It’s safe to say that the coziest place in the world is your bed. There’s that saying, after all: “Invest in your shoes and your sheets, because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other.” We’re not not working on our sneaker rotation, but now’s definitely the optimal time to reinvest in linens. Over the past two years, our mattress tops have transformed into makeshift offices, kitchen tabletops, movie theaters, and of course, sleeping locations, so transforming your bed into the coziest spot ever is a no-brainer. But first, we couldn’t help but ask ourselves…what makes sheets so soft?
What should you look for when buying new sheets?
There are a few personal choices you need to make: fiber, budget, and most importantly, your personal preference. Also, are you a hot sleeper or a cold one? Do you prefer a satiny finish, or something a little more matte? Do you stick to pristine white sheets, or want to rely on a brand with funkier options? You can take the traditional route with natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk, but modern miracles like eucalyptus, bamboo, and Tencel might be more your speed (we’ll get to that later). For almost all fabrics, you also have the option to go organic, which is an important choice to make since you’re sleeping on this surface every night. Take all of this into account before you add to cart.
What material is best for you?
Cotton: Egyptian cotton is known as the Rolls-Royce of bed sheets. In order for it to be certified, it should be made of cotton derived from the plant Gossypium barbadense, which is grown in Egypt. But you don’t need to stick to that when it comes to soft sheets. Supima and pima are other cottons regarded for being cozy. Then you can look at different cotton weave types, which affect the way the fabric looks. Percale is a criss-cross weave that is a little denser, so it’s durable and softens nicely over time, while sateen offers a silkier finish. And while thread count used the be the way to determine quality sheets—it measures the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric—it’s no longer the standard used for finding great sheets, as quality varies greatly. In other words, a higher thread count does not necessarily mean better quality.
Best for: Year-round use. Sensitive skin.
Linen: Once summer rolls around, we like to swap in our cooler, breathable sheets, and linen is a classic. You might think that the heavy weave might not feel soft against your skin, but linen is the golden ticket to owning your set for life. With each wash, linen gets softer and lovelier.
Best for: Hotter sleepers. Summer use.
Silk: If you are looking for a ridiculously lavish option, try silk. Ideal for those looking to push their budget, most 100 percent options tend to start around $300 (although we found this one from Lilysilk for only $155 for a twin fitted sheet). If a full sheet set isn’t the right price point for you, we highly recommend swapping out your pillowcases for silkier styles. Shop our guide to silk pillowcases here.
Best for: Luxurious sleeping. Not great for those who sweat, but incredible for your skin and hair.
Tencel/Eucalyptus: Tencel and eucalyptus sheets are a little interchangeable these days. While tencel is made from the wood cellulose of trees, sometimes eucalyptus is made using the singular source. They’re both rayon fabrics, which can be chemically treated, but because they derive from “recovered or regenerated fiber,” they’re neither natural nor synthetic. In any event, they’re considered to be sustainable options since they’re not made in a factory, and use less water to produce.
Best for: Hot sleepers and environmentally-conscious shoppers.
Jersey: This is usually the top budget-friendly pick. A knit fabric that can be 100 percent cotton or a hybrid, jersey keeps you nice and warm. Think of it as sweatpants for your mattress, except they’re a little stretchier and tend to be wrinkle-resistant.
Best for: Your wallet, college students, and staying warm.
Flannel: Are you cold just reading this article? Flannel is the one for you. The thicker material—which can be made of cotton, wool, or synthetic fabrics—will keep you toasty all night long.
Best for: Cool sleepers, winter use.
Microfiber: This poly blend is not going to be the most breathable material, but it can be very practical. It’s easy to wash and doesn’t wrinkle, and won’t stain easily either. Still, the tight weave is relatively soft and can be a great affordable pick.
Best for: Kids, budgets, eating in bed.
Now that we provided all the information you need to find what works best for you, let’s start shopping, shall we? We rounded up 18 sets of the best-reviewed, editor-approved sheets that are so soft, you’ll finally go to bed early.
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