Best Bed Sheets
When it comes to comfort, it’s the mattress and the pillows that set up the standard – but without perfect bedding, you’ll never feel perfectly cozy. It’s the bed sheets that touch your skin and can make you feel cool and refreshed in the heat, or toasty and snug as a bug when the temperatures drop. With the right choice, bed sheets can be wrinkle-free, hypoallergenic, or stain-resistant, or all of the above: so it is important to carefully consider all the features that could influence your choice.
To begin with, bed sheets should be a good match for your bed size and mattress depth, seasonally appropriate and suited to your own preferences, both in terms of the fabric choice and the appearance- each of these factors can impact the feel, durability, or ease of maintenance.
Rank | Product | Highlights |
#1 | AmazonBasics Heather Cotton Jersey Bed Sheet Set |
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#2 | Bedsure 100% Bamboo Sheets |
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#3 | Amazon Basics Bed Sheet Set |
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#4 | Mellanni Queen Sheet Set |
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#5 | Clara Clark Queen Sheets Set |
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Bed Sheets Buying Guide: Things to Look Out For
When it comes to bed sheets, variety is the key word- there are many different styles, fabrics, colors, and dimensions to choose from. Of course, while it’s good being able to choose, having so many options to choose from can quickly become overwhelming so focus on the most important factors. In addition to the basic criteria, such as matching dimensions and budget, you should also consider the following to ensure you’ll get a good night’s rest on your new bed sheets.
Material
The defining feature of any bedding is the fabric it’s made out of. It will determine how durable the bed sheets are, how easy they are to clean, and most importantly, how they feel. There are no wrong choices- each fabric has its pros and cons. The most popular natural fabric choices include cotton, bamboo, linen, Tencel (lyocell), and silk, whereas synthetic fibers such as polyester blends, microfiber, nylon, or acrylic.
- Cotton
Crisp, cool, and soft to touch, cotton comes in various weaves and types (Egyptian cotton, upland cotton, Pima cotton, combed cotton, etc) and is preferred for its good thermo-regulation and durability. Cotton gets softer with each wash, it’s easy to clean, and it’s hypoallergenic, which makes it perfect for people with allergies or sensitive skin. The major downsides of cotton are that it is prone to wrinkling and that cheaper cotton types can show signs of wear and tear in no time. For best results, pick the right thread count and better quality cotton types (e.g. Egyptian or Pima).
- Bamboo
The plush and breathable bamboo fabric is a popular choice with a good reason: it makes sheets luxuriously soft and cooling at the same time. Bamboo is also moisture-wicking and fast-drying, so it is all the more so a good option for hot sleepers and people with night sweats. The cons of bamboo bed sheets are their higher price tag and the fact that they need special care- they need to be washed gently, in cold water.
- Tencel or lyocell
Made from wood pulp, this type of fabric boasts some remarkable qualities: it is eco-friendly, breathable, and naturally antimicrobial. Lyocell (or Tencel) is also very soft to touch and wicks away moisture, which makes it a good choice for bedding. However, a potential drawback for lyocell or Tencel sheets is that they cost more than some other natural alternatives such as cotton or bamboo.
- Silk
The most luxurious of all bed sheet materials, pure silk is prized for its superior softness and natural coolness. On the other hand, as the most expensive choice and the one that requires special care and handling, silk is not always the most convenient option for most sleepers.
- Polyester-based fabrics
Plenty of bed sheets contain polyester one way or another: in a small percentage added to natural fibers such as cotton to improve their durability or specially processed to create higher quality fabrics such as microfiber. Whereas pure polyester would be horrible to sleep on as it would trap heat and feel rough on skin, when “diluted” with other types of fabric, it boasts many benefits. In the example of microfiber bed sheets, you get to see why synthetic fabrics are not always the wrong choice- these sheets are soft, inexpensive, resistant to wear and tear, and easy to maintain.
Weave/finish
The finish of the fabric, or the way the fibers are woven into it, can dramatically change the feel of each material. The sateen weave is the most luxurious weave, with a sleek and silky finish that has an elegant drape and feels exceptionally soft. It is also less prone to wrinkling than other weaves. Percale is known for its exceptional lightness and breathability, which makes it a favorite choice for warm weather bedding, but it is still versatile enough to be used year-round. The flannel finish is achieved by special combing techniques that create that distinct fuzziness and softness and make flannel bed sheets so well-suited for chillier months of the year. Another distinct type is jersey fabric, which is usually made from cotton or cotton blends, and it is better known as “T-shirt material”- this is a good option if you want soft, low-maintenance sheets.
Thread count
Everyone knows that the higher the thread count of cotton, the more luxurious the fabric, right? Well, that’s not necessarily true. While you would be correct to assume that a high TC means higher-quality, softer cotton, that’s only up to a certain number- above it, it can actually signify the opposite. Experts agree that the ideal thread count for cotton sheets is between 300 and 500, and everything above it is open to scrutiny, especially those bed sheets that flaunt thread count over 1,000. This actually means that the yarn is made up of multiple strands rather than a higher count of threads per inch (which is what manufacturers deceptively advertise). While it doesn’t have to mean that the fabric is of poorer quality, it certainly doesn’t mean that the sheets are going to be softer or more durable- and it doesn’t excuse the higher price tag, either.
Dimensions and pocket depth
Needless to say, you’ll have to make sure that the size of the bed sheets matches your mattress size. In most cases, it’s pretty straightforward- a queen size set of sheets fits a standard queen size mattress and so on, but it’s not always that the dimensions match to a T. Double check the measurements to avoid unfortunate situations such as the sheets being too short or narrow for the intended mattress. Another aspect to pay attention to is the depth of the sheet pockets. Whether the sheets are flat or fitted, they’ll match a certain height of mattresses- and as mattress thickness can vary greatly (from 6 inches to over 20 inches), bed sheet pocket depth will also differ with each set.
Best Bed Sheets
1. Editor’s Choice: AmazonBasics Heather Cotton Jersey Bed Sheet Set
The simpler, the better- and these jersey bed sheets perfectly illustrate it. Made from 100 percent combed cotton spun into jersey knit fabric, they are incredibly soft (think your favorite well-worn T-shirt) and breathable, which makes them suited for year-round use. Low-maintenance, these bed sheets are machine washable and woven with pre-dyed yarn, so the colors won’t leach when you wash them. Better yet, unlike standard cotton sheets, these won’t shrink, either, even when washed in hot water.
Each set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases, and the pocket depth is 14 inches. Jersey bed sheets have a natural stretch to them, too, which will ensure that the sheets stay in place, even when your mattress is on the thicker side, but if you have a hybrid mattress that’s over 16 inches tall, you’d better opt for extra deep pocket bed sheets.
Who Should Buy This?
A good universal choice for all seasons of the year, these cotton jersey sheets come in a range of sizes and neutral colors to fit every sleeper’s needs. Soft and breathable, they’ll feel luxurious at a fraction of the cost- and fit most mattresses with ease.
Pros
- Soft and plush to touch
- Stretchy with a 14-inch deep pocket
- Includes 4 pieces of bedding
- Low maintenance
- Made in OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory
Cons
- Can start piling after a while
Specs for comparison table:
Material: Cotton
Thread count or GSM: 155 GSM
Weave: Jersey knit
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
Available colors: 5
2. Runner Up: Bedsure 100% Bamboo Sheets
When you know- all too well- the desperation of constant tossing and turning in hopes of finding coolness throughout the night, you know how difficult it can be to find cooling bed sheets. For hot sleepers, materials are everything, and bamboo viscose is by far one of the best choices for warm weather and night sweating. Cooling to touch, bamboo gives instant relief but also keeps its coolness as the hours pass, ensuring that you stay comfortable until the morning. Even if you sweat during the night, you won’t wake up drenched in sweat as these sheets will wick away the moisture and dry quickly.
Featuring a seamless construction, this well-made sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The fitted sheet is made to accommodate thicker mattresses and it measures 16 inches. The only downside of these sheets is that they have to be machine washed cold separately and tumble dried on low.
Who Should Buy This
Pros
- Cooling to touch
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Silky soft to touch
- Deep pocket fitted sheet
Cons
- Wrinkles easily
- Require special care
Specs for comparison table:
Material: Bamboo viscose
Thread count or GSM: 250 TC
Weave: Sateen
Available sizes: Twin, Queen, King
Available colors: 4
3. Customer Choice: Amazon Basics Bed Sheet Set
Amazon Basics is a brand that always surprises us with good products even if its prices are considerably lower than their competitors. This set of navy sheets includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet for mattresses up to 14 inches deep, and two standard pillowcases (measuring 20 x 30 inches each).
All of these pieces are made with microfiber (85 GSM) and result in a pretty wrinkle-free surface. The products are made in an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory. As with most other synthetic fibers, these can also be cleaned in your home’s washing machine.
Pros:
- Complete bed sheet set.
- Machine washable.
- Very soft.
Cons:
- Not very durable.
Specs for comparison table:
Material: microfiber
Thread count or GSM: 85 GSM
Weave: not specified
Available sizes: Queen
Available colors: 1
4. Best Organic: Mellanni Queen Sheet SetLe Naturel Organic Cotton Bed Sheets
Another generous bed sheet set that includes all the pieces needed for a comfortable sleeping experience is this one by Mellanni. It features a fitted sheet, a flat one, plus two pillowcases that measure 20 x 30 inches each. The manufacturer promises that these sheets are wrinkle and fade resistant, although anti-wrinkle isn’t exactly a common characteristic amongst microfiber materials.
The brushed microfiber feels very soft against the skin, with a quality almost comparable to cotton. There are more than 40 color options to choose from, along with multiple sizes to match all standard mattresses.
Pros:
- Soft to the touch.
- 41 color options.
- Machine washable.
Cons:
- Not wrinkle-resistant.
Specs for comparison table:
Material: microfiber
Thread count or GSM: 95
Weave: not specified
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King, RV/Short Queen
Available colors: 41
5. Best Variety: Clara Clark Queen Sheets Set
From 12-inch memory foam mattresses to 16-inch hybrid beds, this set of bedsheets can fit them all. As with every other similar set available on Amazon, this one includes a fitted and a flat sheet, plus two standard pillowcases. They are made with microfibers which are easy to clean and provide softness and comfort for a pleasant sleeping experience.
You have multiple size options to choose from, together with more than 30 colors that range from neutral to vibrant. They are advertised as fade and wrinkle-resistant, but only the test of time will be able to tell if that’s true.
Pros:
- Multiple colors and size options.
- Easy to clean.
- No ironing is needed.
Cons:
- Not very durable.
Specs for comparison table:
Material: microfiber
Thread count or GSM: not specified
Weave: not specified
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Available colors: 34
Bottom Line
Nothing beats fresh and soft bed sheets after a long day- that’s why you need to choose your bedding with care. Different fabrics are appropriate for different seasons of the year and the varying weaves and finishes offer an impressive selection of textures and softness to pick from. Depending on your preferences, you can find anything from fuzzy and warm flannel bed sheets for chilly nights or moisture-wicking, naturally cooling bamboo to keep away the heat.
The variety of bed sheets might make it difficult to narrow down your choice, but as long as you keep the important features in mind, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect bedding for your needs.