11 Best Sateen Sheets, Tested and Reviewed by Experts
Snuggle up and drift off to sleep in the softest, smoothest sheets ever.
Tested by Grace WuTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
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Cotton sheets are some of the most sought-after sheets for their luxurious feel against the skin and soft, durable construction. When shopping for a new set, you’ll oftentimes come across two types: percale and sateen sheets. While both are made of cotton, the difference is the weave of the fabric. Sateen sheets are some of the most popular among our testers, standing out for their smooth, slightly silky texture and gentle sheen. Plus, they’re typically more wrinkle-resistant so you can create that picture-perfect look in your bedroom without sacrificing any softness.
The fiber scientists at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab have tested more than 300 of the best sheets in recent years, including everything from percale sheets to silk sheets, cooling sheets and more. Our pros meticulously curate selections suitable for all types of sleepers by using Lab equipment and considering feedback from consumer testers. To evaluate sheets and provide recommendations for every sleep preference, we extensively test each set both in our Lab and at home. Ahead, you’ll find the best sateen sheets of 2024.
What are the best sateen sheets for most people? The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set is number one on our list of best sheets and a Good Housekeeping Seal holder, meaning we stand behind it with our limited warranty. An excellent performer in tests, this soft and smooth fabric is durable and holds up to repeated laundering. For an even more attractive price, our pros and testers love the California Design Den Everyday Soft Sateen Sheets that also performed exceptionally well in Lab tests. The price (under $50 for a Queen set!) is unbeatable for the quality, with testers highlighting the soft fabric and substantial feel.
Pros
- Durable fabric that stands up to washes
- Helpful labels make it easier to make the bed
- Year-long, any-reason return window
Cons
- 15-inch fitted sheets may be snug on taller mattresses
Named by our Textiles Lab as the best sheets you can buy, Brooklinen's traditional sateen set wowed consumer testers with its excellent performance. It was durable across the board in our tests: The fabric was strong, didn't pill easily and held up well to repeated laundering. Testers called out its breathability and gave comments like "soft" and "smooth" when rating the feel, though some found it less silky than their usual sateen sheets.
What's more, making the bed with this set will be much easier, thanks to clever tabs labeled "long side" and "short side" on the fitted sheet. If you have a tall mattress, the 15-inch-deep fitted sheet may fit snug.
The easy-to-navigate shopping platform helps narrow down the sheer amount of options, with the perk of free shipping both ways and a year-long, any-reason return period.
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Take 15% off your Brooklinen purchase using code GOODHOUSEKEEPING15.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Thread count: 480
California Design Den Everyday Soft Sateen Sheets
Pros
- Affordable
- Perfect score for not pilling in our test
- Plenty of color and size options
Cons
- One tester found it too "coarse" for their liking
Boasting more than 78,800 reviews, these popular sheets on Amazon live up to their reputation. The affordable set stood out in our tests for how well they held up to repeated laundering, earning a perfect score for not pilling. They also stood out for their comfortable, substantial feel. "I like the weight and quality of the fabric. It also had a nice sheen and a smooth feel," said one tester.
Choose from more than 30 colors and prints to ensure you get just the look you're after. Making the bed is also a breeze because of how nicely the sheets fit onto mattresses: "There wasn't any additional fabric that bunched or came untucked easily."
While a couple of testers enjoyed the fabric's "crispness," another noted the set felt too coarse for their liking. If you have some wiggle room in your budget, consider California Den's Egyptian Cotton Set for an even softer feel.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King | Thread count: 400
Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
Pros
- Smooth, breathable fabric
- High scores in soft blindness tests
- GOTS-certified organic cotton
Cons
- Some shrinkage observed in Lab tests
A recent GH Bedding Awards winner, these super luxurious sheets from Boll & Branch were a favorite of both our product analysts and testers. Not only are they available in several rich shades and sophisticated prints, but the GOTS-certified organic cotton fabric feels thick yet cool.
The sheets earned one of the highest scores in our blind softness tests, with several testers praising their smooth, hotel-like feel and one describing the sheets as "crisp, soft and breathable." Others appreciated how they're suitable for taller mattresses and stay put overnight. Just note that we did notice some shrinkage in the wash.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King | Thread count: Not listed
The Company Store Legends Hotel Wrinkle-Free Sateen Sheet Set
Pros
- Highest softness scores among testers
- Impressive fabric strength
Cons
- Some pilling in our Lab test
The Company Store's sateen set may be the smoothest and softest sheets you'll ever own. While ultra-soft sheets made of polyester and rayon can be thin, this sateen fabric is thicker and made with Supima cotton, a premium fiber grown in the U.S. Testers rated the set highly for softness, with one who described it as "buttery soft and very luxurious without being slippery."
Still not convinced? You can request a free swatch from the company to see and feel the fabric for yourself before buying. In our tests, the fabric proved strong with minimal shrinkage, although it did show some pilling after samples were rubbed together.
Material: 100% Supima cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Thread count: 450
Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets
Pros
- Great value
- Performed well in pilling and strength tests
Cons
- Slight shrinkage in Lab tests
Prized as one of the softer and more luxurious types of sheets, Egyptian cotton offers long, uniform fibers, which makes for smoother and more durable fabric. It proved just that when tested for strength and pill resistance in Lab tests, scoring highly in each category. The brand claims the sateen sheet set is certified by the Cotton Egypt Association too.
Our pros and testers alike enjoyed the buttery, smooth set, especially for its favorable price point. Just note that our tests found some shrinkage after washing.
Material: 100% Egyptian cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Thread count: 300
Pros
- More airy than other sateen sets
- No shrinkage or pilling after laundering
- Includes helpful directional tabs
Cons
- The finished set is not certified organic
Riley's sateen sheets are much airier than others, thanks to their breathable fabric ideal for hot sleepers. Using a combing technique on long-staple cotton results in a smooth, durable canvas. Both our pros and testers found a favorite in the sturdy yet soft fabric.
A top performer in the Lab, the sheets held up to washing with minimal shrinkage and didn't pill during durability tests. The fitted sheet even includes directional tabs to make it easier to put on, and testers praised its deep pockets that fit perfectly over tall or thick mattresses.
Other testers described the sheets as comfortable yet lightweight, with one claiming they felt "more breathable than most sateen sheets." In Lab evaluations, they also resisted creases more effectively than other sets.
While the sheets are made of organic cotton, it's important to note that we weren't able to verify if the entire production process follows organic standards without proper certification.
Material: 100% long-staple, comb-led cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Thread count: 300
Garnet Hill Relaxed Organic Cotton Sateen Sheets
Pros
- Testers gave it perfect scores for softness and comfort
- Soft and shrink-resistant
Cons
- Tend to look wrinkly
Mix and match this past GH Bedding Award winner that earned a perfect score in softness. Made from organic cotton with a soft sateen weave and matte finish, they're designed for a lived-in look and feel. Testers attested to the comfort of the fabric, with one who said, "These sheets have a broken-in feel that seemed to get better every day." Consider pairing any of the fabric's green shades with neutrals for a picture-perfect look.
In laundering tests, they barely shrank, but testers noted that they looked wrinkled after washing, but that's to be expected from the slightly textured fabric. If you're looking for comfortable, high-quality sheets with a casual vibe, these are a great option.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Thread count: 300
Pros
- Premium Supima cotton
- Durable fabric
Cons
- Pricey
These hotel sheets from Macy's aim to provide the same quality sleep experience as luxury hotel bedding. Made with premium Supima cotton, the durable fabric earned high marks in our tests, while at-home sleep testers noted the near-perfect softness and "decadent" feel.
The collection offers fitted sheets for extra-plush or tall mattresses, including a standard 16-inch depth for mattresses up to 18 inches deep. With several muted colors to choose from, you can mix and match, but note that buying the entire set can be pricey.
Material: 100% Supima cotton | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Thread count: 680
Delilah Home Sustainable Living 100% Organic Cotton Sheet Set
Pros
- Strong, durable fabric
- Great pilling resistance
- Lightweight and smooth
Cons
- Slight wrinkling and shrinkage in Lab tests
This set is GOTS-certified, ensuring that the entire manufacturing process is organic, not just the growing of the cotton. And it's our top pick for the best organic sheets. Priced at less than $200 for a Queen set, these smooth luxury sheets offer great value.
They proved durable with minimal pilling after our abrasion machine rubbed swatches together 1,000 times. Although the sheets had some shrinkage and creases after washing, the sateen fabric scored highly with testers for its softness, lightweight feel and smooth texture.
This set does not come in a wide range of colors like some others, but it is available in neutral hues that complement almost any bedroom palette.
Material: 100% organic cotton | Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King | Thread count: 300
Pros
- Wrinkle-resistant finish
- Combed for extra softness
Cons
- Average fabric strength
When it comes to crease-free, polished sheets, none compare to Cuddledown's sateen set, our top pick for the best hotel sheets. It comes in white with 10 colored stitching options as a decorative accent. The fabric's wrinkle-resistant finish looks smoother than other cotton fabrics and feels extra soft, thanks to its combed cotton construction.
Though there are sometimes concerns around chemicals like formaldehyde in wrinkle-resistant fabrics, this one is certified by OEKO-TEX so it's been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels in the fabric. The fabric wasn't the strongest in our test, but it still proved to be highly durable and had minimal shrinkage.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Thread count: 400
RELATED: Best Hotel Sheets for Your Most Luxurious Sleep Yet, Tested by Experts
One Bed Luxe & Lazy Sheet Set
Pros
- Features elastic straps, labels and no excess fabric
- Testers loved the feel and softness
- Ideal pick for adjustable beds
Cons
- Not for taller mattresses
Making the bed may fall quite low on the chore list for some, but One Bed's genius labels make the task less daunting. A former GH Bedding Awards winner, our testers enjoyed the clever tabs labeled "long side" and "short side" on the fitted sheet, as well as the stay-put elastic straps and split-corner flat sheet that make them an ideal choice for adjustable beds and bases.
Despite tossing and turning, one tester wrote that they were blown away by how snug the fitted sheet stayed. They also gave the cotton sateen high softness scores and noted that it felt cozier after each wash. The sheets held up well to our pilling tests too. It's worth highlighting that the sheet set didn't fit on one of our Lab pro's tall mattress and is recommended for mattresses up to 15 inches deep.
Material: 100% long-staple cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Thread count: 500
What are sateen sheets?
Ideal for those who prefer softness over crispness, sateen bedding tends to have a light sheen and smooth feel, thanks to its satin-like weave. Special techniques like combing or brushing the fabric make sateen feel softer than other types of cotton. Some sateen sheets are even treated with a wrinkle-resistant finish for an iron-free look.
The fabric tends to feel thick and substantial, making it best suited for someone looking for a cozy, soft sheet as opposed to a hot sleeper who prioritizes maximum breathability.
How we test sateen sheets
Our fiber scientists in the Textiles Lab run rigorous tests on all types of bed sheets. Here's what we consider:
- Softness: In a blind comparison test, dozens of consumer testers feel and rate each fabric after it's been laundered to remove any leftover finishes from production. At-home sleep testers and experts try the top performers.
- Pilling resistance: An abrasion machine rubs swatches together, which mimics tossing and turning as well as regular wear and tear. We visibly score signs of pilling against textile industry standards.
- Washability: Each sheet is repeatedly washed following its care label, then we give multiple scores on both shrinkage and appearance after laundering.
- Wrinkle resistance: Once the sheet dries, each is immediately taken to our specialized lighting room and visually measured according to industry standards for wrinkles and creases.
- Fabric strength: We use our specialized machine called an Instron (pictured here) to pull swatches of fabric until they break, letting us know how durable each material is.
- Other factors: We also check measurements to see how well the sheets fit onto a mattress and consider any organic claims.
What to look for when shopping for sateen sheets
✔️ Softness: Fiber content can be telling when it comes to gauging a sateen sheet's softness. Long-staple cotton means there are no short fibers to stick out or break off, making the fabric smoother and more durable. Combed cotton includes longer cotton fibers that feel smoother and are less likely to break.
✔️ Price: Cotton sheets tend to cost more than ones that include synthetics, like polyester-cotton blends and microfibers, but you don't need to spend a fortune to get good quality. We've found that our top-performing sheets land in the $100 to $200 range and strike a balance of good value and high quality.
✔️ Care instructions: Sateen sheets tend to be pretty low maintenance as cotton is machine washable, but it's always best to follow any special instructions that each care label may prescribe. Pro tip: Warm water is ideal for cleaning cotton sheets, especially if you're a hot sleeper or don't wash your sheets regularly. It's best to opt for sheets that can withstand these settings.
✔️ Organic certifications: Some bedding brands may misuse organic claims. When shopping outside of our vetted picks, you can check the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) public database as the easiest way to confirm whether sheets are truly organic. It outlines strict standards throughout the entire production process, not just the growing of the cotton or other natural fiber.
✔️ Thread count: Though this isn't the most important factor to consider when shopping for sateen sheets, make sure you know what thread count really refers to — i.e., the measure of the total number of threads in a square inch of fabric. In our testing, we've found that sheets in the 300 to 500 range have a good balance of softness and durability. Just keep in mind that a higher thread count doesn't necessarily translate to a better quality sheet but does indicate a thicker, more tightly woven fabric. This may result in smoother, more durable fabric, but a tighter weave also lowers breathability and creates a heavier sheet (something hot sleepers may want to avoid).
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product reviews analyst with a focus on hands-on testing and evaluating consumer data. Wu has evaluated all sorts of bedding products for GH, including sheets, pillows, silk pillowcases and more using specialized laboratory equipment, plus feedback from hundreds of consumer testers.
This story was originally written by former Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin, at the GH Institute. It was most recently updated by Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from tech to travel, home, fitness and more, and frequently collaborates with the Textiles Lab on stories like the best sheets on Amazon, sheets for adjustable beds, jersey sheets and more. To make the selections above, she consulted testing data and consumer feedback from the Lab's most recent bed sheet tests and reviewed several sets herself.
Jacqueline (she/her) was a commerce editor for Good Housekeeping from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining GH, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
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.
