We spend nearly a third of our lifetime asleep, and with all that time lying in bed, you may as well invest in the best bedding sets to help ensure you log in some quality shut-eye. From cotton to linen to flannel bedding sets, and solid-colored to patterned options, there are a wide array of bedding options to choose from—and while the ideal bedding set will vary from person to person, you’ll typically want to select an option based on the type of fabric you like and whether you want cool or warm bedding.
- Amee Swarz, interior designer based in Los Angeles
- Amy Hoban, chief executive officer at Parachute Home
- Anna Delprat, brand manager at Cultiver
- Leah Ansell, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Columbia University
- Preeti Gopinath, associate professor of textiles at Parsons School of Design in New York
- Ruthie Osswald, senior associate of design and product development at Brooklinen
- Saana Baker, textile designer and founder of The Textile Eye
To help you narrow down your search, the Well+Good team selected the best bedding sets with the help of experts who provide tips on how to select an option for every type of sleeper.
Best bedding sets, at a glance
- Best percale cotton bedding set: Brooklinen, Classic Percale Starter Sheet Set (Queen), $92
- Best sateen cotton bedding set: Ralph Lauren, Organic Cotton Sateen Sheeting (Queen), $455
- Best organic cotton bedding set: Boll and Branch, Signature Hemmed Sheet Set (Queen), $279
- Best Egyptian cotton bedding set: Matouk, Bergamo (Queen) — $374
- Best hotel-worthy cotton bedding set: Frette, Hotel Classic Sheet Set (Queen), $650
- Best flannel bedding set: Brooklinen, Flannel Starter Sheet Set (Queen), $178
- Best Belgian linen bedding set: Pottery Barn, Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Set (Queen), $299
- Best organic linen bedding set: Coyuchi, Organic Relaxed Linen Sheet Set (Queen), $446
- Best splurge-worthy organic linen bedding set: Linoto, Organic Linen Sheet Set (Queen), $519
- Best budget-friendly linen bedding set: Quince, European Linen Sheet Set (Queen), $130
- Best bamboo bedding set: Cozy Earth, Bamboo Sheet Set (Queen), $311
- Best Tencel bedding set: Eucalypso, Classic Sheet Set (Queen), $179
- Best jersey bedding set: Italic, Cloud Cotton Jersey Sheet Set (Queen), $82
- Best silk bed sheets: Lunya, Washable Silk Flat Sheets (Queen), $468
What to look for in a bedding set
Material
As you shop for bedding sets, you will come across options made from various materials. When considering the best bedding sheet material for you, there are two main things to consider, according to Ruthie Osswald, senior associate of design and product development at Brooklinen. You want to think about how you sleep (Do you sleep hot or cold?) and the type of texture and feel you like (Do you prefer bedding that is pleasantly crisp or silky-smooth?) when you slip into bed.
While bedding sets can be made from everything from cotton to linen, jersey to silk, and alternative fabrics like rayon and Lyocell, nearly all of the experts we talked to typically recommend bedding made from natural fibers like cotton or linen for everyday use.
Cotton
Cotton is the most common and widely used material for bedding, according to Osswald. But not all cotton bedding sets are the same, and they typically vary according to the type of cotton and weave. Saana Baker, textile expert and creator of The Textile Eye recommends opting for long-staple cotton fibers like Egyptian, pima, or Supima cotton (the brand name for American-grown pima), which have “a soft hand” and strong yarns that are resistant to pilling.”
As for the type of cotton weave, the most popular options include percale, sateen, and flannel, says Oswald—and choosing among them is a personal preference. All have pros and cons, so it can be helpful to understand how they’re unique to further narrow down your choices.
- Percale: “A percale weave is crisp and cool,” says Osswald, and it’s reminiscent of hotel bedding. It’s an ideal option for anyone who wants to stay cool at night, including hot sleepers. However, she adds, “Shoppers who prefer something soft and smooth may want something different.”
- Sateen: “A sateen weave is smooth, butter-soft, and a great mid-weight option,” says Osswald. “It’s a great year-round style that will suit the majority of sleepers.” Barker also adds that it is softer and has a heavier drape than percale, with a lustrous appearance that is reminiscent of silk.
- Flannel: Flannel can be made from various materials, like wool or polyester, but cotton flannel is the most common. “It’s super soft,” according to Osswald, with the caveat: “While great for winter temperatures and cold sleepers, you may want a cooler pick for most of the year.”
Linen
If you sleep hot, you might consider a linen bedding set. Linen is a natural fiber from the flax plant, and Osswald says, “it is naturally moisture-absorbent, insulating, and incredibly breathable.” Anna Delprat, brand manager at Cultiver, adds, “the material is very comfortable in warm climates.” However, Preeti Gopinath, associate professor of textiles at Parsons School of Design, told Well+Good that you can use linen bedding year-round.
When shopping for linen bedding, Baker typically recommends European, French, or Belgian linen, since they are of high quality. Generally, though, “linen has a beautifully relaxed, laidback aesthetic,” says Oswald—and Los Angeles-based interior designer Amee Swarz agrees. However, she says that “linen will wrinkle,” which might not appeal to everyone.
Regardless of your preference, cotton and linen bedding can be used year-round and cater to a wide variety of sleepers, including eco-conscious individuals who can opt to purchase organic varieties of these materials. If you’re looking to shop for organic bedding, you’ll want to keep an eye out for third-party certifications—and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the gold standard.
A product that has the GOTS “Certified Organic” seal will contain at least 95 percent organic fibers and meet strict criteria for using nontoxic chemicals, environmental protocols, and ethical labor practices, whereas products with the GOTS “Made with Organic” label indicates that a product is made with at least 70 percent organic fibers.
What about naturally-derived alternative fibers?
As you shop, you will also come across bedding sets made from naturally-derived fibers, including bamboo (viscose), and lyocell (which is usually sold under the brand name Tencel), which is typically made from wood pulp. Both rayon and lyocell are known to be soft and breathable, which makes them ideal for hot sleepers. Plus, the materials in themselves are biodegradable.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the manufacturing process to make rayon into fabric can involve certain chemicals that are harmful for the environment, says Baker. On the other hand, lyocell is produced in a manner that is better for the environment, but not more than organic cotton or linen. When shopping for bedding made from naturally-derived fibers (or any fabric material, for that matter), selecting an option with a OEKO-Tex Standard 100 Certification may offer you extra peace of mind. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certification indicates that every component of a product has been tested to be free of approximately 350 chemicals.
Set
The bedding pieces in a set can vary, but it will usually include pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet, or some combination of the three. There are also picks that include a duvet cover, while others allow you to customize your own set depending on your needs. Considering all the varieties available, we’ve included options that run the gamut.
Is thread count important?
Nearly all of the experts we talked to agree that thread count (“the number of horizontal and vertical yarns per square inch of a fabric,” says Ossward) isn’t the most important thing to consider when shopping for bedding. Moreover, a higher thread count doesn’t always translate to better quality.
According to Amy Hoban, chief executive officer at Parachute Home, most bed sheets have a maximum thread count of 400, but manufacturers will sometimes inflate those numbers to entice consumers. These manufacturers will typically count the ply, or the number of yarns used to make a single thread, and opt for multi-ply yarns, which according to Hoban and Osswald, is of lower quality than single-ply yarns. As such, the end result is usually a high-thread-count bedding that is not as luxurious as it lets on.
If you’re looking at the thread count of a particular bedding set, Baker recommends looking for options within the 300 and 600 range—anything higher is usually suspect and not to mention, more costly than necessary. In Hoban’s opinion, consumers might want to focus on the fabric material, as opposed to thread count, to inform their decision when shopping for bedding.
Whether you’re a hot sleeper who’s staving off the night sweats, a luxe sleeper who constantly shares their bedscapes on social media, or a perpetually cold sleeper who struggles to stay warm, there’s a bedding set for you. Below are the 14 best bedding sets that you don’t want to sleep on.
If you want the crisp feel of percale cotton, we recommend Brooklinen’s Classic Percale Starter Set, which we especially love for sleepers who prefer a lightweight, rather than thick, bedding set—and while cotton percale can feel scratchy, this isn’t the case with this option. The airy and soft texture makes for a luxurious sleeping experience that writer Alexa Casanova can’t get enough of. “Brooklinen’s Percale sheets feel crisp and cool to the touch, giving you that covetable hotel feeling in the comfort of home,” she wrote.
Brooklinen’s Starter Sheet Set comes with a fitted sheet and two pillowcases, but you can opt to purchase the Classic Core Sheet Set ($118), which includes an additional flat sheet, or the Hardcore Sheet Bundle ($209), which comes with a duvet cover and two extra pillowcases. All are made from 100 percent long-staple cotton for added durability and softness, and they’re OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
Material: 100% long-staple cotton
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Includes: Fitted sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 5
Pros:
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
- Comes in solid and patterned color options
Con:
- Limited color options
If you want bedding that has a buttery-soft texture reminiscent of silk, Ralph Lauren’s sateen cotton bedding set is sure to please. It is recommended by Swarz, who says it feels like “pure luxury.” She has slept onRalph Lauren bedding for years—a testament to its longevity and enduring quality, making it an option that you can rely on. As one might expect from the brand, the sateen bedding set looks as good as it feels. (Swarz can personally attest to this.)
What’s more, the bedding set is made of 100 percent long-staple cotton, and it’sOEKO-TEX Made in Green certified, which means it is made without harmful chemical substances in an environmentally friendly facility with socially responsible working conditions. We also like that you can purchase it as a set (which includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases) or per piece.
Material: 100% long-staple cotton
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Made in Green
Comes with: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
Available colors: 7
Pros:
- OEKO-TEX Made in Green certified
- Available to purchase per piece
Con:
- Only comes in four sizes
The Boll and Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set comes with the approval of the staffers at Well+Good and Leah Ansell, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Columbia University. “These sheets are incredibly soft,” she says. Plus, “[it is] made of 100 percent organic cotton,” in addition being OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which she says makes it one of the best bed sheets for skin that is eczematous or sensitive.
This bedding set comes in a dozen colors, all with a slight sheen to the fabric. (However, it isn’t as lustrous as the pick from Ralph Lauren.) We also like that it can accommodate up to 17-inch-deep mattresses. The set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases—and though it doesn’t come cheap, you might rest easy knowing that it’s made without substances that are potentially harmful to you and the environment.
One thing to note: The manufacturer indicates that these bed sheets can shrink in the wash, but assures the sheets are generously sized to ensure it doesn’t shrink to size too small for your mattress.
Material: 100% long-staple cotton
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS Certified Organic
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Available colors: 12
Pros:
- Made from GOTS-certified organic cotton
- Wide array of sizes and color options
Con:
- Sheets may shrink after washing
When it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep, few things compare to sliding into sheets of Egyptian cotton—and if you’re looking to invest in a quality option, look no further than luxury linens brand Matouk. Swarz recommends the Bergamo set from Matouk. It is one of her favorite bedding sets. “It’s very simple and elegant,” she says, also calling it “soft and lightweight”—which might come as no surprise considering it’s made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton that, as a bonus, is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
We love that you can choose from 13 colors and 33 border colors, making the potential for customization endless. The colored border also lends the Bergamo set just enough interest without being trendy. You also have the option to shop it per piece so you can mix and match. Whether you purchase it as a set or per piece, it will cost upward of $100—which might be a tradeoff for budget-minded shoppers.
Material: 100% Egyptian cotton
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Includes: Optional fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases, pillow sham, duvet cover
Available sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 13 colors, 33 border colors
Pros:
- Made from 100% Egyptian cotton
- Available per piece
Con:
- Expensive
If you want to recreate the experience of sleeping in a five-star hotel, consider the Frette Hotel Classic Sheet Set, which is a mainstay across various luxury establishments across the globe, including “the Danieli in Venice, the Ritz in Paris, and the Peninsula in Hong Kong,” editor Zoë Weiner told Well+Good. She was also lucky enough to sleep on these cotton percale sheets, and she attests the $500 price tag is well worth it for those who are willing to pay the price for a luxurious bedding set.
“They’re cool and crisp, which makes night sweats practically non-existent, but they’re also so soft that I would have sworn I was waking up wrapped in a marshmallow,” says Weiner. Baker is also a fan of Frette and says “it is a reputable brand that’s worth investing in.” According to Frette’s website, the Hotel Classic Sheet Set is made in Italy from 100 percent long-staple cotton.
Material: 100% long-staple cotton
Certifications: N/A
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 3
Pros:
- Made in Italy
- Used in luxury hotels across the world
Con:
- Limited color and size options
If you live in a place where it gets cold, flannel bedding can keep you warm and cozy over the fall and winter months. We’ve found that Brooklinen’s Flannel Sheet Set provides lots of warmth without being suffocating. Take it from editor Gina Vaynshteyn, who says it provides insulation without leaving her drenched in sweat—and that’s coming from someone who sleeps hot in any season.
While you can opt for flannel sheets made from wool or synthetic fabrics like polyester, picks made from 100 percent cotton like these from Brookline offer the “overall best experience with flannel sheets,” Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer at Sleepopolis, told Well+Good. As a bonus, the set is OEKO-Tex Standard 100 certified and comes in four cold-weather-ready patterns.
Material: 100% cotton flannel
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 4
Pros:
- Made from 100% cotton
- Ideal for cold weather
Con:
- May be too warm for year-round use
Belgian flax is considered as premium when it comes to linen bedding—and this Pottery Barn bedding set is a prime example of why it continues to be the gold standard. The set is substantial and soft (and grows even softer with every wash), plus it’s breathable, which makes it a great choice for muggy weather or anyone who sleeps hot, regardless of the season. Well+Good’s senior growth manager Lana Volkov also gives it her stamp of approval.
“After washing, the sheets became less wrinkled and looked better, and[it] also felt better to the touch,” says Volkov. “The overall feel of these sheets is that they are expensive, durable, and sturdy to survive many washes.” We also love that it comes in dozens of colors, ranging from classic neutrals to muted hues. Bonus: All fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and made in a Fair Trade-certified factory.
Material: 100% Belgian flax linen
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Fair Trade Certified
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 28
Pros:
- Made from 100% Belgian flax
- Comes in 28 colors
Con:
- Prone to wrinkling
Coyuchi, which makes some of Well+Good’s favorite bath towels, also makes eco-friendly bedding that is expert-approved, including this linen sheet set, which comes with the recommendation of Baker, who says it holds up well over time. You will rest easy knowing that it is made from GOTS-certified organic linen, and it is MADE SAFE certified, which verifies that 6,500 potentially harmful substances were avoided in its creation process.
Coyuchi’s sustainability efforts also extend to its 2nd Home Renewed program, which was created to extend the life cycle of Coyuchi linens, towels, and apparel. Products that are returned are mended and cleaned before being sold at a discounted price on the website—an appealing concept for consumers who want to sustainably and affordably.
Material: 100% organic flax
Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic, MADE SAFE
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 7
Pros:
- Made from GOTS-certified organic linen
- MADE SAFE certified
Con:
- Limited size and color options
Like Coyuchi, Linoto also sells organic linen sheet sets and comes with the approval of Baker, who attests that the steep price tag is reflective of its quality. Linoto’s bedding is constructed out of 100 percent Belgian flax and made in the US. The bedding is pre-washed to ensure softness out of the box, and it will only grow softer with time, making it a pick that many will love instantly and over the years. The manufacturer indicates that it is made without potentially harmful chemicals, though this isn’t currently verified by a third party.
It’s important to note that Linoto’s organic linen sheet set is made to order to limit waste, and it will take about four to five weeks to produce. You can also work with Linoto to customize your order, which can make the wait well worth it. You can shop the set in two colors—Natural and Ivory—and though limited, the neutral shades will be sure to complement most bedroom designs.
Material: 100% Belgian flax
Certifications: N/A
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king California king
Available colors: 2
Pros:
- You can customize the length and size of bedding set
- Made in the US
Con:
- Pricey
Vaynshteyn and Maki Yazawa, Well+Good’s food writer, have high praise for the Quince European Linen Sheet Set. At $130 for the queen size, it is the cheapest linen bedding set on the list, but it has comparable quality to higher-end options. “Upon first touch, you’ll instantly know you’ve made the right purchase,” says Yazawa. “The linen sheets offer that old-money look and feel of luxury (at a very economical price point), with a touch of the coastal grandmother aesthetic.”
Vanyshetyn, who has slept on the Quince European Linen Duvet Cover Set ($140) says that it’s ideal if you sleep hot in the summer months. “It’s so breathable (and I run hot at night, yet refuse to sleep without at least seven layers cradling my body), and soft,” she says. “Plus, I love the colors.” And you might, too. Both the Quince European Linen Sheet Set and Duvet Cover Set are available in 19 hues.
Material: 100% European flax
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 19
Pros:
- Economical price point
- Wide range of color options
Con:
- Prone to wrinkling
Oprah has named the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set one of her Favorite Things for three years in a row now. Why? It’s made of viscose from bamboo, which means they’re ridiculously soft and wick away moisture to keep you two to three degrees cooler while you sleep. If you won’t take Oprah’s word for it, take it from Kayla Hui, the commerce writer at Well+Good, who wrote in a previous review: “These are the softest sheets I’ve ever owned.” It’s so soft, Hui says that they have a texture reminiscent of silk.
Thanks to its soft and sumptuous texture, Hui adds that it is also a godsend for her sensitive and eczematous skin. She also loves it as a self-proclaimed hot sleeper, as you might too if you often wake up halfway through the night in a pool of your own perspiration. You can shop it in seven different colors, and as with all of Cozy Earth’s products, it is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
Material: 100% viscose
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Comes with: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Available colors: 7
Pros:
- One of Oprah’s Favorite Things for three years in a row
- Ideal for sensitive or eczematous skin
Con:
- Prone to wrinkling
If you want something smooth like silk but lower maintenance, you might want a bedding set made from Tencel. Tencel is well-beloved for its smooth texture and moisture-wicking properties, and while there are many options available, Eucalpyso’s classic sheet set is some of the best in terms of softness. Constructed out of 100 percent OEKO-TEX-certified Tencel lyocell (made from eucalyptus trees), writer Kara Jillian Brown says it was the softest of all the Tencel bedding sets she tried.
“These were the closest to feeling like silk—not quite as decadent, but still incredibly soft, more affordable, and machine washable,” Brown wrote. Like most bedding sets made from Tencel, the one from Eucalypso can wick away moisture while you sleep, which makes it an ideal choice for night sweats or sweaty sleepers.
Material: 100% Tencel lyocell fibers
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 8
Pros:
- Wicks away moisture
- Low maintenance
Con:
- Prone to wrinkling
Sleeping in bedding made from jersey offers the same comfort factor as wearing your favorite old T-shirt: It is soft, cozy, and easy. Jersey sheets can be made from various materials, like cotton or synthetic fabrics, but we recommend an option made from 100 percent cotton jersey that, as a bonus, is OEKO-TEX certified. Vaynshteyn has slept on the Italic Cloud Jersey Cotton Duvet Cover ($53), and the Cloud Cotton Jersey Sheet Set has most, if not all, the features that she’s come to love about the duvet cover.
In a previous Well+Good review, Vaynsteyn wrote that it is “cozy, yet light, so it’s perfect for both summer and winter.” She also says that the fabric is stretchy—and, more impressively still—wrinkle-resistant. The only tradeoff is that it is only sold in one color (Heather Gray), but it’s a small price to pay for the amount of comfort this bedding set can afford you. As a bonus, it’s also the cheapest bedding set featured on the list.
Material: 100% jersey cotton
Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases
Available sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king
Available colors: 1
Pros:
- Ideal for year-round use
- Wrinkle-resistant
Con:
- Available in just one color
For the most luxurious sleeping experience imaginable, consider bedding sheets made of silk. The option from Lunya (the makers of our favorite silk pajamas) comes with writer Ali Finney’s approval. “Not only are they some of the most luxurious-feeling sheets that you’ll ever sink into, but they’re also designed to be thermoregulating, which means that waking up in a sweat is a part of your past,” Finney wrote in a previous Well+Good article.
What’s more, according to Finney? The sheets are made with sustainable silk and designed with minimal twists in the silk yarn, making them as soft as possible. As you might imagine, though, this luxury comes at a high price. However, Lunya’s silk bedding is currently sold as separates, soyou can order either the flat sheet or the fitted sheet, the duvet coveror pillowcases, orall of the above.
Material: 100% silk
Certifications: Bluesign
Includes: Flat sheet
Available sizes: Queen, king
Available colors: 1
Pros:
- Thermoregulating
- Machine washable
Con:
- Only sold per piece
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