was small and barely fit over the edges of our 10-inch-thick mattress. We worry these would not fit on mattresses that are any thicker.
Target Threshold 400-Thread-Count Solid Performance Sheet Set
$50 (queen) at?Target
Although the Target Threshold 400-Thread-Count Solid Performance Sheet Set had great potential as a solid budget set, they had a number of issues during testing. We aren’t keen on the unattractive addition of extra elastic in the center of each corner pocket on this fitted sheet; it seems unnecessary based on the way most fitted sheets are made and it looks unattractive. Worse yet, this set developed a hole in the corner seam of its fitted sheet after one cycle through the laundry, and it had shoddy sewing work throughout.
Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set
$189 $151 (queen) at?Brooklinen
We like the Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set a lot. There is technically nothing wrong with the the set, but we preferred the gauzy percale option from Brooklinen a bit more. The luxe sateen sheets were not as crisp and didn’t feel quite as elegant to the touch. But if you prefer sateen over percale and are brand-loyal to Brooklinen, then the luxe sateen sheets are a solid choice.
Parachute Sateen Sheet Set
From $169 at?Parachute
The Parachute Sateen Sheet Set has a pleasant, silky weave, but its construction cuts corners that are a deal breaker for a sheet set at this price. The main issue is the way the Parachute flat sheet is sewn: Instead of the typical, folded-over decorative cuff at the top of the sheet, Parachute’s decorative cuff is made from two pieces of fabric serged together across the top hem. Not only is this a cost-cutting measure (no need to spend the time pressing and folding during the manufacturing process), but the serged raw edge was incredibly unpleasant next to our face, where it was rough and rubbed uncomfortably.
Other flannel sheets we tested
Boll & Branch Flannel Sheet Set
$299 (queen) at?Boll & Branch
Luxury bedding maker Boll & Branch?also turns out a lovely flannel set from fair trade organic cotton that is?GOTS certified?and?Oeko-Tex certified?to standard 100. Boll & Branch prides itself on sourcing from ethical factories with fair wages and environments. Its flannels are also made in Portugal and are brushed and sheared for a more velvety finish. The quality of these sheets was noticeable to the touch, and they were sturdy and warm without overheating, at least in colder temperatures. On warmer nights, we found these to be a little too heavy though, and for the higher price, there were other sets we enjoyed just as much as these. They’re a wider fit, like many we tested, though not noticeably so. They come in seven different sizes — twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king and split king — but only three colors are available and you can’t purchase replacements.
L.L.Bean Premium Supima Flannel Sheet Collection
$219 (queen) at?L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean’s Premium Supima Flannel Sheet Collection fell on the higher end of both quality and price of the sheets we tested. These felt thicker than most of the sets and sumptuous to the touch, with a pretty stitched hem at the top of the flat sheet and pillowcases. This set was exceedingly cozy, though we could see them getting too hot in warmer weather. We imagined these would be perfect for a cold night in a cabin in the Northeast. These sheets were wider and roomier than a lot of the other sets. They’re available in six colors and three sizes — full, queen and king — but you can order separate full- and king-size pillowcases.
Mellanni Cotton Flannel Sheets Set
$70?$51 (queen) at?Amazon
The Mellanni 100% Cotton Flannel Sheet Set is a solid choice in the budget category. The main descriptor we noted in evaluating the Mellanni sheet set was “fuzzy” — imagine sleeping with a child’s teddy bear enveloping you. They started out very soft and surprisingly got softer after a washing and drying. These were narrower than a lot of the sets we tested, and we would have liked a little more length to tuck on the sides, but they offer a lot of variety, with five sizes — twin, full, queen, king and California king — and eight colors, at an attractive price.
The Company Store Legends Hotel Premium Ultra-Cozy Cotton Flannel Bed Sheet Set
$179 (queen) at?The Company Store
A reasonably priced option that also offered a restful night of sleep,?The Company Store Legends Hotel flannel sheets are soft, snuggly, comfortable and warm, and woven in Portugal from 100% combed cotton. They felt slightly less luxe to the touch and flimsier than some of the more expensive brands we tested. These sheets fit our bed perfectly and the top end of the fitted sheet is conveniently labeled. They’re available in five sizes — twin, twin XL, full, queen and king — come in 12 colors and can be monogrammed.
Target Threshold Flannel Sheet Set
$35 (queen) at?Target
The Threshold Flannel Sheet Set?is the least expensive set we tested. For this price range, these sheets are solid and satisfying, but the quality doesn’t feel as high as the other sets. These were the only set that came in a cute bag with a Velcro closure, though, which is a nice touch. They come in four sizes — twin, full, queen and king — and five colors and patterns. However, we noted that the pattern is printed only on the top side of the flat sheet and fitted sheet, and the patterned side is softer and snugglier than the non-patterned side. Overall, these are warmer but suitably comfortable, particularly for the price. If this is the price range you seek and you don’t need your sheets to last for decades to come, then we do recommend these.
Other linen sheets we tested
Saphyr Soft Washed Pure Linen Sheet Set
$299 (queen) at?Saphyr Home
The Saphyr Soft Washed Pure Linen Sheet Set is subtle and sophisticated. It has a decorative frayed hem on the top sheet and the pillowcase that differentiates these from any other set we tested. The sheets are available in four sizes (full, queen, king and California king) and five colors (Fresh White, Calming Cream, Blissful Blue, Peaceful Pink and Simply Natural) and sold individually. Saphyr came in a close second to the Citizenry sheets, our runner-up pick, but did not snag the top spot due to its slightly higher price.
Lands’ End Garment Washed Belgian Flax Linen Sheets
$270 (queen) at?Lands’ End
We didn’t find the Lands’ End Garment Washed Belgian Flax Linen Sheets as luxurious as some of the more boutique bedding brands. Out of the box, these linens felt soft, thick and already worn in a bit, like they’d been washed a few times already. They were comfortable to sleep in, though less melty-feeling than the ones we ended up liking more, and they did get even softer after a few washings.
Rough Linen Smooth Linen Sheet Set
$433 $377 (queen) at?Rough Linen
The Rough Linen Smooth Linen sheets were stiff out of the box, but they were actually comfortable to sleep on. After one washing, though, the Rough Linen sheets softened significantly. These definitely felt like sheets you could sleep in, wash, dry and sleep in again for many years to come, like a favorite shirt. The brand’s relatively smaller variety of color options and its higher starting price were the primary reasons we didn’t rank these sheets among our absolute faves.
West Elm European Flax Linen Sheet Set
$269 (queen) at?West Elm
The West Elm European Flax Linen Sheet Set was rough and stiff, not unlike the Rough Linen sheets. The West Elm sheets fit our bed smoothly and tidily, unlike many of the other sets, which gapped around the sides. However, the texture of these sheets sometimes felt rigid. During our first sleep on these and a subsequent one after one laundering cycle, West Elm’s pillowcases felt almost scratchy against our face. West Elm also doesn’t sell these sheets individually but you can buy extra pillowcases.
Snowe Heritage Linen Sheet Set
$355 (queen) at?Snowe Home
The Snowe Heritage Linen Sheet Set was both soft and cool, helping to deliver a good night’s sleep. During our first night of sleep on the Snowe, we noticed the material felt a little scratchy on our legs, and after one washing and drying cycle, somehow the sheets felt a little stiffer. The Snowe sheets come in five colors (white, stone, ivory, olive green and terracotta), which is far fewer colors than its competitors. The company does not offer separate replacement sheets (though it does separately sell a pillowcase set).
Quince European Linen Sheet Set
$170 (queen) at?Quince
The Quince European Linen Sheet Set seems well-made and is among the most affordable linen sheets we tested. But they were scratchier than their competitors, and certainly less soft than our recommended budget linen sheets from Simple & Opulence. They’re also somewhat less flexible than other options, being sold exclusively in sets. They come in three striped colors and 18 solid colors, including white, ivory, light grey, Mist and Sage.
The Company Store Legends Hotel Premium Breathable Relaxed Linen Solid Flat Bed Sheets
$124 (queen) at?The Company Store
The Company Store Legends Hotel Relaxed Linen Solid Flat Bed Sheets almost didn’t resemble linen at all. These sheets felt like cardboard, even after laundering, and didn’t wrinkle or soften at all in the dryer. We also noticed that after washing these sheets, they had a bit of a lingering industrial smell when we put them on our bed. They come in six sizes (twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king) and seven colors.
Garnet Hill Solid Relaxed Linen Bedding
$119 (queen) at?Garnet Hill
We liked the Garnet Hill Solid Relaxed Linen Bedding sheets a lot. They are well-constructed, come in a broad array of colors, and are sold individually. That said, they were a bit rough after laundering, and compared to other sets we tested, they weren’t quite as luxurious to sleep in. These should soften quite nicely with time and wear, but we recommend softer options if that’s your main preference.
Magic Linen Sheet Set
$322 (queen)at?Magic Linen
The Magic Linen Sheet Set was among the thickest and heaviest we tested. The set released a ton of lint in the dryer (we had to clean the lint trap twice) and required multiple cycles to dry fully. These sheets are hefty — but not in a good way — and weren’t particularly soft. They offer a lot of flexibility in colors and sizing (including options for mattresses with deeper pockets), but we didn’t feel that was enough to put them in our winners’ circle.
Buffy Linen Sheet Set
$279?$195 (queen) at?Buffy
The Buffy brand is known to offer sheets so comfy, you can sleep in them in the buff — hence the name. The Buffy Hemp Linen Sheet Set is no exception. Its fibers feel slightly more slick than other models we tested, giving them a cooling feeling. The fitted sheet features a label at each end that indicates whether it’s the head or foot, which is a welcome deviation from fitted sheets that provide overly confusing “North West”-style directions. Similarly, the flat sheet features a decorative hem at the top to give you an idea of where it should go. While a few threads came loose after two weeks of sleep-testing, this didn’t impact their overall feel or comfort, but may be a suggestion of their delicate fabric.
Kassatex Linen-Bamboo Sheet Set
$170 (queen) at?Kassatex
If you’re interested in the cooling sensation associated with linen sheets but aren’t a huge fan of their overly stiff feel, then you’ll love the buttery Kassatex Linen-Bamboo Sheet Set. Unfortunately, the fitted sheet doesn’t offer any advice on orientation, and the pillow shams don’t come with any pouches to secure the pillows in place, leading to several nights of our cheeks against a bare pillow.
Avocado Organic Linen Sheets
$499 (queen) at?Avocado
If you’re looking to venture into linen sheet territory but are worried about an overly sandpaper-like feel, then you’ll fawn over these butter-soft Avocado sheets. Not only were we immediately struck by how smooth the Avocado Organic Linen Sheets were right out of the box, but they maintained a super-soft consistency throughout several weeks of sleep-testing. Deep pockets made them a breeze to apply over the mattress, but you could easily find a comparable set for a fraction of the price.
Piglet in Bed Linen Sheet Set
$406 (queen) at?Piglet in Bed
For a solid set of linen sheets, the Piglet in Bed Linen Sheet Set makes a great bet. Its linen fibers feel shorter and thus less scratchy than other brands’ we tested, making for an overall pleasant night’s sleep. Making your bed might pose a challenge, however. While the flat sheet features a decorative linear band to help you determine the right side up, you’re on your own with the fitted sheet. While this is somewhat standard, the pillowcases fold over nicely to prevent any cold pillow appearances in the middle of the night.
Silk & Snow Flax Linen Bed Sheets
$180?$153 (queen) at?Silk & Snow
Making your bed with the Silk & Snow Flax Linen Bed Sheets is a dream thanks to their deep pockets and the included labels that help you orient the fitted sheet on your mattress, which we don’t often see in a fitted sheet. The sheets are scratchy at first, but after weeks of sleeping on them, they began to smooth and soften with wear. After a wash, they seemed to tighten up and feel more stiff, leading us to believe these need to be worn in like a new pair of shoes after each wash. Note that the standard bundle only comes with a set of pillowcases and a fitted sheet, so you’ll have to add a flat sheet to cart separately for an added $100, which is quite steep.
