Our Shopping Guide to All the Types of Bed Sheets

The fiber scientists and product analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute are almost always evaluating a new set of sheets in the GH Textiles Lab and even at home in their own beds. If anyone can empathize with searching for the right type of sheets, it's our team. To help you navigate bedding brand claims and sift through the features of a particular set of sheets, we built this catchall guide that outlines the different types of bed sheets styles you can shop for — and who each one is best for.

So far, we've tested nearly 350 bed sheets in the Lab and among consumer testers, which adds up to almost 12,000 nights of sleep testing! Our Textiles Lab has reported on the bed sheet materials (like cotton, rayon, linen and silk) as well as the various types of constructions you can choose from (from percale and sateen to microfiber, flannel and jersey).

Below, you'll find more information on all the types of sheets as well as helpful shopping advice on what to look for when choosing a new set, plus what to avoid.

Fiber content

Cotton sheets

The most popular material for sheets, cotton checks all the boxes: It's soft, durable and feels luxurious. Long-staple cotton (such as Pima or Egyptian cotton sheets) tends to be of higher quality because longer fibers make the fabric smoother and stronger.

Who they're best for: If you want to go all in on a set of long-lasting sheets, you can't go wrong with cotton. And while these sheets can cost you, there are affordable options available on the market for every budget.

Regenerated cellulose fibers sheets

Rayon, viscose and lyocell are all "regenerated cellulose" fibers because the raw material is some type of plant that goes through a chemical process to become a fiber. Viscose and lyocell are both types of rayon and Tencel fabric is a brand of lyocell that's recognized for its sustainable production practices. Some of our favorite cooling sheets are made with Tencel/lyocell because the fiber wicks away sweat to keep you dry.

Who they're best for: Sleepers who want ultra-soft sheets that are lightweight and sweat-wicking. These sheets are sometimes even softer than cotton but may feel less substantial.

Linen sheets

Similar to a classic linen button-up, linen sheets are breathable and airy. Perfect for hot summer nights, these sheets also have a textured, relaxed feel that will make your bedscape look effortless. That said, they are a more luxe purchase. Of the seven linen sheet sets we recommend, almost all are close to or more than $300 with one budget-friendly pick that is under $100.

Who they're best for: Another good choice for sheets for hot sleepers, linen sheets will keep you cool, thanks to its breezy open-weave design. However, these sheets are not as soft as cotton and some may find the texture too rough.

Silk sheets

Silk sheets are luxuriously smooth and naturally temperature-regulating. Silk fabrics can even reduce friction, meaning they are gentle on your skin. These sheets, as well as silk pillowcases and silk scrunchies, have become popular because they can help prevent frizzy hair and face wrinkles.

While we have found some affordable options, silk sheets can be incredibly expensive and require a higher level of maintenance than the average set. For example, some brands may recommend handwashing or dry cleaning the sheets. Some silk sheets are machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water, and can either go in the dryer on low heat or air dry.

Who they're best for: Sleepers who run hot and can benefit from temperature-regulating qualities, as well as anyone who wants to splurge on a more luxurious sheet set.

Construction

Percale sheets

A basic weave, percale sheets are known for their light and crisp feel. Some GH staffers say 100% cotton percale sheets are their favorite sheets to sleep on, but percale sheets tend to feel coarser than sateen. That's why we evaluated 81 percale sheets in recent testing to find the best sets that feel soft yet cool.

Who they're best for: Hot sleepers will benefit from percale sheets as they are more breathable than other types of sheet construction. You can swap these in during warmer months or keep them on your bed year-round like one GH editor does.

Sateen sheets

Sateen sheets are made from a satin weave that involves yarns going in one direction and floating over yarns in the opposite direction. This weave gives the sheets a silkier, smoother feel. Many of the softest sheets we’ve tested are sateen weaves. Not to mention, cotton sateen is considered the most popular sheet material.

Who they're best for: Any sleeper who prefers a thicker sheet material and craves cozy comfort over all else. Sateen's dense weave means it typically isn't as breathable as percale, so it's also a good option if you run cold during the winter or keep your AC on high.

Microfiber sheets

Microfiber uses thin polyester fibers to create a buttery-soft feel. Although polyester doesn't feel as luxurious or substantial as cotton, it's more wrinkle- and shrink-resistant. In fact, microfiber sheets earn top scores in our durability tests, adding to their overall great value.

However, microfiber sheets are susceptible to shedding, where fragments of the fibers break off during laundering and end up in the local environment.

Who they're best for: Shoppers on a budget will appreciate the lower price tag on microfiber sheets. While some may find these sheets too thin or too soft, the affordable price and overall durability make them a competitive option.

Flannel sheets

Usually made with cotton (and sometimes polyester), flannel is a brushed fabric that has a warm and cozy feel. Flannel tends to pill, but we have evaluated flannel sheets that are able to hold their own in durability tests.

Who they're best for: Anyone who runs cold and wants extra warmth during winter months. While the brushed texture is soft and snuggly, it can be too hot for some and we recommend only putting it on your bed when the weather is cold.

Jersey sheets

Jersey is a stretchy knit material typically made from cotton that can feel as soft and comfy as your favorite tee. Jersey sheets are not as durable as percale or sateen and they are prone to pilling just like flannel sheets. Some jersey sheets made with synthetic materials feature moisture-wicking capabilities for a cooler sleep, but you can also find cotton ones as well.

Who they're best for: Hot sleepers who prefer a soft, worn-in feel that will still keep them cool at night. Some may find the jersey material too similar to athletic wear and may prefer a different material for their bed sheets.

What to keep in mind when choosing bed sheets

✔️ Mattress height: It's a particular hassle trying to pull the corners of a fitted sheet over your mattress (and failing to do so without one corner slipping up). That's why it's important to check your mattress height before purchasing a new set of bed sheets. Standard mattresses tend to be 10 to 14 inches tall and will fit most sheets. If your mattress is taller or you sleep with a mattress topper, it's worth trying deep-pocket sheets and/or sheets that feature an elastic band or extra straps at the corners to make the bed-making process easier.

✔️ Care instructions: Almost all sheets are machine washable, but some brands may call for cold water and delicate cycles. For the best clean, our Cleaning Lab experts recommend washing your sheets in warm or hot water. If you sleep hot or often forget to wash your sheets every week, consider a sheet set that can hold up to higher temperature settings and cycles.

✔️ Organic certifications: During your shopping pursuits, you may find brands labeling their bedding as "organic," but mislabeling is unfortunately common. When looking for organic sheets, 0ur experts recommend sheets that are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified, as this means the product meets strict standards throughout the entire production process. You can check the GOTS public database to confirm a brand is certified.

✔️ Pillowcase closures: A sheet set typically comes with two pillowcases. Some pillowcases feature an open style that makes slipping the case on your pillow quick and easy. Others feature an envelope closure on the side or back to help secure the case to your pillow so it looks neater and doesn't slip out.

✔️ Price: Some of our top-performing sheet sets can retail for as low as $15, while other sets may be closer to $300. That said, the majority of our tested picks fall in the middle range from about $150 to $250. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on good sheets, though — in fact, one GH analyst consistently recommends a set that rings in at around $50 (California Design Den 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set).

What to avoid when shopping for sheets

✔️ Inflated thread count: Sheets are often labeled with a number (200, 400, even as high as 1,800) that refers to its thread count, or the total number of yarns per square inch of woven fabric. A higher thread count means finer yarns because you can fit more thin yarns than thicker yarns per one square inch.

EXPERT TIP: Thread count only applies to 100% cotton sheets that have single-ply weaves. Be skeptical of a cotton sheet set that lists a thread count of over 1,000 at a very low price — this can often be a false marketing claim and not reflective of the said sheet's true quality.

After testing 350 sheets, we determined the best cotton sheets typically have a thread count between 300 and 500. Our research also suggested that a high thread count doesn't always mean more luxurious bed sheets. There are quality cotton sheets with thread counts under 300 and bed sheets with a thread count of 500 or greater that do not perform as well. That's why fiber quality and weave tend to be more important factors.

✔️ Mislabeling of bamboo, eucalyptus and other tree fibers: Some bedding brands claim their products are made from tree fibers such as bamboo and eucalyptus but our research has showed that these items are actually rayon instead. Types of rayon can include viscose, lyocell and modal. These materials are derived from tree fibers but are not made from them because the chemical process involved removes any trace of the raw plant materials.

✔️ Eco-friendly and health-related claims: In the same vein, be wary of brands that emphasize a product's "eco-friendly" qualities, claiming it's better for you and the environment.

EXPERT TIP: If you prefer more sustainable bedding, we recommend cotton sheets with reputable organic certifications like GOTS. Tencel is also highly recognized for its sustainable production practices. It’s a regenerated cellulose fiber that uses a closed-loop production process, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Most sheets we recommend are certified to the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex which means the finished fabric has been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals. While this means there are no dangerous levels of the tested chemicals in a finished fabric, it does not mean there are no toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

✔️ Self-cleaning fabric: Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to wash your bed sheets as often? GH fiber scientists recommend washing your sheets once a week — even if the brand claims their sheets dry faster and stay fresh longer or are made with "antimicrobial" silver-infused fibers or other finishes. After reviewing data for some of our top-tested sheets, we concluded there isn't enough evidence to support these claims.

FAQ

What is the difference between flat and fitted sheets?

"A fitted sheet covers your mattress, while a flat (a.k.a top) sheet goes over your bed," says Associate Director of the Textiles Lab Emma Seymour. To put it simply: You are sandwiched between your fitted and flat sheet while sleeping. Both sheets protect your mattress and comforter from wear and tear, explains Seymour, but you don't have to sleep with a flat sheet if you don't want to.

"Some people opt out of using a top sheet and instead launder their duvet cover more often," adds Seymour. She recommends choosing a bedding brand that has the option to purchase just a fitted sheet and pillowcases, as opposed to an entire set if you prefer not sleeping with a top sheet.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates with Lab experts to ensure all shopping guides reflect accurate testing and pricing information. She frequently reports on home categories including bedroom essentials, from the best comforters on Amazon to women's pajamas and popular pillow brands. Her favorite type of sheet is cotton percale, but she has slept her fair share of nights in jersey and sateen sheets as well.

To research this guide, Berry spoke with Associate Director of the Textiles Lab Emma Seymour, who has led bedding testing at the GH Institute since 2018. She holds a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology.

Elizabeth Berry

Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

Tested byEmma Seymour

Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.