The Best Linen Sheets to Summer-fy Your Bed

While some linen sheets can feel a bit scratchy, this set is anything but rough and earned top scores in our blind softness comparison evaluation. The Citizenry uses a special stonewash process, which creates a soft, worn-in texture that impressed our testers who thought it both felt ultra-comfortable but also said it looked gorgeous on their beds.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: This set easily outperformed other linen sheets we tested, standing out for its minimal shrinkage and soft yet strong fabric. Plus, the sheets were a hit among our testers: Many preferred them to other linen sheets they'd slept on, and several highlighted how they softened with time and use. One shared, "I loved the feel of the sheets. They are so soft yet substantial and natural feeling. I can't wait to get in bed and don't want to get out."

Linen sheets can be a bit stiff and are sometimes hard to stretch over tall mattresses or topper setups, but our testers said these sheets worked well with tall beds. One commented, "I was exceedingly pleased by how well these sheets fit my deep mattress. They have not budged one time and were easy to put on all four corners."

Note that some of our testers found that the material didn't keep them as cool as they'd like, though many appreciated that they could use them year-round because they ran a little warmer. And, there's a great range of solid colors and subtle patterns.

If you're looking to save rather than splurge, consider a blend of linen and cotton to help keep the cost low. This set has 55% linen and 45% cotton in the mix, which when combined, can feel softer than 100% linen sheets. They're an approachable option if you're interested in linen but aren't quite sure if the texture is for you. From our experience, sheets made with linen blends can pill more quickly than 100% linen sheets, though.

✔️ WHAT USERS SAY: While we're still in the process of testing these sheets, we've found that the price can't be beat for someone hoping to spend less than $100 for a new bedding set. You'll get two pillowcases, a fitted sheet and a top sheet, but you can opt for a six-piece set with additional pillowcases for just a few dollars more.

Online reviewers said they were surprised by the high quality of these sheets, and several even commented that they helped improve their sleep quality. One reviewer shared, "They have a breathable, lived-in texture right out of the package — but what really impressed me is how much softer and cozier they become with each wash." If you're used to 100% cotton sheets, keep in mind that these likely won't feel quite as soft.

Parachute's linen sheets are highly searched for among online shoppers, and we've found that they live up to the hype — they truly are soft, strong and breathable. And while the price is high, you can opt to buy each component separately and forego the top sheet or swap out different colors to create your perfect set.

We've tested both the former iteration of these sheets and the latest fabrication in the Lab and have been impressed by both. According to Parachute, the new sheets are even stronger than the previous version, but are just as soft.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: When we evaluated the sheets, we were impressed by their softness after just one wash, and so were our testers who gave them high softness scores in a blind comparison of other linen fabrics. The sheets also held up during our in-Lab durability tests with minimal shrinkage and excellent strength, though they did have a noticeably wrinkled appearance after washing.

In fact, one GH staffer has personally owned a set for over five years and can confirm that they've held up well over time. Another tester described the sheets as "beautifully made" and shared, "They fit my bed perfectly." Testers also said the material felt "breathable," making them ideal for hot sleepers.

RELATED: Parachute vs. Brooklinen

These top-tested sheets are pre-washed for an lived-in feel that one user called "the perfect balance between crisp and soft." The sheets outperformed other sets in our evaluations, earning high comfort and temperature-regulation ratings from testers. Though the sheets are on the more expensive end of the linen sets we've tested, Cultiver lets you request complimentary (free) fabric swatches to try out before you buy (you just pay for shipping).

✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: Multiple testers commented on the soft and luxe texture, with one highlighting its airy quality and noting that she doesn't overheat on these like other sheets she's tried. Another shared, "I tend to favor cotton sheets because they are soft, but these linen sheets surprised me. They were so comfortable and soft." Beyond that, the material held up well to laundering during our washability tests with barely any shrinkage, but it did show significant creases during our wrinkle-resistance evaluations.

An updated version of Brooklinen's best-selling linen sheets, this cozy set is has thousands of five-star reviews on their site and performed well in our Lab tests. According to the brand, the sheets are "new and improved" with a heavier weight material that's both stronger and softer than before.

Plus, there's an any-reason return policy for up to 365 days (with a small $9.95 return fee), making these sheets a great option if you're not 100% sure about investing in linen sheets but still want to give them a try.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: Though they weren’t the softest linen sheets, they were very durable and had almost no shrinkage, even after multiple washes. The sheets also resisted major pilling after being rubbed repeatedly by our Martindale abrasion tester. In the Lab, we especially love how the sides are labeled “long” and “short” (genius!) so there’s less struggling to make your bed.

When trying out the former version of the sheets at home, our testers loved the breathability and texture. One shared, "I love the feel of these sheets. They are luxurious in a tactile way." "They were soft, breathable, and fit my mattress so well," shared another tester.

RELATED: Brooklinen Sheets Review

Available in more than 30 different colors and whimsical prints that are designed to mix and match, Piglet in Bed's sheets break the mold of traditional linen bedding, which tends to come in neutral and muted hues. The sheets are available as separate pieces (top sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases and duvet covers) but can also be bundled together. You're also able to opt for 100% linen or choose a linen and cotton blend.

Not only does the brand offer true customizability, but the quality of the linen speaks for itself, earning top scores in both Textiles Lab and consumer tests.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our testers appreciated the airy, relaxed feel of these sheets but especially loved the textured look and rated them highly for appearance and comfort. One tester said, "The fabric looked amazing on my bed," while another added, "They make you just want to lay in them with a good cozy book and sleep all day." A Textiles Lab analyst who sleeps with bedding from Piglet in Bed shared, "The quality and style are unmatched, especially for a maximalist like me."

Plus, they barely shrank and resisted pilling well in our Lab tests. Like most linen sheets, they're a bit more prone to wrinkling, so if you prefer a crease-free look, they'll requite frequent ironing.

While most linen blend sheets combine cotton and linen, these sheets from Avec use a unique combo of viscose with linen. Know that the blend is viscose heavy: 90% viscose and 10% linen. Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber that's derived from wood pulp and chemically processed. It has a very silky, smooth feel that compliments the rougher, textured nature of linen.

Besides their unique fabrication, the sheets also have unique construction: A zipper attaches the top sheet to the duvet cover for easy bed making and to help stop you from tangling up in your sheets while you sleep.

The sheets are a Good Housekeeping Seal holder due to their performance both in the Lab and with consumer testers who tried them out at home. The five-piece set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases and a duvet cover, but the brand is currently offering a free duvet insert, so you can fully outfit your bed in Avec's linens.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our consumer testers were pleasantly surprised by the feel of the sheets and gave them high scores for comfort and temperature regulation. More than one tester reported that the sheets actually helped to improve their sleep quality, including a tester who said, "I felt cool and maintained a relatively constant body temperature. I usually wake up in the middle of the night, but with these sheets I slept throughout the whole night."

In reference to the material, another tester said, "It is very soft and looks nice on the bed as well." When we tested the fabric, we were impressed by how well it resisted pilling because blended fabrics tend to pill quickly. We also found the sheets didn't wrinkle as much after laundering as others we tested.

Unlike most pre-packaged sheet sets with a set pocket depth, pillowcase size and design, Linoto lets you build your own customized set. There are lots of options to choose from, like the depth of your fitted sheet — which ranges from a shallow 9-inch option to a super deep pocket 21-inch version — or whether you want the pillowcase to open at the ends or on the back. Linoto also offers unique sizes like "Olympic" bedding and even European sizing. Beyond that, there are tons of colors to choose from, and the brand has organic linen bedding for a higher cost.

Tester notes: Linoto is a consistent leader in our tests for its thoughtfully crafted linen bedding, and these sheets didn't disappoint. The fabric is built to last, outperforming other linens we've tested for fabric strength and overall durability.

One tester said, "They have a nice weight to them, while still being very breathable. I typically sleep hot and felt very comfortable with these sheets." Another similarly shared, "They were super comfortable and I never felt overheated, and the sheets were cozy."

Just beware that the brand's products may take a little longer to ship because they're manufactured by a small team of craftsmen in the US, but we think they're worth the wait.