The 8 best cooling sheets of 2026, after countless nights of testing

Spending all night tossing and turning because you can't stop sweating? Talk about a nightmare situation. And if that describes you, rest assured you're not alone: According to Gallup, 57% of U.S. adults report feeling too hot while sleeping at least occasionally. While the best cooling sheets can't actively cool you like an air conditioner, they may help, especially when used with a cooling comforter and cooling pillows .

Well, hot sleepers rejoice: We've spent the past three years scouring customer reviews, interviewing experts and testing nearly 70 sheet sets to come up with this guide. Our testers are all home-product experts, primarily in their 40s, who know the struggle of dealing with night sweats. The best cooling sheets of 2026 include seven moisture-wicking, breathable, high-quality picks at different price points to help you achieve a dreamier night — no counting sheep required. 

Best cooling sheets for 2026

Factors to consider when choosing cooling sheets

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for cooling sheets is that, no matter a brand's claims, they cannot actively keep you cool like an air conditioner. What can help: lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that absorb sweat quickly and/or let air circulate around your body. Here are specifics to look for:

✓ Material:Are you going natural, synthetic or semi-synthetic?

• Natural fabricssuch as cotton or linen are breathable and help regulate temperature (think of those breezy linen pants you wear during the summer). Their structure allows for quick evaporation, helping promote that cool feeling. 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).

• Synthetic fabricssuch as polyester can have exceptional moisture-wicking properties and typically dry quicker than natural fabrics. "Getting moisture away from your body can make for a more comfortable sleep and even cut down on some skin issues," says Dr. Chris Winter, a sleep specialist and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast. To give you an idea of their performance, some synthetic cooling sheets are made with the same fabrics used for exercise clothing. That said, some shoppers complain they can feel thin or cheap.

• Semi-synthetic fabricssuch as lyocell and viscose are derived from wood pulp and generally have a silky, cool feel. They're also great at wicking moisture. Note that they're often marketed as "bamboo" or "eucalyptus," but look at sustainability claims with a skeptical eye, as these materials go through a chemical process to convert them into fabric. Of these, Tencel is the most eco-friendly, as it's made using less greenhouse gas emissions and water than other options, plus it's designed to be compostable and biodegradable.

✓ Weight:Some fabrics, such as flannel and linen, are measured by GSM (grams per square meter) or ounces. Generally, you'll see a GSM of 100-220; the higher the number, the heavier the fabric. Weight is more important than thread count — which really only applies to cotton sheets, anyway. With a higher thread count, more threads are used, making the sheets feel softer and finer (in theory). It doesn't necessarily affect whether a sheet sleeps warm or cool.

✓ Size and mattress depth:Stretchy, slippery cooling sheets may not grip your mattress as tightly as you'd like. Make sure whatever set you buy has a fitted sheet with a pocket depth large enough to accommodate your mattress. Look for top sheets that are generously sized — if you're a hot sleeper, you may not use a comforter or quilt, and no one wants to spend the night fighting for a little bit of sheet to cover up with!

✓ Feel:Many cooling sheets, especially synthetic and semi-synthetic ones, feel so smooth and silky that shoppers complain they're slippery or get easily tangled up in the night. If that's a concern for you, look for natural materials like cotton percale and linen. Note that linen is more textured than cotton percale and may feel a bit rougher on your skin.

How we test 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 is 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, as well as shrinking or color fading.

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

In addition to testing these cooling sheets ourselves, we also tapped sleep experts to get the scoop on exactly what to look for when shopping. Because cooling sheets can't solve every night sweat, we wanted to find out what you can do to stay comfortable at night.

Other cooling sheets we tested

L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set :L.L.Bean has always been synonymous with quality and durability, and its 100% long-staple pima cotton sheets do not disappoint. Available in 11 colors, they're a solid pick for anyone who values function and softness over breathability. We would not recommend these for hot sleepers, though.

Parachute Percale Sheet Set :These were a close second to The Citizenry Stonewashed Cotton Percale set. Their cool, lightweight feel comes from 100% long-staple cotton fibers that allow for good airflow on warm nights. The pillow cases are available with either a traditional side opening or a flat back envelope, which encases the pillow completely and gives it a more polished look. At around $100 less per set (depending on color or pattern), The Citizenry won out.

Target Threshold Organic Percale Sheet Set :Generally, we're a fan of Target Threshold sheets. This GOTS-certified set is very reasonably priced at around $65, but it feels rough, scratchy and thin. In our "spill test," water beaded up on the fabric rather than absorbing and drying. This set's best feature is the extra elastic band midway down the fitted sheet.

Quince Bamboo Sheet Set :Quince's viscose sheets are cool to the touch and breathable, at a reasonable price. They come in 18 striking colors, and they dry quickly. Their silky quality is probably not for everyone, but if that's something you like, you'll enjoy these sheets, as they only get more so with time. Sadly, they didn't hold up especially well in the wash. They developed wrinkles so deep they looked permanent, as if the fabric had shriveled like a raisin. I also struggled to get the fitted sheet over a standard king mattress, and the flat sheet wasn't wide enough to tuck under.

Quince Organic Crisp Percale Sheet Set :Our pick for the best budget percale sheets , these felt cool and crisp, and though they're lightweight, they didn't seem flimsy or thin. They didn't have quite the coolness of The Citizenry sheets but are a solid option for an affordable price. You can purchase this set with or without a top sheet, a bonus for those who prefer to go straight to a duvet and are usually left with extra sheets they won't use. It also knocks the price down to just $72.

Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set :These sheets are crisp and not particularly soft, though after owning them for a year, I've noticed they've gotten slightly softer with time. They're cool and breathable, made with 100% long-staple cotton, and come in 20+ colors and patterns, so you're bound to find something that works with your decor. But they're pricey, retailing for $200 for a queen-size set when they're not on sale.

West Elm Silky Tencel Sheet Set :I'm not gonna lie, I get sweaty sleeping under these sheets, which I've owned for about two years. They're incredibly soft with a silky quality — though they don't look shiny like similar-feeling sheets, which I appreciate. If you're interested in Tencel sheets and already shop at West Elm, they could be a good option. Just beware that the flat sheet is on the small side. My husband and I are always fighting over it!

Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets :This Coyuchi sheet set is made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and has a rumpled look. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment, not just because it is extremely wrinkly, but also because these were the roughest percale sheets we tried. The sheets are available in 13 colors and patterns, and the fitted sheet can accommodate up to a 16-inch mattress.

Bokser Home 100% French Linen Sheet Set :These are excellent linen sheets and our top-tested set overall. When it comes to quality for the price, it's hard to beat them. Linen sheets can be rough, but these are smooth and almost silky — and they got softer after multiple laundry cycles. However, they're fairly thick and might feel too heavy for hot sleepers.

Brooklinen Washed European Linen Core Sheet Set :These Brooklinen sheets come in stylish colors and patterns (I'm particularly obsessed with all the stripes) and are often on sale. I've owned a set for years, and I've always liked sleeping on it — the fabric is very breezy and lightweight. But while I was writing our guide to the best linen sheets, I got a second set, and after looking at them (very) closely, I noticed some snags, small holes and spots where the dye was uneven. Suspicious, I inspected my old set, and lo and behold, discovered similar imperfections. Maybe it's not a huge deal — after all, I haven't had a problem with these sheets before — but I hesitate to recommend them as a result.

Cooling sheet FAQs

What are the best sheets to keep you cool?

Let's start with the basics: "Cooling sheets are made from extra breathable materials (many with moisture-wicking capabilities) that help your body stay cool throughout the night," says Keith Cushner, former product expert at SleepFoundation.org . They can be made of synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural fabrics. If you're someone who wants moisture-wicking properties that rival your favorite activewear, look for synthetic or semi-synthetic fabrics. If you prefer natural fabrics, go for cotton percale or linen sheets, which have a loose, airy weave that makes them breathable. 

Do cooling bed sheets really work?

"Cooling sheets" is a bit of a misnomer because this type of bedding doesn't actively cool you as an ice pack might. But similar to cooling pillows , the right materials can actually help you regulate your body temperature. The best cooling sheets are breathable (they let air flow through the fibers) and/or moisture-wicking (they quickly absorb sweat, much like your favorite workout gear). The sheets in this guide are also lightweight and typically dry quickly if they do become damp. Some even feel cool to the touch, though they may warm up during the night. "The key to effective thermoregulation for sleep is that there is a constant decline in body temperature throughout the ideal seven to nine hours," says Dell'Accio. "As your body temperature declines, it slows down your central nervous system and allows for deeper sleep."

Meet our experts

• Keith Cushner, former product expert, SleepFoundation.org

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

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

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

• Kim Romine, fabric care scientist, P&G

• Dr. Chris Winter, sleep specialist and host, Sleep Unplugged

Update, June 3, 2026: We checked prices and availability for all products. Based on testing, we changed our No. 1 pick, revised some of our others and added a best lightweight category. A previous version of this story was written by Rebecca Carhart .