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The 10 Best Deep Pocket Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Perfect picks for tall mattresses and cushioned mattress toppers.

Hands putting fitted sheet from the Brielle Home Tencel Lyocell Sateen Sheet Set on the corner of a mattress
Photo:

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

If you struggle with putting a fitted sheet over your mattress, or you wake up after tossing and turning to find its corners have popped off your bed, a deep pocket sheet might help you solve your sleeping woes. Simply put, a deep pocket sheet is designed to fit over mattresses between 13 and 18 inches in depth, so it'll stay snug and help you get a better night’s rest. 

To find the best deep pocket sheets, we tested a wide variety of sheets made from all kinds of materials and weaves, evaluating their quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value to make our top picks. We also tapped Missy Tannen, founder and chief designer at Boll & Branch, for her expert advice on how to shop for the perfect set.

What Stands Out
  • The breathable sheets are cozy and warm without being stifling.

What Could Be Improved
  • The pillowcase could be a bit wider.

It's not often that our best overall pick is also the least expensive, but such is the case with the Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set. These sheets earned our spot as the best overall pick, thanks to their impressive durability, breathability, and soft feel. Able to fit mattresses up to 18 inches in depth, the fitted sheet fit perfectly on our bed, with the elastic corners keeping it secure as we tossed and turned. We give bonus points for the helpful "top" and "bottom" tags, which made putting the sheets on our bed a breeze. Our only gripe is that the pillowcases could be a bit wider.

Crafted from 100% cotton, we consider these sheets to be of medium density. The fabric felt soft against our skin, more so similar to the softness of flannel rather than fluff. Unlike other sheets sets that lose their coziness over time, these sheets started soft and stayed that way. They maintained their texture throughout two month of washing, feeling fresh after each laundering. We noticed no shrinkage or pilling whatsoever, and the elastic retained its grip. Our lotion stain also came out effortlessly after washing.

In addition to their soft texture, these sheets also stand out for their breathability. They have a fresh, cool hand feel that we found crisp and inviting. While lying beneath them in jeans, socks, and a t-shirt, they kept us comfortably warm without overheating or stifling us. Even on particularly hot nights, we remained sweat-free. Overall, these sheets performed with flying colors. Plus, their inexpensive price and Target's 365-day return policy make them an even more enticing purchase.

Material: Cotton | Sizes: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 400

Temper-Pedic 400 Thread Count Cool Luxury Sheet Set
PHOTO: Target
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    4.4/5
What Stands Out
  • The sheets are both heavy and cooling, featuring a thick elastic band to keep them securely in place on the mattress.

What Could Be Improved
  • Certain stains may be more difficult to remove.

Hot sleepers are familiar with the struggle of battling night sweats, and the Tempur-Pedic 400 Thread Count Cool Luxury Sheet Set kept us comfortable all night long. Crafted from Tencel fiber, we found these sheets to have a crisp, cooling sensation. We were especially impressed by their moisture-wicking abilities, which can be attributed to the brand's signature Refibra technology. While our body did create a warm spot after lying beneath them for a few minutes, the area quickly cooled down once we turned over, and we never sweated overnight.

Unlike other cooling sheets with a barely-there feel, these sheets boast a soft texture that is smooth but slightly heavier than standard silk. We appreciate this weight, which keeps them close to the skin and prevents them from falling off the bed. During our stain test, the coffee and oil stains came out seamlessly, though the foundation stain proved to be a bit more stubborn. Even so, we were pleased to find that the sheets maintained their texture and quality throughout months of washing,

Able to accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches in depth, we had no issue putting these sheets on our bed. The fitted sheet tucked beneath our mattress easily, and the thick elastic band kept it securely in place. We noticed a few loose threads around the stitching on both the fitted and flat sheets, but this had no effect on the set's quality or durability. Over two months of use, there was only one instance where a corner slipped off the mattress.

Material: Tencel | Size Range: Queen, king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: 400

Casaluna Washed Supima Percale Solid Sheet Set
PHOTO: Target
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    4.4/5
What Stands Out
  • The lightweight, airy feel is ideal for all seasons.

What Could Be Improved
  • Sweat stains wouldn't come out.

We could tell these sheets were well made as soon as we laid eyes on them. They arrived with no loose threads or fading whatsoever, a testament to their high-quality make. In fact, their luxurious feel far exceeds their reasonable price tag. The sheets have a wide elastic band to keep them in place as you toss and turn, along with additional bands to hold each corner of the mattress. During testing, even those of us who are restless sleepers found them to be secure.

These sheets are crafted with a percale weave, which typically lends itself to a cool, crisp texture. In terms of feel, we had mixed reviews. While some of us found the sheets to be a bit rough, others commended their softness. Regardless, we were all impressed by their breathability. With a lightweight and cool-to-the-touch feel, the sheets prevented us from sweating overnight. Given their airiness, we think they would suitable for all-season use, particularly in the summer.

After six months, the sheets retained the same soft texture as on day one. They still fit perfectly on our mattress, even after we added a mattress pad. We noticed no loose threads, tears, or holes, either. Our only complaint is that our sweat stains didn't come out, even after multiple washes.

Material: Supima cotton | Size Range: Twin-Cal king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 250

Lands' End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set
PHOTO: Lands' End
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • The luxurious sheet set has a silky feel without being too heavy.

What Could Be Improved
  • It may be a bit wrinkly immediately post-wash.

You may not expect buttery smooth, luxurious sheets from Lands’ End, but make no mistake: The brand’s sateen sheet set is the real deal. We absolutely loved the luxe feel of these sheets; they felt lightweight and silky, yet still impressively sturdy. In fact, we think they’re among the highest quality sheets we’ve tested. 

So what makes these sheets so good? For starters, they’re made with American-grown Supima cotton, which is a long-staple cotton variety known for making silky, lustrous sheets—it's actually one of the most luxurious cotton varieties in the world. Because these sheets are made with a sateen weave, they have a silk-like sheen and a slight crispness that feels great against the skin. During testing, we found them to be soft, cool, and inviting. We didn't sweat at all while using them, and they became softer with use. The sheets also boast impressive airflow and breathability, which isn’t always the case with sateen. Even after six months of use, the sheets retained their luxurious quality and comfortable feel.  

The flat and fitted sheets offer a generous amount of fabric, accommodating mattresses up to 18 inches in depth. The corners of the fitted sheet remained secure as we tossed and turned, making this set especially ideal for restless sleepers. However, we did find that they wrinkle more easily than other sheets, so just be sure to remove them promptly from the dryer. Otherwise, enjoy the luxe look and feel of your new sateen sheets and prepare to dread getting out of bed each morning.

Material: Cotton sateen | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 400

Quince European Linen Sheet Set
PHOTO: Quince
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3.8/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    3.9/5
  • Value
    4.9/5
  • Breathability
    4.3/5
What Stands Out
  • The temperature-regulating material is suitable for all-season use.

What Could Be Improved
  • They may get a bit thinner with use.

Made from luxurious European flax, this sheet set from Quince will help you sleep in comfort all year round. Linen is a temperature-regulating material, so it’ll keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and it has a rumpled look that brings a lived-in vibe to your bed. The fitted sheet in this set has a generous amount of fabric that can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches in depth. 

Linen softens the more you use and wash it, which is something we can attest to. We found that these sheets became incredibly soft after just a few washes and, thanks to their barely-there feel, are a great option for linen newbies. However, in addition to getting softer, they also became noticeably thinner after six months of use, which might point to a lack of durability. Nevertheless, we think their impressive airiness makes these sheets ideal for the summer months. 

Another thing to note is that the pillowcases included in this sheet set are quite large—and because they don’t have an envelope closure, they routinely came off our pillows in the night. Despite this, we still think this sheet set is perfect for linen-curious individuals eager to try out the material without committing to long-term use, especially since it feels soft right from the start, requiring no break-in period.

Material: European flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: N/A

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
PHOTO: Cozy Earth
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • These durable, cooling sheets have an extra deep pocket, making them suitable for even the thickest mattresses.

What Could Be Improved
  • They are one of the more expensive sheet sets we’ve tested.

Hot sleepers will love the cooling, silky, and luxurious sleeping experience this sheet set provides. Made with bamboo viscose, which is similar to lyocell, these sheets regulate your temperature throughout the night and wick away moisture to prevent night sweats. They also stay remarkably cool to the touch, even after sleeping under them for a while.

In our testing, we were enamored with how soft and silky these sheets were. Making the bed with them was also a breeze. The fitted sheet is able stretch for mattresses up to 20 inches in depth—the greatest depth of any sheet sets on our list—and went on our mattress without issue. Some of us found that these sheets did shrink slightly post wash; however, thanks to their extra-deep pockets, the shrinkage didn't impact their fit on our mattress. We were also impressed to find that the sheets never got wrinkly, even after laundering. 

After sleeping with the sheets for six months straight and washing them biweekly, the only signs of wear that occurred were a few loose threads. That said, we'd recommend that those who sleep with pets be cautious, as the fabric is not the most durable and could snag on sharp claws. This sheet set is also pretty pricey, but treating yourself to hotel-quality bed linens is a worthy investment, especially since they can improve your sleep quality. 

Material: Bamboo viscose | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 20 inches | Thread Count: N/A

Brielle Home 300 Thread Count Tencel Lyocell Sateen Sheet Set
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • These eucalyptus sheets stay silky-smooth, even after washing.

What Could Be Improved
  • They are surprisingly warm overnight, making them less suitable for hot nights.

These sheets are very soft, silky, and cool to the touch. The fitted sheet can fit mattresses up to 18 inches in depth, and the sateen weave brings a luxe vibe to any bed. The flat sheet also has decorative stitching on the outside, a small touch that nevertheless impressed us. 

These sheets are made with eucalyptus-derived Tencel, which is a smooth, cooling material that’s also hypoallergenic. They retained their silky touch after multiple washes, and we felt that their luxe feel was a step above other sheets—which is impressive considering their low price. We also didn’t notice any loose threads or signs of wear that occurred with use, making this sheet set a durable pick. 

While eucalyptus is a temperature-regulating material, we actually preferred using these sheets in the winter instead of summer. We used these sheets for six months and found that, though we felt warm sleeping on these sheets in the summer, but once temperatures dropped, we noticed that we stayed at a perfect temperature all night. So while these may not be the sheets that keep you cool during a heat wave, they would make a great choice for people who sleep hot all year round and need winter sheets that aren’t too warm. 

Material: Tencel lyocell | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 300

Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
PHOTO: Boll & Branch
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • The durable, ultra-soft cotton is thick yet breathable.

What Could Be Improved
  • These sheets may be too heavy for those used to lighter ones.

These Boll & Branch sheets may be on the expensive side, but the top-tier quality of the materials and craftsmanship will pay off in the long run. They’re GOTS-certified organic, which means they meet rigorous ecological and labor standards throughout the entire production process, so you can be confident that they’re better both for the environment and you. 

These sheets are made of super soft cotton and have a slightly heavier weight, which speaks to the quality of the fabric. Despite being heavier than similar options, we found that they were still quite breathable and comfortable to sleep under throughout both summer and winter. 

The fitted sheet can fit mattresses up to 17 inches in depth, and they fit well on our beds. After months of washing and tossing and turning in these sheets, they remained in pristine condition with no pilling or loose threads and only got softer after six months of use. If the price tag doesn’t bother you, these durable, dense sheets will make an indulgent year-round addition to your bed.

Material: Organic cotton | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 17 inches | Thread Count: N/A

Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set
PHOTO: Peacock Alley
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    3/5
What Stands Out
  • These thick flannel sheets are cozy for the winter.

What Could Be Improved
  • They aren’t very breathable.

This flannel sheet set from Peacock Alley is ideal for those seeking heavy, warming sheets. They’re made with 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton which has a buttery and luxurious feel, and the brushed flannel fabric makes them oh-so-cozy. These sheets can fit mattresses up to 17 inches in depth and feature strong elastic all around for a tight fit. We found that these flannel sheets were heavier in comparison to other options, and while that does yield warmth, they aren’t as breathable as others. 

After a couple of washes and two months of regular use, these sheets did pill, but that’s pretty common with flannel sheets in general. If anything, the texture of these sheets is noticeably soft; they don’t have that scratchy feeling that some flannel sheets have. Despite the pilling, these sheets excel at keeping you warm and toasty, making them a great choice for people who run cold at night or want a heavy, cozy sheet set for winter.

Material: Egyptian cotton | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 17 inches | Thread Count: N/A; 200 GSM 

California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    3.8/5
What Stands Out
  • They have strong corner elastics to ensure they won’t pop off and come in plenty of color and pattern options to match your decor style. 

What Could Be Improved
  • They get fairly wrinkly after washing.

If you’re in search of a reasonably priced yet vibrant sheet set to enhance your bedding, look no further. Crafted from cotton with a sateen weave, the California Design Den Cotton Sheets set is a luxurious and budget-friendly pick. The sheets can fit mattresses up to 16 inches in depth and have strong corner elastics to ensure they won’t pop off. Plus, they come in plenty of color and pattern options to match your decor style. 

We found these sheets to be surprisingly well made, with no snagging, pilling, or loose threads at any point in the testing process. We were also impressed by the quality of the stitching, which remained perfectly intact throughout two months of use. Stains were effortless to remove—we could even get rid of jojoba oil stains completely with a quick wash. While these sheets weren’t as smooth as other options, we like that they have a denser weight compared to similar sheets. 

While these sheets are airy and comfortable, they aren’t exactly cooling. So, if you’re looking for cooling sheets to help you stay at a good temperature during the summer, you may want to consider other options. They did get a bit wrinkly after washing, too. However, if you’re in the market for well-made, inexpensive cotton sheets, these made a great pick. 

Material: Cotton sateen | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: 400

Final Verdict

Our top pick, the Threshold 400 Thread Count Performance Solid Sheet Set, is durable, breathable, and soft. With a generous pocket depth of 18 inches, it's sure to stay secure on your bed, even as you toss and turn. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the California Design Den Cotton Sheets for their durability and high quality for their price point. 

Our Testing Process

To date, we’ve tested over 200 sheet sets both in our Des Moines lab and in our own homes. All of the sheets we’ve tested have been put through rigorous testing to evaluate their quality, feel, breathability, fit, and durability.

In our lab tests, we first measured each sheet set and inspected the quality right out of the box before washing it for the first time. We then stained each sheet with coffee, oil, and foundation before running it through the washing machine two more times. Afterward, we inspected each sheet carefully for loose threads, snags, discolorations, and other imperfections. We also measured each sheet again to see if any shrinkage occurred. 

To measure breathability, we conducted a water test. Placing each sheet set in an embroidery hoop, we used a dropper to administer one drop of water to the taut section. We measured how quickly each drop expanded in 10 seconds, noting that a drop of water that expands quickly and becomes larger means the fabric is good at moisture management.

Next, we made a bed with each sheet set, taking note of how difficult the process was. Finally, we used sandpaper to evaluate durability. Keeping the sheet held taut, we swiped the sandpaper back and forth 25 times over about a 5-inch area of the fabric to see if any abrasion occurred.

After the lab tests were completed, we brought the sheets home to test in the real world, evaluating their durability throughout six months of use. Analyzing both our lab results and our long-term insights, we compiled a list of the best deep pocket sheets.

How to Shop for Deep Pocket Sheets Like a Pro

Material

When it comes to deep pocket sheets, material doesn’t matter as much, since there’s not one fabric that is inherently stretchier than another. That said, it's all up to personal preference.

“Different sheets offer different experiences, and it comes down to two main factors—raw material and weave,” Tannen explains. Cotton sheets are a classic for a reason, as they offer good breathability and comfort. Organic cotton sheets are even better, as they tend to be more durable than non-organic fibers and are made with sustainability in mind. There’s also linen, which is growing more popular for its temperature-regulating abilities. “Flax [which is used to make linen] is unique in that it doesn’t require synthetic pesticides to grow and produce high-quality fibers, and it has natural cooling properties,” Tannen adds. 

Aside from cotton or linen, another popular material for sheets is Tencel, which is the brand name for lyocell. Tencel comes from wood chips that get pulverized, strained, and processed to create a silky-smooth fabric. It has cooling properties, making it great for hot sleepers, and is moisture wicking and hypoallergenic. While Tencel sheets are durable and resistant to pilling, they do tend to be more expensive. 

In addition to the material, the weave of your sheets also determines how they feel. When you’re shopping for sheets, Tannen says you’ll see terms like sateen, percale, and flannel—each made with a distinct weave. Sateen offers lightweight warmth ideal for year-round use and effortlessly pairs with both warmer and cooler top layers. Percale weaves, on the other hand, are tighter and more structured than sateen, creating a fabric that’s light, crisp, and cool-to-the-touch—the perfect option for hot sleepers. If you’re a cold sleeper, you may prefer flannel sheets, which offer a cozier sleeping experience.

Pocket Depth 

Typically, a deep pocket sheet will be able to fit mattresses between 13 and 17 inches tall, and an extra deep pocket sheet can fit mattresses over 18 inches in height. Before purchasing deep pocket sheets, be sure to measure the depth of your mattress. Also, keep in mind that a mattress topper can add a few extra inches of height to your mattress. 

When shopping for deep pocket sheets, Tannen says elastic banding makes a huge difference in your sleeping and bed-making experience. Many will feel strong to start but stretch out and lose their shape over time. This causes your fitted sheet to slip off while you sleep, or not secure to your mattress in the first place. Make sure that your deep pocket sheets use high-quality elastic before purchasing for a secure fit.

Thread Count

Tannen lets us in on a bedding secret: “Thread count is actually a myth. In fact, it’s the biggest myth in the bedding industry and has been perpetuated for decades.” She says that thread count is simply a measure of fabric density—the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch of fabric. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the thread count, the denser the fabric.

However, denser sheets aren’t necessarily more comfortable or breathable. Instead of focusing on thread count, she recommends doing some research on how the fabric is made, under what conditions, and with what raw materials. “Your sheets should feel both soft and breathable, and the way to achieve that is to prioritize thread quality, not thread count,” she says.  

More Deep Pocket Sheets to Consider

Dreamcare Eucalyptus Sheets: We were impressed with the buttery soft texture and heftiness of these sheets. Plus, they felt quite breathable while lying underneath them. Still, we found them to be lower quality than expected, with lots of loose threads right out of the box.

Vermont Country Store Cotton Flannel Sheets: These flannel sheets are some of the softest we've ever tried, and they maintained their cozy feel throughout two months of use. However, the sides of the sheets began riding up our mattress over time, exuding a less polished appearance.

Person examining Dreamcare Eucalyptus Sheets

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Questions You Might Ask 

What is considered a deep pocket fitted sheet?

Typically, a deep pocket sheet will be able to fit on mattresses between 13 and 18 inches tall, but Tannen advises against choosing sheets in the smaller range, so your sheets can fit on your mattress and mattress topper. Before purchasing deep pocket sheets, it’s a good idea to measure the depth of your mattress and compare it with the product measurements to ensure they’ll fit. Be sure to add a few inches for your mattress topper. If your mattress is greater than 18 inches in depth, you may have to search for extra-deep pocket sheets instead. 

Can you put deep pocket sheets on a regular mattress?

Absolutely. “I personally prefer a deep pocket sheet no matter what size the mattress is," Tannen says, noting that the deeper the pocket, the easier it is to change your sheets. If you’re worried about the sheets being too big or rumpled, Tannen assures that with secure elastic banding, the fitted sheet will stay in place and exude a neat, tailored look regardless of mattress size.

Do you need deep pocket sheets if you have a mattress topper?

For those with a mattress topper, Tannen says deep pocket sheets are the best choice. This is because you won’t have to pull and stretch the fabric to make the mattress topper fit underneath, which can impact the way your sheets feel and make them more prone to tearing.

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, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To come up with this list, we tested deep pocket sheets of all different brands and materials in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. For expert advice on how to shop for deep pocket sheets, Jen spoke to Missy Tannen, founder and chief designer at Boll & Branch

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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