We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding & Bath Product Reviews The 10 Best Cotton Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed In our testing, these sets stood out for their softness, breathability, and durability. By Jen Woo Jen Woo Jen Woo is a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over ten years of experience. She is a regular contributor to Dwell and contributing editor at 7x7. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer is a commerce writer for Real Simple. She has experience writing content for various digital publications including Parents, and is passionate about home, lifestyle, and beauty products. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 30, 2024 Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Shereen Jegtvig is an author, fact-checker, and expert with over two decades of experience in health and wellness within the lifestyle space. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Henry Wortock When it comes to bedding, you can’t go wrong with cotton sheets. They’re soft, lightweight, and breathable, making them a great pick for different climates and sleeping preferences. They also come in a variety of weave patterns, such as sateen (which has a lustrous appearance) and percale (which has a crisp, cool touch). To find the best cotton sheets, we tested over 100 sets and evaluated them on their quality, durability, texture, breathability, ease of use, and value. For expert recommendations on shopping for cotton sheets, we reached out to Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi, and Deborah Young, textiles expert. Our Top Picks Best Overall : Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set at Parachute $259 Jump to Review Best Budget : California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set at Amazon $53 Jump to Review Best Splurge : Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set at Bollandbranch.com Jump to Review Best Cooling : Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets at Amazon $168 Jump to Review Best Cotton Percale: Parachute Percale Sheet Set at Parachute $259 Jump to Review Best Cotton Sateen: Lands' End Sateen Bed Sheet Set at Landsend.com $250 Jump to Review Best Organic : Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set at Nest Bedding $186 Jump to Review Best Flannel : Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets at Amazon $198 Jump to Review Best Lightweight : Riley Home Organic Cotton Sheet Set at Rileyhome.com Jump to Review Softest : The Citizenry Organic Cotton Sheet Set at The-citizenry.com Jump to Review Best Overall Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set PHOTO: Parachute $259 at Parachute What Stands Out These extremely soft sheets feel substantial without being too heavy or light and are well constructed for durability. What Could Be Improved The elastic doesn't stay securely on the mattress. Parachute’s Brushed Cotton Sheet Set won us over with its amazing quality and extreme softness. In our testing, we were impressed with the construction of these smooth, medium-weight sheets. They feel substantial without being too heavy or light. Plus, they arrived in flawless condition, and we only noticed a few loose threads after washing, which is pretty par for the course. They didn’t shrink at all, and they fit on our mattress perfectly, staying in place amidst tossing and turning. During our durability tests, the sheets did not show any signs of pilling or thinning. These sheets have a plain weave and use Oeko-Tex certified cotton grown in Portugal, which is then brushed to give it that cloud-like texture. This brushing technique also lends itself to a cozier sheet, so while these sheets aren’t cooling, they are plenty breathable and can adapt to all kinds of climates. It’s also worth noting that you can purchase this sheet set with or without a flat sheet, which is a nice bonus for anyone who never uses the top sheet anyway. After using these sheets for three months, they retained their luxurious appearance and developed a noticeably softer, less starchy feel over time. However, one flaw we noticed was that it was hard to get stains out of them, particularly makeup and oil stains. Additionally, the elastic on the sheets could have been more secure. Still, we think their incredible softness and durability more than make up for these issues. Material: Cotton | Size Range: Full, queen, king, California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Budget California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set $53 at Amazon $40 at Target View on Californiadesignden.com What Stands Out They’re available in a variety of colors and prints. What Could Be Improved They feel less soft than other cotton alternatives. If you’re seeking a budget friendly way to enhance your bedspread, we recommend adding this California Design Den sheet set to your radar. Crafted from 100% cotton sateen, it struck the perfect balance between being comfortably dense without being too heavy—and it’s reasonably priced. We noticed no visible snags or loose threads on the sheets in our testing, and they fit securely on our mattress. These sheets made us feel warm and toasty, so we think they’re best for cold sleepers. Although these aren’t the most breathable sheets we tested, we found the weight to be just right, providing adequate coziness without restricting movement. We were impressed that even after staining them with hair oil, one cycle through the washing machine had the sheets looking as good as new. Plus, we gave bonus points for the helpful “top” and “bottom” tags on the fitted sheet, which made putting the sheets on the mattress a breeze. Available in 32 fun colors and patterns, ranging from lavender gray to paisley print, we love how versatile these sheets are. With so many prints to choose from, we think this pick is ideal for any room aesthetic in the house, whether it be a primary bedroom, guest room, or child’s bedroom. It’s worth noting that these sheets aren’t overly soft to the touch, and they did get a bit wrinkly after laundering. Still, given their reasonable price, we think they’re a good value buy. Material: 100% cotton sateen | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: 400 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Splurge Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set PHOTO: Boll & Branch View on Bollandbranch.com $499 at Bloomingdales What Stands Out Its excellent drape, flawless construction, and finishes like mitered corners give it a more elegant look. What Could Be Improved The heavier weight may not appeal to those who are accustomed to lighter bedding. For those looking to treat themselves to a sumptuous set of cotton sheets, we recommend considering the Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set. We found the construction of these sheets to be flawless. It uses 100% organic long-staple cotton from India, which lends to a luxurious, silky touch. And during the testing process, there were no loose threads or signs of wear. These cotton sheets have an excellent drape, so they look luxe on your bed and are comfortable and breathable to sleep under. The flat sheet is finished with mitered corners, which gives it a more polished look, and the fitted sheet stays snug on the bed—even with restless sleep. The Boll & Branch sheets have a heavier weight to them, so while they aren’t ideal for those who prefer lightweight bed linens, they are still breathable and long lasting. While performing our abrasion tests, these sheets remained perfectly intact and showed no damage. Plus, after six months of use, they maintained their high quality, feeling cozy yet not worn out. The price may be out of reach for people shopping on a budget, but the top-notch level of craftsmanship and materials that Boll & Branch uses make this set a worthy investment. Material: Organic cotton | Size Range: Full, queen, king, California king, split king | Pocket Depth: 15 to 17 inches | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Fair Trade Factory Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Cooling Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets PHOTO: Coyuchi $168 at Amazon $168 at Nordstrom $168 at Wayfair What Stands Out They’re crafted with a special spinning and weaving technique that gives them a soft, relaxed, lived-in vibe and enhances breathability. What Could Be Improved They may be a little too rumpled in appearance for some. Crafted from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, the Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheet Set is one of the highest-quality sheet sets we tested. These sheets bring a lived-in vibe to your bed, maintaining a soft and natural feel. The cotton sheets are also incredibly cooling, making them ideal for hot sleepers. They’re crafted with a special spinning and weaving technique that not only gives them their rumpled appearance but also promotes airflow. We love how the crisp, matte touch felt against our skin, but if you’re used to the smooth sensation of sateen sheets, you might find these to be a little rough at first. Nevertheless, we found them to be the perfect perfect thickness and texture, practically adapting to our body temperature as we slept. After six months of testing, these sheets sustained no signs of damage, discoloration, or wear. They were just as comfortable and crisp as the first time we slept on them, which indicates they will last a long time. We also appreciate that they fit our bed perfectly, staying secure on our mattress as we tossed and turned. Given the price, the materials, and the durability of these sheets, we think they're worth every penny. Material: Organic cotton | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Thread Count: 200 | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade, Made Safe Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Cotton Percale Parachute Percale Sheet Set PHOTO: Parachute $259 at Parachute $249 at Zola What Stands Out Long-staple Egyptian cotton makes these sheets comfortable, cozy, and soft, yet crisp and cool to the touch. What Could Be Improved The fitted sheet doesn't come with top/bottom and side labels. Percale sheets are known for their crisp, cool-to-the-touch feel—and this set from Parachute not only matches that description, but offers a surprising amount of softness, too. In our tests, we found these cotton sheets to feel comfortable, cozy, and soft rather than crunchy—likely due to the long-staple Egyptian cotton material. This cotton sheet set is also lightweight and breathable, so they won’t make you feel like you’re overheating. Even those of us who are typically hot sleepers found that the sheets have a barely-there weight, keeping them cool and comfy at night. After using the sheets for three months, we have no complaints. They felt just as comfortable throughout the cooler fall months as they did during the summer, making them a versatile choice for all seasons. We also appreciate how quickly they dry, even when on the lowest setting. One thing to note is that these sheets don’t have labels on them, so making your bed may be a little challenging, especially if you have a king-size mattress. However, the overall comfort and improvements to your sleep quality are worth the extra effort it may take to get the fitted sheet on your bed. Material: Egyptian cotton | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Cotton Sateen Lands' End Sateen Bed Sheet Set PHOTO: Lands' End $250 at Landsend.com $35 at Kohls.com $260 at Macy's What Stands Out The finished and reinforced seams help with durability and create a lux look at a more reasonable price point. What Could Be Improved The sheets are not Oeko-Tex certified. If you want high-end sheets without paying luxury prices, this set from Lands’ End will provide a five-star sleeping experience at a more reasonable price point. It’s made from American-grown Supima cotton, which is one of the best cotton varieties in the world, and has a super soft and silky hand. In our testing, we were thoroughly impressed by the construction of these sateen sheets, which feature finished and reinforced seams that help with durability and create a polished look. The sateen weave brings a gorgeous sheen to your room that feels super smooth against your skin, and they have a substantial weight that drapes beautifully across your bed. After six months of regular use, we were just as enthusiastic about these luxe sheets. They felt light as a feather yet still very sturdy—even after more washes–and retained their shape well over time. These sheets fit excellently on the bed, with just the right amount of excess fabric to fit on a variety of mattress depths without an unsightly amount of overhang. They come in a variety of colors, including neutrals and pastels, so you’re bound to find a set that matches your bedroom decor. Just note that these sheets are not Oeko-Tex certified. Material: Supima cotton | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 400 | Certifications: Not listed Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Organic Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set PHOTO: Nest Bedding $168 at Nest Bedding What Stands Out These well-made silky sheets don't get too hot or cold and come with strong, tight elastic to keep them firmly in place. What Could Be Improved They shrink a little, and it's hard to remove oil stains. These organic and Fair-Trade certified sheets bring a slight sheen to your bed thanks to their sateen weave. While they offer the the smooth feel characteristic of sateen, they felt lighter than other sets we tested. After lying down under them, we found that these cotton sheets were quite breathable, helping us maintain a comfortable temperature without getting too hot or cold. These sheets did shrink a little in the wash, but there were no noticeable threads or flaws that occurred. They seemed to get even softer and cozier after six months of use, though we also found they were a bit more wrinkly, too. While the fitted sheet initially fit pretty loose on our mattress, the strong, tight elastic kept it firmly in place, so it didn’t budge during our tests. During our stain tests, these sheets cleaned up nicely after spilling foundation and coffee on them. However, the oil stain remained dark and visible, which is something to keep in mind if you use body or face oil as part of your nightly skincare routine. Otherwise, these silky sheets are a well-made and lustrous addition to any bed. We also like that these organic sheets come in some pretty earthy colors, like moss and terracotta, which gives your bed an extra pop. Material: Organic cotton | Size Range: Twin-Cal king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: 300 | Certifications: Fair Trade Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Flannel Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets PHOTO: Coyuchi $198 at Amazon $198 at Nordstrom $198 at Wayfair What Stands Out The brushed GOTS-certified Turkish cotton has the buttery plush feel of cashmere. What Could Be Improved The set only comes in three neutral colors. Imagine going to sleep wrapped in your softest, coziest sweater—that’s what sleeping in Coyuchi’s flannel sheets is like. In our tests, we found that these cotton sheets feel a lot like cashmere. They have a tight weave and just the right weight (not too thick or thin) to keep cold sleepers cozy. If it isn’t already apparent, these are not your average flannel sheets. Coyuchi uses luxurious GOTS-certified Turkish cotton to make them, then brushes them to cloudlike, flannel-y perfection. The result is a buttery sheet that’s warmer and sturdier than similar options. In fact, we have never felt flannel sheets that are this soft and plush—and we were amazed that they became cozier with each wash throughout the six-month testing period. While these sheets are breathable, they’re not the airy, moisture-wicking sheets that a hot sleeper would seek out. In other words, these flannel sheets are ideal for people who are always freezing or who want cold-weather-friendly sheets. The only downside is that the set only comes in three neutral colors (white, undyed, and camel). Material: Organic Turkish cotton | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: GOTS, Made Safe Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Best Lightweight Riley Home Organic Cotton Sheet Set View on Rileyhome.com What Stands Out The organic cotton sateen material gets softer with every wash. What Could Be Improved The items in the set aren’t sold separately. We were amazed by how airy these sheets were throughout our testing. Crafted from 100% long-staple organic cotton sateen, the lightweight material had almost a jersey-like finish. They felt less formal and structured than other cotton sateen sheets we’ve tried and were even more comfortable—plus they kept getting softer with every wash. Upon arrival, we did find a few loose threads on the flat sheet, and the seams on the pillowcase weren’t trimmed either. Aside from that, there were no significant imperfections. We didn’t notice any wear, fading, or staining post-wash and makeup stains came out effortlessly. The sheets maintained their high quality, even after three months of consistent use. Overall, we’d say these sheets are lightweight, breathable, and durable. The sheet set is available in five colors and six sizes. Just keep in mind that the items aren’t sold separately, so if you are looking for an individual top sheet or pillowcase, you may want to look elsewhere. Material: Organic cotton sateen | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: 400 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Softest The Citizenry Organic Cotton Sheet Set PHOTO: The Citizenry View on The-citizenry.com $269 at The Container Store What Stands Out It has the airy, smooth feel of a sateen weave and features envelope closures, reinforced edges, and understitched hems to give it a neat, polished look. What Could Be Improved The sizing can be a little off. There’s a lot to love about The Citizenry’s Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set. In our tests, these cotton sheets impressed us with their overall quality, in terms of softness, washability, durability, and more. They’re made with long-staple organic Turkish cotton, and the construction of these exquisitely soft and silky sheets matches the excellence of their materials. No imperfections were noticed at any point during our testing process, and the sheets have reinforced edges and understitched hems that give them a premium look. This sheet set is more akin to a sateen weave than percale, as it feels airy and smooth. The matching pillowcases have envelope closures, which create a neater look and prevent pillows from escaping their covers. Additionally, these sheets performed very well in our stain tests; after three washes, there wasn’t any trace of coffee, foundation, or oil. After six months of use, we noticed no visible shrinkage or color fading. In fact, these cozy sheets somehow became even softer over time. While these cotton sheets are made with top-notch materials and craftsmanship, the sizing was a little off in our testing. The fitted sheet was too big for our mattress, so we had to tuck it under a bit to make it taut. If you decide to spring for these sheets, you should measure your bed just to be on the safe side. Material: Organic Turkish cotton | Size Range: Full-king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Thread Count: 400 | Certifications: GOTS, Oeko Tex Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Final Verdict Our top pick, the Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set, impressed us with its stunning softness and durability. These cotton sheets are crisp and breathable, which makes them a good fit for a variety of sleepers. For a more budget-friendly budget option, we recommend the California Design Den 400 Thread Count Cotton Sheets, which we found to be cozy without being too heavy. Plus, it’s available in over 30 fun colors and prints to choose from. Our Testing Process We’ve tested more than 150 sheet sets, many of which are cotton, both in our testing lab and at home with real-world testers. We started by inspecting each sheet set right out of the packaging, taking note of any loose threads, discoloration, or other imperfections. Each set was then laundered the same way: washed using gentle detergent on a cold, permanent press cycle and dried with medium heat. Next, we stained a small area of each sheet and one pillowcase with a bit of coffee, oil, and foundation and let the stains set for an hour. The sheets were pre-treated with a stain remover and then laundered again (two more washes and one more dry cycle). To evaluate the quality of the sheets post-wash, we inspected the texture of each set again. We compared the stained area on the sheet (washed) to the stained area on the pillowcase (unwashed) to see how well the stains came out of the fabric. Since it’s normal for sheets to shrink post-wash, we also measured the length of a pre-drawn line and recorded the measurements. Our next test focused on the breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities of the cotton sheets. We placed a corner of each flat sheet in an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut, and we used a dropper to place one drop of water onto the middle of the fabric. Over the next 10 seconds, we analyzed the drop of water by noting how much it expands and moves, making sure to measure the width of the drop. To see if the fabric's color would transfer onto other surfaces or materials, we rubbed a white fabric square back and forth against the cotton sheets. After 20 swipes, we inspected the white fabric square for any color transfer and noted our findings. Then, we repeated this test with a wet fabric square to see if the results changed at all. We also tested the fit of the cotton sheets by making a bed with them. We took note of how easy it was to place the fitted and flat sheets on the bed and put the pillowcase on a pillow. To see how the sheets stand up to restless sleepers, we got into bed under the flat sheet and tossed and turned, making sure to note if the sheets came undone. Finally, for our durability tests, we took a sanding block and rubbed it against the flat sheet 25 times. Any fabric threads of fibers that came off the sheets were rolled up into a ball, which was measured for width. To gather long-term insights, we tested the sheets in the real-world conditions, evaluating them after three months and six months of use. Real Simple / Henry Wortock How to Shop for Cotton Sheets Like a Pro Cotton Type There are a lot of different cotton types used to make sheets, and it can be hard to know which one is best for your bed. Here’s a rundown of the different varieties you may encounter in your sheet search: Extra-Long-Staple Cotton: Extra-long-staple cotton refers to the length of each cotton fiber. The longer the fiber, the softer and more durable your sheets will be. Cotton types that are regarded as top-tier, like Egyptian and Pima, are both long-staple varieties. Pima Cotton: Pima cotton is grown in different parts of the world, including Peru, Australia, and the United States. It has an outrageously silky touch and is regarded as one of the finest types of cotton in the world. Its extra-long fibers also make it smooth and resistant to tears. Supima: Supima cotton is the brand name for American-grown pima cotton and is strictly regulated by Supima to ensure the highest possible standard. Consequently, Supima cotton is known for having the most consistent fiber quality. Additionally, the cotton fibers are a bit longer than regular Pima cotton, which creates a smoother and more luxurious fabric. Egyptian: Egyptian cotton is the same variety as Pima cotton, just grown in Egypt. It is also ridiculously smooth and resistant to wear and tear thanks to its long fabric fibers, but know that some manufacturers may claim their cotton is Egyptian when it’s actually sourced from India or China, so make sure the cotton is certified before purchasing. Real Simple / Henry Wortock Weave The weave is potentially even more important to consider because it impacts the look, feel, and sleeping experience of your cotton sheets. The most common types of cotton weaves are sateen, percale, and flannel. Sateen sheets are similar to satin: Lightweight and airy, they have a subtle sheen to them and are resistant to wrinkling. Thornburg suggests sateen sheets for people who run “medium to cool” while sleeping and notes they have a “soft, drapey” finish. Percale sheets have a crisp and cool touch (we were big fans of Parachute's set in our testing). If you prefer hotel-like sheets, chances are you’ll be a fan of percale. Thornburg recommends percale sheets for hot sleepers, as it promotes airflow throughout the night. But because it uses more cotton fibers, it creates a denser fabric that wrinkles more easily. Lastly, if you sleep cold or live in a cooler climate, flannel sheets would be a good fit for you. They use a plain weave, which means a basic one over, one under pattern, but the fibers are brushed to create that classic fuzzy look. Flannel sheets are super soft and cozy to curl up with, especially on a chilly day. Thread Count Thread count refers to the total number of yarns per square inch of fabric. While a higher thread count is often associated with better sheets, that isn’t always the case. Traditionally, a high thread count indicated that a sheet was made with finer yarns, which are smoother than coarse threads. Nowadays, thread counts are often inflated. “Sometimes sheeting will be woven with an ‘unbalanced weave’ in order to ‘up’ the thread count,” says Thornburg. “This means there are more threads going in one direction than the other. Unbalanced weaves tend to rip easier and in the end, create a lesser quality sheet.” When looking at thread count, Thornburg says that it needs to match the quality of the cotton and the type of weave. For instance, if you’re looking at sateen sheets, you may prefer a lower thread count to a higher one so your sheets are soft and drapey, not stiff. Certifications There are a few certifications to keep an eye out for when shopping for cotton sheets. The first one would be the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which is one of the strictest certifications around. To be GOTS-certified, sheet manufacturers have to be thoroughly vetted to ensure that all stages of their supply chain are ethical and eco-conscious and that no harsh chemicals or pesticides are used at any stage of the production process. A GOTS certification means your sheets are 100% organic and are free from substances that can cause irritation or off-gassing smells. However, just because it’s organic doesn’t mean it’s necessarily higher quality. “Organic cotton doesn’t make it a better cotton, it just means it was grown without pesticides,” says Young. “It's not softer aesthetically in terms of hand or look. You can feel better about having it touch your body knowing it was not treated.” Another popular certification is the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which ensures that the finished sheets you’re purchasing have been vetted to be free from over 100 chemicals known to be harmful to humans and the environment. However, Oeko-Tex’s standards aren’t as stringent as GOTS’s, and the entire supply chain doesn’t get vetted to ensure ethical practices. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is “a certification that tests the final product to ensure certain chemicals can not be found on it,” says Thornburg. “It is not a sustainability standard—it does not guarantee the cotton was grown without harmful chemicals or that they were not used elsewhere in the supply chain.” You may also notice that some sheet sets come with a Fair Trade certification, which indicates they live up to Fair Trade USA’s standards in terms of working conditions and labor practices. While a Fair Trade certification doesn’t vet the materials that go into the sheets themselves, it does ensure that they come from a supply chain that pays workers a living wage, offers benefits, and ensures a safe working environment. Our top pick for cooling cotton sheets, the Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets, have an impressive number of certifications, including GOTS, Fair Trade, and Made Safe. Real Simple / Grant Webster More Cotton Sheets to Consider Comfort Classics Peached Percale 100% Cotton Sheet Set: We liked that these sheets are reasonably priced and have a substantial weight to them. However, their construction wasn’t up to par with other sheets we tested; they arrived with several loose threads and showed signs of wear during our abrasion test. Crane & Canopy Soft White 400 Thread Count Sheet Set: We found these sheets cool to the touch, maintaining a lightweight yet luxurious feel. However, it’s worth noting that they lost their sheen after one wash, resulting in a less refined, “lived-in” look. Real Simple / Henry Wortock Questions You Might Ask What are the pros and cons of cotton sheets? Thornburg says cotton is an ideal fiber for sheets, as it's breathable and can be woven into a variety of different weaves for different sleep styles. While comfortable, it's worth noting that cotton sheets can wrinkle easily or grow mold if neglected. Additionally, Thornburg adds that poorly constructed weaves might rip easily, so not all cotton sheets have the same durability. What type of cotton bedding is the softest? “There’s a variety of cotton types that can be very soft,” Thornburg explains, “but extra-long- or long-staple cottons are known to be exceptionally smooth.” Popular cotton varieties that make for smooth sheets are long-staple Egyptian, Supima, and Pima cotton because the length of their yarns creates a smoother fabric. Additionally, most people find sheets with a sateen weave to feel softer than percale since the sateen weaving pattern yields a silkier finish. In our testing, The Citizenry’s Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set impressed us with its softness, which makes sense considering it’s made from long-staple organic Turkish cotton. What is the highest quality cotton? According to Thornburg, fibers that are long staple and extra-long staple tend to be considered the highest quality, which includes Supima, Pima, and Egyptian cotton. However, she notes there are other factors to consider when looking for quality sheets. “For example, flannel typically uses a shorter staple fiber, and its quality is measured more on weight than on fiber,” she says, so it’s important to pay attention to multiple factors when looking for sheets. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, we tested a variety of cotton sheets in our Lab and in real-world conditions, considering factors like breathability, durability, and ease of use to make our list of top picks. For expert insight on how to shop for cotton sheets, we spoke to Whitney Thornburg, design director for Coyuchi, and Deborah Young, textiles expert. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums. 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