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The 9 Best Cotton Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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Parachute's Brushed Cotton Sheet Set is the winner

<p>People / Henry Wortock</p>

People / Henry Wortock

Cotton is the most popular choice for bedding — and for good reason. The fabric is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, meaning it draws sweat away from your skin while you sleep. But not all cotton sheet sets are created equal.

"The quality of the cotton, especially the length of the cotton fiber, affects the feel and performance of a sheet," says textile expert Saana Baker. "Look for long-staple cotton, such as Egyptian, Turkish, or Supima, for the best quality."

We tested several best-selling, top-rated sheets to see which ones live up to their claims — both in the lab and in our homes. Each set was evaluated for texture, durability, breathability, quality before and after washing, and overall value. (Get more details about our in-depth testing process below.)

These are the best cotton sheets PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall: Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

Buy at Nordstrom.com

Buy at Parachutehome.com

Pros

  • These sheets are exceptionally soft and smooth.

  • They are the ideal medium weight, cozy but not too warm.

  • The cotton sheets resist shrinking, pilling, and tearing.

Cons

  • They could be more stain-resistant; oil stains left a mark.

  • They wrinkle easily in the wash.

Of all the sets we tried, Parachute's brushed cotton sheets are definitely our favorite. Out of the box, we didn't see any imperfections. The fabric felt immediately smooth and exceptionally soft with a perfect medium weight — cozy but not too warm. (Brushed cotton is combed on one side to improve softness and insulation, but it's not as warm as flannel, which is brushed on both sides.)

We were able to easily fit the 16-inch-deep fitted sheet onto a mattress and secure it on all corners. It was a taut fit, which helped prevent it from bunching up and slipping off during the night. These sheets seem to be plenty breathable and more absorbent than others, so they're a great choice for folks prone to night sweats.

They also held up well in the wash, with no shrinkage, and are resistant to abrasion, showing no tears or pilling during our tests. Most stains came right out, save for an oil spot, which we weren't able to remove entirely. The price is above average for cotton sheets, but so is the quality. In the end, we think these are a great value and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to a friend.

How they've held up:

After three months of at-home use, we're still very pleased with these sheets. Like most 100 percent cotton fabrics with a plain weave, the material is prone to wrinkling in the wash. (You can minimize this by taking your bedding out of the dryer when it's about 90 percent dry and making the bed immediately.) Still, we love the soft, smooth, ultra-cozy material and expect these sheets to last several years.

Price at time of publish: From $269

Sizes: Full, queen, king | Weave: Plain/brushed | Care: Machine-wash, tumble-dry

Best Overall (Less Expensive): Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count HygroCotton Sheet Set

Buy at Walmart.com

Pros

  • This set is a great value; it’s high-quality and affordable.

  • The sheets are breathable and moisture-wicking, so they’re good for hot sleepers.

  • These sheets feel cool to the touch yet cozy, so they are suitable for year-round use.

Cons

  • The sheets felt slightly stiff at first.

  • They are not available in twin or twin XL sizes.

Editor's Note: Better Homes & Gardens is owned by PEOPLE's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.

We were also thoroughly impressed by this sheet set from Better Homes & Gardens. Though these cotton sheets were slightly stiff out of the packaging, they felt soft and lightweight with a nice drape and a subtle brushed texture. We didn't notice any imperfections, either. After running them through the wash, they were even softer.

Though these bed sheets are breathable and cool to the touch, they're also plenty cozy and would definitely be suitable for year-round use. They passed our absorbency and moisture-wicking test with flying colors, so you can bet they'll wick away sweat while you doze. Thanks to the extra-deep fitted sheet with top/bottom indicators, making the bed was super easy, and it stayed in place until we were ready to take it off. All things considered, this reasonably priced sheet set is an excellent value.

How they've held up:

We continued using these sheets for a few months after our original tests. Everything still fit well, the texture remained soft, and they continued to have a cool-to-the-touch, lightweight feel. They’re only available in full, queen, and king sizes, but if one of those will fit your bed, they are an excellent choice. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend these sheets to anyone looking for high-quality, affordable bedding for year-round use.

Price at time of publish: From $44.88

Sizes: Full, queen, king | Weave: Plain square | Care: Machine-wash warm, tumble-dry low

Best Budget: Threshold 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Solid Sheet Set

Buy at Target.com

Pros

  • The fabric is lightweight with a crisp, cool feel.

  • The sheets are breathable, moisture-wicking, and airy.

  • This set softens with every wash.

Cons

  • These sheets are prone to wrinkling in the wash.

If you're on a budget, we recommend this sheet set from Threshold. The fabric is woven from certified-organic cotton and features a plain square weave with a smooth matte finish. Out of the box, these sheets had a crisp, cool, ultra-light feel. Upon washing them, they became slightly softer — although, like many other cotton sheets, they became wrinkled in the wash.

The fitted sheet was easy to get on the mattress and stayed securely in place, thanks to the elasticized corners — extra points for the top/bottom indicators. Based on our absorbency test, these bed sheets seem to wick away moisture well, so you won't have to worry about night sweats. And as you'd expect, the lightweight material allows plenty of air to pass through. For such an affordable price, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this set to a friend.

How they've held up:

After months of use, we still love these sheets. We wash them weekly and have not detected any shrinkage or signs of wear, including pilling, loose threads, or holes. The sheets have actually become softer over time and remain cool during sleep. They are light, breathable, and the ideal weight for summer or between seasons for warmer sleepers.

Price at time of publish: From $45

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king | Weave: Plain square | Care: Machine-wash, tumble-dry

Most Comfortable: California Design Den 600 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheets Set

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Walmart.com

Pros

  • This set is made with a soft, breathable material.

  • They held up after washing without loose threads or snags.

  • They feature a moisture-wicking fabric that dries quickly.

Cons

  • These sheets ripped slightly during the abrasion test.

  • The pillowcases didn’t have enclosure flaps.

To get the full picture of quality and value, we put the California Design cotton sheets to the test in our lab and at home. Overall, we thought the sheets were well made. The quality was apparent in the little details like the stitching, high thread count, and feel. These sheets offer a light, breathable feel and are super soft — almost like a sateen weave.

During lab testing, these sheets proved breathable, durable, and smart in design. One of our team members runs hot when sleeping and appreciated that these sheets feel cool when lying on them, despite the high thread count (which usually leads to a thicker, less breathable material). These sheets dried fairly quickly, and showed no loose threads or snags after washing, though they got even softer (bonus points!). The only con found during lab tests was that we were able to rip the sheet slightly using sandpaper during the abrasion test. (Unless you frequently rub sandpaper across your sheets, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker).

How they've held up:

We also took these sheets home to see how they held up over time. We appreciated the size of the fitted sheet, which had plenty of space for larger mattresses and pillow top additions. For care, we machine-washed these sheets with cold water and dried them on a low setting; they came out unscathed. While we wish the design print existed on both sides of the sheet and that the included pillowcases had enclosures to tuck the pillow behind, the rest of the qualities outweigh these small flaws. We think these are hotel-quality sheets and consistently woke up feeling comfortable and cozy while wrapped up in these sheets. These sheets should be added to your rotation immediately.

Price at time of publish: From $54.99

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Weave: 100% extra-long cotton staple | Care: Machine wash and dry

Best Sateen: Banana Republic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Buy at Bananarepublic.gap.com

Pros

  • This set is made with a soft, smooth, and silky fabric.

  • It holds up well in the wash and becomes softer after each cycle.

  • The sheets are breathable yet a bit heavier, so they’re great for year-round use.

Cons

  • The fitted sheet isn't taut, so there was some bunching when making the bed.

  • The fabric is not very resistant to stains or abrasion.

If you prefer sateen, go with Banana Republic. We loved the soft, smooth, almost silky feel of these cotton sheets and didn't notice any loose strings or other imperfections when pulling them out of the packaging. The fitted sheet is easy to get on and stays in place, thanks to the elastic band around the edges. However, it's not a very taut fit, so the fabric bunches up a bit with a medium-height mattress.

We loved the breathability and moisture-wicking quality of these bed sheets — they're a great choice for hot sleepers and warm climates. At the same time, we appreciate that they're weighty enough to keep you cozy in the winter. Unfortunately, the fabric isn't very stain-resistant — the foundation and oil left behind permanent marks during our tests. Also, when we ran sandpaper over the material, it faded and appeared substantially thinner. Still, these sheets seem to hold up well in the wash. After laundering them several times, they were even softer and more comfortable than on day one.

Price at time of publish: From $195

Sizes: Queen, king, Cal king | Weave: Sateen | Care: Machine-wash, tumble-dry

Best Turkish Cotton: The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set

Buy at The-citizenry.com

Pros

  • The material is strong and durable and resists fraying and pilling.

  • The sheets feel cool to the touch yet cozy.

  • The set has a silky-soft feel with a high-end look.

Cons

  • The fitted sheet was slightly baggy.

  • They’re not available in twin or Cal king sizes.

Turkish cotton is a type of long-staple cotton known for its inherent strength and unique softness. Based on our tests, the best Turkish cotton bed sheets come from The Citizenry. The fabric is not only sourced from Turkey but also certified organic. Out of the box, these sheets felt exceptionally soft and silky, with a high-end look, reinforced seams, and no visible imperfections. The fitted sheet went on easily, but we'd prefer if it was a little tighter to prevent it from slipping during the night.

Though they're cool to the touch, these sheets also feel nice and cozy. Not only that, but they feel breathable and passed our moisture-wicking test with flying colors. They also held up well in the wash and proved resistant to various types of stains. Due to the natural durability of Turkish cotton, it came as no surprise that they passed our sandpaper test too. In the end, we think the price is warranted. They’re not available in twin or California king sizes, but if you’re looking for full, queen, or king sheets, you can’t go wrong with this set.

How they've held up:

Three months later, the quality of these sheets is just as good as before. If anything, weekly washing might have made them even softer — which is often to be expected with long-staple cotton. The material is durable and has resisted fraying and pilling. We haven't had any issues with staining or damage either, and still think the price is fair for such a high-quality set.

Price at time of publish: From $239

Sizes: Full, queen, king | Weave: Plain square | Care: Machine-wash, tumble-dry low

Related: The 7 Best Turkish Towels of 2023, According to Textile Experts and Our Tests

Best Organic: Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set

Buy at Nestbedding.com

Pros

  • These sheets are reasonably priced with impressive quality.

  • They have a soft, smooth look and feel.

  • The set is durable and stain-resistant.

Cons

  • The sheets did not remain as silky after washing.

  • The fabric is prone to minor shrinking.

Prefer organic bed linens? Nest is your best bet. These sheets are loomed from certified-organic Fair Trade cotton and feature a silky-smooth sateen weave with a subtle sheen. After three washes, the surface wasn't quite as lustrous, but the fabric was softer than when we first took them out of the packaging.

These bed sheets have excellent breathability and seem to do a good job of wicking away moisture. They stood up well to abrasion during our sandpaper test and didn't show any visible signs of damage each time we laundered them. Also, none of the staining substances we tested left a lasting mark. In the end, we were thoroughly impressed by this sheet set and think it's reasonably priced.

How they've held up:

After washing these sheets several times, we did notice some minor shrinking. However, it's still easy to make the bed, and, unless you have an extra-deep mattress, this may not be an issue. The fabric seems to get better with every wash. It's softer than before and has a cozy, lived-in feel, but still looks like new.

Price at time of publish: From $124

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Weave: Sateen | Care: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry low

Best Size Range: Riley Home Organic Cotton Sheet Set

Buy at Rileyhome.com

Pros

  • These sheets are made with high-quality material that softens over time.

  • They have a smooth, silky feel.

  • This set is breathable, so it’s good for hot sleepers.

Cons

  • Some of the seams became loose after washing.

  • They are only available in limited colors.

We also liked this sheet set from Riley, which is made of long-staple, certified-organic cotton with a sateen weave. Upon first inspection, the material was very soft and silky with no noticeable imperfections. It was slightly stiffer after washing, but this can sometimes be a matter of the type of laundry detergent (and how much of it) you use.

We also noticed a couple of loose seams after washing, which appeared to be starting to unravel. Still, they seemed to be overall high-quality sheets and really stood out for softness, breathability, and aesthetic appeal. Unlike many other sets we tested, this one comes in all the standard bedding sizes, including twin, twin XL (extra-long), full, queen, king, and California king. While we wish these sheets came in more colors, we were all-around impressed.

How they've held up:

We used these sheets for a full three months and are pleased to report they've gotten noticeably softer. They've maintained their excellent quality, with no fading, pilling, or stains to speak of. We still love the smooth, silky texture of the sateen weave and appreciate how breathable the fabric is.

Price at time of publish: From $185

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Weave: Combed sateen | Care: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry low

Best Investment: Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set

Buy at Bloomingdales.com

Buy at Bollandbranch.com

Pros

  • The organic cotton is sturdy yet smooth and silky.

  • The sheets get softer with continued use.

  • The taut fitted sheet stays securely in place.

Cons

  • This set is not available in twin or twin XL sizes.

Are you open to shelling out a bit more on high-end bedding? Boll & Branch won't disappoint. According to the brand, these sheets are woven from the "longest-staple organic cotton that can possibly be grown." The longer staples make for a stronger fabric, which means it's not only more durable but will also get softer over time. Sure enough, the fabric has a sturdy feel that's also smooth and silky to the touch. We noticed zero imperfections off the bat and thought the workmanship of each piece was pretty impeccable.

Even after a few washes, the subtle luster of the silky organic threads remained — and the sheets were still remarkably soft. The fabric passed our breathability and moisture-wicking tests, and the deep-fitted sheet offered a taut, secure fit. You can get them in just about any size (excluding twin and twin XL). The price of this sheet set might be hard to justify, but if it's within your budget, you won't regret the investment.

How they've held up:

After three months, these sheets fit just as well as they originally did. We washed them about once a week and didn't notice any stretching, shrinking, or puckering. They feel about the same as they did before — if anything, the fabric is even softer and cozier with a more lived-in feel.

Price at time of publish: From $459

Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal king, split king | Weave: Plain square | Care: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry medium

Things to Consider Before Buying Cotton Sheets

Weave

The two most popular weaves for cotton sheets are percale and sateen. Percale is a plain square weave with a one-over, one-under thread pattern. It has a crisp, cool feel and a smooth, matte finish. Percale sheets are great for hot sleepers or those looking to regulate their temperature through the night.

Sateen uses a three-over, one-under weave pattern, as with the Banana Republic Washed Cotton Sateen Sheet Set. "Sateen sheets have a lustrous face and a softer drape than percale," says Baker. They're also usually slightly heavier and less airy than sheets with a plain square weave.

Country of Origin

"Country of origin means a lot, too," says Baker. For instance, sheets sourced from Turkish cotton are generally considered exceptionally soft, durable, and long-lasting, as with The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set. Egyptian cotton is also thought to be among the best in the world.

Price

Cotton sheets are available at a wide range of price points. On the higher end, you can get luxury sheets like the Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set for upwards of $400. But if you're on a budget, there are plenty of great affordable options, like the Threshold Organic Cotton Solid Sheet Set.

<p>Better Homes & Gardens/dera burreson</p>

Better Homes & Gardens/dera burreson

How We Tested Cotton Sheets

We started by unboxing the sheets and inspecting them for imperfections, like dye inconsistencies, uneven stitching, and snags. Then we made the bed, noting how easily and securely the fitted sheet went on and whether the pillowcases were a proper fit. Next, we washed the sheets to see if the look or feel changed and if laundering the fabric caused any shrinkage or damage. We also tested the sheets at home to see how they held up in real-world settings.

Additionally, we applied coffee, oil, and foundation to test for stain resistance. We also used a water dropper to evaluate the breathability, absorbency, and moisture-wicking abilities. Lastly, we used sandpaper to check for durability and resistance to abrasion.

In addition to our lab tests, we took the sheets home and used them for three months to see how they held up in a real-life setting. The cotton sheets we tested were scored for quality pre- and post-wash, breathability, durability, texture, and value. Those with the highest scores are featured in this story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of cotton for sheets?

Generally speaking, the best type of cotton for sheets is long-staple cotton, whether it's sourced from Turkey, Egypt, or another country. The extra-long plant fibers make for more durable threads, and once they're woven into fabric, you can count on a strong material that resists damage and gets softer with every wash.

Is Supima or Egyptian cotton better?

Egyptian cotton is sourced from cotton plants grown in Egypt, and Supima cotton comes from plants grown in the U.S. Both boast extra-long-staple fibers, which make the finished fabric notably strong, long-lasting, and soft. Many consider Supima to be slightly superior to Egyptian cotton, as the quality is more consistently regulated, though most people may not be able to tell the difference.

What thread count is best for cotton sheets?

Thread count is sometimes an indicator of quality, but it doesn't tell you the full story. "Typical percale thread counts range from 200 to 460," says Baker. "Sateen is a denser structure, so more threads are needed and this is reflected in higher thread counts that typically range from 300 to 600."


If you like lighter-weight bedding, opt for a slightly lower thread count. And if you prefer medium-weight fabrics or run cold at night, a higher thread count might be a better choice.

<p>People / Henry Wortock</p>

People / Henry Wortock

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Theresa Holland is a freelancer writer and editor for PEOPLE, who specializes in home and travel products. To compile this list of the best cotton sheets, she drew on the experiences and insights of our team of product testers. We tested these sheets in the lab and at home for three months to see which ones were the best. Theresa also spent hours reading user reviews, combing through product specs, and interviewing textile expert Saana Baker.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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