In a Sex Rut? Couples Therapists Say New Bed Sheets Can Help Spice Things Up—Here Are the 11 You Want
There are *lots* of things couples can do to "spice up" their sex-lives, from trying new positions and reversing roles, to bringing new vibrators, erotica, and even props into the mix. But there’s one big intimacy hack that couples are sleeping on (no pun intended) when it comes to setting the mood for sex in the bedroom—it’s your bed sheets.
Sounds silly, I know. But therapists say that refreshing your bed sheets can do the same for your sex drive, too. “Some people are more sensitive to tactile stimulation, these are the people who might also love cozy blankets and foot rubs,” explains couples therapist Genesis Games LMHC. “For people who find touch to be a source of relaxation, connection to their body, and eroticism, trying bed sheets with different fabrics and textures might positively impact their sex drive.” In other words, bed sheets might be just what you need to help get out of a sex rut, especially if you’re sensitive to touch.
- Christina Eller, LMHC
- Genesis Games, LMHC, couples therapist and owner of Healing Connections
- Liana Cools LMHC, Psychotherapy, LMHC
How bed sheets impact sex drive
“A bedroom can be a couple's haven for our expression of eroticism, intimacy, and pleasure,” says couples therapist Christina Eller LMHC. “An aesthetically pleasing boudoir can play a large role in how a couple can relate to each other especially when our environment speaks to our senses.” Eller explains that our brains instinctively absorb information about our surroundings via our senses (hearing, sight, smell, taste, and most importantly here—touch), and relay the findings to our brains, which in turn lets us know how to feel. “By design, if we dress up our bedrooms to appeal to our senses—particularly our sense of touch—a bedroom equipped with fresh, new soft luxe sheets can most certainly play a role in a couple's arousal,” Eller tells us.
What to look for when shopping for sexy bed sheets
How do you know which bed sheets will inspire sexy time? If you can’t feel around and find out, go for lightweight options with a high thread count. “Having soft and temperature-controlled and breathable linens will help couples feel more relaxed while in bed,” says couples therapist Liana Cools LMHC. Cools recommends avoiding sheets that are too warm, like flannel sheets, in favor of crisp, cotton sheets with no less than a 300 thread count. To help narrow down your search, we scoured the web for the softest bed sheets that’ll get you in *the mood* in no time.
11 bed sheets that'll help get you in the mood for sex
Originally $199, now $169
Available sizes: Twin to California King
Buffy’s award-winning Breeze sheets are beloved for their thermoregulating design that’ll keep you cool all night long. Made using Tencel lyocell fibers derived from eucalyptus bark and natural dyes from turmeric, rose petals, bark and gardenia—the sustainably made sheets are insanely soft and gentle on skin. And what could be sexier than that? This set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
Colors: 10
Originally $369, now $295
Available sizes: Twin/Twin XL – Split King
Oprah said these Cozy Earth sheets are “the softest EVER”…so you know they’re going to be good (and W+G editors all have a set, and they can confirm—they really are that good). They’re made of 100 percent bamboo-derived viscose, a lightweight, moisture-wicking material that promises to be even cooler on skin than cotton. And the ultra-soft texture only gets better after washing. The cherry on top? You can get them for 20 percent off during Cozy Earth’s Valentine’s Day sale, which is going on now through V-day on February 14.
Colors: 5
Originally $179, now $161
Available sizes: Twin to California King
The Luxe Sateen sheets are a Brooklinen best-seller, and trust that once you feel them on your skin, you’ll understand why. Offering a luxe, 480 thread count, these 100-percent cotton bed sheets have the smooth, buttery feel you’d expect from the fanciest of hotels—all for a fraction of the price tag now that they’re on sale. This core set includes all of your basics: a fitted sheet, top sheet, and two pillow cases.
Colors: 11
Available sizes: Twin – California King
The brand behind the original bed-in-a-box recently launched the SuperSoft Sheet Set, which delivers on its titular promise. Gina Vaynshteyn, our editorial commerce director has been testing them for about two months, and they’re so soft, luxurious, and snuggly (without leaving you sweating in the morning!), she bought two more sets so she’d always have a clean set ready to use. What impressed her the most, aside from the comfort, was that the elastic on the sides actually kept the sheets on, even though her mattress is really thick. Which, if you’re having a lot of sex, is a really big plus. There’s something about a fitted sheet popping off a corner of a mattress that’s just kind of a downer when you’re in the moment. Not with these sheets!
These are made with 100 percent brushed cotton (they somehow feel like flannel sheets the first time you use them—but truly lightweight). The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. You can also add on a duvet cover for extra.
Colors: 3
Available sizes: Twin/Twin XL – King/Cal King
Made from a breathable bamboo fabric blend, these super soft Purple bed sheets are infused with stretch, for added comfort and support. And they’re moisture-wicking—a big plus when things get hot and heavy in the bedroom. Plus, deep corner pockets and a secure elastic band in the fitted sheet mean you never have to worry about the corners popping off your mattress throughout the night (talk about a mood killer). This set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
Colors: 5
Available sizes: Full – California King
These Snowe bed sheets boast a 500 thread count and are made with 100 percent, Italian milled cotton percale—both of which positively scream luxury. They’re lightweight, breathable and reviewers say the soft, crisp feel gets even better with every wash, so you can reap the fabric’s sensual, mood-boosting benefits for longer. This staple kit includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
Colors: 4
Available sizes: Queen and King
If you’re in the mood to splurge—this washable silk flat sheet by Lunya is as sexy as it gets. They’re made of 100 percent, sustainable silk—which, besides feeling incredibly soft and sensual on your skin, is naturally thermoregulating, which means the sheets won’t cause you to overheat throughout the night. The only thing we love more than the sheet’s dreamy, smooth texture is the fact that it’s totally machine-washable. Note: this only includes one flat sheet.
Colors: Tranquil White
Available sizes: Twin to California King
These plush, comfortable bed sheets by Morrow are pre-washed for extra softness and have a matte finish, making them a more modern upgrade from traditionally shiny sateen sheets. They’re made with 100 percent organic cotton, giving them a smooth and breathable feel that’s so cozy, you won’t want to leave your bed! Plus, there are loads of stylish color ways to choose from, for added sensuality. The set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
Colors: 7
Originally $90, now $81
Available sizes: Twin – California King
If you love the idea of rolling around in fancy hotel sheets, then these are the ones for you. Egyptian cotton bed sheets are some of the sexiest around, which is largely due to their silky soft feel that’s bound to get you in the mood. This set from Amazon is made of 100 percent pure cotton, and touts an impressive 800 thread count which is pretty incredible given the affordable price tag. The set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Plus, the set has over 18,000 5-star ratings!
Colors: 32
Available sizes: Twin to California King
Made in Portugal using 100 percent European flax, these eco-friendly linen bed sheets have a laid back look and super soft feel that’ll set the stage for sexy time. They have a lightweight feel that’s breathable enough for warm and cool sleepers alike, and they’re plenty durable—faring well after repeat wash cycles. Plus, they look even better when wrinkled at the edge of your bed (wink wink). This set includes one flat sheet, one (optional) top sheet, and two pillowcases.
Colors: 12
Available sizes: Twin to California King
These smooth, sateen weave bed sheets are made of 100 percent bamboo lyocell fabric, giving them a cooling effect and silk-like look and feel—for a luxe, sensual experience. Even better, they require 500x less water than traditional cotton sheets, making them a sexy and sustainable favorite. This set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Plus, there are tons of aesthetically pleasing color choices available.
Colors: 10
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