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Best Sateen Sheets

TheSleepJudge Editorial Team

Many of us dreamed of sleeping in soft, delicate satin sheets, thinking just how amazing that would be. But sadly, satin can be slippery and sweaty after a while – it simply is not for everyone. But what if there is a better alternative to satin and silk that eliminates the downsides while still giving that unique silky feel?

Sateen sheets are the answer to your prayers. Constructed similarly to satin, they are threaded in a way that gives them that shine that satin has – only without the slippery attributes. Most brands rely on high-quality natural cotton with a high thread count, making for a natural and comfortable feel. If you yearn for some of that dreamy, soft feel on your body while retaining the visual aspects of satin, these affordable and luxury sheets are the right choice.

Best Sateen SheetsSpecs

Threadmill Home Linen Sateen Sheet check price

  • Opulence 800 thread count
  • Extra long-staple cotton
  • 16” deep pockets
  • Sustainably made and eco-friendly

Mayfair Linen Sateen Weave Cotton Sheetscheck price

  • Plenty of choices size-wise and color-wise
  • 800 TC, 100 percent Egyptian cotton
  • Breathable and soft
  • 4-piece set

Comfy Sheets 800 TC Egyptian Cotton Sateen Weave

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  • Soft and temperature-regulating
  • Breathable
  • Machine washable and dryable
  • 100 percent long-staple pure Egyptian cotton

COZERI 600 TC Sateen Sheets

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  • OEKO TEX certified
  • Soft feel
  • 16” deep pockets
  • Z hem styling on flat sheet and pillowcases

Pinzon by Amazon Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheets

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  • Affordable
  • Decorative 6” hem
  • Machine washable
  • Durable cotton weave

 

What Are Sateen Sheets?

There are a lot of unique aspects and design features that make sateen sheets truly a one of a kind product, one that is prized for the feeling of comfort and luxury it offers. Sateen sheets are made almost 100 percent exclusively with cotton – this can be either carded, combed, or long fiber cotton, as well as soft single-ply long-staple cotton. But it is the manufacturing process where sateen sheets really differ. The cotton fibers are woven in a particular way – following the so-called long lateral pattern. Manufacturers use the vertical threading, called the warp. By combining the methods of the weft and warp threading, designers can achieve both the softness of cotton and the shiny look of satin in a single piece of fabric.

The other defining aspect of sateen sheets is the process in the production called mercerization. This is a chemical processing that soaks all those long strands of fabric in a solution of lye. After a period of time, the material is submerged in an acid wash. What these processes combined do is very important – the fabric is strengthened and given a sheen very similar to satin. Furthermore, the acid wash emphasizes the richness of the color, making sateen sheets very beautiful.

What Are the Major Differences Between Sateen and Satin?

Satin was once the number one choice for sheets when it came to luxury and that symbolic, romantic look. Unfortunately, satin silk sheets are too expensive for most people, so the majority of satin sheets on the market are made from polyester, which takes away from the sheets’ quality, longevity, and overall feeling of luxury. But now that there’s an affordable natural fabric alternative to choose over it, satin is no longer the most craved for option. Sateen appeared as a quite good solution that solves some of the apparent issues that satin has, but without fully replacing it. Right off the bat, you can notice that the major difference is in the fabric – more precisely in the weave method. Unique weaving patterns brought on a variety of differences that can make your experiences with these two seemingly similar materials wholly different. Here are some of the most prominent differences between satin and sateen weave:

Breathability

Satin was always synonymous with quality and luxury. But once you get to experience this fabric in every circumstance, you can notice some clear downsides. And once you compare it to sateen, you really get a great idea of how different they can be. One major difference is breathability. Nowadays, satin is not always 100% pure silk – it is often made from a blend of nylon and polyester. These artificial, synthetic fabrics are known for having no ability to “breathe” – leaving you literally sweating in your sheets. Sateen on the other hand features cotton almost exclusively – showcasing totally different properties in every aspect, one of these being better breathability. Cotton is well known as being a multi-season material, so whether you need to be cool in the summer or warm in the winter, this difference is crucial.

Durability

Cotton fabric – and sateen sheets especially – are well known for their exceptional durability. Due to the natural resilience of the cotton, as well as the chemical processing that emphasizes its strength, sateen sheets have a great ability to withstand wear and tear and will last you a long time. Satin sheets, on the other hand, are much more gentle, and often can’t be machine washed, instead of requiring a trip to the dry cleaners. Moreover, they might require the addition of fabric softener to retain their sleek flexibility – sateen sheets do not, and are much simpler to wash and dry.

Comfort

Sheets are all about comfort and a natural feel – in all seasons. Sateen sheets are specifically designed to be shiny and sleek, but at the same time incredibly soft and comfortably warm in the winter months, yet cool to touch in the hotter months of the year. Cotton is a great insulator that adapts to different seasons and can be used throughout the year. Satin sheets on the other hand are noticeably different when comfort is in question. Their silky sleek texture is often for acquired tastes only – sliding and slipping is a big issue for many, as is the lack of breathability that can make these sheets feel clingy and damp in the summer months.

Price

High-quality, pure silk satin can be very pricey and unattainable to many. Sateen sheets are an affordable substitute that gives you the same look of satin without the need to break the bank to get that fancy feel. For many, satin is all about that luxurious, shiny look, and sateen copies exactly this, while utilizing the beneficial aspects of cotton in order to offer a solution that is both attractive and practical.

5 Best Sateen Sheets

Threadmill Home Linen Sateen Sheet Set

Editor’s choice

Here is one of the more luxurious choices when it comes to sateen sheets- Threadmill Home Linen aims for perfection by offering a set of sheets made from 100 percent extra long-staple cotton with an Opulence 800 thread count. A great thing about this brand worth noting is that it prides itself on a sustainability program (their factory is powered entirely by wind and solar energy), and uses no plastics in its packaging and instead offers reusable bags. The set includes 2 pillowcases, 1 fitted sheet, and 1 flat sheet.

The sheets themselves are superbly soft and long-lasting and will keep the temperature in your bed optimal, whether it’s winter or summer. The fitted sheets have 16” deep pockets that fit most standard mattresses with ease. There are also 10 colors to choose from and sizes that match the dimensions of all standard bed sizes.

Who Should Buy This Product?

In addition to their superb softness and quality, these luxurious sateen sheets stand out for the way they are made, which is eco-friendly and sustainable. Great for people passionate about the environment and anyone looking to sleep on silky soft sheets, this set will impress anyone.

Pros

  • Opulence 800 thread count
  • Extra long-staple cotton
  • 16” deep pockets
  • Sustainably made and eco-friendly
  • Machine washable and dryable
  • OEKO TEX certified

Cons

  • Prone to wrinkling

Specs for Comparison:

Available Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Number of Available Colors: 10

Material: Sateen

Thread Count: Opulence 800

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Mayfair Linen Sateen Weave Cotton Sheets

Runner up

Striking the right balance between quality, comfort, and affordability can be a challenge, but Mayfair Linen is a brand that delivers all that with ease. These soft sateen weave sheets are made from 100 percent Egyptian Cotton which is known as one of the finest choices used in sateen sheets. The dyes used in these sheets are fade-resistant and boast an anti-pilling design that ensures longevity. And when you consider the 800 thread count of these sheets, you know that optimal comfort is also guaranteed. These sheets have a classic tailored look with extra deep pockets so they’ll fit most mattresses snuggly (up to 18 inches).

These sateen sheets are incredibly soft, and skillfully retain maximum breathability while giving you that satin glossy finish. This sheet set gives you two pillowcases, one fitted sheet, and one flat sheet, giving you a great bang for your buck. As an added bonus, these soft sheets come in a variety of options, both when it comes to size and colors, so you’ll easily find a match to your bed’s dimensions and your bedroom decor.

Who Should Buy This Product?

If you are looking to replace your old tatty bed sheets, this set of durable yet soft sheets might impress you. With their exceptional quality and a variety of choices, these sheets are a worthy alternative to satin- some might say they even outshine it.

Pros

  • Plenty of choices size-wise and color-wise
  • 800 TC, 100 percent Egyptian cotton
  • Breathable and soft
  • 4-piece set

Cons

  • Pockets not as deep as advertised
  • Not as smooth as they could be

Specs for Comparison:

Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, California King

Number of Available Colors: 23

Material: Egyptian Cotton

Thread Count: 800

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Comfy Sheets 800 TC Egyptian Cotton Sateen Weave

Customer’s choice

Comfy Sheets is the perfect brand name for this product: these sateen sheets, made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton, are truly some of the comfiest around. The silky finish makes them feel opulent and soft – they are easily on par with those fancy hotel sheets. Boasting great breathability and fade-resistant color treatment, this set of sateen sheets offers great quality for the price.

The individually tailored set contains 2 pillowcases, 1 flat sheet, and 1 fitted sheet. The latter also has a 4” elastic hem, allowing for an easy fit on all mattresses up to 18” tall. You can choose between 9 different colors and 6 sizes that match the dimensions of most standard beds.

Who Should Buy This Product?

If you want a set of comfy sheets that are both soft and easy to keep clean, you won’t be disappointed with this set. The 800 TC Egyptian cotton with sateen weave makes for an expensive feel at a reasonable price- what more could anyone ask for!

Pros:

  • Soft and temperature-regulating
  • Breathable
  • Machine washable and dryable
  • 100 percent long-staple pure Egyptian cotton
  • Fitted sheet with a deep pocket

Cons

  • Pockets not as deep as advertised

Specs for Comparison:

Available Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King

Number of Available Colors: 9

Material: Egyptian Cotton

Thread Count: 800

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COZERI 600 TC Sateen Sheets

Best sateen sheets for sensitive sleepers

This COZERI sateen sheet set is a great choice for everyone that is concerned about the processing of cotton and wants additional reassurances with their purchase. The sheets are made from 100 percent long-staple, premium combed cotton with a great lustrous silky finish. Following the standard OEKO-TEX standards which are the major in the industry, this brand relies on a lesser, 600 thread count weave, but still offers a more than a decent set of sheets for your comfort. Not to mention that this also means that these sheets are certified free of harmful chemicals.

The 16” deep pocket will be a good choice for most mattresses, even those that are a bit taller than most, and the sheets come in all standard bed sizes, so finding a perfect match shouldn’t be an issue. Available in 8 elegant color options, these sheets will fit in seamlessly with your bedroom theme.

Who Should Buy This Product?

OEKO TEX certified and made with your safety and comfort in mind, these sheets have it all: the softness, the elegant looks, and a reasonable price tag. Suited for mattresses up to 16”, these sateen sheets will be a good choice for most people.

Pros

  • OEKO TEX certified
  • Soft feel
  • 16” deep pockets
  • Z hem styling on flat sheet and pillowcases
  • Elastic fit

Cons

  • Takes a few washes before the sheets achieve their famed softness

Specs for Comparison:

Available Sizes: Full, Standard, Queen, King, California King

Number of Available Colors: 8

Material: Cotton

Thread Count: 600

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Pinzon by Amazon Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheets

Budget buy

Even if your budget is tight, that doesn’t have to mean you have to forget about that luxurious feel of sateen sheets. This affordable alternative offers a lower thread count but still, the sateen weave of the cotton makes up for it- and ensures that these sheets have that silky appearance and feel. These sateen sheets are made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton with a 400TC- which puts them at mid-range in terms of durability and softness.

To add to the overall appeal of this elegant design, this 4-piece set features a 6” hem with subtle detailing, giving these sheets a simple, traditional look that has its own unique charm. Additionally, there are 7 neutral colors to choose from, each perfectly complementing the hem detailing and easy to match with most bedroom interiors.

Who Should Buy This Product?

For anyone looking for a lush feel of sateen on a limited budget, this 4-piece set is a great choice. Decent quality, simple design, and an affordable price tag make these sateen sheets appealing to anyone that can’t splurge on more expensive alternatives but still wants to reap the benefits sateen offers.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Decorative 6” hem
  • Machine washable
  • Durable cotton weave

Cons

  • Need to be washed a few times before they become soft

Specs for Comparison:

Available Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King

Number of Available Colors: 7

Material: Egyptian Cotton

Thread Count: 400

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Bottom Line

Sateen sheets are a perfect alternative to satin: they retain the silky, shiny appearance that is so loved in satin sheets but combines it with more advantageous properties of cotton such as breathability and coolness. Easy to keep clean, affordable, and suitable for all seasons of the year, sateen sheets give you all the luxuriousness and elegance of satin sheets without the fuss and the hassle that usually comes with. Ideal if you want low-maintenance, budget-friendly sheets that feel expensive and fancy, sateen sheets will impress even the most finicky sleepers.