The Best Cotton Sheets of 2025
These are the softest, most comfortable sheet sets made of 100% cotton.
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By far the most popular bed sheet material, cotton offers the whole package. Not only does cotton have a natural, soft and substantial feel, it's also breathable and durable. While some novelty sheet materials are growing in popularity like linen sheets, silk sheets and microfiber sheets, they aren't as universal as cotton. There's a cotton sheet set for nearly every sleeper, regardless of personal preference or budget.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we have tested more than 300 sheet sets in recent years of all thread counts, fabrications and styles. We perform hands-on testing in our Lab using specialized equipment and following technical industry standards to evaluate aspects like fabric strength, pilling resistance, wrinkle resistance and shrinkage from laundering. We also have consumer testers feel the sheets in a blind comparison test and send sets home for sleep testers to try out on their own beds. The following cotton sheets combine sets that stood out in the Lab, performed well with consumer testers and are favorites of GH analysts and editors.
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Pros
- Quality fabric held up in Lab tests
- Convenient bed-making labels
- Any-reason return policy
Cons
- Not as deep for taller mattresses
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 15 in.
This set earns our top spot, thanks to its overall fabric quality and hassle-free features. The sateen sheets have a smooth feel, which many testers said is softer than other sateen sheets they've slept on. One tester shared, "I really liked the material they were made of. It was a much softer material without being a silk sheet. They are nice on my skin."
Thousands of online reviewers gave the sheets a five-star rating, with many highlighting the comfortable and cozy feel. Plus, they're a favorite of GH analysts and editors who keep the sheets in their regular bedding rotation.
Along with receiving top marks for comfort, the sheets also performed well in our Textiles Lab evaluations and are backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal. The sateen material proved strong and pill-resistant, and it held up well to repeated laundering without major changes in appearance or wrinkles.
With a 15-inch depth, the sheets aren't quite as tall as others we've assessed and, as a result, may not fit well on extra-tall mattresses or beds with an added mattress topper. One of our favorite aspects of the sheets are the convenient labels marked "long side" and "short side," so making the bed is a breeze.
Brooklinen carries the sheets in a dozen essential colorways, including neutral hues and graphic prints, and regularly offers seasonal styles as well. We and online reviewers think the sheets are worth the splurge, but if you aren't fully convinced, know that the brand offers an any-reason return policy for a year after purchase, so you can receive a full refund (minus a $9.95 return fee).
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Brooklinen Sheets
California Design Den 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set
Pros
- Pill-resistant in Lab tests
- Low cost for 100% cotton
- Earned high softness and comfort ratings from most sleep testers
Cons
- May not feel quite as luxurious as pricier cotton sheets
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, plus six-piece sets with extra pillowcases | Depth: 16 in.
It's hard to find any cotton sheets under $100, let alone good-quality ones. We were amazed when this under-$50 set outperformed even pricier cotton sheets, earning good scores from both Textiles Lab and consumer tests. Though some of our reviewers said the material wasn't quite as soft or luxurious as other sheets they've slept on, most gave it high praise for its substantial weight and smooth feel.
When describing the fabric, one tester shared, "The sheets are very comfortable and crisp, without being overly crisp to the point of being stiff." Another tester added, "They felt clean and fresh."
The sheets also proved to be pill-resistant in our durability tests and received average scores for fabric strength. When we washed them repeatedly according to their care label, the sheets held up well and resisted shrinkage, but they did show some signs of wrinkling after being dried.
You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes, and there's the option to buy pillowcases separately if you need extras. The brand says the sheets are made for mattresses ranging from 8- to 16-inches tall, and our testers found the fitted sheet fit well on their beds.
Pros
- Cool and crisp feel
- Durable fabric
- Available in solid colors and prints
Cons
- Not as smooth as sateen
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 15 in.
Percale weaves are for those who prefer a classic, cool and crisp cotton sheet set over one that feels silky smooth. They're also popular for hot sleepers who prefer cotton sheets because percale weaves are typically airy and breathable. Though they can sometimes feel rough compared with sateen, this L.L.Bean set is made of Pima cotton (a premium variety) and was rated soft by most testers. One tester even described the material as feeling like "quality hotel sheets."
It also outperformed all other percale sheets during our extensive evaluation process, earning high scores across categories. The fabric proved strong and durable in our tests with hardly any pilling. And the sheets looked great after being washed repeatedly, withstanding major shrinkage. While percale often has a wrinkled look, this one had a smoother, more polished appearance compared to others.
Not to mention, there's something for most style preferences, thanks to a wide range of solid neutrals, brighter colors and prints like fun floral and classic checked.
The Company Store Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sheet Set
Pros
- High softness ratings from testers
- Thick and substantial material
- Many color and size options
Cons
- Some pilling in Lab tests
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Deep-Pocket Queen, King, Deep-Pocket King, California King, Deep-Pocket California King | Depth: 14 or 18 in.
This luxury sateen set costs more than most of our recommendations, but it's certainly worth the splurge due to its substantial thickness and incredible softness. The sheets are made with Supima cotton, a long-staple cotton grown in the U.S. that is higher quality than some other cotton fibers.
The sheets come in many colors with the option to mix and match your set for a customized look. Plus, if you have a tall mattress or use a mattress topper and need deep-pocket sheets, this set is offered in both a standard 14-inch depth and 18-inch deep pocket for Queen, King and California King sizes.
The sheets also stand out for earning among the highest softness ratings in a blind comparison test, and our reviewers told us they would purchase the sheets for themselves. A tester shared, "They were a good balance of soft and crisp," and another commented, "They are soft, feel luxurious and look amazing." The fabric was strong and shrink-resistant in our Lab tests, though there were some more noticeable pills and wrinkles compared to other sets we evaluated, despite the brand's "wrinkle-free" claims.
RELATED: The Softest Sheets
Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets
Pros
- Certified by the Cotton Egypt Association
- Strong and pill-resistant fabric
- Rated soft and smooth by testers
Cons
- Some shrinkage during laundering tests
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 15 in.
Egyptian cotton is considered more luxurious than conventional cotton because of its long, uniform fibers that make the fabric smoother and more durable. However, it's important to know that there have been instances when the Egyptian cotton claim is inaccurate and misused. This set from Silk & Snow is actually certified by the Cotton Egypt Association, making it a more reliable purchase.
In our Lab tests, the sateen fabric performed well across categories. It proved its durability with high scores for strength and pilling resistance. The sheets did experience some shrinkage, though, after being laundered repeatedly according to their care instructions, but they withstood wrinkling.
According to our consumer testers and reviewers in our Textiles Lab softness evaluations, the material is soft and smooth. One tester said, "The pillowcases are very comfortable on my face and don't make my hair tangled." The set comes in seven neutral colors, including shades of white, grey and blue.
Pros
- Smooth, high-quality construction
- Lightweight and breathable
- Durable in Lab tests
Cons
- We couldn't validate its organic claims
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: Ranges from 14 in. for Twin to 16 in. for California King
Not only is this set smooth, but it's also lightweight and incredibly airy compared to other cotton sheets we've evaluated, making it ideal for hot sleepers. Our testers even highlighted that the set felt more breathable than the typical sateen sheets they've slept on. A tester remarked that the sheets are "lighter weight" and "perfect for the summer." The sheets get their smoothness from the silky weave, long-staple cotton fibers and combing process, which removes any short cotton fibers that could stick out and poke to cause discomfort.
This set impressed us in our Lab tests, exhibiting excellent pilling resistance and minimal shrinkage. As a bonus, while most cotton sheets wrinkle easily, this one outperformed other sateen sets we tested with fewer creases and deep-set wrinkles. Testers also liked that the sheets felt even softer after being laundered compared to right out of of the package.
With convenient labels marking the top and bottom, the sheets allow for easy bed-making, according to our testers. 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.
Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets
Pros
- GOTS-certified organic
- Relaxed look and feel
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Wrinkles easily after laundering
- Some pilling in Lab tests
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 15 in.
This sheet set checks the boxes for a variety of sleeper preferences: It's made with GOTS-certified cotton for those who prefer organic, the fabric is light and airy for those who like breathable and cool material and it's slightly crinkled for those who love a natural, lived-in look and feel. In fact, the brand uses a special softening process to achieve its unique finish.
Besides its organic certification, the sheet set is also Fair Trade Certified, which means the sourcing and manufacturing processes meet standards for ethical issues like wages and working conditions.
The fabric performed well in our Textiles Lab evaluations, though it did experience some wrinkling after laundering (which is expected for a crinkled fabric). We also noted some pilling after the material was rubbed repeatedly by our abrasion machine. At-home testers told us they loved how the sheets felt soft yet crisp at the same time, and they appreciated the breathability of the material. 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."
Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Sheet Set
Pros
- Clean, polished look
- Washes well with minimal shrinkage
- Smooth sateen feel
Cons
- Lower scores for fabric strength in Lab tests
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Depth: 16 in.
Cotton sheets can look crumpled and messy at times (even when you take them out of the dryer right away), but this set has a wrinkle-resistant finish and looked the smoothest after we washed it. The cotton fibers are combed to remove short, poking fibers for a super luxurious feel as well. Testers agreed the fabric felt soft and smooth and gave it high softness ratings in our blind comparison test. And because it’s certified by OEKO-TEX, you don’t need to worry about unsafe chemical levels from the finish.
Cuddledown claims that the hotel sheets are used in hundreds of luxury accommodations across the country, and just like at a high-end hotel, the sheets look polished on the bed. They're only available in white but feature chic colored stitching for a decorative accent.
Although the fabric didn't perform as well as other cotton sheets in our strength test, it proved durable overall in our washability tests with minimal shrinkage. The sheet set is also generously sized with a 16-inch deep fitted sheet, and it fit nicely over a standard Queen mattress during our evaluations.
RELATED: The Best Hotel Sheets
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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. Here's how we evaluate sheet sets:
- 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).
- Washability: We repeatedly wash each sheet and measure them for shrinkage or stretching and appearance after laundering to determine how well they keep their shape in the wash.
- Wrinkle resistance: 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- Long-staple cotton is 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 cotton are both types of extra-long-staple (ELS) cotton, and Supima cotton is 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.
- Organic cotton is 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:
- Percale is a basic weave that feels light and breathable. It's ideal for hot sleepers or those who prefer a crisp feel.
- Sateen is 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.
- Flannel is a thick, brushed fabric that feels warm and cozy.
- Jersey is 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:
- Combed cotton undergoes a process that removes shorter cotton fibers, leaving behind the longer ones that feel smoother and are less likely to break.
- Brushed cotton has 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.
- Wrinkle-resistant cotton has 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.
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:
✔️ 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.
✔️ 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.
✔️ 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.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a Good Housekeeping Institute textiles analyst with a degree in fiber science and has tested more than 50 sheet sets in the past year alone using specialized laboratory equipment. She has also reviewed feedback from hundreds of consumer testers. Wu regularly writes articles about the best sheets for every material preference.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst. She has tested and evaluated bedding of all kinds, including silk sheets, affordable mattresses, duvets and comforters. She has also conducted sheets testing for Good Housekeeping's Best Bedding Awards programs. For this article, she reviewed sheet data for relevant information to make updates based on our testing.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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