The 9 best bed sheets of 2026, tested and reviewed by bedding experts

It's not just you: These days, it seems like everyone could use a better night's sleep. And while a cozy comforter , supportive pillows and a great set of sheets aren't a silver bullet, they can certainly help make your bed a more welcoming place. My fellow home editors and I have tested many of these products in the past couple of years, but to find the best bed sheets of 2026, we went all out. We slept on, measured, tugged at, spilled on and washed 60-plus highly rated options.

This story features our nine top picks, ranging from crisp, cool cotton to warm, fuzzy flannel, but I've linked to our larger category guides if you want more options. I also included tips from bedding experts, sleep specialists and dermatologists on what fabrics to shop for if you have sensitive skin, what thread count really means and how to properly wash your sheets . Read this so you can rest easier.

Best bed sheets of 2026

Factors to consider when choosing bed sheets

✓ Material:The most important thing to keep in mind while you're shopping is the material, as this will determine the sheets' softness, appearance, temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking abilities and care instructions. Here's a rundown of the most common:

• Cotton:Natural fabrics such as cotton or linen are breathable and help regulate temperature. Jack Dell'Accio, a certified sleep coach, is especially a fan of organic cotton if you sleep hot (though it's worth pointing out that he founded Essentia , an organic mattress company, so he may be a bit biased). For durability, look for long-staple cotton (i.e. Pima or Egyptian cotton). Cotton sheets come in two types of weaves: 

  • Percale:Known for its crisp, cool feel and breathability, percale is made of fibers woven in a one-under, one-over pattern. Some percale sheets feel rougher than others at the onset, but the material does get softer with time and repeated washing and drying.

  • Sateen:This weave has a hint of sheen. It feels smooth and soft and tends to be a bit warmer than percale because its weave contains more threads. It drapes over your body and may work best in cooler climates or during fall and winter.

• Linen:Linen comes from the fibers of the flax plant, which are thicker than cotton, making for a looser weave. This enhances the fabric's breathability and creates its signature nubby texture (but it can also lead to bagginess or small holes). It feels airy and is naturally moisture-wicking. Linen generally is rougher than cotton, but it also gets softer with use. 

• Flannel:Brushed for warmth and softness, flannel is typically made of cotton, but it's not measured by thread count (see more about this below). Instead, it's measured by grams per square meter (GSM) or ounces. As a general rule, look for flannel sheets with a GSM of around 170, equivalent to 5 ounces. Numbers above that will be thicker — and therefore warmer and more durable. 

• Jersey:Like flannel, jersey refers to how a fabric is made, not the fabric itself. Jersey is a stretchy knit often made from cotton or a cotton blend. It's low-maintenance but not especially durable and tends to feel warmer than cotton and linen, though not as warm as flannel.

• Semi-synthetic (i.e. rayon, viscose and lyocell):Viscose and lyocell are types of rayon, which is exceptionally soft, silky and cool to the touch. The marketing of semi-synthetic sheets can be a bit misleading — they're often described as "bamboo" or "eucalyptus," but they're actually made of cellulose, which has been derived from these fibers through chemical processing. 

• Synthetic (i.e. nylon, polyester):These are human-made materials that you may see blended with natural fibers or alone. They're sometimes used in moisture-wicking sheets, similar to those in exercise clothing.

✓  Fitted sheet pocket depth: Some materials, such as flannel, don't stretch much, so it's important that the fitted sheet is deep enough to comfortably hug your mattress. A standard queen mattress measures 8–12 inches thick, while a deep mattress measures 12–14 inches. If yours is on the cusp, we recommend choosing a greater maximum pocket depth to account for shrinkage in the washer and dryer and ensure you can tuck the fitted sheet under the mattress.

✓ Certifications:Though any type of sheet can be certified organic or made using Fair Trade practices, you'll often see high-quality sheets labeled as one or more of the following.

• Oeko-Tex : This indicates that the sheets have been tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances.

• GOTS : A certification given to organic sheets that meet the Global Organic Textile Standard's environmental regulations.

• European Flax (aka Masters of Flax-Fibre): Used for linen sheets, this means that the virgin flax fibers come from western Europe and are grown without irrigation and GMOs.

• Fair Trade : Products from companies with this certification meet a Trade Standard for a more responsible, sustainable way of operating.

What is the best thread count for bed sheets?

While marketing companies would like us to think thread count is very important when it comes to sheets, the real answer is: Thread count depends on the material , and sometimes, a higher thread count is not a good thing.

The only real importance of thread count is that it indicates the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric and how tightly that fabric is woven. For example, fabric that has 250 lengthwise threads and 250 widthwise threads has a thread count of 500.

A good rule of thumb for finding high-quality sheets relative to thread count is below:

• Cotton percale:200-400 thread count

• Cotton sateen:300-1,000 thread count

• Linen:80-140 thread count — when it comes to linen, thread count is not very important, though you should avoid higher thread counts for linen sheets since you want them to be very light and airy. If you need a metric to go by, look at the GSM. Generally, linen sheets have 100-220 GSM. The higher the number, the heavier the fabric.

The following materials are similarly rated based on the weight/density of the fibers:

• Flannel:170+ grams per square meter (GSM) — a lighter GSM for flannel sheets will be less durable, but more breathable

• Jersey:150 GSM

• Microfiber:90-120 GSM

• Silk:7-22 momme

How we tested bed sheets

Because we tested these sheets at home, using our own washers and dryers and sleeping on them in our own beds, we wanted to get a professional take on how best to gauge quality, durability and more without the benefit of professional equipment or a lab. We consulted three fabric experts: Kim Romine, a fabric care scientist at P&G ; Liz Eggert, a senior textile scientist at P&G Fabric Care ; and Meredith McQuerry, associate professor and director of the ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab and Textile Testing Laboratory at Florida State University . To rank on this list, the sheets had to excel in the following:

• First impressions:We carefully surveyed each set of sheets upon arrival, taking note of design elements, softness and coolness, as well as excessive wrinkling, loose threads, snags and any other imperfections. We also measured the pillowcases from each set and set one aside as a control for post-laundry assessments.

• Spill test:We used a dropper to apply the same amount of water to a sheet from each set to gauge how well it might handle the occasional spill or moisture. The quicker the water absorbed and spread, the better the indicator of moisture-wicking.

• Laundry test:We put each set of sheets through one cycle in the washer and dryer after opening it, and again after our sleep test, following the label's care instructions. We then reassessed them for any signs of wear, shrinkage or color fading.

• Sleep test:We made our beds with each set to confirm that its pieces fit our pillows and mattress easily and securely. We slept on the sheets for three nights straight to see how well they stayed put, keeping notes regarding softness and breathability.

Bed sheet FAQs

What is the best material for sheets?

Truth be told, there is no one best material. There are so many varying sleep styles and sleep profiles that the best material comes down to individual needs.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern says, "Those with any sort of skin conditions or sensitivities, like acne or eczema and even traditional allergies, will benefit from organic cotton sheets since they are not bleached nor have synthetic dyes, making them a better alternative for your skin."

For everyone else, it's important to look for fabrics that are lightweight, breathable and allow for plenty of airflow since sweating at night can cause oil buildup, leading to acne. Magovern says organic cotton, silk and rayon are great choices overall.

How long does a good set of sheets last?

It depends on the material and how often you change out your sheets. In general, expect most sheets to last two to five years. Microfiber, polyester and lower-quality cotton will fall at the lower end of that range, while linen, long-staple cotton, viscose and other semi-synthetic fabrics will likely fall at the higher end. With proper care, high-quality cotton and linen can last as long as a decade. It's time to replace your sheets when you notice:

• Fraying, thinning, holes or pilling

• Discoloration or stains that won't come out

• Stubborn odors

What type of detergent should I use to wash my sheets?

Dr. Simran Sethi , an internist and aesthetic dermatologist, says, "In general, it's helpful to use nonirritating laundry detergents for your bedding and clothing. Use detergents that are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances and dyes, as these can irritate sensitive skin."

What can I do during the day to get a better night's sleep?

Dr. Kevin Postol , D.D.S., past-president of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine , says, "To improve your sleep at night, it's essential to be mindful of your daytime habits. I always recommend avoiding activities that can disrupt sleep quality."

Postol advises that while a small snack before bed is fine, you should wait at least two hours after a big meal before hitting the hay. He also recommends limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake and keeping nighttime screen time to a minimum. "Reducing exposure to blue light and other screens in the evening can help regulate your circadian rhythms, making it easier to wind down and prepare for sleep."

Meet our experts

• Jack Dell'Accio, sleep expert, Hippocrates Health Institute, and founder, Essentia Organic Mattress

• Liz Eggert, senior textile scientist, P&G Fabric Care

  Dr. Ashley Magovern, dermatologist

• Meredith McQuerry , associate professor and director, ThermaNOLE Comfort Lab and Textile Testing Laboratory, Florida State University

• Dr. Kevin Postol , past-president, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

• Kim Romine, fabric care scientist, P&G

• Dr. Simran Sethi , internist and aesthetic dermatologist

Update, Sept. 15, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability and added top picks for best sheets overall and best for hot sleepers. We also updated our best budget pick from Quince to a more affordable set from Target.

We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.