25 Best Bedsheets 2023

Nov 06, 2023

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With so many bedding start-ups promising premium-quality, hotel-style sheets at direct-to-consumer prices, it can be hard to know what's what. And with the rise in popularity of linen sheets, it's easier than ever to achieve that laid-back, rumpled, yet still intentional look for your bed. To help us wade through the many styles and fabrics out there — a crisp cotton percale, a silky sateen, or something in between — we reached out to 36 experts, including designers, tastemakers, and a couple of the Strategist's own staffers for their recommendations on the best bedsheets to buy, from classic white Egyptian cotton to ecofriendly linen to completely bespoke sets. Most of the options on this list are sold in sets that come with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases, but we’ve noted if pieces are sold separately. And all prices listed are for queen-size sheets unless otherwise specified.

The first things you want to think about are what your sheets are made of and, if applicable, how they’re woven. The most popular sheets fall into a few major categories of material, with cotton being the most common. Within cotton, you’ll see percale and sateen sheets, terms that refer to the weave of the cotton, which determines the feel of the bedding. Then there's linen (which is made of flax), bamboo and other alternative fibers, lyocell, jersey, and silk. The material you choose will dictate whether the bedding is cooling, durable, or easy to maintain. Below, a breakdown of the materials:

Cotton percale: Cotton percale is made of a tight one-over-one-under plain weave that's crisp, lightweight, and matte in appearance (kind of like your favorite white button-up shirt). It's highly breathable, too, making it a great choice for those who sleep hot, and it's usually made from long-staple cotton, which has longer fibers and is thus more durable and higher quality than cotton made from shorter fibers (Egyptian and Pima cotton are made from long-staple cotton).

Cotton sateen: Sateen's three-over-one weave is looser, resulting in a denser feel that drapes well and has a silky sheen. It's heavier than percale and will sleep slightly warmer.

A note about thread count, which applies only to cotton sheets: Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads in a square inch of fabric. The general thinking goes that the higher the thread count, the nicer the sheets, though that isn't necessarily true. A good thread-count range to look for in percale and sateen sheets is between 200 and 600, but you should check the quality of the fibers. Long-staple Egyptian cotton is considered some of the best in the world.

Linen: Linen is made from the flax plant and has a rougher texture than cotton, giving that rumpled, lived-in look that can be quite appealing. It's more durable than cotton, too, and gets softer with each use. The looser weave is breathable, which makes linen another great option for sweaty sleepers.

Jersey: Another popular cotton bedding type is jersey, which you may associate with college dorms because of its accessible price point and the way it feels like your favorite worn-in T-shirt (and is just as low-maintenance). Jersey fabric is knit instead of woven, often from cotton or cotton blended with synthetic fibers, giving it a soft, stretchy, cozy hand feel.

Alternative fibers: A whole crop of sheets is made from alternative fibers — some of which are naturally derived — including rayon, which is made from regenerated cellulose, a.k.a. wood pulp, from either bamboo or eucalyptus; Lyocell, which goes by the brand name Tencel; and microfiber. Lyocell and bamboo are known to be light, crisp, and breathable, making them yet another option for warmer sleepers. (Rayon also goes by viscose, and the two terms are used interchangeably depending on the manufacturer, as you’ll see below).

Silk: This is the most expensive bedding out there and the most finicky to maintain. Made from the cocoons of silkworms, silk is lustrous in feel and luxurious to behold, with a beautiful drape, good temperature regulation, and a smooth, no-snag, no-frizz surface.

Once you’ve chosen the type of bedding you like, you’ll want to consider the look of your sheets. You can go for classic hotel whites with minimal trim, luxury sheets with piping or the option to monogram, or a brand that offers a rainbow of colors.

Material: Cotton percale, GOTS-certified organic cotton, 200 thread count | Style: Six colors

If you’re looking for crisp, airy bedding, you can't go wrong with West Elm's percale sheets, which are made of 200-thread-count organic cotton that's been garment washed for extra softness. They’re also a great price. Courtney McLeod, the founder and principal designer of New York City–based Right Meets Left Interior Design, says they’re "excellent quality," as does skin-care executive Rebecca Zhou, who purchased three of its percale sets during her last move. "The texture means our bed always looks made, but not overly perfect," she says. In addition, the sheets are made from from fabric that is Global Organic Textile Standard certified (GOTS certification is the leading standard for textiles made of organic fibers).

Material: Cotton percale, long-staple Oeko-Tex cotton, 350 thread count | Style: Two colors, monogrammable

For luxury sheets with a plethora of designs, trims, and patterns to choose from, plus the option to monogram, Matouk is your best bet. It's a favorite brand among the interior designers we consulted for its beautiful, crisp, high-quality sheets. All of the percale sheets shown are made of 350-thread-count, long-staple cotton, which is considered to be among the most premium yarn. They’re Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they’ve been made without harmful chemicals. "My favorite sheets are Matouk, mostly because everything's customizable, from the color of the threading to the monogram and the ruffles," as designer Sasha Bikoff explains. While there are plenty of styles to choose from, interior designers Anne Hepfer and Elizabeth Gill recommend the timeless Sierra hemstitch sheets, which Hepfer says "are a beautiful, classic base that can pair with any bedding." Matouk sells its sheets and pillowcases separately, but this allows you to mix and match styles, as our designers have noted.

Material: Cotton percale, Egyptian long-staple cotton | Style: Embroidered borders in three colors

Of course, you can't talk fancy sheets without mentioning Frette, which was recommended by two of our experts. It comes as no surprise that Frette's happen to be the most recommended sheets by hotel insiders. Says Michael Shome, the visuals director at Architectural Digest, "My absolute favorite sheets are the hotel classic from Frette, which are kind of like the fantasy version of Upper East Side hotel bed linens. They’re Italian made in this Egyptian cotton that's just the softest and butteriest fabric to laze around in. I love the chic and simple double-line embroidery, too." Interior designer Ariel Okin turns to Frette sheets when she's looking for something classic. According to Frette's website, its percale sheets have a thread count between 200 and 240.

Material: Organic cotton percale, Oeko-Tex certified | Style: 11 patterns

Percale sheets will give you that crisp, hotel-sleeping experience at home, but if you’re looking for a bit more visual excitement, check out these patterned sets from Anthropologie that Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla recommends. "The sheetscape is known for its plainness, and I don't want my room to feel like a hotel," she says. "I very much want something ridiculously maximalist when I go to bed. I don't want my bed to be serious at all." Pardilla, who first encountered the sheets when she worked at Anthropologie, bought two sets, and while those prints are sold out, she appreciates "the eccentricity of the super-colorful florals" of the ten other prints. As for their quality, Pardilla has owned both sets for over a year and says that "the colors are still bright and vivid" and that the sheets "always come out smooth from the dryer."

Material: Cotton sateen, Oeko-Tex certified long-staple cotton, 480 thread count | Style: 12 colors

Thanks to their weave, sateen sheets, like this 480-thread-count Brooklinen set made of long-staple cotton, have a silkier (and more substantial) feel than percale. They’re recommended by two of our experts — Alessandra Wood, the VP of style at online interior-design service Modsy, and interior designer Molly Schoneveld. Wood and Schoneveld agree that they’re an excellent value. "It is really hard to beat the quality of these sheets for the price," says Schoneveld. "They feel like butter and still look and feel great after many times in the wash." The design pros aren't their only fans: Former Strategist writer David Notis and Michelin-starred chef Missy Robbins love Brooklinen's Luxe sheets, which made our list of the best products to buy at Brooklinen. "I want to be super-cozy, but I don't want to sweat to death — these have that balance," Robbins says.

Material: Cotton sateen, Oeko-Tex certified, 400 thread count | Style: 12 colors

If you’re looking for a more affordable set of sateen sheets, you can't go wrong with Target's in-house Threshold line. Not only are they a favorite of interior designers Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters of Atlanta-based studio Forbes + Masters, who recommend them for being "great quality for a great price," they’ve become the go-to sheets for New York Magazine's deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff. She has a couple of sets for her 4-year-old son's twin bed. "Threshold sheets are just really solid sheets," she says. "They get extremely soft after some washes, and the twin size is around $30, which feels appropriate for sheets that my son is gonna pee on a lot!" Plus, she adds, "The many times I have fallen asleep in his bed (with him, or when I just need a place to sleep), I have found them very comfortable." The sheets come in a nice range of colors and patterns, including light blue, cream, and these blue-dotted ones, all three of which Swerdloff personally owns. Made of 100 percent cotton, the 400-thread-count sheets are wrinkle, pill, and shrink resistant for easy upkeep.

Material: Matte sateen, organic Oeko-Tex cotton | Style: Seven colors

I love a crisp percale sheet, but sometimes you want something a little cozier. I was intrigued by the idea of these matte sateen sheets by Morrow, one of our favorite brands for tonal bedding. The product description promised "extra softness," so I requested a set to test. They immediately became my favorite sheets. They’re buttery like regular sateen but not shiny — instead, they’re perfectly lived in and so, so soft, and they get better with each wash. They feel a little heftier than percale while still feeling lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for all seasons. I’ve been using the sheets for ten months now, spanning summer, fall, and winter, and I can't imagine sleeping on anything else — and I’ve tried. During a cold spell recently, I put regular sateen sheets on the bed when the Morrow were in the wash, and I immediately felt the chill and longed for the coziness of the matte sateen. They also feel just as durable as they did on day one. I got them in a soothing eucalyptus, but they’re available in six other muted colors that are great for mixing and matching. Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens, who owns a set in terra-cotta, seconds that "these are the world's softest sheets." She's also had them for about a year and agrees that they get softer over time — and, importantly, don't pill — are great for all seasons, and never feel too hot, even in the summer.

Material: Cotton sateen, 350 thread count | Style: 17 patterns

You can also find sateen sheets in florals and other vibrant patterns if percale feels too crisp. Interior designer Lindsey Coral Harper recommends Houston-based Biscuit Home's printed 350-thread-count sheets (available in 17 cheerful patterns), saying that they’re "great for children's rooms and guest bedrooms or when you want to add a bit of whimsy to a bedroom." The brand sent me its Dorothy set (along with a matching duvet cover), a not-too-large bright-blue-and-red-flecked botanical print that brings just the right amount of color without overwhelming the space. I thought having a fully matching bedscape would be too precious, but I actually love it — and my husband doesn't seem to mind, either. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the sateen feels really cozy and lived-in and not at all shiny, unlike other sateen sheets I’ve tried. It also washes (and dries) nicely. Harper adds that "their printed sheets bring a lot of personality for the price." And I agree: They’re a worthy dupe for D. Porthault's much more expensive bedding.

Material: Flax linen, Oeko-Tex certified | Style: 12 colors

Linen sheets, made from the natural fiber of the flax plant, are generally more expensive than cotton because of their more involved manufacturing process and durability. They’re said to get better and softer over time, too, making them a nice long-term investment. Top Chef judge Gail Simmons turns to Parachute for her linen sheets in part because they "won't cost you a crazy amount." We agree: We called Parachute's sheets the best all-around option for linen because of their "middle-of-the-road price, the substantial feel of the linen, and the color options," like the inviting soft-gray hue shown here.

Material: Flax linen, Oeko-Tex certified | Style: Nine colors

If you’d like to try linen sheets for the first time, Brooklinen's Luxe Hardcore set is a good place to start. According to former Strategist senior writer Lauren Levy, "Brooklinen made me fall in love with linen sheets." She says they’re "so cozy and so soft" and have "an immediately worn-in feel that only gets softer over time and with each wash." Wood loves this set, saying it makes for a bit of an "unexpected" look in the bedroom.

Material: Flax linen | Style: 29 colors

According to Strategist contributing editor Margaret Rhodes, Linoto's linen sheets "felt heavier and more like the idea of an heirloom sheet than any other I’ve encountered." That's because, she explains, they’re all made in upstate New York without chemicals or an enzyme prewash that many other manufacturers rely on to get that "lived-in" feeling. Interior designer Leah Alexander is a fan too. "They’re beautiful and made stateside for a palatable lead time, which is saying something these days," she says. All of Linoto's fabrics are sourced from mills in Italy and Belgium, and Rhodes says these sheets have the "right ratio of soothing to crisp" that you want in a good linen set. Forbes and Masters love these linen sheets, calling out their whopping 29 available colors. You can choose from different fitted sheet depths, including standard, deep pocket, and shallow fitted.

Material: Flax linen, Oeko-Tex certified | Style: 13 colors

These linen sheets from Cultiver are on the pricier side, but they come highly recommended by interior designer Tali Roth, who loves their effortless "crushed and casual look" and notes that they come in a "gorgeous assortment of colors." Interior designer Tina Rich agrees, saying the Cultiver sheets "instantly create a cozy, relaxed vibe. I always suggest Cultiver to my clients and use them in my own home." She adds that these sheets are supersoft and of great quality. While they’re shown here in white, if you’d like to try a colorful set, Rich's favorite options are dusk, smoke gray, and sage. After testing lots of linen sheets, our editors agree that these are as soft as the experts say and come in some of the most unusual colors you can get.

Material: Flax linen, GOTS organic certified | Style: Two colors

If you’re looking for organic-linen sheets, consider these from Avocado Green Mattress that interior designer Lauren Ashley Allan swears by. They’re loomed in France with 100 percent GOTS organic–certified linen and are available in white and natural. "We mixed these into one of our projects in Los Angeles and absolutely loved them," Allan says. "They have a relaxed, carefree look, but are still so chic." They’re "breathable, durable, and sustainable," according to Allan. "And they can pair with the brand's beautiful linen duvet cover if you want a matching set."

Material: Tencel Lyocell, Oeko-Tex certified | Style: Six colors

For some folks, including Strategist senior editor Chelsea Peng, cotton just feels too rough, which is why she prefers these sheets from Sijo, which are made from eucalyptus-derived Tencel lyocell. "They’re so smooth and slippery," she says, noting that she can barely feel the difference in texture between her silk pillowcase and these sheets. "I do cricket legs — when you’re under the covers and rub your legs together because you’re comfy — every time I get in because there's zero snagging and they don't feel sticky, unlike some other sheets I’ve tried." And as a hot sleeper, she says they’re definitely cooling. "I hate sleeping under AC even in the summer, and these feel like they somehow create an air pocket around you so you don't overheat," she explains. "I’ve tried them in the winter, layered under duvets, and that air pocket quality remains." Peng adds that they wash really well. "I don't do anything special, and they’ve stayed silky with no snags, even though I feel like the machines in my building are especially violent." After receiving them three years ago as a sample, they are still her go-to sheets. "I’ve tried a few other DTC brands, but these are the only ones with cricket legs for me."

Material: Tencel cotton, GOTS certified–organic cotton | Style: Three colors

If you’re curious about Tencel sheets but don't want to jump in, try these sheets from Tuck that are blended with organic cotton. They’re a favorite of Tiffany Piotrowski, principal designer at Tiffany Leigh Design. "They have a chalky-white finish with just a bit of sheen and are extremely breathable and lightweight — perfect for hot sleepers," she says.

Material: Bamboo viscose | Style: Five colors

As mentioned in the materials section, sheets made from naturally derived fibers like bamboo are a good choice for warm sleepers. "I recently used bamboo linens for a large project, and I will definitely be using them more going forward," says Anishka Clarke, co-owner of Ishka Designs. "Bamboo is one of the strongest and hardest natural materials, yet when you feel the fibers on these sheets, they’re just incredibly soft. Softer than you’d imagine. Supersoft — like, baby soft on your skin." And since they’re made of this strong bamboo, she adds, the sheets are "extremely durable — they generally last about two times longer than cotton sheets. Bamboo sheets are usually more expensive, but overall quality and durability make the fabric a hands-down winner."

Material: Bamboo rayon | Style: Six colors

These bamboo-rayon sheets from Oasis Fine Linens are Decorilla designer Devin Shaffer's personal favorite. Shaffer, who has pets, notes that "bamboo has the added benefit of naturally resisting odors and bacteria." He has gone through two sets of these in five years and says "they’re perfect." While this specific set does not list a thread count, Shaffer says bamboo linens feel as soft as sheets whose thread counts reach "up to 2,000." As noted above, bamboo sheets are great for night sweaters, as "their excellent moisture-wicking and insulating properties help regulate body temperature," says Shaffer.

Material: Bamboo lyocell sateen | Style: 10 colors

For Strategist contributor Jolie de Feis, who calls herself a "very sweaty person and an even sweatier sleeper," none of the typically "cooling" sheets ever worked for her, until she tried these bamboo lyocell sheets from Ettitude. As she wrote, "as soon as I touched the fabric I could tell the sheets were different." Like many other fabrics known to be cooling, these are made from lyocell, but instead of being derived from eucalyptus, they come from bamboo, which she says is a relatively new innovation. Compared to other types of bamboo, viscose, and lyocell sheets she's tried, she found a noticeable difference in Ettitude's quality, feel, and performance. "They feel like a cross between cotton and silk, somehow crispy-cool and soft at the same time," she wrote, adding, "As someone who has frequently slept on a towel to avoid changing my sheets multiple times per week, I am genuinely astonished every morning when I wake up sweat free." Even though they are a bit on the pricey side, de Feis loves them so much that she's replaced every other sheet she owns with Ettitude, including her duvet cover.

Material: Bamboo viscose / Style: Five colors

For bamboo sheets that feel truly luxe, Strategist writer Latifah Miles recommends this set from Cozy Earth made from premium bamboo viscose. "They are easily my favorite and feel like creme brûlée — minus the sugar crust," says Miles, who has tried the Ettitude sheets, above. "They have a similar feel to the Ettitude but have held up far better in the wash, maintaining that silky smooth — and shiny — texture that I love."

Material: Microfiber | Style: 41 colors

Microfiber sheets, typically made from finely woven strands of polyester, nylon, or even wood pulp, are known for being silky soft, durable, and affordable. Designer Ashley Moore loves these Mellanni sheets (which have over 280,000 reviews on Amazon) for a number of reasons — No. 1 being the price tag. "You cannot beat these for the price," she says. According to Moore, they’re made from a brushed microfiber that's "supersoft." "If you read all the reviews, you’ll hear almost everyone say the same thing," she says. "That's why we have these in every guest bedroom in our home."

Material: Microfiber twill | Style: 10 colors

"For years, I’ve been using Comphy as my go-to for wrinkle-free, supersoft sheets," says interior designer Caitlin Murray, the founder of Black Lacquer Design. These sheets are made from a microfiber twill that, according to the brand's website, is comparable to 600-thread-count sheets and is highly breathable. Comphy started as a hotel-spa line, so its sheets are "extra-durable and stain resistant," Murray adds. Bonus: They’re recyclable.

Material: Cotton-jersey knit, GOTS and Made Safe Certified | Style: Five colors

As we noted above, jersey sheets often get a bad rap for their association with college dorms, but they can be an excellent choice for folks looking for a lived-in, low-key — and low-maintenance — option. This set from Coyuchi (maker of some of our favorite linen sheets) comes recommended by Nancy Davilman of ND Interiors, who calls them "incredibly soft." Made of durable organic cotton knit that resists pilling, "they are very breathable, so they keep your temperature very balanced," according to Davilman.

Material: Silk, 19 momme charmeuse | Style: 38 colors

Unlike satin sheets that just feel silky, sheets made of actual silk are the real deal. But like anything made of silk, they come at a price, which is why starting out with a silk pillowcase could be a good toe dip before investing in a whole set, according to Zoe Mac, founder of Zoe Mac Design. "It's gentler on your skin, and your hair isn't as frizzy when you wake up," Mac says of the benefits of silk pillowcases. While she thinks most of the silk pillowcases on the market can be "really tacky," these, from Kumi Kookoon, are an exception. "They have this range of incredible colors. I use a really deep-indigo navy, and it's a dream to sleep on. They’re so soft, and I really notice the difference when I wake up. My hair is not as crazy bedhead in the morning, and my skin feels better." If you like the pillowcases and want to sleep fully enveloped in silk, you can splurge on one of Kumi Kokoon's flat or fitted silk sheets, which come in over 30 colors. (And if you want to start with a pillowcase that's a bit more affordable, consider our best-in-class pick from ZimaSilk that, like Kumi Kookoon, has a standard momme of 19 and costs a fraction of the price.)

Material: Supima cotton, 500 thread count, Oeko-Tex certified | Style: Two colors

Clémence Polès, founder of Passerby magazine, says her colorful bedding is offset against Magniberg's black "Mother" flat sheet, which creates "interesting depth among the fabrics." (She appreciates how "nerdy" the company is, with 11 pages on its site dedicated to highly specific fabric breakdowns.) The Swedish company makes just two flat sheets (in black and white), but if you want more color, consider one of its duvet covers, which come in a bold "Wall Street" stripe pattern and delightful pastels.

Material: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent Himalayan cashmere / Style: Six colors

According to Strategist writer Dominique Pariso, this cashmere-blend set from Brooklinen is her "new favorite — of all time." The fabric is 95 percent cotton and 5 percent Himalayan cashmere, and while Pariso admits that "5 percent doesn't sound like a lot, they are so, so soft." She describes them as being "exactly in the middle" between flannel and jersey sheets — "not as heavy as flannel but heftier than jersey; I would say like a softer, lighter flannel" — making them nice and cozy for colder weather without being too warm. As an extremely hot sleeper, Pariso says she hasn't had a problem, even in the summer ("not nearly as sweaty as I thought they’d be"). She's owned them since the fall of 2021 and says they wash well without any pilling so far. "Sleeping on cashmere is supremely luxe, so these sheets are good for people who want their bedding to be extremely cozy," notes Pariso.

• Leah Alexander, interior designer• Lauren Ashley Allan, interior designer• Kai Avent-deLeon, owner of Sincerely, Tommy• Sasha Bikoff, interior designer• Anishka Clarke, co-owner of Ishka Designs• Nancy Davilman, interior designer• Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters, principal interior designers of Forbes + Masters• Elizabeth Gill, interior designer• Lindsey Coral Harper, interior designer• Anne Hepfer, interior designer• Kelsey Keith, Herman Miller editorial director• Lauren Levy, former Strategist senior writer• Zoe Mac, founder of Zoe Mac Design• Courtney McLeod, founder and principal designer of Right Meets Left Interior Design• Latifah Miles, Strategist writer• Ashley Moore, interior designer• Caitlin Murray, founder of Black Lacquer Design• David Notis, former Strategist writer• Ariel Okin, interior designer• Ambar Pardilla, Strategist writer• Dominique Pariso, Strategist writer• Chelsea Peng, Strategist senior editor• Tiffany Piotrowski, principal designer at Tiffany Leigh Design• Clémence Polès, founder of Passerby magazine• Margaret Rhodes, former Strategist senior editor• Tina Rich, interior designer• Missy Robbins, chef and owner of Lilia and Misi• Tali Roth, interior designer• Molly Schoneveld, interior designer• Devin Shaffer, lead sales designer at Decorilla• Michael Shome, visuals director at Architectural Digest• Gail Simmons, Top Chef judge• Vicente Wolf, interior designer• Alessandra Wood, VP of style at Modsy• Cara Woodhouse, interior designer• Rebecca Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Soft Services

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