The Best Luxury Sheets For A Five-Star Sleep
After testing 350 sheets, we found out what's really worth the splurge.
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The right bedding is key to a good night's sleep, so it makes sense to invest in your next set of sheets. Still, which brands are actually worth the splurge? At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, my colleagues and I have spent years testing hundreds of sheets — including both budget-friendly and pricey options — to find the best of the best.
We've tested 350 sheet sets in the Lab and at home, so you can trust that we've put in the work to round up sheets worthy of a five-star hotel. In all, our team has:
✔️ Conducted 11,910 nights of at-home sleep testing with hundreds of real users
✔️ Cut 2,800 fabric swatches for industry-standard durability tests
✔️ Taken 4,200 measurements to evaluate shrinkage over time
Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
Pros
- Long-staple organic cotton
- High scores for softness
- Smooth yet crisp texture
Cons
- Lower scores for fabric strength
Material: 100% organic cotton sateen | Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King | Depth: 17 in.
Made of long-staple certified organic cotton, these sheets have a "soft yet not overly smooth" texture that unanimously won over our testers (including those who typically swear by percale). They also come in a generous 17-inch depth with thick elastic for a secure fit, and you can pick from a wide range of muted hues and patterns.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Consumer testing: Testers agreed that the sheets felt soft and elegant. "These sheets are some of the most luxurious I've ever slept on," said one tester. "I felt like I was in a five-star hotel." Others appreciated how breathable yet substantial the fabric felt.
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: Users gave it one of the highest scores in our blind softness tests for its smooth, hotel-like feel, which one described as "crisp, soft and breathable." The fabric proved durable, with excellent pill-resistance, good wrinkle-resistance and average shrinkage, despite lower scores for tensile strength.
SFERRA Grande Hotel Sheets
Pros
- Chic piping detail
- Crisp and smooth percale
- Impressive performance in Lab tests
Cons
- Loose fit, according to testers
Material: 100% cotton percale | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 17 in.
When searching for luxury sheets, you'll often come across Sferra, a brand known for its high-end linens. This popular style features tailored satin stitching on the flat sheet and pillowcases for a refined look. The fabric also feels like a textbook percale hotel sheet — crisp and cool.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Consumer testing: Our testers called the set "luxe" and "lavish," applauding the hotel-quality look and feel. One shared, "I loved how crisp yet smooth they felt. Not rough at all!" Still, some noted that the fitted sheet was a tad loose on their standard 13-inch beds.
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: The sheets impressed us in Lab tests, earning respectable scores across the board. It even received a perfect score for its pilling resistance, showing no pills even after our machine rubbed swatches together 1,000 times. Percale sheets are prone to wrinkling. This set was no exception, but it fared well within the category.
The Company Store Legends Hotel Sheets
Pros
- Soft and strong Supima cotton fabric
- High softness rating from testers
- Many color and size options
Cons
- Some pilling in tests
Material: 100% Supima cotton sateen | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Deep-Pocket Queen, King, Deep-Pocket King, California King, Deep-Pocket California King | Depth: Ranges from 14 in. for standard sets to 18 in. for deep-pocket options
Unbelievably smooth, this sateen set is one of the softest sheets we've ever tested. The fabric is made of Supima cotton, which features longer, more uniform fibers for added durability and softness. You can also choose from a wide variety of colors with the option to personalize your set for an extra fee.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Consumer testing: All our sleep testers gave it perfect scores for softness and comfort. "I liked the silky and smooth texture of the sheets; they were extremely comfortable," said one tester. "It also felt like the perfect thickness."
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: It proved strong and shrink-resistant in our Lab tests, though there were some pills and wrinkles compared to other sets we evaluated, despite its "wrinkle-free" claims. The fabric also aced all of our softness evaluations.
Crane & Canopy Bright White 400 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set
Pros
- Durable long-staple Egyptian cotton
- Crisp and cool texture
- Light and airy feel
Cons
- Some shrinkage in tests
Material: 100% cotton percale | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King | Depth: 16 in.
A recent GH Bedding Award Winner, this sheet set stands out for its impressive hotel-quality crispness. It's made of long-staple Egyptian cotton and feels light and airy yet not flimsy. We appreciate the clean, bright white color and the ability to personalize these sheets with a monogram.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Consumer testing: The crisp texture was a hit amongst our testers. One said, "I love how sleek and crisp they are, without being noisy or uncomfortable." Others praised their breathable nature and how well they stayed put throughout any tossing and turning.
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: The durable fabric showed no visible pilling after 1,000 rubs on our abrasion tester. It also earned top scores for strength but shrunk a bit more than similar sets we tested.
Hotel Collection 680 Thread Count 100% Supima Cotton Sheets
Pros
- Thick and smooth Supima cotton
- Excelled in Lab durability tests
- Good range of colors
Cons
- Too warm for those who run hot
Material: 100% Supima cotton sateen | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 16 in.
These Supima cotton sheets aced our in-Lab tests with its durable construction and won over our testers with its "decadent" feel. You can opt to purchase the full set or mix and match between the various colorways offered.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Consumer testing: Testers liked the smooth and substantial feel. One said, "The feel was so soft and luxurious. I'd buy another set of these sheets in a second!" Still, one hot sleeper found it a bit too warm for the Texas weather.
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: This is one of the most durable sheet fabrics we've ever tested. It excelled in every category: The fabric proved strong, shrink-resistant and pill-resistant and outperformed high-thread-count styles with ease. Plus, it barely wrinkled in our wash tests, especially compared to similar styles.
Matouk Lowell Sheets
Pros
- Great performance in Lab tests
- Stylish border
- Crisp feel
Cons
- Some shrinkage in tests
Material: 100% cotton percale | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 17 in.
These are the most expensive sheets in our list, and the price tag might make you wonder, are they really worth it? They certainly look upscale: There's a thick tape border (available in many muted hues) on the generously-sized, white flat sheet and pillowcases. The fabric also proved top-notch in our tests, earning high scores across the board for its crisp and durable nature.
Note: The price listed includes the Milano Fitted Sheet (sold separately) for a complete Queen-size set.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Consumer testing: Our testers maintained a comfortable body temperature with ease, despite the high thread count. One said, "I’m a hot sleeper and I’ve been much cooler the past few nights." Percale-lovers also praised the notably crisp feel.
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: The strong material remained pill free, even after 1,000 cycles on our pilling and abrasion tester, and didn't wrinkle as much as you'd expect percale to. Still, it shrank a bit in our tests, though not as much as the Crane & Canopy set.
Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Sheet Set
Pros
- Sleek, polished look
- Soft and smooth sateen feel
- Minimal shrinkage after multiple washes
Cons
- Limited sizes available
- Lower scores for fabric strength
Material: 100% cotton sateen | Sizes: Queen, King | Depth: 16 in.
For a classic, pristine hotel look, this sateen set uses a wrinkle-resistant finish for a smoother appearance than other cotton fabrics without the need to pull out your iron. It's also certified by OEKO-TEX, so it's been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of chemicals like formaldehyde. Plus, it uses combed cotton, which means any short fibers are removed for a softer feel. Note that this set is only available in Queen and King.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Consumer testing: Our reviewers liked the smooth feel and medium weight, giving it high ratings in a side-by-side blind comparison with similar sets. Others commented on the chic piping, which helps add a sophisticated detail to the bright white fabric.
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: It maintained its polished and refined look even after several washes, earning top scores for its wrinkle resistance. Beyond that, it had minimal shrinkage though the fabric wasn't the strongest.
Pros
- Unique blend of luxe fibers
- Top scores for softness and cooling
- Smooth look and feel
Cons
- Some pilling in tests
Material: 50% Tencel lyocell, 40% Egyptian cotton and 10% silk | Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King | Depth: 17 in.
Hot sleepers will appreciate how breathable and cool these sheets feel, thanks to the unique blend of lyocell, cotton and silk, and how easily they wick away any remaining night sweats. This set also comes equipped with sturdy elastic and stay-put corner straps for a secure fit.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Consumer testing: These were a favorite in both in-Lab and at-home softness tests for their unmatched cool and silky feel. One tester shared, "I loved how comfortable and cool the sheets were. They were a dream to sleep on and made it hard to get out of bed." Beyond that, our testers loved how well the fitted sheet stayed in place.
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: The strong material looked smooth straight out of the dryer. It shrank a bit, but not notably, with some pills in our tests, though not as badly as some other blends.
Pros
- Thick, shiny fabric
- Gorgeous colors and texture
- Top scores in abrasion resistance tests
Cons
- Hand wash recommended
Material: 100% silk | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 16 in.
Silk sheets ooze luxury, and this set won't disappoint. It's made of 100% Mulberry silk with an impressive 25 momme weight. And though pricey, they're less expensive than other silk sheets of the same thickness.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Sleep testing: Testers gave it perfect scores for its smooth feel, which felt cool to the touch. Our Home Design Director called the shiny silk fabric "gorgeous" and "luxurious."
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: The silk material earned perfect scores in our abrasion tests, which rub a fabric sample against a rough surface for up to 10,000 cycles. It also held up well to machine washing on the delicate cycle, though hand washing is recommended.
Pros
- Softer than most linens we've tested
- Good shrink-resistance
- Option to order a free swatch
Cons
- Wrinkles easily
Material: 100% linen | Sizes: Queen, King, California King | Depth: 16 in.
Linen sheets can be hit or miss, but this set proved soft and indulgent in our tests, surprising many non-believers. They come in a wide range of gorgeous colorways and are pre-washed for added softness. We like that you can order a free swatch before investing in the complete set.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Sleep testing: Several testers highlighted the luxe texture. One called them "the perfect balance between crisp and soft," while another praised its airy quality, which helped keep her from overheating on hot nights.
✔️ In-Lab evaluations: The material held up well to laundering with barely any shrinkage and earned medium scores in pilling resistance and tensile strength tests. It had many notable creases in our wrinkle-resistance tests, but this is expected with linen.
How we test
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab rigorously evaluates sheets both in the Lab (using specialized equipment and industry standards) and with the help of hundreds of at-home testers. To determine the best luxury sheets, after many hours of market research, we tested 350 different sheets and conducted over 11,000 nights of sleep testing over the past few years.
Here's a breakdown of each component:
✔️ Washability: We wash each sheet multiple times according to its care label and evaluate the appearance after laundering and assess any shrinkage.
✔️ Wrinkle resistance: Immediately after laundering, we transfer the sheets to a room with specialized lighting to assess any creases or wrinkling using industry standards.
✔️ Dimensional stability: To determine how much a fitted sheet shrinks or grows after washing, we use industry standards for measuring its dimensional stability. We measure after the initial wash and once again after multiple launderings.
✔️ Softness testing: Our experts and large testing panel feel and rate each fabric for softness and comfort in a blind comparison or through sleep testing in their own homes.
✔️ Consumer testing: Consumer testers try sheets that match their personal preferences over the course of several weeks or months before completing a survey. They rate various criteria like softness, ease of use, temperature regulation, fit and appearance and share thorough feedback on how the sheets compare to others they've used. They also share any likes, dislikes or comments about their experience.
✔️ Fabric strength: We prepare swatches of fabric and load each in a machine called an Instron (pictured) that tests tensile strength. It pulls apart each sample to measure the force needed to break it.
✔️ Pilling resistance: Our abrasion testing machine, called a Martindale Pilling & Abrasion Machine (pictured), rubs fabric swatches together exactly 1,000 times to mimic real-life wear and tear. The swatches are then scored for pilling — loose strands or balls of fabric that build up over time — using industry standards.
For silk fabrics, we perform abrasion resistance testing instead, which rubs a fabric swatch against a rough surface for up to 10,000 cycles.
What to look for when shopping for the best luxury sheets
✔️ Material
- Cotton is by far the most popular material for sheets: It's soft, durable and feels luxurious. Long-staple cotton (like Egyptian or pima) is considered higher quality because longer fibers make the fabric smoother and stronger. Percale is a balanced weave that feels light and crisp. It's ideal for hot sleepers because of its breathable structure. Sateen is a satin-like weave that feels smooth and substantial, having a thicker texture than percale.
- Rayon, viscose and lyocell are called "regenerated cellulose" fibers because they use a plant-based raw material, which is then chemically processed into a fiber. Rayon is the broad term as viscose and lyocell are types of rayon. They stand out for their super soft texture, which is usually softer than cotton, though thinner and less substantial.
- Linen is breathable and airy, making it most popular during summer. Linen fabric has a textured, relaxed look and feel.
- Silk is incredibly smooth and naturally temperature regulating, but it's expensive and high maintenance for sheets, making it less ideal for most shoppers.
✔️ Mattress depth: This is the measurement of the mattress height. If you have a tall mattress above 14 inches or use a mattress topper, opt for a deep-pocket fitted sheet for a better fit. Some sheets have a thick elastic band or extra straps for a snug fit, which is especially useful if you sleep on an adjustable bed.
✔️ Care instructions: Most sheets are machine washable, but some require cold water or delicate cycles. Make sure you purchase a set compatible with your laundry routine.
✔️ Thread count: While it's not the most important factor to consider when buying sheets, it's important to know what thread count really refers to. Thread count is the measure of the total number of threads in a square inch of fabric. A higher thread count doesn't exactly translate to a better quality sheet but does indicate a thicker, more tightly woven fabric. While this may result in smoother, more durable fabric, a tighter weave lowers breathability and creates a heavier sheet.
✔️ Certifications: Organic sheets are a fully organic product, meaning the sheets meet strict guidelines through the entire production process, rather than only the cotton growing process. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification is the best way to check whether organic sheets are truly organic. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Made in Green certifications both ensure that there are no unsafe levels of chemicals, and OEKO-TEX Made in Green ensures that the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly.
What else can I do to achieve the luxurious five-star hotel bed look?
While it's time-consuming, ironing your sheets will help remove wrinkles for a nice, freshly pressed finish. Many high-end hotels have their sheets ironed soon after laundering for a distinctly luxe feel.
If you're on the fence about the extra effort, some dryers have a steam option that can also help de-wrinkle your sheets for a cleaner look.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. In the Textiles Lab, she's tested over 75 sheet sets, ranging from $13 to over $1,000. She's also personally tried several of the sheets on this list.
Wu has written several stories on various types of sheets, including the best hotel sheets and deep-pocket sheets, but percale sheets remain her absolute favorite. Prior to joining GH, she earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
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.
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