A timeless and classic staple in many homes, the best cotton sheets are soft, durable, and lightweight. They’re sold in a variety of thread counts, weaves, and colors suiting any bedroom. While bed sheets produced with 100% cotton face some more modern competition (namely from cotton/polyester blends and bamboo fabrics) they’re still a significant player in the bed sheet market.
We’ve purchased and reviewed numerous sets of 100% cotton sheets and are pleased to announce the ten best cotton sheet sets available today. They each feature important attributes: cooling, eco-friendliness, affordability, and opulent luxury. There should be something for everyone on this list.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cotton Sheets
- Saatva Organic Sateen Sheets – Best Overall
- Birch Organic Sheets – Best Organic Cotton Sheets
- Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets – Best Cotton Percale Sheets
- Parachute Percale – Best Luxury Sheets
- American Blossom Linens Sheets – Best Cotton Sheets for Hot Sleepers
- Boll & Branch – Best Cotton Sateen Sheets
- Brooklinen Flannel Core Sheets – Best Cotton Flannel Sheets
- Pure Parima Yalda Sheets – Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Our Verdict
We named the Saatva Organic Sateen sheets our best overall cotton sheets. This set of sheets has a soft, smooth, luxurious feel to them. Even though this set is only offered in three similar neutral shades, the quality and sleep experience with them alone were a standout amongst other sheets. They don’t trap heat and can make anyone feel cozy and comfortable.
How We Choose Our Products
Our team of sleep specialists has tested dozens of sets of cotton sheets using hands-on testing and analysis to find the best cotton sheets for our readers. When building the list of the best cotton sheets, we paid close attention to the overall feel of the sheets, how breathable they felt while testing, color options, price, and more.
With our list, you should be able to find a set of high-quality cotton sheets that fit whatever your specific needs are. We also encourage you to check out our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page. There, we take a deeper dive into all of these attributes so you can make the most informed purchase possible.
A Note About Weave Style
Throughout this list, you’ll see me refer to the weave styles used for these cotton sheets. While we do explain them in detail in our buyers guide below, I wanted give a quick distinction.
The percale weave is a weave style that leaves sheets feeling very crisp. Percale sheets are often very breathable and have lower thread counts because of this. Some might not feel very soft and smooth out of the box, but they will soften up with use and washes.
The sateen weave leaves sheets feeling soft, smooth, and satin-like. Sateen sounds like “satin” so use that as a way to tell you how these sheets will feel. They often have higher thread counts, and can sometimes feel a bit thicker and are better at retaining heat than percale weave sheets.
-Tony
Video Review: The Best Cotton Sheets
Best Overall – Saatva
Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set
If you’re looking for a five-star luxury hotel look and feel to your sheets, the Saatva Organic Sateen sheets will do the trick. They feel ultra soft because of the sateen weave.
Mattress Clarity Score
5.00 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
My absolute favorite cotton sheets have to be the Saatva Organic Sateen sheets. They provide a luxury feel like no other and include quality materials. The 100% organic cotton fabric is Fair Trade certified and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, so you can rest assured that the material you’re sleeping on is high-quality cotton that is grown in ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly ways.
With a sateen weave, the Saatva Organic Sateen sheets have a luxurious soft and smooth feel to them. They should feel more buttery and soft rather than crisp like standard cotton. Cotton is known for being very breathable, so these sheets shouldn’t trap a lot of heat. This is a win for hot sleepers out there.
What We Love about the Saatva Organic Sateen Sheets
- Hot sleepers will enjoy these sheets because they are a lightweight set of sheets that won’t make them overheat.
- Eco-friendly shoppers should love the quality materials in this organic set thanks to third-party certifications verifying that the cotton meets organic standards.
- Saatva offers a 45-night trial and a one-year limited warranty on these sheets.
What to Keep In Mind About the Saatva Organic Sateen Sheets
- If you’re someone who prefers some color options, unfortunately, Saatva only offers three: white, ivory, or gray.
- For a queen-size set, these sheets are roughly $270. For some, this price isn’t the most affordable. Saatva does offer financing, but if you’re shopping with a strict budget, these aren’t the best option.
Read our full Saatva Organic Sateen sheets review.
Best Organic – Birch
Birch Organic Sheets
The Birch Organic Sheets features eco-friendly materials and is a great match for hot sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Knowing a company has gone the extra mile to make a certified organic product is a nice way to rest easy. Birch makes organic cotton sheets to dress any mattress.
The Birch Organic Sheets are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. This means that the cotton used in Birch’s sheets is sustainably grown and sourced, and is processed without harmful chemicals, pesticides, and toxins. If you’re looking for an especially eco-friendly set of cotton sheets, check out this set.
Birch makes its sheets with the sateen weave, leaving these sheets feeling soft and buttery smooth. If you’re a cotton lover but don’t like that crisp feel to sheets, sateen is the way to go. These sheets are light and breathable, which is great for hot sleepers. Birch sells these sheets in five color options.
What We Love About the Birch Organic Sheets
- A GOTS certification is the gold standard for organic products. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly set of cotton sheets, these are the ones to look into.
- They don’t feel as crisp as other cotton sheets because of their weave style, so they’ll feel buttery smooth and soft.
- They’re breathable and even have some moisture-wicking properties which is a winning combo for hot sleepers.
What to Keep In Mind About the Birch Organic Sheets
- While these sheets are offered in five colors, only two of them are something other than a shade of beige or white.
- Though these sheets may be discounted throughout the year, some might find them out of their price range.
Read our full Birch Organic Sheets review.
Best Percale – Brooklinen Classic Core Set
Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets
The Brooklinen Classic Hardcore Sheets Bundle is a luxury set of percale sheets that doesn’t break the bank.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Looking specifically at the weave style, our favorite set of sheets that feature the percale weave is the Brooklinen Classic Core sheet set. As mentioned, the percale weave leaves sheets feeling crisp, and that is certainly the case here. If you love that pressed shirt feel to your cotton sheets, this set is for you.
Brooklinen has a variety of white and black plain and patterned options to pick from, but they often have limited edition sets that include more colors and designs for you to choose from.
Personally, my favorite part about these sheets is the fitted sheet. You’ll find “long” and “short” side labels here. This is my favorite part because I don’t always get the fitted sheet the right way on the first go. So if you’re like me, these labels will help you get the fitted sheet the right way the first time!
What We Love About the Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets
- These sheets have that classic, fresh-pressed shirt, crisp feeling to them, which is what many cotton fans love.
- They come in standard white and neutral colors, but Brooklinen will also sell limited edition sets that feature more color options and designs.
- The fitted sheet comes with long and short side labels to take the guesswork out of dressing your bed.
What to Keep In Mind About the Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets
- While some may love that crisp cotton feel, others might prefer something much smoother and silk-like.
- Because of the crisp feel and weave of these sheets, wrinkles might appear more noticeable than other sheets.
Read our full Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set review!
Best Luxury – Parachute
Parachute Percale Sheet Set
The Parachute Percale sheets are some of the softest cotton sheets on the market. They also are crisp and light, providing a durable and cool sleeping experience for many nights to come.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
If you’re on the hunt for a set of high-quality, luxurious feeling cotton sheets, it doesn’t get better than Parachute’s Percale sheet set. They feel lightweight and soft to the touch thanks to the Egyptian cotton used in these sheets. But because of the percale weave, they still have a crispness to them.
They have a thread count of 300, which is fairly standard for cotton sheets. You don’t want to see Egyptian cotton go above about 700. This is because Egyptian cotton can be made to have extra-long staples, meaning they can be made much thinner than traditional cotton, which means there can be more threads per square inch. This often results in a softer feel.
With a lower thread count and lightweight fabric, these sheets are breathable and still exude luxury. They have nine neutral color options available and an impressive three-year warranty if you decide to keep them. These should last you a long time!
What We Love about the Parachute Percale Sheets
- These sheets are great for those wanting sheets for the summer or fans of lightweight sheets should look into the Parachute sheets.
- Egyptian cotton is often more durable and softer than traditional cotton, so these sheets should last a few years with good care.
- With nine neutral color options to choose from, these sheets will be able to match your room’s color scheme.
What to Keep In Mind About the Parachute Percale Sheets
- It’s important to note that Parachute sells its sheet sets as just a fitted sheet and two pillowcases, or a fitted sheet, pillowcases, and a top sheet. You have to select what you need, and the price changes depending on if you have the top sheet or not.
Read our full Parachute Percale Sheets review.
Best for Hot Sleepers – American Blossom Linens
American Blossom Linens Organic Cotton Sheets
These sheets are made from 100% USA Organic Cotton. Environmentally friendly, they’re free of chemicals, dyes, and will only get softer and more comfortable the more you use them.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
American Blossom Linens is a U.S.-based company that makes its sheets in America, too. Its signature set of sheets features 100% organic West Texas cotton. Mixed with a percale weave, they feel crisp but are designed to get softer with each wash.
What makes these sheets great for hot sleepers is their custom, lower thread count. Some companies artificially inflate thread counts, but American Blossom doesn’t Instead, the brand uses a thread count of 180 for its sheets.
With this lower thread count and breathable material, hot sleepers won’t sleep hot and sweaty underneath these sheets. This is another set of organic sheets. American Blossom doesn’t treat its sheets with chemicals or dyes, giving you only two color options to pick from: white and natural.
What We Love About the American Blossom Linens Sheets
- These sheets are an American-made product with organic materials, making them an eco-friendly choice.
- Hot sleepers will love the breathability of these sheets and with a lower thread count.
- The best part about these sheets is that you can test them out for two years as part of American Blossom’s Happiness Guarantee.
What to Keep In Mind About the American Blossom Linens Sheets
- These sheets are durable and long-lasting, but they are a bit of an investment. Shoppers with strict budgets might need to consider something else.
- Lower thread count sheets can sometimes feel not as soft as some higher thread count sheets. While these sheets are designed to get softer with each wash, some might not find them soft and smooth enough.
Read our full American Blossom Linens Sheets review.
Best Cotton Sateen – Boll & Branch
Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
The Boll and Branch sheets combine a crisp, light feel with the softness of high-quality cotton. These are some of the best cotton sheets on the market.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
We’ve already touched on a set of percale sheets, but one of the other popular weave styles for cotton sheets is the sateen weave. This weave style leaves sheets feeling smooth and satin-like. They also have a light sheen to them. If this sounds like the weave style for you, the Boll & Branch sheets are a perfect match.
There are a good number of sateen cotton sheets on this list, but I chose Boll & Branch as our best sateen option because the weave Boll & Branch uses also is specific to the brand, as it’s also called the brand’s “special cooling weave.” This means these sheets won’t trap heat while still feeling soft and smooth.
Boll & Branch uses 100% organic cotton in these sheets and uses a sateen weave to give them that classic soft, smooth feeling. This makes the sheets an ideal choice for those who tend to overheat.
What We Love About the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets
- The sateen wave makes these sheets feel much softer and smoother over sheets with the percale weave.
- While they don’t feature anything specific for cooling, cotton is breathable so hot sleepers should enjoy these sheets.
- They have a 300 thread count which is the sweet spot for traditional cotton sheets.
What to Keep In Mind About the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets
- Like some others on this list, these sheets should be fairly durable and long-lasting. However, the price for them could be steep for some.
Read our full Boll & Branch Sheets review.
Best Flannel – Brooklinen Flannel
Brooklinen Brushed Flannel Sheets
The Brooklinen Brushed Flannel sheets are warm and cozy. They’re a great match for those colder nights.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Flannel sheets are known for being thick, fuzzy, and perfect for colder months. Brooklinen has already made this list once for its Classic sheet set, and its Flannel Core set just so happens to be another one of our favorites.
Brooklinen treats the cotton with a brushed technique, giving it a thicker, slightly fuzzy feeling over its other cotton sheets. This makes the sheets retain heat a bit more, making them ideal for cold months or for folks who get cold quickly.
True to Brooklinen fashion, these sheets are offered in the ever-iconic plaid, but you will have the option of other colors and designs to choose from.
What We Love About the Brooklinen Flannel Core Sheets
- They have a soft, slightly fuzzy texture to them for those who want a cozy set of sheets.
- Brooklinen always has set color and design options, but there are often limited edition choices, too. Regardless, if you want something other than a solid color for your sheets, Brooklinen has something for every mood or color scheme.
What to Keep In Mind About the Brooklinen Flannel Core Sheets
- Overly hot sleepers may not be able to sleep cool and comfortably with this set of sheets.
Read our full Brooklinen Flannel Core sheets review.
Best Egyptian Cotton – Pure Parima
Pure Parima Yalda Sheets
These eco-friendly sheets are available in many different size options and colors.
Our Expert’s Take
Some brands may only claim that they use Egyptian cotton, but Pure Parima’s Yalda sheet set uses 100% authentic Egyptian cotton. Pure Parima uses a third-party organization to verify the genetic origins of the cotton.
There are a number of reasons why Egyptian cotton might be worth the splurge. The fibers are able to be spun into finer threads, making for a much softer feel. And these fibers are incredibly durable. So while there might be a luxury price tag, with good care, the Yalda sheets should last you several years.
Pure Parima offers these sheets in 12 different shades for some variety. These sheets feel rather soft, smooth, and lightweight and will work year-round.
What We Love About the Pure Parima Yalda Sheets
- Pure Parima uses 100% certified authentic Egyptian cotton. This makes these sheets feel softer and more luxurious than other types of cotton.
- The Yalda sheet set has easy care and they should last you several years, making them a good investment.
What to Keep In Mind About the Pure Parima Yalda Sheets
- The fitted sheet has pockets that are 18” deep. These are considered extra deep pockets. While great for tall beds or beds that use a topper, if you have a thinner mattress, the fit will be rather loose.
Read our full Pure Parima Yalda sheets review.
Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Naturally breathable |
Can wrinkle easily |
|
Hypoallergenic |
Less durable than other materials (specifically standard cotton) |
|
Wide range of options available |
Can be expensive |
|
Often softens with every wash cycle |
|
|
Typically easy to wash and dry |
What to Consider Before Buying 100% Cotton Sheets
There is more to determining the quality of 100% cotton sheets outside of their thread count. Below I’ve listed exactly what to look for before handing over the credit card and making that purchase.
RELATED: Best Material for Bed Sheets
Fiber Length
The length of the fiber in a cotton sheet set is essential to revealing its overall quality and lifespan. Long-staple or extra-long-staple cotton fibers are preferable over regular lengths. The longer the fiber, the better the quality in terms of durability and feel. This translates to a softer feel, enhanced durability (less pilling), and a higher level of quality across the board.
Supima/Pima and Egyptian cotton are the two main types of long and extra-long staple fibers on the market today. 100% Supima Cotton or 100% Egyptian Cotton sheets are the labels to look for when shopping if fiber length is a priority.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The thread count can vary within the world of cotton sheets. It’s typically found in a range from 200 to 800. What matters most is the length of the fiber woven into the sheets themselves. For example, long-staple fibers in a 400 thread count will feel wonderful, even compared to a higher thread count with shorter fibers.
Those purchasing 100% Supima/Pima Cotton or 100% Egyptian Cotton sheets should be more than pleased with 400 thread count and don’t need an excessively high thread count to reap the benefits of the higher quality thread.
Weave
There are two main weaves available with cotton sheets: percale and sateen. Percale is a simpler weave that offers a more crisp, lightweight and “starchier” feel that’s reminiscent of hotel sheets. Meanwhile, sateen has a satin-like feel, is buttery and more luxurious looking, and is better for those who don’t sleep hot.
Ready to learn more? Check out Katie’s whole video on the differences between these weaves!
Types of Cotton
There are three main types of cotton: your standard cotton, Egyptian cotton, and Supima (or Pima) cotton. While all three are technically the same material, they actually end up having different properties. We go into more detail about the types of cotton in our Linen vs Cotton article, but here’s a quick rundown.
- Cotton: The most common and standard version of cotton. Can feel either crisp or smooth depending on weave style. Tend to be a bit more affordable.
- Egyptian: As the name suggests, grown in Egypt. Look out for a certification of authenticity to make sure you’re getting real Egyptian cotton. Tends to be softer and more durable. Because it’s imported, tends to be a bit more expensive.
- Supima/Pima: Similar to Egyptian, but commonly grown in the United States. Can be made into long-staple fibers, making it fairly durable.
Final Thoughts
Those are the complete details and features of my four favorite 100% cotton sheets! All the sheets will securely fit mattresses up to 16″ deep – one as thick as 18″ – and can be found in a multitude of colors, weaves and a range of special features.
Whether it’s a simple sheet set to throw on a guest bed or a dive into true luxury with some exquisite Egyptian Cotton sheets, there’s a perfect sheet set for everyone on this list!
The Best Cotton Sheets FAQs
What are the best quality sheets?
When it comes to 100% cotton sheets, the best quality sheets are ones that utilize the longest cotton fiber possible. Supima or Pima cotton or Egyptian cotton sheets are those certified to have longer fibers and are associated with higher quality and a softer feel. Keep an eye out for wording that says “long-staple fibers” over high thread count numbers.
What is the best thread count for 100% cotton sheets?
To reiterate what I said earlier, thread count isn’t the single most important factor to consider when purchasing a new set of cotton sheets, but it’s worth considering. Thread count is essentially the number of threads per square inch of fabric. A 400 thread count manufactured with long-staple cotton fibers will equate to excellent quality and perhaps a better durability than a shorter fiber with a higher thread count.
Is 100% cotton good for sheets?
I would recommend 100% cotton sheets to those who desire the feel of crisp and cool cotton and want something lightweight and breathable. Polyester/cotton blends have their own benefits – they’re often less expensive and may feel a little softer thanks to their synthetic blend and may wrinkle less, but they’re more likely to start pilling in a fewer number of washes.
Do cotton sheets keep you cool?
Yes, other sheet fabrics may feel cool but cotton has an excellent reputation for promoting airflow through the fabric, therefore breathing well and offering a cool set of sheets for hot sleepers. Polyester/cotton combination sheets or microfiber blends may feel soft but are more inclined to trap heat and prevent some from sleeping cool.
