We Tested 400 Sheet Sets—These 9 Cotton Sheets Came Out on Top
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The best cotton sheets should feel great and hold up. After testing 233 cotton sets in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab , our favorite is The Company Store's Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sheet Set for its exceptional softness, durability, and luxurious feel.
Our top picks:
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Best sateen: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set
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Best percale: L.L.Bean 280 Thread Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Our scientists and engineers have tested 400 sheet sets, including 233 cotton options, across a wide range of different styles, thread counts, and price points. We evaluate fabric strength, pilling resistance, wrinkle resistance, and shrinkage in the Lab, while at-home consumer testers assess comfort, feel, and overall performance. Ahead, discover the cotton sheets we recommend most.
The Company Store Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sheet Set
These cotton sateen sheets outperformed every other set in our tests with their substantial feel, exceptional softness, and impressive durability.They're made with Supima cotton, which is a premium long-staple cotton grown in the U.S. that's softer, stronger, and more durable than standard cotton.
If you have a tall mattress or use a mattress topper, this set is offered in both a standard 14-inch depth and 18-inch deep pocket for Queen, King, and California King sizes.
How they performed in our tests
Testers gave these sheets top scores in our side-by-side blinded softness tests for their soft feel. At home, they were even more impressed: One tester said, "they feel luxuriously soft to cozy up in," and described them as "truly the softest sheets I've ever owned!" Others praised the soft, hotel-like feel.
In the Lab, they excelled for their strong fabric and minimal shrinkage, even after multiple washes. Still, we noticed more pills and wrinkles than other sets we tested, despite the brand's "wrinkle-free" claims.
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- High softness ratings from testers
- Thick and substantial Supima cotton
- Many color and size options
- Some pilling in Lab tests
California Design Den 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set
It's hard to find quality cotton sheets under $60, which is why this set impressed us so much. It outperformed pricier cotton sheets and earned high scores both in the Lab and from our at-home testers.
They're designed to fit mattresses 8 to 16 inches tall, thanks to the strong elastic, which our testers appreciated for easy bed-making. You can also pick from a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes with quick Prime shipping.
How they performed in our tests
They aren't as thick or luxurious as some of our other picks, but our testers liked the balanced weight and smooth feel. Some also found that they softened over time. One tester said, "The sheets are very comfortable and crisp, without being overly crisp to the point of being stiff." Another shared, "They felt clean and fresh."
The fabric proved pill-resistant in the Lab, even after 1,000 rubs on our abrasion tester, and earned average, though respectable, scores for fabric strength. After multiple washes, they held up well with minimal shrinkage but had visible wrinkles.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: I Test Bedding for a Living and Love These $50 Sheets
- Pill-resistant in Lab tests
- Earned high softness and comfort ratings from most sleep testers
- Low cost for 100% cotton
- May not feel quite as luxurious as pricier cotton sheets
Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set
GH analysts, editors, and testers alike love these smooth sateen sheets for their exceptionally soft yet balanced feel.Brooklinen recently updated this set with a softer, more premium fabric that wowed in our evaluations. The brand is also responsible for popularizing one of our favorite features: convenient labels marked "long side" and "short side," which make making the bed easier.
We also like that this set has an any-reason return policy for a year after purchase, so you can receive a full refund (minus a $9.95 return fee) if it's not a good fit.
How they performed in our tests
When a brand updates one of our favorite products, our expectations are always high. Brooklinen's upgraded fabric exceeded them. It earned top marks for comfort, with testers consistently praising their soft feel and immediate comfort. One tester said, "Every time I got into bed, I noticed how comfortable the fabric was to lie on. Sometimes newer sheets can feel too thin or too thick, but these had a 'just right' feel."
The cotton fabric also proved strong in the Lab and held up well to repeated laundering, without any big changes in appearance or shrinkage. Still, because the newer fabric has a softer texture, we noticed more visible wrinkles, and it earned average scores in our pilling resistance tests.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: I Tested Brooklinen's New Luxe Sateen Sheets Before Launch—Are They Better?
- Soft, lived-in fabric
- Convenient bed-making labels
- One-year, any-reason return policy
- Softer fabric pilled a bit in Lab tests
L.L.Bean 280 Thread Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
If you prefer crisp, cool sheets over silky-smooth sateen, this set from L.L.Bean is our favorite percale option. Percale is known for its breathability, which makes it a great choice for hot sleepers, but sometimes it can feel rough, especially compared to sateen. Thankfully, this set is made of Pima cotton, a premium variety that is known for its smoother texture.
How they performed in our tests
These sheets earned high scores across all categories and outperformed all other percale sheets we tested. Testers appreciated the crisp and lightweight texture and praised the breathability. One highlighted the soft and cool feel, comparing it to "quality hotel sheets." Others underscored how substantial and sturdy the material felt, especially compared to other percale sets in our blind side-by-side comparison.
The fabric also proved strong and pill-resistant, with minimal shrinkage after multiple washes. Still, percale is more prone to wrinkling than sateen, and this set is no exception, though it fared well when compared to other percale sets.
RELATED: Best Percale Sheets
- Soft yet crisp feel
- Cool, breathable construction
- Fabric proved durable in tests
- Not entirely wrinkle-free
Hotel Collection 680 Thread Count 100% Supima Cotton Sheet Set
These deep-pocket sheets from Macy's Hotel Collection are designed to fit mattresses up to 16 inches tall. The thick elastic band keeps them secure, which is a must if you sleep with a mattress topper or on a loftier mattress.
They're made of Supima cotton, which are long-staple cotton fibers that have a smoother feel, and have a chic hemstitch detail, just like the sheets at your favorite upscale hotel. The brand sells each piece individually, so you can opt to skip the flat sheet or double up to make your bed hotel-style.
How they performed in our tests
A tester favorite, these sheets earned top marks from our at-home testers who gave them some of the highest ratings for softness and comfort. One tester described sleeping in these sheets as a "decadent experience."
The fabric aced our pilling-resistance tests, with no pills or wear after being rubbed repeatedly on our abrasion tester. While the material wasn't as strong as other sets, it didn't shrink or wrinkle as much either.
- High scores for softness
- Aced our pill-resistance tests
- Chic hemstitch design
- Just average fabric strength scores
Crane & Canopy Bright White 400 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set
If you're looking to splurge on a premium percale set, this one from Crane & Canopy would be our pick.Made with extra-long-staple Egyptian cotton, it has the crisp, cool feel you'd expect from luxury hotel bedding without the stiffness of lower quality percale. Compared to other percale sets we've tested, this has a slightly higher thread count at 400, but it still feels like your classic, lightweight percale.
It's only available in white, but you can opt to add a monogram for a personalized touch.
How they performed in our tests
Testers loved the crisp yet smooth texture and unanimously agreed that these sheets improved their sleep quality. One described them as "crisp, cool, and luxurious." Another said, "I love how sleek and crisp they are, without being noisy or uncomfortable."
The cotton fabric impressed us with its exceptional durability: Not only was it strong, but the material showed no signs of pilling after 1,000 cycles on our abrasion tester. The sheets did however shrink after a few washes, so we recommend leaving a 1- to 2-inch buffer between your mattress height and the pocket depth for the best fit.
- High-quality Egyptian cotton
- Strong and pill-resistant fabric
- Crisp, cool, and luxurious feel
- Some shrinkage in Lab tests
- Only available in white
Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheet Set
This certified-organic percale set stands out for its airy feel and lived-in texture. In fact, Coyuchi uses a special softening process to achieve its unique"crinkled" finish.Beyond its GOTS certification , which confirms that the entire manufacturing process lives up to strict standards, it's also Fair Trade Certified . This means the sourcing and manufacturing processes meet standards for ethical issues like wages and working conditions.
One important note: These sheets are typically more limited in stock than others we recommend, so if you find the perfect color and size, it's better to buy sooner rather than later.
How they performed in our tests
At-home testers told us they loved how the sheets felt both soft and crisp, and they appreciated how breathable they were. One tester said, "I really like how cool they keep me. I never felt overheated, even when I was dressed more warmly overall like in flannel pajamas." Another shared, "The sheets were soft and comfortable and weren't too hot."
In the Lab, the fabric proved strong, though we noticed some pilling after the material was rubbed repeatedly by our abrasion machine, likely because of its relaxed nature. It also fared well in wash tests, though we noticed some wrinkling.
RELATED: Best Organic Sheets
- Relaxed look and feel
- GOTS-certified organic and Fair Trade Certified
- Lightweight and breathable material ideal for hot sleepers
- Wrinkles easily after laundering
- Some pilling in Lab tests
Delilah Home Organic Cotton Bed Sheets
If you love the smooth feel of sateen but prefer organic cotton, this set is hard to beat. It feels both soft and substantial and is certified by GOTS .The certification is especially important because it shows the entire manufacturing process—not just the growing of the cotton—follows strict standards.
How they performed in our tests
While sateen is known for its smooth and thick texture, all of our testers were blown away by how breathable this set was. One shared, "These sheets are the best sheets I have ever owned. They regulated my body temperature better than very expensive sheets that I own." Others highlighted its soft, comfortable texture from the first wash.
During Lab tests, we were impressed the pill-resistant fabric: There was minimal pilling after 1,000 rubs on our abrasion tester. The sateen fabric also proved soft and strong, outperforming other organic snags. Still, we noticed some shrinkage and prominent wrinkles after washing.
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- GOTS-certified organic set
- Testers said they felt breathable
- Proved durable in Lab tests
- Some shrinkage and wrinkles from laundering
Riley Organic Cotton Sheet Set
This relaxed set offers an alternative to crisp percale and silky sateen: It's lightweight and incredibly airy compared to other cotton sheets we've evaluated. The lived-in texture feels softer than percale but less silky than sateen, and the breathable nature makes it ideal for hot sleepers.
Just note that although the brand designates this an organic cotton set, we couldn't confirm whether the entire manufacturing process is organic because it lacks relevant certifications. The sheets also have limited stock, especially during holidays and sales, so it may take some time to secure your perfect set.
How they performed in our tests
Our testers highlighted that the set felt more breathable than the typical sateen sheets they've slept on. One tester said, "I love how soft they are. They feel very comfortable at night and are more breathable than my other sateen sheets." Another called them "perfect for the summer."
The fabric impressed in our Lab tests, exhibiting excellent pilling resistance and minimal shrinkage. As a bonus, while most cotton sheets wrinkle easily, this one had fewer creases and deep-set wrinkles despite the relaxed texture. Testers also liked that the sheets felt even softer after being laundered compared to right out of the package.
- Smooth, high-quality construction
- Lightweight feel
- Proved durable in Lab tests
- We couldn't validate its organic claims
- Stock can be limited
Other cotton sheets we tested
We've tested hundreds of sheets in recent years. Here are a few more options we've tested but didn't feature:
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Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Sheet Set:
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Riley Organic Cotton Sheet Set
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Garnet Hill Hemstitched Supima Flannel Sheet :This cotton sheet set outperformed other flannel styles in our tests. The sheets are brushed on both sides, which helps trap warmth and creates a super soft and cozy feel. However, the sheets pilled more than others in our evaluations but performed well for strength overall.
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Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set :These sheets are verified by the Cotton Egypt Association , so they're more reliable than other Egyptian cotton sets we've tested. They performed well for pilling and strength, but we noted considerable shrinkage in our washability tests.
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Parachute Home Brushed Cotton Sheet Set :The sheets have a soft feel similar to flannel but aren't as warm. The brand describes the sheets as similar to "your favorite lived-in T-shirt." In our evaluations, the sheets were more durable than flannel, but they wrinkled more than others during washability tests.
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Pact Organic Favorite Tee Jersey Sheet Set :While most cotton sheets are woven, these sheets are knit, so they feel comparable to a T-shirt or a cozy pair of pajamas. They performed well in our recent evaluations of jersey sheets, receiving high scores for softness and resisting shrinkage.
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How we test sheets
Aside from validating that the sheets are 100% cotton (as opposed to a blend with synthetic fibers), we rigorously test the sheets in our Textiles Lab and share them with real consumer testers.
RELATED: Inside the Bed Sheets Testing Process at the Good Housekeeping Institute
Here's how we evaluate sheet sets:
Good Housekeeping/Mike Garten
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Fabric strength:Our specialized Instron machine measures tensile strength. It pulls swatches of fabric until they break, letting us know how strong each material is (pictured here).
Philip Friedman
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Washability:We repeatedly wash each sheet according to its care label and evaluate its appearance after laundering.
Good Housekeeping/Philip Friedman
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Wrinkle resistance:Immediately after washing, we take each sheet out of the dryer and bring them to our specialized lighting room where we visually assess the sheets for creases based on visual industry standards (pictured here).
Philip Friedman
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Dimensional stability:We follow industry standards measure dimensional stability, which records how much fabric shrinks or grows after laundering. We measure after the initial wash and once again after multiple launderings.
Good Housekeeping/Philip Friedman
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Pilling resistance:To mimic tossing, turning, wear and tear, we use our Martindale abrasion machine (pictured here) to rub swatches together and then visibly score signs of pilling according to textile industry standards.
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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.
Philip Friedman
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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. Along with having testers rate softness in the Lab, we share samples with consumer testers who are able to use the sheets on their own beds to provide us with real-life feedback on performance aspects like comfort, temperature regulation, fit, and ease of use.
Philip Friedman
How to shop for cotton sheets
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:
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Long-staple cottonis 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 cottonare both types of extra-long-staple (ELS) cotton, and Supima cottonis 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.
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Organic cottonis 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:
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Percaleis a basic weave that feels light and breathable. It's ideal for hot sleepers or those who prefer a crisp feel.
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Sateenis a satin-like weave that feels silky smooth. Our testers tend to prefer this over other sheet types because sateen sheets are softer than percale sheets , but they aren't quite as breathable.
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Flannelis a thick, brushed fabric that feels warm and cozy.
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Jerseyis 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:
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Combed cottonundergoes a process that removes shorter cotton fibers, leaving behind the longer ones that feel smoother and are less likely to break.
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Brushed cottonhas 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.
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Wrinkle-resistant cottonhas 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.
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More cotton sheets shopping tips
In addition to the type of cotton and its fabric construction, there are other characteristics to consider as you pick out your sheet set:
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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.
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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.
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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?
Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu has tested over 100 sheet sets in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She's written several stories on different types of sheets and personally tested all kinds, but she remains loyal to cotton percale above all. Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine has worked with hundreds of at-home consumer testers to evaluate hundreds of sheet sets. She has tested and evaluated bedding of all kinds, but ultra-smooth cotton sateen sheets remain her absolute favorite. Constantine holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from Ohio State University.
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