The 8 Best Cotton Sheets of 2024, According to Our Tests

The Best Cotton Sheets People Tested — Photo:
People / Henry Wortock

Cotton is the most popular choice for bedding, and for good reason. The fabric is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, meaning it draws sweat away from your skin while you sleep. However, not all cotton sheet sets are created equal.

"The quality of the cotton, especially the length of the cotton fiber, affects the feel and performance of a sheet," says textile expert Saana Baker. "Look for long-staple cotton, such as Egyptian, Turkish, or Supima, for the best quality."

We tested 12 of the best-selling, top-rated cotton sheets in our lab to see which ones lived up to their claims of comfort, softness, and breathability. Each set was evaluated for texture, durability, breathability, quality before and after washing, and overall value. We then used the sheets at home for an additional six months to see how they held up long-term in a real-life setting — our bedrooms.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set at Parachute $259

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Best Overall (Cheaper):

SALE

Better Homes & Gardens HygroCotton Sheet Set at Walmart ~~$55~~ $46

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Most Comfortable:

California Design Den Cotton Sheets Set at Amazon $70

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Best Percale:

Banana Republic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set at Brhome.com

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Best Sateen:

SALE

Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set at Nest Bedding ~~$124~~ $62

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Best Turkish Cotton:

The Citizenry Organic Cotton Sheet Set at The-citizenry.com

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Best Size Range:

Riley Home Organic Cotton Sheet Set at Rileyhome.com

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Best Investment:

Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set at Bollandbranch.com

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Best Overall

Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

PHOTO: Parachute

$259 at Parachute

Our Ratings

Quality

4.8/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

4.8/5
Value

4.5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Exceptionally soft and smooth
Ideal medium weight
Resists shrinking, pilling, and tearing

Red Flags

Could be more stain-resistant

Of all the sets we tried, Parachute's brushed cotton sheets are definitely our favorite. Out of the box, we didn't see any imperfections. The fabric felt immediately smooth and exceptionally soft, with a perfect medium weight — cozy but not too warm.

We were able to easily fit the 16-inch-deep fitted sheet onto our mattress and secure it on all corners. It was a taut fit, which helped prevent it from bunching up and slipping off during the night. These sheets seem to be plenty breathable and more absorbent than others, so they're a great choice for those prone to night sweats.

They also held up well in the wash, with no shrinkage, and are resistant to abrasion, showing no tears or pilling during our tests. Most stains came right out, save for an oil spot, which we weren't able to remove entirely. The price is above average for cotton sheets, but so is the quality.

How They've Held Up

After three months of at-home use, we're still very pleased with these sheets. Like most 100 percent cotton fabrics with a plain weave, the material is prone to wrinkling in the wash. (You can minimize this by taking your bedding out of the dryer when it's about 90 percent dry and making the bed immediately.) Still, we love the soft, smooth, ultra-cozy material and expect these sheets to last several years — exactly what you'd expect in premium bed sheets.

Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Weave: Plain/brushed | Colors: 6

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

The More You Know

Brushed cotton is combed on one side to improve softness and insulation, but it's not as warm as flannel sheets, which are brushed on both sides.

Best Overall (Cheaper)

Better Homes & Gardens HygroCotton Sheet Set

Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count HygroCotton Sheet Set

PHOTO: Walmart

$46 at Walmart

Our Ratings

Quality

4.8/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

4.5/5
Value

4.5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Excellent value
Breathable and moisture-wicking
Suitable for year-round use

Red Flags

Slightly stiff at first
Not available in twin or twin XL sizes

Editor's note: Better Homes & Gardens is owned by PEOPLE's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.

We were also thoroughly impressed by this sheet set from Better Homes & Gardens. Though these cotton sheets were slightly stiff out of the packaging, they felt soft and lightweight, with a nice drape and a subtle brushed texture. We didn't notice any imperfections, either. After running them through the wash, they were even softer.

Though these bed sheets are breathable and cool to the touch, they're also plenty cozy and would definitely be suitable for year-round use. They passed our absorbency and moisture-wicking tests with flying colors, so you can bet they'll wick away sweat while you doze. Thanks to the extra-deep fitted sheet with top and bottom indicators, making the bed was super easy, and it stayed in place until we were ready to take it off.

How They've Held Up

We continued using these sheets for a few months after our original tests. Everything still fit well, the texture remained soft, and they continued to have a cool-to-the-touch, lightweight feel. They’re only available in full, queen, and king sizes, but if one of those will fit your bed, they are an excellent choice.

Sizes: Full, queen, king | Weave: Plain square | Colors: 14

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Most Comfortable

California Design Den Cotton Sheets Set

California Design Den 600 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheets Set

PHOTO: Amazon

$70 at Amazon $55 at Target $83 at Walmart

Our Ratings

Quality

3.8/5
Texture

4.5/5
Durability

3/5
Value

3.5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Soft, breathable material
No loose threads or snags after washing
Moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly

Red Flags

Ripped slightly during the abrasion test
No pillowcase enclosure flaps

To get the full picture of quality and value, we put these California Design Den cotton sheets to the test in our lab and at home. Overall, we thought the sheets were well-made. The quality was apparent in the little details, like the stitching, high thread count, and feel. These sheets offer a light, breathable feel and are super soft — almost like a sateen weave.

During lab testing, these sheets proved to be breathable, durable, and smart in design. One of our team members runs hot when sleeping and appreciated that these sheets feel cool when lying on them, despite the high thread count (which usually leads to a thicker, less breathable material).

These sheets dried fairly quickly and showed no loose threads or snags after washing, though they got even softer (bonus points!). The only con found during lab tests was that we were able to rip the sheet slightly using sandpaper during the abrasion test. (Unless you frequently rub sandpaper across your sheets, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker).

How They've Held Up

We also took these sheets home to see how they held up over time. We appreciated the size of the fitted sheet, which had plenty of space for larger mattresses and pillow top or mattress pad additions. For care, we machine-washed these sheets with cold water and dried them on a low setting; they came out unscathed. While we wish the design print existed on both sides of the sheet and that the included pillowcases had enclosures to tuck the pillow behind, the upsides outweigh these small flaws.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Weave: 100% extra-long cotton staple | Colors: 18

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Best Percale

Banana Republic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set

PHOTO: Banana Republic

View on Brhome.com

Our Ratings

Quality

4/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

4.8/5
Value

3.8/5
Breathability

2/5

Star Qualities

Soft, smooth, and matte fabric
Held up well in the wash
Weight is suitable for year-round use

Red Flags

Fitted sheet isn't taut
Fabric not resistant to stains or abrasion

We loved the soft, smooth, matte feel of these cotton sheets and didn't notice any loose strings or other imperfections when pulling them out of the packaging. The fitted sheet is easy to get on and stays in place, thanks to the elastic band around the edges. However, it's not a very taut fit, so the fabric bunches up a bit with a medium-height mattress.

We loved the breathability and moisture-wicking quality of these bed sheets — they're a great choice for hot sleepers and warm climates. At the same time, we appreciate that they're weighty enough to keep you cozy in the winter. Unfortunately, the fabric isn't very stain-resistant — foundation and oil left behind permanent marks during our tests. Still, these sheets seem to hold up well in the wash. After laundering them several times, they were even softer and more comfortable than on day one.

Sizes: Queen, king, California king | Weave: Percale | Colors: 5

Best Sateen

Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set

PHOTO: Nest Bedding

$62 at Nest Bedding

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

4.8/5
Value

4.5/5
Breathability

4/5

Star Qualities

Good value for the price
Soft, smooth look and feel
Durable and stain-resistant

Red Flags

Less silky after washing
Prone to minor shrinking

These sheets from Nest are loomed from certified organic fair trade cotton and feature a silky-smooth sateen weave with a subtle sheen. After three washes, the surface wasn't quite as lustrous, but the fabric was softer than when we first took them out of the packaging.

These bed sheets have excellent breathability and seem to do a good job of wicking away moisture. They stood up well to abrasion during our sandpaper test and didn't show any visible signs of damage each time we laundered them. Also, none of the staining substances we tested left a lasting mark. In the end, we were thoroughly impressed by this sheet set and think it's reasonably priced.

How They've Held Up

After washing these sheets several times, we did notice some minor shrinking. However, it's still easy to make the bed, and unless you have an extra-deep mattress, this may not be an issue. The fabric seems to get better with every wash. It's softer than before and has a cozy, lived-in feel, but it still looks new.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Weave: Sateen | Colors: 5

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Best Turkish Cotton

The Citizenry Organic Cotton Sheet Set

The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set

PHOTO: The Citizenry

View on The-citizenry.com $269 at The Container Store

Our Ratings

Quality

4.5/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

5/5
Value

4.5/5
Breathability

4/5

Star Qualities

Durable material resists fraying and pilling
Cool to the touch yet cozy
Silky-soft feel with a high-end look

Red Flags

Fitted sheet was slightly baggy
Not available in twin or Cal king sizes

Turkish cotton is a type of long-staple cotton known for its inherent strength and unique softness. Based on our tests, the best Turkish cotton bed sheets come from The Citizenry. The fabric is not only sourced from Turkey but also certified organic. Out of the box, these sheets felt exceptionally soft and silky, with a high-end look, reinforced seams, and no visible imperfections. The fitted sheet went on easily, but we'd prefer it to be a little tighter to prevent it from slipping during the night.

Though they're cool to the touch, these sheets also feel nice and cozy. Not only that, but they feel breathable and passed our moisture-wicking test with flying colors. They also held up well in the wash and proved resistant to various types of stains. Due to the natural durability of Turkish cotton, it came as no surprise that they passed our sandpaper test, too. In the end, we think the price is warranted. They’re not available in twin or California king sizes, but if you’re looking for full, queen, or king sheets, you can’t go wrong with this set.

How They've Held Up

After long-term testing at home, the quality of these sheets is just as good as before. If anything, weekly washing might have made them even softer, which is often to be expected with long-staple cotton. The material is durable and has resisted fraying and pilling. We haven't had any issues with staining or damage either, and we still think the price is fair for such a high-quality set.

Sizes: Full, queen, king | Weave: Plain square | Colors: 5

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Best Size Range

Riley Home Organic Cotton Sheet Set

PHOTO: Riley

View on Rileyhome.com

Our Ratings

Quality

4/5
Texture

4/5
Durability

5/5
Value

4/5
Breathability

4/5

Star Qualities

High-quality material softens over time
Smooth, silky feel
Breathable for hot sleepers

Red Flags

Some seams became loose after washing
Limited colors

We also liked this sheet set from Riley, which is made of long-staple, certified organic cotton with a sateen weave. Upon first inspection, the material was very soft and silky, with no noticeable imperfections. It was slightly stiffer after washing, but this can sometimes be a matter of the type of laundry detergent (and how much of it) you use.

We also noticed a couple of loose seams after washing, which appeared to be starting to unravel. Still, they seemed to be overall high-quality sheets and really stood out for softness, breathability, and aesthetic appeal. Unlike many other sets we tested, this one comes in all the standard bedding sizes, including twin, twin XL (extra-long), full, queen, king, and California king. While we wish these sheets came in more colors, we were all-around impressed.

How They've Held Up

We used these sheets for a full three months and are pleased to report that they've gotten noticeably softer. They've maintained their excellent quality, with no fading, pilling, or stains to speak of. We still love the smooth, silky texture of the sateen weave and appreciate how breathable the fabric is.

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Weave: Combed sateen | Colors: 5

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Best Investment

Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set

PHOTO: Boll & Branch

View on Bollandbranch.com $499 at Bloomingdales

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

4.8/5
Value

4/5
Breathability

4.3/5

Star Qualities

Smooth and silky feel
Softer with continued use
Fitted sheet stays securely in place

Red Flags

Not available in all sizes

Are you open to shelling out a bit more on high-end bedding? Boll & Branch won't disappoint. According to the brand, these sheets are woven from the "longest-staple organic cotton that can possibly be grown." The longer staples make for a stronger fabric, which means it's not only more durable but will also get softer over time. Sure enough, the fabric has a sturdy feel that's also smooth and silky to the touch. We noticed zero imperfections off the bat and thought the workmanship of each piece was pretty impeccable.

Even after a few washes, the subtle luster of the silky organic threads remained, and the sheets were still remarkably soft. The fabric passed our breathability and moisture-wicking tests, and the deep-fitted sheet offered a taut, secure fit. The price of this sheet set might be hard to justify, but if it's within your budget, you won't regret the investment.

How They've Held Up

After three months, these sheets fit just as well as they originally did. We washed them about once a week and didn't notice any stretching, shrinking, or puckering. They feel about the same as they did before — if anything, the fabric is even softer and cozier, with a more lived-in feel.

Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Weave: Plain square | Colors: 8

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

What to Know About Cotton Sheets

Weave

The two most popular weaves for cotton sheets are percale and sateen. Percale is a plain square weave with a one-over, one-under thread pattern. It has a crisp, cool feel and a smooth, matte finish. Percale sheets are great for hot sleepers or those looking to regulate their temperature through the night.

Sateen uses a three-over, one-under weave pattern. "Sateen sheets have a lustrous face and a softer drape than percale," says Baker. They're also usually slightly heavier and less airy than sheets with a plain square weave.

Country of Origin

"Country of origin means a lot, too," says Baker. For instance, sheets sourced from Turkish cotton are generally considered exceptionally soft, durable, and long-lasting, as with The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set. Egyptian cotton is also thought to be among the best in the world.

Price

Just like bamboo sheets or silk and satin ones, cotton sheets are available at a wide range of prices. On the higher end, you can get luxury sheets like the Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set for $450 and up. But if you're on a budget, there are plenty of great affordable options, like the Better Homes & Gardens Cotton Sheet Set at Walmart.

Woman looking at sheet quality — Better Homes & Gardens/dera burreson

Behind the Scenes

To find the best cotton sheets, we started with 12 of the top-rated cotton sheet sets and put them through thorough testing in our lab and at home.

Inspection: We started by unboxing the sheets and inspecting them for imperfections, like dye inconsistencies, uneven stitching, and snags.
Fit: Then we used the sheets to make a bed, noting how easily and securely the fitted sheet went on and whether the pillowcases were a proper fit. We also made note of any shifting and bunching of the fitted sheet and whether it had a taut fit over the mattress.
Stains: We applied coffee, oil, and foundation to test for stain resistance. We also used a water dropper to evaluate the sheets' breathability, absorbency, and moisture-wicking abilities. Lastly, we used sandpaper to check for durability and resistance to abrasion.
Washing: Next, we washed the sheets to see if the look or feel changed and if laundering the fabric caused any shrinkage or damage.
Long-Term Testing: In addition to our lab tests, we took the sheets home and used them for an additional six months to see how they held up in a real-life setting. We put them through the paces at home, evaluating the sheets by sleeping on them and laundering them regularly.
Scoring: The cotton sheets we tested were scored for quality pre- and post-wash, breathability, durability, texture, and value. Those with the highest scores are featured in this story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of cotton for sheets?

Generally speaking, the best type of cotton for sheets is long-staple cotton, whether it's sourced from Turkey, Egypt, or another country. The extra-long plant fibers make for more durable threads, and once they're woven into a fabric, you can count on a strong material that resists damage and gets softer with every wash.
Is Supima or Egyptian cotton better?

Egyptian cotton is sourced from cotton plants grown in Egypt, and Supima cotton comes from plants grown in the U.S. Both boast extra-long staple fibers, which make the finished fabric notably strong, long-lasting, and soft. Many consider Supima to be slightly superior to Egyptian cotton, as the quality is more consistently regulated, though most people may not be able to tell the difference.
What thread count is best for cotton sheets?

Thread count is sometimes an indicator of quality, but it doesn't tell you the full story. "Typical percale thread counts range from 200 to 460," says Baker. "Sateen is a denser structure, so more threads are needed, and this is reflected in higher thread counts that typically range from 300 to 600." If you like lighter-weight bedding, opt for a slightly lower thread count. And if you prefer medium-weight fabrics or run cold at night, a higher thread count might be a better choice.

People using different bed sheets — People / Henry Wortock

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Theresa Holland is a contributing writer for PEOPLE, specializing in home and travel products. To compile this list of the best cotton sheets, she drew on the experiences and insights of our team of product testers. We tested these sheets in the lab and at home for six months to see which ones were the best and worth your money. Theresa also spent hours reading user reviews, combing through product specs, and interviewing textile expert Saana Baker.

Meet Our Expert

Saana Baker is a San Francisco-based textile expert and the creator of The Textile Eye, a quarterly trend and product report that helps companies and designers create tomorrow’s best-sellers.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

The 9 Best Linen Sheets of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE

Sources

PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Sela SK, Nayab-Ul-Hossain AKM, Rakib MSI, Niloy MKH. Improving the functionality of raw cotton: simultaneous strength increases and additional multi-functional properties. Heliyon. 2020;6(8):e04607. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04607
Manickam S, Venkatakrishnan SM. Studies on fibre quality of a long staple cotton variety using high volume instrument and advanced fibre information system for fibre quality improvement. Electron J Plant Breed. 2014;5(2):213-219.

In This Article

Best Overall

Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

Best Overall (Cheaper)

Better Homes & Gardens HygroCotton Sheet Set

Most Comfortable

California Design Den Cotton Sheets Set

Best Percale

Banana Republic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Best Sateen

Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet Set

Best Turkish Cotton

The Citizenry Organic Cotton Sheet Set

Best Size Range

Riley Home Organic Cotton Sheet Set

Best Investment

Boll & Branch Reserve Sheet Set

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