Best Cotton Sheets
Nothing beats the luxury of seemingly simple things in life, such as laying down after a long day on fresh, crisp, soft cotton sheets. Natural, breathable, versatile, and lightweight, cotton sheets come in a range of styles and colors and are suited for all seasons thanks to the multitude of different weaves that give the fabric its multi-purpose properties.
Of course, not all cotton sheets are made alike, and not just in terms of finishing process and color and pattern choices. There are important distinctions between cotton types and qualities that can make a huge difference in the feel and durability of cotton sheets. To make sure that your bedding choice is the right one, you have to look at the pros and cons of cotton sheets and seek features that ensure only the best quality.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Peru Pima Percale Cotton Sheets
|
|
| #2 |  Magnolia Organics Dream Collection Sheet Set
|
|
| #3 |  Mayfair Linen 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets
|
|
Table Of Contents
Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets
For decades, cotton sheets have been the preferred option of most sleepers, but nowadays, there are plenty of great options to choose from, be it eco-friendly bamboo or cheap and durable microfiber. So what makes cotton sheets stand out from the crowd? What are the advantages of cotton and what are its downsides why it’s used to make sheets?
Pros of cotton sheets
- It’s a natural fiber. As such, cotton is a great choice for people with sensitive skin and allergies. And in case you really want only the safest and best options against your skin, go for certified organic cotton sheets and those certified to be free from chemicals and toxic substances (which are sometimes used to treat the fabric).
- Cotton is breathable and absorbent. The nature of cotton fibers is such that they let the air circulate and wick away moisture, so cotton sheets are particularly great for hot sleepers and warm weather. That doesn’t mean that you won’t feel cozy with cotton sheets when the temperatures drop, though- just opt for cotton with a flannel weave, and don’t worry about the cold.
- Cotton bedding gets softer with time. Unlike most other types of fabric, cotton only gets better as it ages. With each wash, the fabric becomes softer and more pleasant to sleep on. However, cotton is not as durable as synthetic materials, so if you’re worried about signs of wear and tear, go for high-quality cotton types or cotton and polyester blends.
Cons of cotton sheets
- Cotton sheets can shrink in the wash. This is a frequent issue with cotton: if you wash it on hot temperatures (and you probably will since it is bedding), it can shrink. No one wants sheets that are too short or too narrow for their mattress, so go for pre-shrunk or pre-washed sheets to avoid this pesky problem.
- They are prone to wrinkling. If you are a neat freak, cotton sheets will be your biggest nemesis. Cotton wrinkles a lot, especially certain weaves such as percale, and most cotton sheets will require ironing if you want your bedding to be wrinkle-free. Of course, if you are not bothered by wrinkles, then you’ll love that they’re easy to clean: cotton is machine washable and dryable.
Things to Consider When Buying Cotton Sheets
Not all cotton sheets live up to the expectations. To make sure that you’ll be getting high-quality, durable, and soft sheets, here are the factors you’ll have to pay attention to.
Types of cotton
To begin with, not all cotton fabrics are the same. When it comes to sheets, certain types of cotton fibers are favored, and the most common choices include Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, organic cotton, and Upland cotton. Upland cotton is plain regular cotton grown in the USA and it is the one that is most commonly used (it’s not always labeled as Upland, sometimes it’s labeled as just cotton). It is characterized by short-staple fibers which make it durable and slightly stiffer than you’d want- at least at first until it softens with use. Egyptian cotton is well-known as the luxurious choice in bedding- it is exceptionally soft and breathable, thanks to handpicked long fibers of the plant. Pima cotton is originally from Peru and it is prized for the extra-long staple fibers that make it softer, silkier, and less prone to wrinkling than regular cotton. Finally, organic cotton is any type of cotton that has been grown organically from non-GMO plants and without any use of chemicals and pesticides. Each type has its pros and cons and your choice will depend on your personal preferences and budget, as the finer choices such as Pima cotton or certified organic cotton sheets come with a higher price tag as well.
Weave
The key to cotton’s versatility is the many different weaves that can significantly influence the properties of the fabric. Sheets made from cotton can be both warming or cooling, silky or fuzzy, wrinkly or wrinkle-free and it all depends on how the fibers of the plant were woven into the fabric. The most common cotton bed sheet weaves are sateen, percale, and flannel. As the name suggests, sateen weave has a silky sheen and feel to it, and it is a great natural alternative to satin. It is also less wrinkly and more susceptible to wear and tear. Percale cotton weave, on the other hand, is more closely woven and feels crisp and cool to touch. It is very prone to wrinkling but very durable- percale cotton sheets can last you years and years with proper care. The most popular option for cold weather is definitely cotton sheets with flannel weave, which is achieved with special combs that give the fabric its fuzzy feel and warmth-retaining properties.
Thread count
The ideal thread count will vary with each type of cotton and each weave, but a good rule of thumb is to go for cotton sheets that are between 200 and 600 TC. Anything less or over that number and you’ll be getting lower quality cotton that’s less durable and less soft than you’d want for your sheets to be.
Best Cotton Sheets
Peru Pima Percale Cotton Sheets
Editor’s choice
When in doubt, why not go for the finest fibers? Made in Peru by a small family company, these cotton sheets can be found in rooms of hotels such as Hilton and Sheraton and are characterized by a luxurious feel and exceptional durability. Percale weave makes them breathable and cool and the 415 thread count ensures that they stand up well to wear and tear as well as feel softer with each wash. Certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, these sheets are made with the highest standards in place and are completely free of toxic chemicals.
The sheet set includes one flat sheet, two pillowcases, and a fitted sheet with a 15-inch deep pocket. For a touch of elegance and that classic hotel bedding look, these sheets feature a 4-inch hem with tight stitching, both for ornamental purposes, and to give the sheets a durable finish. To boot, there are 13 colors to choose from to match any bedroom theme and decor.
Pros
- Premium-quality Pima cotton from Peru
- Cool and crisp to touch
- Breathable percale weave
- Good selection of colors
- Get softer with each wash
- Certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Cons
- Wrinkles a lot
- Fitted sheet not deep enough for thicker mattresses
Specs for comparison:
Type of cotton: Pima cotton
Thread count: 415 TC
Weave: Percale
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Magnolia Organics Dream Collection Sheet Set
Best organic cotton sheets
Whether you have sensitive skin or allergies that require only the finest fabrics against your skin, organic cotton is a tried and true option. Not only that this material is hypoallergenic and natural, but it is also processed in a safe, chemical-free way that ensures exceptional end results. These sheets are made with ring-spun and long-staple organic cotton fiber with a silky sateen weave that gives them an elegant drape and luxuriously soft feel. They are certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) which means that from the way the cotton is grown to the processing of the fabric- everything adheres to the highest standards labeled as organic production. No pesticides, heavy metals, or toxic substances to be found!
Even dyes are completely safe and suited for people with sensitivities: the sheets are dyed with low-impact, fiber-reactive dyes that are free of common toxic substances such as AZOs and formaldehyde. The color palette includes 6 neutral colors that fit well with any interior. With a 300 TC, these sheets will be durable and remarkably soft, getting softer with each wash. Each set contains a flat sheet, two pillowcases, and a fitted sheet with a 15-inch pocket.
Who Should Buy This?
You don’t have to break the bank to sleep on the finest materials around. Made from high-quality organic cotton, these GOTS certified cotton sheets are not just soft and cool to touch, but they are also made with the highest standards of production, starting with cotton cultivation all the way to the final product.
Pros
- Handpicked long-staple cotton
- Sateen weave for a premium feel
- A modern neutral color palette
- 15-inch deep pockets
- GOTS certified organic cotton
Cons
- It takes time for these to reach optimal softness levels
Specs for comparison:
Type of cotton: Organic cotton
Thread count: 300 TC
Weave: Sateen
Available sizes: Twin, Full, King, California King
Mayfair Linen 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Best cotton sheets for hot sleepers
With the right choice of bedding, you won’t have to toss and turn at night, all sweaty and overheated. Cool and crisp cotton sheets are just the thing for warm weather nights and hot sleepers, especially fine Egyptian cotton sheets such as these. The sateen weave makes them sleek and smooth to touch, and the 600 TC is a sure sign of the sheets’ durability and quality. Naturally breathable and cool to touch, Egyptian cotton sheets will provide both instant cool off once you lie down and keep you refreshed throughout the night.
Available in 14 solid colors to meet anyone’s criteria, this sheet set comes with two pillowcases, one flat sheet, and a fitted sheet with an elastic that suits mattresses that are up to 15 inches tall (most memory foam mattresses, for example). Certified by OEKO TEX, these high-quality Egyptian cotton sheets can also boast being free of harmful substances.
Who Should Buy This?
If you are looking for cotton sheets for warm weather or you’re a hot sleeper that needs cooling bedding for a good night’s rest, these Egyptian cotton sheets are just the thing. Supremely soft, silky, and cool to touch, these breathable sheets will make sure you sleep without being disturbed by heat.
Pros
- Premium Egyptian cotton for breathability and softness
- Cool to touch and absorbent
- 600 TC ensures durability and nice weight of the sheets
- Silky feel thanks to the sateen weave
- Certified by OEKO TEX
Cons
- Can start piling after a few washes
Specs for comparison:
Type of cotton: Egyptian cotton
Thread count: 600 TC
Weave: Sateen
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Bottom Line
Cotton sheets are a great year-round choice: made from natural fibers, breathable, and very versatile, they will keep you warm or cool depending on the fabric weave. Available in different types with a wide selection of colors and patterns to choose from, cotton sheets can be a cheerful addition to a kid’s room or add a touch of elegance to the master bedroom. There’s really a match for anyone’s needs and preferences: all you have to know is what to look for in cotton sheets and you’ll be able to find bedding perfectly tailored to your needs.