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The Best Sateen Sheets We've Ever Tested

The luxurious and durable fabric is one of the most popular options for bedding, and we found the best sets.

Bed made with sateen sheets with two other sets of sheets folded on top
Photo:

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

Sateen sheets are guaranteed to make your bedroom feel more like a luxe hotel room, thanks to their weightiness, sheen, and silky-smooth hand. Because of the reduced amount of yarn interlacing for this particular weave pattern, sateen is breathable, flexible, and less prone to wrinkles than many other fabrics made from the same material, which is typically cotton. The result is perfect for hot sleepers during winter months and cold sleepers year round.

To make sure you get the buttery-soft feel and lustrous look sateen is known for, we tested 34 popular sateen sheet sets, evaluating fit, durability, weight, texture, breathability, and overall comfort. For expert insight, we consulted Kristina Diaz, director of development for home textiles at Macy’s, and Annie Kersey, lead interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects, on what to look for when buying sateen sheets.

What Stands Out
  • They have reinforced hems for durability and a generous pocket that can comfortably fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep.

What Could Be Improved
  • They don't have any certifications.

Made from premium, American-grown Supima cotton, these sateen sheets from Lands’ End earned the best overall spot on our list for their luxurious feel and durable construction. After sleeping on this sheet set for six months, we can attest it is among the highest quality we've ever tried.

These sheets have the classic, silky-smooth sateen feel, yet with a heft indicative of quality. They feel soft to the touch, with a slight crispness that is pleasant against the skin and drapes beautifully over the bed. The reinforced hem not only makes these sheets more durable, but also takes out the guess work when determining which end is the top and which is the bottom. We particularly appreciate the deep pockets, which can comfortably fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep. Plus, the sheets are breathable—they maintained a cool-to-the-touch sensation in our testing, warming us up to a comfortable (but not stifling) level within five minutes.

Given the construction and material of these sheets, it was no surprise that they held up beautifully in the wash. There was no shrinkage or damage and very minimal wrinkling after laundering. In fact, the brand notes that the fibers are treated with a no-wrinkle finishing process. Even after six months of use, the sheets still look and feel brand new. Plus, the lotion stain we added prior to washing came out completely.

Although the sheets are not Oeko-Tex certified, they are made from 100% Supima cotton, which is farmed to minimize environmental impact. The sheets are priced above the median of all those we tested, but there is a 90-day return window, so you can take your time deciding. And like many Lands’ End products, these sheets are available in a variety of colors and come with the option to add a monogram for an additional fee.

Material: Supima cotton | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: N/A | Return Window: 90 days

What Stands Out
  • Top and bottom tags save you the hassle of determining which side is the long side and which is the short.

What Could Be Improved
  • Hot sleepers may find the sheets too warm.

The California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheets prove that high-quality bedding doesn't have to break the bank. These sheets struck the perfect balance between softness and silkiness, making them a great middle-ground option for anyone who can’t decide between sateen and percale. Not only do they retail for a fraction of the median cost of other options we tested, but they’re well constructed and held up well throughout two months of use—aside from some slight shrinkage, we observed no signs of wear. We do wish they were less wrinkly, though.

While making the bed, we appreciated the top and bottom tags that saved us the hassle of determining which side was the long side and which was the short. Plus, the 16-inch pocket depth makes them a fit for most mattress sizes. Like many sateen sheets, though, these sheets are likely best suited for cold sleepers.

Overall, these are high-quality sheets at a reasonable price. Made from long-staple cotton, they are soft without being overly silky or satiny and drape well without any static or stiffness. They’re available in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, so you can buy several sets to outfit every room in your home.

Material: Long-staple cotton | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Return Window: 30 days

What Stands Out
  • The 300 thread count allows for ample airflow.


What Could Be Improved
  • The texture is a bit stiff and structured.

If you are in the market for organic sheets, the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set comes with Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifications. What’s more, we found the sheets to be well constructed with a silky smooth hand.

These sheets are a great option for hot sleepers, as they allow for ample airflow, thanks in part to the 300 thread count—one of the lowest of all those we tested (keep in mind that a lower thread count does not equal lower quality). While we found the texture to be a bit more structured and heavier than other options we tested, the sheets were still breathable. Some of us would even go as far as to say this was the first set that made us feel like we could drifted to sleep within minutes. The stiffness also prevented the sheets from tangling as we moved throughout the night, making them ideal for those who toss and turn.

When making the bed, we appreciated the 17-inch pocket that slid over the mattress without issue. After six months of laundering, we noticed no signs of wear and tear. In fact, they felt like crisp, clean hotel sheets, growing a bit softer with every wash. Given the price, we’d have to like to see a trial period longer than 30 days. However, if you’re in the market for organic bedding, the Boll & Branch sheet set may be worth the cost.

Material: Organic long-staple cotton | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, GOTS | Return Window: 30 days

Parachute Sateen Sheet Set
PHOTO: Parachute
What Stands Out
  • They have a light and luxurious drape and a soft hand that’s not overly silk-like.

What Could Be Improved
  • The seams don't lay flat, and you have to pay extra for a top sheet.

Some people like to use sateen sheets during the winter months, because their tight weave makes them warmer than percale. However, this lightweight sateen sheet set from Parachute proved to be breathable enough for summer use, too. It promoted ample airflow, keeping us comfortably cool throughout the night. We never felt stifled or hot beneath the top sheet, making this a great choice for any season.

These sheets have a luxurious drape and a soft hand that’s smooth without being overly silky. Although they had a subtle sheen to begin with, this dissipated a bit after the second wash. Despite this change in appearance, we observed no other damage after laundering. Even after six months of use and weekly washes, the sheets still look and feel the same as they did on day one.

Some of us observed that the seams didn't lay flat, and it should be noted that you have to pay extra for a top sheet (or you can purchase the matching duvet, which is on our list of best duvet covers). The set is not available in twin sizes, either. However, given the quality of the long-staple Egyptian cotton and the amount of airflow it allows for, these are a great buy for those who sleep warm.

Material: Long-staple Egyptian cotton | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Return Window: 60 days

What Stands Out
  • The classic hem gives them a crisp, clean look.

What Could Be Improved
  • The sheets wrinkle a bit more easily when left in the laundry basket.

With their medium weight and impressive breathability, this Crane & Canopy sheet set is perfect for year-round use. The extra-long-staple cotton and 400 thread count ensures the sheets are soft, durable, and insulating during the winter. After six months of use, these sheets have cemented themselves in a our bedding rotation—whenever we wash them, we always put them back on rather than grabbing for another set.

We found the material to be smooth, crisp, and less silky than other sateen sheets we tested. They kept us cool throughout the night, and even those of us who are hot sleepers never woke up feeling overheated. There were no imperfections on the sheets either before or after laundering, and the lotion stain was completely removed after one wash cycle. However, the sheets did lose their sheen after the initial wash, and they seemed to wrinkle a bit more easily than some of the other sets we tested when left in the laundry basket.

We particularly like the tags that indicate which side of the sheet is which, and the 16-inch pocket that fits snug to the mattress. The classic hem also gives the set a crisp, clean look. Plus, it comes with the option to monogram, making it a great gift, too. In addition to Soft White, the sateen set is also available in a variety of colors and patterns. Unfortunately, the return policy is not the most generous—returns are only accepted on unused and unwashed products within 30 days of purchase.

Material: Extra long-staple cotton | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Return Window: 30 days on unused and unwashed products only

What Stands Out
  • They have a heavy yet buttery feel while remaining cool to the touch.

What Could Be Improved
  • There might be some slight dethreading after laundering.

Although the thread count is on the lower end of our range at 300, we loved the heavy and buttery feel of these organic sheets. The long-staple organic cotton fibers felt smooth, soft, and luxurious without being overly shiny or silky. We would even go as far as to say they felt like they belonged in a five-star hotel. Despite their heavy feel, these 100% cotton sheets remained cool-to-the-touch in our tests.

After six months of use, these sheets have maintained their gleam with minimal signs of wear and tear, aside from some slight dethreading. The sheets themselves fit our mattress perfectly, but the pillowcases are a bit short. While they do get fairly wrinkly post wash, they seemed to flatten once we stretched them over our mattress. Given the high quality and lower price tag, they’re a fantastic value—plus, they also come with a generous year-long trial period. In fact, we even plan to buy a second set for a guest bedroom.

Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Return Window: 365 days

What Stands Out
  • They come in 17 colors and 7 sizes.

What Could Be Improved
  • They shrank a bit and lost some of their sheen.

Although thread count is not necessarily an indication of quality, the high thread count of these Egyptian cotton sheets produces a buttery-soft effect. In our testing, we found that these sheets looked good, felt good, and fit well on the bed.

This sheet set has a heavier yet still comfortable weight that drapes nicely over any bed. We also appreciate the lack of static, so you won't have to worry about them sticking to you as you toss and turn. Plus, they're breathable—the lightweight feel kept us cool throughout the night, regulating our body temperature as we slept. The elasticized, 15-inch pocket of the fitted sheet held snug to the mattress, too. After washing, the sheets did shrink a bit (which is to be expected of cotton) and lost a bit of their sheen. However, they remained soft and rich throughout six months of use, with no other signs of wear and tear.

The set is available in a wide variety of colors, with sizes ranging from twin all the way up to California king. Overall, this is a great choice if you want the look and feel of hotel-quality bedding at a reasonable price. If you’re still on the fence, the manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee—if for whatever reason you are unsatisfied with your sheets, you can contact the brand for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

Material: Egyptian cotton | Thread Count: 800 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Return Window: 30 days

What Stands Out
  • They have been garment washed to soften the fibers, prevent shrinkage, and give them a more lived-in look.

What Could Be Improved
  • They're a bit stiff and lack the sheen of other sateen sheets.

Sateen sheets can be a double-edged sword. While their silky smooth texture feels luxurious on the skin, this same texture can cause the sheets to gradually slide up the sides of the mattress. Fortunately, these sateen sheets from L.L. Bean held tight to the mattress during testing, with the corners fitting smoothly without bunching up. Plus, the 15-inch pocket can comfortably accommodate most mattress heights. 

These sheets are soft with a light-to-medium weight (the thread count is 310), allowing for ample airflow. They have been garment washed to soften the fibers, prevent shrinkage, and give them a more relaxed, lived-in look (though not shiny like that of some other sateen sheets). They are a bit stiff, though, so if you're seeking a softer sheet set, you may want to look elsewhere.

Post wash, the sheets held up remarkably well; we noticed no damage or loose threading after six months of use, and the lotion stain came out with ease. Overall, these sheets don’t have the slippery, glossy finish of some other sateen sheets, but they still feel cozy and breathable. And they remain snug against the mattress no matter how much tossing and turning you do. 

Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 310 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Certifications: Not listed | Return Window: 90 days

What Stands Out
  • They have a super silky and smooth finish with an almost opalescent sheen that stays put even after washing.

What Could Be Improved
  • They might be a little too lightweight for some.

People who like sateen for its silkiness in particular will love the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets. They’re made from Tencel lyocell, a fiber made by dissolving wood pulp—mainly ​​eucalyptus, beech, birch, and spruce—in a chemical solvent and pushing it through an extruder to form fibers. The resulting material is moisture wicking, antibacterial, and cool to the touch. We found them to have the perfect amount of heft—they weren't as airy as other sateen sheets, but they weren't too thick, either.

This particular sheet set from Brooklyn Bedding has a super silky and smooth finish with an almost opalescent sheen that stays put, even after washing. With a thread count of 300, we found these sheets to be very lightweight with an immediate cooling sensation. We especially appreciate the thick elastic band and deep pockets, which keep the fitted sheet from sliding up the corners of the mattress. After six months of use, there were no signs of wear and tear, and the lotion stain was completely removed post wash.

Material: Tencel lyocell | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Return Window: 30 days

Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets displayed on a bed with a woven headboard

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

What Stands Out
  • They offer excellent breathability that keeps you warm without being smothering.

What Could Be Improved
  • We noticed some pattern fading after just a few washes.

Target’s in-house Threshold brand is known for its quality and on-trend home goods available at a reasonable price point. One of their most popular sheets, the Printed Performance Sheets, are crafted from 100% cotton sateen with a 400 thread count. We immediately took note of the vibrancy of the colors and patterns, and especially the various options to choose from. What’s more, we found the sheets to be smooth and tightly woven, offering excellent breathability that kept us warm without smothering us. They also come with tags labeling the top and bottom sides, ensuring a hassle-free bed-making process.

It's worth noting that these sheets had pretty much no sheen, and we did notice some fraying on the edges—a tradeoff for the low price point. However, the sheets held up well throughout six months of use, and the lotion stain was completely removed post wash. Unfortunately, the pattern did visibly fade on the fitted sheet after a few washes. But given the inexpensive price tag, you have some wiggle room to purchase more than one set, so you can regularly change up your bedding throughout the year.

Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Return Window: 365 days

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Lands’ End Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set, which are silky smooth without being too slippery. These sheets are made to last, thanks to the reinforced hem and durable construction that held up beautifully after multiple washings.

For a budget-friendly option, we like the California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set because it has a crisp yet soft feel that makes a great middle ground for those who can’t decide between sateen and percale. Not only that, but they held up well in the wash and feature a deep pocket that fits most mattress sizes.

Our Testing Process

We acquired 34 sateen sheet sets and put them through a series of tests in our Des Moines lab and at home, evaluating them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. To start, we took the sheets out of the package and inspected them, taking note of the texture as well as any visible flaws. We also measured the size of the flat sheet and the pillowcase prior to washing.

Next, we washed each sheet set according to the manufacturer's instructions. Afterwards, we measured the flat sheet and the pillowcase again to check for any shrinkage. We also made the bed using the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and one pillowcase, looking for any signs of wrinkling or other wear and damage. During this portion of the testing, we took note of how well the fitted sheet secured to the bed, as well as any extra features such as labeling along the sides, ties, etc.

To test for stain resistance, we spread one tablespoon of lotion into the corner of the flat sheet and allowed it to sit for 30 minutes before washing. Finally, we washed and dried the sheets according to the manufacturer's instructions for a second time and took note of how wrinkly they were immediately after removing them from the dryer. We then transferred the sheets to a laundry basket and allowed them to sit for an hour. Then we assessed how wrinkled the sheets were, and took note of any texture changes, pilling, and whether the lotion stain came out.

Finally, we received the retail price of each sheet set and scored its value relative to its performance. For long-term insights, we took the top-performing sheets home with us to evaluate them after two and six months of use.

How to Shop for Sateen Sheets Like a Pro

Material

Most sateen sheets are made with cotton, which is prized for its breathability and soft feel. Look for long-staple or extra-long-staple cotton—the longer the staple (or fiber), the softer and more durable the fabric. Some of the most popular types of extra-long-staple cotton are Egyptian, Pima, and Supima (the latter is a trademarked brand of American-grown Pima cotton).

But not all sateen sheets are made from cotton; you’ll also find cotton and synthetic fiber blends, the most common being polyester, rayon, and lyocell. Rayon and lyocell may be derived from plant-based materials, such as bamboo or eucalyptus, both of which are great for drawing heat away from the body and wicking away moisture.

Thread Count

You may be wondering—does thread count matter? “When shopping for bed sheets, I always advise clients to not get too focused on thread count,” says Kersey. “A higher thread count doesn’t always translate to higher quality or superior comfort.”

Thread count simply refers to the number of threads in a square inch of fabric, which is not necessarily an indicator of quality. In fact, some manufacturers—such as Parachute—no longer advertise the thread count of their products.

Where thread count is advertised, you’ll generally find sateen sheets to fall between 300 and 600. Beware of ultra-high thread counts; Kersey says weaker, cheaper threads can be twisted to increase the thread count number. "In summary, don’t expect an 800 thread count bed sheet to be better than a 300 thread count sheet,” she advises. And keep in mind that sheets with a lower thread count tend to allow for more airflow, making them well suited for hot sleepers: “If you have 1,000 threads per square inch, the sheet will feel heavy and thick—not ideal for a warm sleeper!” adds Diaz.

Person looking at their phone while laying in a bed made with Quince Luxury Organic Sateen Sheet Set

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

Certifications

When bed sheets are made, they are processed with chemicals that can leave harmful residue behind. Fortunately, there are independent third-party tests that ensure that textiles meet certain standards for product safety—the most widely trusted being the Oeko-Tex certification, which includes Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex and Made In Green by Oeko-Tex labels.

The Standard 100 label signals that a product has been tested for harmful substances, while the Made In Green label ensures that the product is safe from harmful substances and manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities with socially responsible work practices. All Made In Green-certified products are also Standard 100-certified, but not the other way around.

For organic textiles, the most reputable certification is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label—another independent third-party certification that defines requirements for organic textiles, from harvesting raw materials to manufacturing and labeling. Our favorite organic sheet set, the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, is GOTS-certified.

Return Policy

Even when you consider all of the factors above, bed sheets are still a deeply personal choice, and you may need some time to determine which you like best. Fortunately, many brands feature long trial periods during which you may be able to return the sheets for a full refund. Return windows can range from 30 days all the way up to a year. Kersey also suggests requesting fabric swatches when possible: “Because materials can widely differ by brand, actually feeling the swatches can provide you with great insight.”

More Sateen Sheets to Consider

Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set: We found these organic sheets to be breezy and breathable, keeping us cool throughout the night. Just keep in mind that they're a bit stiff and rigid at first, and they may require a break-in period before they're soft and cozy.

Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set: Brooklinen’s best-selling sateen bed sheets have quite a few fans, and we’re among them. They have a smooth hand that doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, and their thread count falls right within our optimal range at 480. However, there are softer, higher quality options on our list for a similar price.

Person making a bed with The Company Store Company Cotton Sateen Sheet Set

Real Simple / Henry Wortock

Questions You Might Ask

What's the difference between sateen and percale sheets?

The terms sateen and percale refer to the way the material is woven. “Did you love the smooth, crisp sheets at the last luxury hotel you visited?” asks Kersey. “Chances are it was a cotton percale or a cotton sateen.”

Sateen sheets use a one-thread-under and three-or-four-threads-over pattern that results in a silky smooth finish and a slight sheen. “The yarns in a sateen weave cover more surface area making them appear shinier with a buttery soft hand feel,” says Diaz.

Percale sheets, on the other hand, use a simple, one-thread-over, one-thread-under pattern that results in a crisper, cooler feel (similar to that of a dress shirt). Sateen tends to be softer than percale, which can be a bit more stiff with a matte finish. However, percale sheets generally allow for more airflow due to their looser weave.

Are sateen sheets cooling?

When compared to percale sheets, sateen sheets are better suited for cold sleepers, as the material retains heat well and allows for less airflow. However, the silky finish can have a slight cooling sensation, and, depending on the material, sateen sheets can still be breathable. Natural fibers like cotton tend to be more breathable than synthetic fibers, such as polyester. And certain plant-derived fibers, such as Tencel lyocell, can have a cooling sensation as well as moisture-wicking properties.

How long do sateen sheets last?

In general, sateen sheets have a lifespan similar to that of other types of bed sheets—about two to three years when used daily. “Have at least three sets of sheets in rotation, otherwise over-washing and use of the same sheet can deteriorate the fibers much quicker,” suggests Diaz. Compared to percale sheets, sateen sheets are more prone to pilling and snagging with use, so Kersey cautions against using them in a children’s bedroom. However, following the manufacturer’s care instructions can help to prevent or delay these issues.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, a commerce editor with five years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 34 sateen sheets in our lab and at home, evaluating them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. Melanie also consulted Kristina Diaz, director of development for home textiles at Macy’s, as well as Annie Kersey, lead interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects, for expert insight on how to shop for sateen sheets.

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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