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 What Are the Best Organic Sheet Sets? Plus, bedding experts share exactly what makes a sheet set “organic.” 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 Updated on June 27, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. 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 While high-quality sheets may not seem worthy of a splurge, once you've experienced truly comfortable bedding, there's no turning back. The best organic sheets are free from chemical additives, as certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), making them kinder to the environment and your skin. To come up with our recommendations, we tested 50+ organic sheet sets both in our Des Moines lab and at home. We evaluated organic sheets made from a variety of materials, such as cotton and linen, and considered factors like texture, durability, quality, and overall value for money. We also tapped Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi, textiles expert Deborah Young, and Diana A. Wyman, executive vice president of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, for tips on shopping for organic sheets. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set at Amazon $279 Jump to Review Best Cooling: Sijo Home CrispCool Cotton Sheet Set at Nordstrom $125 Jump to Review Best Cotton Sateen: Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set at Nest Bedding $186 Jump to Review Softest: The Citizenry Organic Cotton Sheet Set at The-citizenry.com Jump to Review Best Linen: Coyuchi Organic Linen Sheets at Amazon $598 Jump to Review Best Flannel: Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets at Amazon $198 Jump to Review Best Silk: Colorado Home Co. Mulberry Silk Sheets Set at Amazon $550 Jump to Review Best Overall Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set PHOTO: Boll & Branch $279 at Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Bollandbranch.com What Stands Out These sheets are made with long-staple cotton that feels substantial and is buttery soft. What Could Be Improved They don't have indicator tags. Every aspect of the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set oozes excellence. The fabric is sumptuous and soft with a nice weight, indicative of great quality, and the construction boasts a deep cuff and perfect seams. After throwing these sheets in the wash, they remained just as flawless and fit on our bed perfectly. These sheets are made of long-staple organic cotton, which ensures a crisp, smooth fabric and makes for luxe bedding. However, if you're used to sleeping with sheets made of a softer material like bamboo, you may find these feel a little harsh at first. Additionally, these sheets are noticeably dense compared to similar options, but they're still breathable, so we didn't overheat while sleeping underneath them in our testing. Plus, because they're more structured, they don't tangle as easily as thinner sheets. One detail we wish this pick had is indicator tags (that specify the long and short sides) to make putting the fitted sheet on the bed more straightforward—but that’s far from a dealbreaker, especially when considering the overall craftsmanship. Even after six months of nightly use, they still look as good as new. From the durable design to the silky fabric, you can tell a lot of thought and care was put into this organic sheet set, and it'll be a staple of your bed for years. Material: Cotton | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches (twin), 17 inches (all other sizes) | Certifications: GOTS | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Cooling Sijo Home CrispCool Cotton Sheet Set PHOTO: Nordstrom $125 at Nordstrom View on Sijo View on Madetrade.com What Stands Out These sheets are crisp, cool, and wick away sweat. What Could Be Improved They wrinkle more easily than other options we tested and don't soften over time. If you’re a hot sleeper, this crisp sheet set can improve your sleep quality thanks to its breathable GOTS-certified cotton fabric. Made with a percale weave, these sheets have a stiff texture and stay cool to the touch all night long. They also are exceptional at moisture wicking, so you won’t wake up feeling sticky if you do with night sweats. We did notice a few loose threads and pilling after abrading them in our durability tests, but overall, these sheets held up well and we didn’t notice any other defects—if anything, we were impressed by the quality of their stitching and their taut fit on our mattress. Along with their impressive durability, these sheets also stood out for their stain resistance. They stayed beautifully white throughout the two-month testing period—no bleach or stain removers needed—and our body oil stains washed out easily without leaving residue behind. These sheets are machine washable, but they do wrinkle easily, so keep that in mind if you prefer perfectly smooth bedding. And, while these sheets are comfortable, they aren’t ultra-soft, so they may not be ideal if you prefer super-cozy bedding. After two months of use, they retained their stiff texture and breathability. Overall, if you want hotel-like, crisp sheets that will help your sleep comfortably, these make a great choice. Material: GOTS-certified cotton | Sizes Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Caifornial king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: GOTS | Return Policy: 7 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Cotton Sateen Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set PHOTO: Nest Bedding $168 at Nest Bedding What Stands Out They’re quite durable and get softer with washing. What Could Be Improved They wrinkle very easily. It’s hard to imagine a sheet set more luxurious than the Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set + Pillowcases. The craftsmanship is excellent; we didn’t notice any loose threads or snags when they arrived, and the fabric feels silky-smooth and lightweight like a sateen sheet should be. After washing, they remained in top-notch condition and only got softer. These sheets have a slightly oversized fit, but they shrunk a bit after washing them so we didn’t have to worry about them sliding around at night. They also performed exceptionally well in our durability test and didn’t pill or snag at all from abrading them with sandpaper. The coffee and makeup foundation stains vanished after treating them, but the oil stain remained, so they aren’t the most stain-resistant option we tested. We also liked how breathable these sheets feel. Even in warmer weather, we noticed the fabric has great airflow and helped us stay cool and comfortable on hot nights. After six months of testing, our only complaint is that they wrinkle easily, which makes them tricky to store, but their quality and softness is just the same as when we first started using them. For the price, these sheets deliver amazing value and make a great addition to any bed. Material: Fair Trade and GOTS-certified cotton | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade | Return policy: 365 days Real Simple / Henry Wortock 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 Stains lifted effortlessly from these sheets, and they remained in nearly perfect condition throughout our testing. What Could Be Improved The sizing on the fitted sheet was a bit off. We can't say enough good things about these organic sheets from The Citizenry. They exceeded all of our tests in terms of quality, durability, and touch, and they stood out among other cotton and linen sheet options we tested due to their beautiful craftsmanship and incredible softness. We also like the narrow striped appearance of these sheets, bringing a touch of elegance to our bed. These sheets have a matte finish, like percale, though they don't have the typical crispness associated with percale sheets. Instead, they're soft and cozy, draping over your body. Despite their coziness, they kept us cool throughout the night, quickly becoming our go-to sheets for the summer heat. They're also quite durable; the only issue we came across was a few loose threads on the fitted sheet after washing, but the seams remained in good standing. After staining the sheets with makeup foundation, coffee, and oil, they cleaned up easily, and you couldn't tell they had been stained at all. After six months of use, the sheets have maintained their high-quality look and feel. In fact, they've actually gotten softer over time. We do recommend that you check the size guide before purchasing. The fitted sheet was a bit too big for our mattress, though it stayed put and didn't shift throughout the night. We think these organic sheets are well worth the price, but if you're on the fence, The Citizenry's 30-day return policy gives you plenty of time to try them out and return them if need be. Material: Turkish cotton | Size Range: Full, queen, king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex, GOTS | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Linen Coyuchi Organic Linen Sheets PHOTO: Coyuchi $598 at Amazon $538 at Nordstrom $538 at Wayfair What Stands Out The organic French-grown fabric is as luxe as it gets, and it comes pre-washed for extra softness. What Could Be Improved They stain somewhat easily. If you’re new to linen sheets or find most linen bedding too rough, this sheet set from Coyuchi may be a better fit for your sleeping preferences. The Organic Relaxed Linen Sheet Set comes garment washed, so it’s already soft and broken in, and it gets cozier with wear—after six months of use, we found the sheets to be noticeably softer. Since these organic sheets are lightweight, temperature regulating, and breathable, they'll help you sleep comfortably all season long. In our testing, we didn't notice any quality issues in these sheets aside from some loose threads that came out while washing, which is pretty standard for linen. We also loved some of the small, luxurious details these linen sheets have, like picked stitching and rich dyes that reflect their quality craftsmanship. It should be noted that linen has a more rumpled, lived-in look, so if you prefer crisp bedding, this is not the sheet set for you. They also may stain a bit as you sleep, though we didn't find this too visible. Regardless, if you like sleeping on soft, airy sheets, these make a great pick. These organic linen sheets are expensive, but if you can swing it, the quality is worth the price. The brand sources top-tier GOTS- and Made-Safe certified organic flax grown in France, ensuring that its sheets are made with fair labor practices and without pesticides. Material: French flax (linen) | Size Range: Full, queen, king, California king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: GOTS, Made Safe | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Flannel Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets PHOTO: Coyuchi $198 at Amazon $198 at Nordstrom $198 at Wayfair What Stands Out The brushed cotton fabric is among the softest and coziest we’ve ever tested. What Could Be Improved A few more color options would be nice to choose from. Coyuchi's Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets are essential when it comes to building your coziest bed come winter. We were wowed by their soft touch, which felt almost like cashmere, and loved their thick, plush texture. Once we took them out of the packaging, we couldn't help but bury our face in them. Woven from long-staple, GOTS-certified Turkish cotton, these sheets are free from chemicals and pesticides that can harm you and the environment, and they're brushed to buttery, fleecy perfection. In addition to being cozy, these sheets are durable. We didn't notice any imperfections during our testing; they arrived without loose threads or snags and remained in mint condition, even after throwing them in the wash. They have a nice weight to them that's substantial without being too heavy, so while these aren't the best option for warmer temperatures, they make a toasty option for fall and winter. Despite their heft, these sheets are still breathable and comfortable to sleep with. Over the two-month testing period, these sheets have somehow gotten even softer—which we didn't think was possible. We do wish these sheets came in some more color and pattern options, but the few neutral hues that Coyuchi offers are sure to match lots of decor schemes. Plus, their incredible coziness can't be beat. Material: Turkish cotton | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: Made Safe and GOTS | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Real Simple / Grant Webster Best Silk Colorado Home Co. Mulberry Silk Sheets Set PHOTO: Amazon $550 at Amazon What Stands Out These sheets didn’t show any wear after six months of continuous testing. What Could Be Improved Some stains didn’t lift after spot treating. Silk sheets are a great investment because they’re breathable and skin friendly since they’re hypoallergenic—plus they bring a luxe touch to your bed. This silk sheet set from Colorado Home Co stood out because its made from 100% organic mulberry silk, which lends to silky hand and a comforting weight, and they are machine washable (though washing by hand is recommended). They arrived with hardly any flaws and stayed in perfect condition after washing and using them for six months. The only downside to these sheets is that it’s difficult to remove stains from them. While we were able to get the coffee stain out in our testing, the oil and foundation wouldn’t budge. On the flip side, they didn’t show any signs of distressing during our durability tests, so even though they’re expensive, they’ll last for a while. After six months of testing, these sheets remained in great shape. They didn’t lose their soft hand or silky sheen, and they retained their shape, so they fit on our mattress perfectly. They helped regulate our body temperature during warmer months and looked stylish while doing so. They are a little time-consuming to care for if you go the hand-washing route, but the quality of these sheets is worth the extra effort. Material: Oeko-Tex and GOTS-certified mulberry silk | Size Range: Queen, king, California king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex, GOTS | Return policy: 30 days Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict The Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set stood out in our testing for its impeccable construction, durability, and quality. We loved the cool, silky touch of its fabric, and the sateen weave adds a subtle sheen to bring some extra luxury to your bed. If you're seeking an extra cozy sheet set, we recommend the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets, which are some of the softest we've ever felt. Our Testing Process To date, we’ve tested nearly 200 sheet sets—58 of which were organic—both in our lab and at home. Before our hands-on tests, we tapped three industry experts, Thornburg, Young and Wyman, for their thoughts on shopping for sheets. Once we got our hands on the sheets, we started by inspecting them for any flaws, such as loose threads and discoloration. Our experts told us that it’s normal for sheets to shrink around 5%, though high-end brands tend to shrink less than budget brands. We evaluated shrinkage by measuring a pre-drawn 12.5-by-12.5-inch square on the sheets after they were washed three times. Next, we evaluated the quality of the sheets by comparing the texture of the fitted sheet that had been washed three times to an unwashed pillowcase. We also performed several durability tests. To see how well the fabric holds onto stains, we poured small amounts of coffee, oil, and foundation on the flat sheet. To test the moisture-wicking capabilities of each sheet set, we analyzed how much a single drop of water expands in 10 seconds (the quicker it expands, the more moisture-wicking the fabric is). Finally, we evaluated the fit of each set by making a bed with it—fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases, and all—and noted if there was any excess fabric or if it was hard to squeeze on. We even hopped in bed and rolled around a bit to see if the fitted sheets hold up well to restless sleepers. For long-term insights, we took the sheets home with us and evaluated their real-world performance after two and six months of use. Real Simple / Dera Burreson How to Shop for Organic Sheets Like a Pro Material We all have our unique preferences for certain bedding materials. Some may prefer the softness of jersey sheets while others prefer the silky-smooth feeling of a sateen weave. Though, it can be hard to know which material is the best fit without an actual snooze session. Generally, you can’t go wrong with a classic cotton sheet. It’s one of the most popular materials for a reason as it’s breathable, soft, and versatile in different climates. In fact, most of the sheets on our list are made of organic cotton. Linen is another great option for cooling sheets, though it can feel stiff before it feels soft. “Linen breaks down over time and gets softer with age and it is incredibly absorbent, even more so than cotton,” Young says. Thornburg recommends considering what materials feel best against your skin and what temperature you lean towards. Cold sleepers would benefit more from a cozy flannel sheet while hot sleepers may be more comfortable with something light and airy. Certifications When it comes to organic sheets, three main certifications can help you steer clear of green-washing: the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and the Greenguard Gold. The strictest certification is GOTS, which vets not only the final product, but the entire supply chain to ensure that all materials meet the organization's strict criteria. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is also popular, though it only ensures that the final product is safe for consumers and doesn’t provide any transparency in the entire manufacturing process. While Oeko-Tex has stricter chemical limits than conventional textile standards, it isn’t as stringent as GOTS. Lastly, the Greenguard Gold certificate tests the amount of chemical compounds and greenhouse gasses that are emitted from your sheets, ensuring they are safer for your household and the environment. In addition to Oeko-Tex and GOTS, some companies also opt for a Made Safe certification, which is considered to be one of the most rigorous certifications available. Products that are Made Safe are free from any ingredients that are known to harm human health, animals, or the environment, and are approved using a scientific process. Made Safe errs on the cautionary side, so if there’s the slightest chance that a product contains a harmful toxin, it won’t be awarded the seal, which is why the company’s standards are considered to be so high. Price After determining your desired materials, Thornburg recommends deciding what your budget is. While there are budget options available, organic sheets tend to be more expensive in general, so be prepared to get a little spendy. Several factors go into the price of organic sheets, as many companies pride themselves on using quality materials, less wasteful packaging, applying for certifications, and maintaining an ethical supply chain, but that’s what makes them a cut above a standard sheet set. In general, sheets with a standard cotton weave are cheaper than materials like bamboo, eucalyptus, and linen. More Organic Sheets to Consider Riley Organic Cotton Sheet Set: These sheets made a great first impression. They were soft, silky, and breathable, though they had a few loose threads we had to snip away. After washing, they became stiffer and less comfortable, and the loose threads continued to unravel. While they performed well in our abrasion tests and were resistant to pilling, we feel that their craftsmanship isn't as strong as similar options. Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set: These sheets held a bit more heat than other options we tested, but we didn't notice any loose threads or pilling during our testing. If anything, we were impressed with their overall quality and enjoyed curling up with their plush, organic fabric. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask What makes a sheet set "organic"? “Organic’ refers to the fiber, such as cotton or linen, that is grown in a way that does not use chemical fertilizers, pesticides or other artificial agents that are harmful to the earth,” says Thornburg. She goes on to explain that the GOTS certification is the highest standard for organic certification—it not only certifies that the farming follows organic practices but also every step in the supply chain. If you see sheets with a GOTS certification, you can trust that they were made without chemical processes. What are the benefits of organic sheets? While they’re a bit of a splurge, making the switch to organic sheets is worthwhile for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals and pesticides, whether for environmental or personal reasons. “We pay attention to organic foods we put in our body, but not on the stuff we put on our body, and fabrics are finished with some pretty harsh nasty chemicals,” says Young. How should you care for organic sheets? “Organic sheets require the same care as traditional sheets,” Thornburg says. However, she mentions that there are ways to clean your sheets that are more beneficial for the earth and your bedding. She suggests washing them on gentle or delicate cycles to create less agitation and thus wear over time and using cold water with a natural, plant-based detergent, then tumble drying low, which is more gentle on your sheets. Thornburg recommends avoiding chlorine bleach because the chemicals can break down the fabric fibers and instead suggests using an oxygen bleach/whitener instead. She prefers wool dryer balls inside the dryer because they naturally soften sheets and help decrease drying time, and she stays away from fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which reduce the absorbency of textiles and are not recommended. Do organic sheets last longer than regular sheets? Organic sheets made with GOTS-certified materials are processed without harsh chemicals and [with] high-quality cotton, Thornburg says, so they may end up lasting longer than regular sheets. Of course, neglecting your sheets will cause them to wear down faster, whether they’re organic or not, so make sure you take proper care of them. Are organic sheets worth buying? If you’ve never splurged on organic sheets, it may not seem worth it to shell out the extra cash, but we can assure you it is. Since organic sheets are made with top-tier materials without harsh processing, they can increase the lifespan of your bedding and help you sleep more soundly. "You can rest well knowing the cotton you spend your night sleeping on never came into contact with these chemicals," she says. She adds that organic sheets are worth investing in to ensure you are sleeping on a natural fiber without the harsh chemicals used in the traditional manufacturing process—which is not only good for you but for our planet. 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 write this article, we tested the best organic sheets and considered factors like material, price, and certifications. For expert advice on shopping for organic sheets, we spoke to Deborah Young, textiles expert; Whitney Thornburg, design director at Coyuchi; and Diana A. Wyman, executive vice president of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. 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.