Like mattresses and pillows, the wrong bed sheets can be detrimental to the user. They can trigger allergies, dermatitis, and even cause skin irritation, therefore making choosing the right options even more crucial.
Below we’ve reviewed the best sheets and considered the factors that would make each option good or bad for the potential user, including things like materials, colors, sizes available, extra features, and more. Not only will these features tell you whether the sheets are a good match for your bedroom, but they can also tell you the additional benefits to expect during use.
More features: 300 thread count, designed to fit up to 18” deep mattresses
The Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Set, as the name suggests, is a 100% cotton option that’s available in up to seven sizes. This includes the full range from Twin to Split King. The sheets come in four colors, including dark and light grey in their plain and striped configurations. Also, the set comes in a deep pocket design, and that is precisely what makes them excellent for adjustable beds and most of the memory foam mattresses in the market. Lastly, as the name suggests, the cotton sheets feature a percale weave with some rather distinct characteristics and benefits.
These percale bed sheets are some of the best sheets for hot sleepers who’d like to avoid night sweats since the weave makes the fabric cool and crisp.
More features: deep pockets and oversized dimensions up to 22”
A contender for the best bamboo sheets is the Amore Beds Luxury Bamboo Sheets set made from 100% rayon bamboo material. Some benefits associated with the fabric including being thermoregulating, smooth, great for sensitive skin, and more. Also, like the Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Set, these sheets are made with deep pockets for an easier fit on each bed size. Speaking of bed size, the sheets aren’t available in a Split King option. However, they are available in the other six sizes. As for the color, there are six options to choose from.
Being odor-resistant and hypoallergenic, these sheets are perfect for anyone with allergies. As we mentioned above, they’re also thermoregulating and seem like a good purchase for hot sleepers.
More features: wick moisture 50% more effectively than cotton sheets
For most of the sheets listed, the name says a lot about the materials used to make them. For instance, this option is made from Tencel Lyocell, a fabric sourced from Eucalyptus wood pulp. The fabric is soft, absorbs moisture fairly well, and doesn’t seem problematic for people with sensitive skin. Colorwise, you either get it in white or in pewter, which looks a lot like a light grey. It also features 15” deep pockets.
The sheets seem designed for sleepers with sensitive skin. They also work for sleepers who want to leave less of an impact and a carbon footprint on the planet without sacrificing comfort.
More features: 1500 thread count; fully elasticized fitted sheet
Next is the eLuxury Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set, which ships with two pillowcases for every new set. Besides the black color in the image provided, you can also get these Egyptian cotton sheets in gold, taupe, and white colors. The sheets have a 1500 thread count, and that partly accounts for the soft luxurious feel. Furthermore, they’re elasticized and deep-pocketed, so once they’re wrapped around a mattress, they only come out when you remove them. They also feature a sateen weave.
These sheets are for those willing to spend more money for more luxurious and softer feeling sheets. Since they’re made of cotton, breathability is also guaranteed.
More features: OEKO-TEX certified
The Simply Organic Bamboo Sheets are another bamboo option made from 100% viscose, and as such, they’re certified organic. Some benefits also naturally come with bamboo materials, e.g., it naturally repels allergens such as mold, dust mites, and mildew. The manufacturing process is also free of chemicals. Additionally, the sheets are designed to accommodate mattresses as thick as 18”.
This set of sheets is excellent for the environmentally conscious and those trying to reduce their damage to the planet. Also, due to the bamboo materials, they make a good option for those with allergies to dust mites, mildew, mold, and more.
More features: softer with every wash; diagonal twill weave pattern
The nectar Luxury Cotton Bed Sheets are made from extra-long ring-spun yarn cotton. These yarns are put together in a diagonal twill weave pattern. Both the material and the weave make the sheets more breathable, lightweight, and cool to the touch. The sheets come with fully enveloped pillowcases, and buyers even get a 5-year warranty as a guarantee of quality. However, you can only get them in white.
These sheets are for anyone who likes the feel and breathability of cotton sheets. The 5-year warranty is another convincing argument to get the sheets, especially for those who want assurances for the quality.
More features: 300 thread count; warm in the summer and cool in the winter
The Idle Sateen Bed Sheets are a 300 thread count option. That said, they feature a sateen weave and hence are quite smooth. The manufacturer only uses long-staple organic cotton, a fan favorite that also gets softer with consecutive washes. Furthermore, their temperature regulation properties cater to the various seasons since they feel warmer in the winter and cooler in summer.
These sheets are perfect for anyone who prefers 100% organic construction.
More features: ultra-thick elastic; extra-deep pockets, and oversized dimensions for mattress depths up to 22″
Next is the Diamond Mattress Luxury Tencel Sheet Set, which you can get in taupe, white, or grey colors. The design consists of extra deep pockets that will even fit 22” deep mattresses. Furthermore, the fitted sheets come with ultra-thick elastic bands for firmer attachment to the mattress. The sheets are also made with fabric sourced from Eucalyptus, and hence the product is eco-friendly.
These sheets are great for you if you insist on using renewable sources of materials such as eucalyptus trees.
A deeper look into bedsheet options reveals there are subtle differences in cost, materials used, manufacturing processes, and more. There are also differences in the people buying them. Some people have more sensitive skin, others have a myriad of allergies, and there are also preferences in feel, colors, and size.
Consequently, while someone else may have the time of their life sleeping on a particular set of bed sheets, it doesn’t mean you’ll have the same experience even if you use the same sheets. This means that you need to put a lot of thought into the purchase, and that may involve an introspective look into your needs.
Are you allergic to anything? What kind of fabric do you find most comfortable? What’s your budget, and how deep is your mattress? These are just some of the questions you’ll need to answer pre-purchase. Additionally, you should be prepared with knowledge on the dos and don’ts of purchasing bedsheets.
While some may be unfamiliar with these practices, we endeavor to tell you about them in the sections below, making your selection process easier. But before we proceed to these sections, take a look at the lists of our other sheets-related articles if you’re looking for something more specific:
Sheets by Purpose:
Sheets by Brand:
For most purchases, bed sheets included, you can tell whether they’re meant for you or not by simply checking the features. For example, if you have allergies, the features can tell you whether your needs are catered to in the design or not.
There is even derivative information you can get from looking at the list of features. One example is that even if it’s not explicitly stated that the sheets are soft, the weave and materials used can give you that information provided you know enough about weaves and sheet materials.
Consequently, we try to educate you as much as possible about these bed sheet features below, and that information will inevitably be invaluable in your purchase process.
One of the most telling features on the quality of bed sheets is the material used to make them. There are multiple options available in most stores, and they come with different characteristics. Notably, not all of them are included in the list above, but you can find all the additional information in our other articles dedicated to sheets of different fabric types:
Sheets by Fabric
Egyptian cotton is ranked as one of the most luxurious fabrics globally, especially for bed sheets. This can be seen in the feel and look of the products. Notably, Egyptian cotton, as the name suggests, is grown in North Africa and features extra-long fibers. Also, the eLuxury Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set is the only example of Egyptian cotton sheets on the list above. Keep in mind, however, the best Egyptian cotton sheets are usually quite expensive.
Slightly lower in quality compared to Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton features medium to extra-long thread fibers that make it ideal for bed sheets. It’s grown and sourced mainly from the southwest side of the US, although you can also get it from a few other places in the world. You may also come across the term Supima cotton. Supima and Pima cotton are basically the same thing. However, Supima is a trademark that represents 100% American Pima cotton.
MicroCotton is another trademarked brand of cotton. The sheets with this trademark feature long-staple cotton fibers, making the material soft, absorbent, and durable. Notably, the fine cotton threads used in these sheets are made in India.
This is the most common cotton blend in the world. While initially it was grown in the Americas, you can now find it almost everywhere in the world. It’s also affordable, and sheets made from this material are fairly priced.
Our editor’s choice, the Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Set, is made of percale cotton. Some standard features to expect with percale cotton include a thread count higher than 180 and being cool to the touch. However, the term percale doesn’t describe the type of fabric but rather a flat weaving technique primarily used on cotton.
With flannel cotton, the fibers are fluffed up using a comb. The resulting soft fabric is excellent for winter since it traps body heat. It’s also the only cotton blend where thread count doesn’t matter as much. What does affect the quality, however, is the number of ounces per square yard.
This blend sounds a lot like Flannel cotton because of the term combed. However, it’s very different and is, in fact, treated to eliminate shorter fibers during the manufacturing process.
Sheets made with cotton jersey are knit, while all other cotton blends are woven.
There are a few other common bed sheet materials, with Tencel and bamboo having been mentioned above. Other options include linen, acetate, silk, polyester, and finally blends that incorporate a few different materials in one.
As we mentioned while reviewing some of the bed sheets listed above, Tencel is an environmentally friendly fabric made from the pulp of eucalyptus trees. It might not be as breathable as cotton, but it does make up for it by being soft, durable, and naturally antimicrobial.
While bamboo fibers can be used in their natural state, their stiff and rough nature makes them unsuitable for bed sheets. However, they can be converted into bamboo rayon, a breathable, soft, and silky material that feels good on most people’s skin. Notably, the material has to go through a chemical process that dissolves the bamboo pulp, re-solidifies it, and then spins it into the required thread fibers before being made into bedsheets.
As for acetate, the raw materials for the fabric are the cellulose in wood fibers. You either hand wash or dry clean acetate sheets because the fibers used are relatively weak. However, it does have a satiny feel and is fairly soft as its upsides.
Silk options are some of the best luxury sheets, and they give Egyptian cotton alternatives a run for their money. As a result, they’re expensive. They also need more gentle care compared to other sheet fabrics. However, they are cool, soft, and feel amazing to sleep on. Worth mentioning is that silk fibers are produced by silkworms before they’re harvested and used to make sheets.
Linen is another natural fiber, although this time, it is sourced from flax plants. Some positive attributes include being breathable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and durable. They also seem to grow both stronger and softer with use. As for downsides, they wrinkle pretty easily.
Unlike the other materials that are all sourced from natural materials, polyester is purely manmade. There are different types of polyester, including acrylic, nylon, and microfiber. When it comes to sheets, polyester is often used in conjunction with other materials, and thus the resulting product is more accurately described as a blend. Additionally, polyester is affordable, but it can also be stiff and scratchy.
Of course, you need to account for bed sheet size in your purchase as well. Bed sheets are, after all, made to match the standard bed sizes. As such, each option should be available in at least six sizes, from the Twin option to the largest California King option. However, there are also split California King beds, and if you have one, sheets that match the size and design of the bed would be ideal.
The mattress thickness is also important, which is why some sheets like the Amore Beds Luxury Bamboo Sheets are offered with deep pockets.
The colors are optional and will depend solely on the personal preferences of the buyer. For example, if you only want white sheets, it won’t be a problem that the nectar Luxury Cotton Bed Sheets are only offered in one color. On the other hand, those who like to play with different colors and the interior décor of their spaces may want the freedom that comes with multiple color offerings.
CertificationsCertifications can also be valuable informational tools as you’re considering the sheets to buy. They can announce some aspects of the sheets not as stated by the manufacturer but as verified by an independent third party. For instance, the OEKO-TEX certification verifies that the sheets have been checked for harmful chemicals. Notably, the Simply Organic Bamboo Sheets mentioned above are both certified organic, and OEKO-TEX certified.
Thread count is also important in determining the quality of sheets, especially if they’re made of cotton. Typically a higher thread count is synonymous with high quality, which is why Egyptian cotton sheets like the eLuxury Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set can have a thread count as high as 1500. That said, any thread count between 200 and 600 should be just fine for bed sheets.
Notably, the thread count refers to how many threads are woven into a square inch of fabric.
You also want to be aware of what it takes to maintain your bedsheets. Some options like silk require extra care and attention. Others will be good if you just throw them in the washer then hang them out to dry. You should figure out the amount of work you’re willing to do every week to keep the sheets in tip-top condition, then use that as part of your selection criteria.
More on Sheets Maintenance:
When sheets first arrive at your door, they look crisp, clean, and ready to use. However, they can also feel scratchy and stiff, even with claims that they should feel soft. This can be attributed to a starch called “sizing,” which is used during the packaging process to keep the product crisp, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing.
Consequently, it’s a good idea to clean them at least once before use. Additionally, if the manufacturer offers a trial period, washing the sheets will expose any blemishes and defects and give you more time to decide whether to return them.
Washing your sheets should also be a regular practice to keep hygiene levels high. The general recommended frequency is weekly. This is because you spend up to 60 hours in bed weekly, although this time frame could be slightly less depending on your sleep schedule.
During summer, or if you sweat a lot in bed, you may have to up this frequency to twice a week. After all, sweating leaves a lot more dirt and gunk in your sheets. Another instance that may force you to up this frequency is having pets and letting them get in bed with you.
Lastly, if you have allergies or even asthma cleaning your sheets more frequently can help you avoid allergens and keep substances that activate your asthma away from your bed.
Generally, sheets that have a thread count of between 200-600 are a good bet. They’re comfortable, feel soft, and often are fairly durable. However, the weave is another huge factor. For instance, it’s preferable to keep percale sheets in a thread count range of between 250-300 as, beyond this, they start to get denser and may retain more heat as a result.
As for the sateen weave, a range of between 300 and 600 is acceptable. In higher thread count options such as Egyptian cotton, other factors come into play to make them more comfortable and luxurious in addition to the thread count.
Second, avoid taking things that might stain your sheets into bed. This includes makeup, food, beverages, and more. You could even shower and wear fresh pajamas to bed to keep them white. Also, tend to spills immediately as you have a much higher chance of getting rid of them if they are fresh.
Lastly, you can soak and wash them in a mixture of vinegar, dish soap, lemon juice, warm water, and baking soda. However, do note that this shouldn’t be a regular occurrence as it might negatively affect your sheets.
Each set of sheets listed above has unique features that set it apart from other alternatives and makes it desirable. The Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Set, for instance, is an excellent mix of value in terms of price and the overall sleep experience. On the other hand, the Amore Beds Luxury Bamboo Sheets are some of the best bamboo sheets on the market and are hypoallergenic and odor-resistant.
As for the Nest Bedding Tencel Lyocell Sheets, they’re good at absorbing moisture and temperature regulation. The story is the same for the eLuxury Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set, which feels soft, luxurious, and extremely comfortable. Additionally, the Simply Organic Bamboo Sheets are certified organic.
The nectar Luxury Cotton Bed Sheets also have some pros, including the five-year warranty and the comfortable weave. Even the last two options listed are some of the best sheets available in the market. However, as we mentioned before, it’s up to you to take an introspective look at your needs, then you can decide which set to buy.
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