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The Best Cotton Sheets of 2023, Tested by Bedding Experts

The softest, most comfortable sheet sets made of 100% cotton.

By Lexie Sachs and Grace Wu
ghi best cotton sheets
llbean

Cotton is, by far, the most popular material when it comes to bed sheets. Though sets made of novelty fabrics — like microfiber sheets, linen sheets, silk sheets and more — have gained traction in the market, cotton offers a natural, soft and substantial feel with good breathability and durability. That said, not all cotton sheets are the same, and it's important to choose one that aligns with your personal preferences and budget.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Luxe Core Sheet Set

    Best Overall Cotton Sheets

    Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

    $151 at Brooklinen
    Read more
  • 2
    400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set

    Best Value Cotton Sheets

    California Design Den 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set

    Read more
  • 3
    680 Thread Count Sheet Set

    Best Deep-Pocket Cotton Sheets

    Hotel Collection 680 Thread Count Sheet Set

    Read more
  • 4
    Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

    Best Cotton Percale Sheets

    L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

    Read more
  • 5
    Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets

    Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets

    Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets

    Read more


The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested more than 275 sheet sets in recent years. We perform hands-on testing in our Lab using specialized equipment and following technical industry standards to evaluate aspects like fabric strength, pilling resistance, wrinkle resistance and shrinkage from laundering. We also have consumer testers feel the sheets in a blind comparison test, then we send sets home for sleep testers to try out in real-life settings. All in all, we've reviewed more than 13,000 data points before recommending the best sheets.

You can read more about how we test sheets and what to look for when you shop at the end of this article. But first, here's everything you need to know about the best cotton sheets, with prices listed for Queen sizes.

Best Sheets | Best Percale Sheets | Best Sateen Sheets | Softest Sheets | Best Hotel Sheets | Best Sheets on Amazon | Best Cooling Sheets | Best Organic Sheets | Best Flannel Sheets

    1
    Best Overall Cotton Sheets

    Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

    On Sale
    Luxe Core Sheet Set
    1
    Best Overall Cotton Sheets

    Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

    Now 20% Off
    $151 at Brooklinen
    Credit: Brooklinen
    Pros
    • Quality fabric held up in Lab tests
    • Convenient bed-making labels
    • Any-reason return policy
    Cons
    • Not as deep for taller mattresses

    This set earns our top spot thanks to its overall fabric quality and hassle-free features. For starters, the smooth fabric was strong and pill-resistant, and it laundered well in our wash tests. Bed-making is also easier with this set since the fitted sheet is labeled with "long side" and "short side" tabs; just note that the fitted sheet wasn't as deep as others in our review, so it may not fit on extra-tall mattresses.

    Besides earning praise from our tester panel for feeling soft, this set also has thousands of five-star reviews online from users who swear by it. It's even a personal favorite among our own Textiles Lab analysts. And if you're still not convinced, the brand offers an any-reason return policy for a year, so you can get a full refund if you don't love your purchase.

    READ OUR FULL REVIEW: These Luxury Brooklinen Sheets Are Actually Worth the Hype

    SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
    Depth15 inches
    2
    Best Value Cotton Sheets

    California Design Den 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set

    On Sale
    400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set
    2
    Best Value Cotton Sheets

    California Design Den 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set

    Now 26% Off
    Credit: California Design Den
    Pros
    • Low cost for 100% cotton
    • Pill-resistant in Lab tests
    • Earned high softness and comfort ratings from most sleep testers
    Cons
    • May not feel quite as luxurious as pricier cotton sheets

    It's hard to find any cotton sheets under $100, let alone good-quality ones. We were amazed when this under-$50 set outperformed even pricier cotton sheets, earning good scores from both Textiles Lab and consumer tests. Though some of our reviewers said it wasn't quite as soft as other sheets they've slept on, most gave it high praise for its substantial weight and smooth feel. It also proved to be pill resistant in our durability tests and received average scores for its fabric strength.

    Besides standing out in our evaluations, it's popular on Amazon with over 110,000 reviews and an average 4.6-star rating. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes, and there's the option to buy pillowcases separately if you need extras. The brand says it's made for mattresses ranging from 8- to 16-inches tall, and our testers found the fitted sheet fit well on their beds.

    SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, plus six-piece sets with extra pillowcases
    Depth16 inches
    3
    Best Deep-Pocket Cotton Sheets

    Hotel Collection 680 Thread Count Sheet Set

    On Sale
    680 Thread Count Sheet Set
    3
    Best Deep-Pocket Cotton Sheets

    Hotel Collection 680 Thread Count Sheet Set

    Now 44% Off
    Pros
    • Fits tall mattresses and beds with toppers
    • Excelled in Lab durability tests
    • Rated soft and comfortable by testers
    Cons
    • Extra-deep fitted sheet costs extra

    If your mattress is tall or you use a mattress topper, you'll need a deep-pocket option to ensure your sheet goes on easily and stays put. Not only does this set come with a 16-inch depth, but it's also available in an extra deep pocket version for mattresses up to 25 inches. Plus, there's the option to buy it as a set or choose each piece individually, and it comes in nine color options.

    We were very impressed with the quality of this set. In fact, it's one of the most durable sheet fabrics we've ever tested. It also earned high ratings and praise from our testers, with one calling it a "decadent experience" to sleep on. Though it's expensive, it lives up to its elegant "Hotel" name, and you can often find it on sale.

    SizesTwin, Full, Queen, King, California King
    Depth16 inches or 23 inches
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    4
    Best Cotton Percale Sheets

    L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

    Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
    4
    Best Cotton Percale Sheets

    L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

    Now 24% Off
    Credit: Danielle Daly
    Pros
    • Cool and crisp
    • Durable fabric
    • Available in solid colors and prints
    Cons
    • Not as smooth as sateen

    Percale weaves are for those who prefer a classic, cool and crisp cotton sheet set over one that feels silky smooth. They're also popular for hot sleepers that prefer cotton sheets because of their airy and breathable weave. Though they can sometimes feel rough compared with sateen, this L.L.Bean set is made of Pima cotton (a premium variety) and was rated soft by most testers. One tester even described it as feeling like "quality hotel sheets." It also outperformed all other percale sheets throughout our extensive evaluations.

    The fabric was strong and durable with hardly any shrinkage or pilling. Plus, percale often looks wrinkled, but this one had a smoother appearance compared to others. Not to mention, there's something for most style preferences thanks to a wide range of solid neutrals, brighter colors and prints.

    SizesTwin, Full, Queen, King, California King
    Depth15 inches
    5
    Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets

    Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets

    Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets
    5
    Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets

    Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets

    Now 10% Off
    Pros
    • Certified by the Cotton Egypt Association
    • Strong and pill-resistant fabric
    • Rated soft and smooth by testers
    Cons
    • Some shrinkage during laundering tests

    Egyptian cotton is considered more luxurious than conventional cotton thanks to its long, uniform fibers that make the fabric smoother and more durable; however, there have been instances where the Egyptian claim is inaccurate and misused. This set from Silk & Snow is certified by the Cotton Egypt Association, making it a more reliable purchase.

    In our Lab tests, the sateen fabric proved its durability with high scores for strength and pilling resistance, though it did experience some shrinkage after laundering. It was also soft and smooth according to our consumer testers. The set comes in five neutral colors, including shades of white, grey and blue.

    SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
    Depth15 inches
    6
    Best Supima Cotton Sheets

    The Company Store Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sheet Set

    Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sheet Set
    6
    Best Supima Cotton Sheets

    The Company Store Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sheet Set

    Now 34% Off
    Credit: Danielle Daly
    Pros
    • High softness ratings from testers
    • Thick and substantial
    • Many color and size options
    Cons
    • Some pilling in Lab tests

    This luxury sateen set costs more than most of our recommendations, but it's certainly worth the splurge thanks to its substantial thickness and incredible softness. It's made with Supima cotton, a premium fiber grown in the U.S., and comes in many colors with the option to mix and match your set. Plus, if you have a tall mattress or use a mattress topper and need deep-pocket sheets, this set is offered in both a standard 14-inch depth and an accommodating 18-inch deep pocket for Queen, King and California King sizes.

    It also stands out for earning among the highest softness ratings in a blind comparison, and our reviewers told us they wanted to purchase it for themselves. The fabric was strong and shrink-resistant in our Lab tests, though there were some pills and wrinkles compared to other sets we evaluated, despite its "wrinkle-free" claims.

    SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Deep-Pocket Queen, King, Deep-Pocket King, California King, Deep-Pocket California King
    Depth14 or 18 inches
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    7
    Best Organic Cotton Sateen Sheets

    Delilah Home Organic Cotton Bed Sheets

    Organic Cotton Bed Sheets
    7
    Best Organic Cotton Sateen Sheets

    Delilah Home Organic Cotton Bed Sheets

    Credit: Danielle Daly
    Pros
    • GOTS-certified organic
    • Soft sateen
    • Costs less than other organic sets
    Cons
    • Some shrinkage and wrinkles from laundering

    Truly organic sheets can cost hundreds of dollars, but this set is GOTS-certified and still less than $200. The certification is especially important because it shows the entire manufacturing process — not just the growing of the cotton — follows strict standards.

    Though it had some shrinkage and wrinkles after we washed it, the sateen fabric outperformed other organic sheets and proved to be both soft and strong. One at-home tester highlighted how it stood out for its smooth and lightweight feel.

    SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
    Depth15 inches
    8
    Best Breathable Cotton Sheets

    Riley Organic Cotton Sheet Set

    Organic Cotton Sheet Set
    8
    Best Breathable Cotton Sheets

    Riley Organic Cotton Sheet Set

    Credit: Riley
    Pros
    • Smooth, high-quality construction
    • Lightweight and breathable
    • Durable in Lab tests
    Cons
    • We couldn't validate its organic claims

    Not only is this set super smooth, but it's also lightweight and airy compared to other cotton sheets, making it ideal for hot sleepers. Our testers even highlighted that it felt more breathable than typical sateen sheets. It gets its smoothness from the silky weave, long-staple cotton fibers and combing process, which removes any short cotton fibers that could stick out and poke you.

    Plus, this set impressed us in Lab tests, exhibiting excellent pilling resistance and minimal shrinkage. As a bonus, while most cotton sheets wrinkle easily, this one outperformed other sateen sets we tested, experiencing fewer creases. Just note that although the brand calls it an organic cotton set, we couldn't confirm whether the entire manufacturing process is organic because it lacks relevant certifications.

    SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
    DepthRanges from 14 inches for Twin to 16 inches for California King
    9
    Best Brushed Cotton Sheets

    Parachute Home Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

    Brushed Cotton Sheet Set
    9
    Best Brushed Cotton Sheets

    Parachute Home Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

    Credit: Parachute
    Pros
    • Soft and cozy
    • Optional flat sheet
    • Durable fabric
    Cons
    • Noticeable wrinkles after laundering

    This novelty set has a basic percale weave with a brushed surface so you get a unique mix of lightweight and crisp plus soft and cozy. The brushed surface is somewhat similar to flannel's construction, yet the fuzziness is much more minimal and not as hot.

    Unsurprisingly, this sheet set was rated softer than most percales we've tested. Our panel of reviewers loved how it felt and noted its relaxed appearance. And although brushed fabric can often easily show signs of wear, this one stood up well to our durability tests without significant shrinkage or pilling.

    SizesFull, Queen, King, California King
    Depth16 inches
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    10
    Best Organic Cotton Percale Sheets

    Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

    Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets
    10
    Best Organic Cotton Percale Sheets

    Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

    Credit: Danielle Daly
    Pros
    • GOTS-certified organic
    • Relaxed look and feel
    • Lightweight and breathable
    Cons
    • Wrinkles easily after laundering
    • Some pilling in Lab tests

    This sheet set checks the boxes for a variety of preferences: It's made with GOTS-certified cotton for those who prefer organic, the fabric is light and airy for those who prefer breathable and cool and it's slightly crinkled for those who prefer a lived-in look and feel. In fact, the brand uses a special process to achieve its unique finish.

    Besides its organic certification, it's also Fair Trade Certified, which means the sourcing and manufacturing processes meet standards for ethical issues like wages and working conditions. The fabric washed well in Lab evaluations, though it did have some pilling and wrinkles (which is expected for a crinkled fabric). Plus, at-home testers told us they loved how the sheets felt soft yet crisp and cool at the same time.

    SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
    Depth15 inches
    11
    Best Wrinkle-Resistant Cotton Sheets

    Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Sheet Set

    Hotel Sateen Sheet Set
    11
    Best Wrinkle-Resistant Cotton Sheets

    Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Sheet Set

    Now 23% Off
    Credit: Danielle Daly
    Pros
    • Clean, polished look
    • Smooth sateen feel
    • Washes well, with minimal shrinkage
    Cons
    • Lower scores for fabric strength in Lab tests

    Cotton sheets can look crumpled and messy at times (even when you take them out of the dryer right away), but this set has a wrinkle-resistant finish and looked the smoothest after we washed it. And because it’s certified by OEKO-TEX, you don’t need to worry about unsafe chemical levels from the finish.

    The cotton is also combed to remove short, poking fibers, and testers gave it top marks for feeling smooth. Although the fabric didn't perform as well in our strength test, it was durable overall in laundering tests, with minimal shrinkage.

    SizesTwin, Full, Queen, King
    Depth16 inches
    12
    Best Cotton Flannel Sheets

    Garnet Hill Hemstitched Supima Flannel Bedding

    On Sale
    Hemstitched Supima Flannel Bedding
    12
    Best Cotton Flannel Sheets

    Garnet Hill Hemstitched Supima Flannel Bedding

    Credit: Garnet Hill
    Pros
    • Warm, cozy feel
    • Perfect softness score from testers
    • Mix and match from nine colors
    Cons
    • Flannel pills more easily

    Ideal for cold sleepers, flannel sheets have a brushed surface that traps air for extra insulation (i.e., It keeps you warm and cozy.). These sheets aced our tests, outperforming other contenders. In fact, it was the only flannel set that earned a perfect softness score from our consumer testers.

    Our reviewers gave this set high ratings across the board, especially raving about the comfort. One even commented, "These sheets are deliciously soft to the touch — like a giant cuddle when you get in bed each night." The fabric also performed well in Lab durability tests with high scores in strength and moderate ratings for wrinkle resistance, though it pilled easily, as is characteristic of flannel materials. The brand sells each component separately, so you can mix and match colors or opt to skip the top sheet.

    SizesTwin, Full, Queen, King, California King
    DepthRanges from 12 inches for a Twin to 15 inches for a California King
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    How we test cotton sheets

    good housekeeping 2023 bedding awards sheets testing on the instron machine
    Philip Friedman

    Besides validating that the sheets are 100% cotton (as opposed to a blend with synthetics), our fiber scientists rigorously test the sheets in our Textiles Lab and with real consumer testers. Here's how we evaluate the sets:

    ✔️ Fabric strength: Our specialized tensile strength machine (called an Instron, pictured here) pulls swatches of fabric until they break, letting us know how strong each material is.

    a good housekeeping institute textiles analyst measuring shrinkage on bed sheets after wash testing in an evaluation to find the best sheets
    Emma Seymour

    ✔️ Dimensional stability: This is a fancy term for whether the sheets keep their shape (i.e., no shrinking or stretching). We repeatedly wash each sheet and measure them for shrinkage and appearance after laundering.

    ✔️ Wrinkle resistance: After washing, we take each sheet right out of the dryer to our specialized lighting room and visually assess it for creases based on visual industry standards.

    sheet swatches in a martindale machine at the good housekeeping institute, part of good housekeeping's pilling test to find the best sheets
    Grace Wu

    ✔️ Pilling resistance: To mimic tossing, turning, wear and tear, we use our abrasion machine (called a Martindale, pictured here) to rub swatches together, then visibly score signs of pilling according to textile industry standards.

    ✔️ Other technical factors: We also check how well the sheets fit onto a sample mattress and consider any claims, from cooling features to organic labeling.

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    a woman touches one fabric sample from a row of different white sheet fabrics to evaluate softness and feel
    Emma Seymour

    ✔️ Consumer testing: Our panel of testers rate each fabric in a blind comparison. Testing occurs after we wash the sheets to remove any leftover finishes from production. Plus, top performers are tested in the homes of panelists for real-life feedback on performance aspects like comfort, temperature regulation, fit and ease of use.

    How to shop for cotton sheets

    dog

    It may surprise you just how many types of cotton sheets there are to choose from. Here's what to keep in mind as you shop:

    ✔️ First, consider the cotton fibers:

    • Long-staple cotton is considered a premium fiber because its longer strands mean there are no short fibers to stick out or break off, making the fabric smoother and more durable. Egyptian and pima cotton are both types of extra-long-staple (ELS) cotton, and Supima cotton is a brand name of pima cotton grown in the U.S. Just keep in mind: Egyptian cotton claims are hard to prove, and there have been instances of brands mislabeling their sheets when they don't actually contain this luxury fiber.
    • Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. But don't confuse organic cotton fibers with organic cotton sheets: A fully organic product will follow strict standards throughout the supply chain, not just the growing of the cotton. Check to make sure it's certified by a trusted source, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

    ✔️ Next, consider cotton sheet fabrics:

    • Percale is a basic weave that feels light and breathable. It's ideal for anyone who sleeps hot or prefers a crisp feel.
    • Sateen is a satin-like weave that feels silky smooth. Our testers tend to prefer this feel because sateen sheets are softer than percale sheets, but they aren't as breathable.
    • Flannel is a thick, brushed fabric that feels warm and cozy.
    • Jersey is a knit fabric that feels like a T-shirt. It's stretchier and often very soft, but it's not as durable and pills more easily.

    ✔️ Also look into cotton manufacturing techniques:

    • Combed cotton undergoes a process that removes shorter cotton fibers, leaving behind the longer ones that feel smoother and are less likely to break.
    • Brushed cotton has a surface that's brushed to give it a fuzzy finish similar to flannel. This feels softer and helps trap air inside to make it cozier.
    • Wrinkle-resistant cotton has added finishes to make wrinkle-prone cotton look smoother. Although this process often uses chemicals, you can check for an OEKO-TEX certification on the brand's website or the sheet set's physical packaging to make sure there are no unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals in the finished fabric.

    More cotton sheets shopping tips

    dog

    Besides the type of cotton and its fabric construction, here's what to consider as you pick out your sheet set:

    ✔️ Thread count: This tells you the number of threads per square inch of fabric, and it matters only when the sheets are 100% cotton. Top performers in our tests are typically in the 300 to 500 range, but thread count isn't super important, and it's better to focus on the fabric specifications listed above.

    ✔️ Price: Cotton sheets are more expensive than ones that use synthetics, like polyester and cotton-poly blends, but you don't need to spend a fortune. Most of our top-performing cotton sheets are in the $100 to $200 range for a Queen-size sheet set.

    ✔️ Care instructions: There's usually no special care required because cotton is machine washable, but some sets call for gentle cycles or cold-water washing. Warm water is best for cleaning cotton sheets, especially if you're a hot sleeper or don't wash your sheets on a regular basis.

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      Why trust Good Housekeeping?

      dog

      Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing for all bedding, including sheets. She has been actively evaluating sheets at Good Housekeeping for over 10 years and has rigorously tested more than 200 sets. Lexie incorporates Lab test results, consumer feedback and her own expert analysis before recommending sheets to readers.

      Grace Wu is the Good Housekeeping Institute's textiles analyst and previously updated this article. She has tested more than 50 sheet sets in the past year alone using specialized laboratory equipment and feedback from hundreds of consumer testers. Grace also regularly writes articles about the best sheets for every material preference.

      Headshot of Lexie Sachs
      Lexie Sachs
      Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director

      Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing. She also evaluates luggage, rain gear, disposable paper goods and baby products. Lexie has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Prior to joining GH in 2013, she worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

      Headshot of Grace Wu
      Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst

      Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

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