The Softest Sheets of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE

The Bamboo Eucalyptus Sheets on a fixed bed — Photo:
People / Dera Burreson

Sleep is such a personal thing, so the sheets that help you rest the best can vary from person to person.

“Each sheet material has its unique benefits, and the best choice depends on individual preferences, climate, and desired sleep experience,” celebrity interior designer Mikel Welch tells PEOPLE. According to Welch, when choosing the best sheets, you should “consider factors like breathability, softness, durability, and cooling properties to find the perfect fit for a restful and comfortable night's sleep.”

While some prefer cozy flannel and others will always opt for cooling bamboo sheets, we can all agree: There's nothing like falling into a fresh set of super soft sheets to kickstart a relaxing night's sleep (or Sunday afternoon nap).

Keep reading for the softest sheets on the market, according to our testing.

Our Top Picks

SALE

Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Set at Amazon ~~$190~~ $160

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SALE

Bampure Organic Bamboo Sheets at Amazon ~~$123~~ $95

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Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set at Amazon $389

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Parachute Linen Sheet Set at Nordstrom $359

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Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets at Amazon $32

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Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set at Parachute $259

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Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets at Amazon $198

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Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Amazon Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set

PHOTO: Amazon

$160 at Amazon View on Oliveandcrate.com

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

5/5
Value

5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Made a noticeable difference in our sleep quality
Ultra-soft and silky fabric
Fabric is easy to wash

Red Flags

No bed-making labels

When considering the best cooling sheets on the market, we looked at a range of tests we had performed on around 114 sheets to see which materials were the best for hot sleepers. The Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets impressed us with their ability to cool folks off — that, combined with an ultra-soft texture, breathable material, and overall durability.

Earning a perfect score in each of our tests, the eucalyptus sheets showed an impressive design without obvious imperfections. They washed well (though they shrunk just the tiniest bit) and showed no signs of loose threads or snags afterward. The most obvious benefit of these sheets, however, is the cooling effect of the material. Our team loved how lightweight and breathable the sheets were, and they were noticeably cooler when lying on these sheets rather than other basic fabrics.

How They've Held Up

We sent the sheets home with testers for three months to see how well they lived up to our lab results. Our testers, both of whom run hot, said the sheets become a permanent part of the bedding rotation. The silky nature of the fabric makes these sheets a dream to sleep on. The only complaint was that the sheets take longer to dry than other materials, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker for a cool night’s sleep.

Material: Tencel fiber eucalyptus lyocell | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: 14

PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Experts Say

Do cooling sheets make a difference? Welch says yes. “Cooling sheets can make a difference, especially for those who tend to get hot during sleep.” He adds that they can wick away moisture and help your body maintain a balanced and comfortable temperature, making them a great year-round option.

Bampure Organic Bamboo Sheets

Amazon Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets

PHOTO: Amazon

$95 at Amazon

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

5/5
Value

4.8/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Bamboo viscose offers a cool touch for hot sleepers
Sheets got softer with each wash
Deep-pocket sheets fit over plush mattresses

Red Flags

We couldn't find any

If you're looking for quality bamboo sheets, Bampure Organic Bamboo Sheets offer a silky texture and cooling abilities. Bamboo sheets almost feel like a mix of cotton and satin sheets, offering breathability with a buttery smooth finish — and these sheets met those expectations. The design impressed our team with solid stitching and a deep pocket that made for an easy fit around any mattress, including an air mattress.

In testing the performance, we learned that the bamboo sheets could be washed without issue. No loose threads or shrinkage occurred, though the material was wrinkly afterward. It also continued getting softer after each wash, ensuring longevity and continued comfort over time. Between the quality and the cooling effect, which can be a bonus for hot sleepers, these bamboo sheets are a great choice all around.

Material: Bamboo viscose | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 7

PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

$331 at Amazon View on Cozy Earth $373 at Macy's

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

5/5
Value

4.5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Fabric looks luxurious and is breathable
Kept us cool through the night
Sheets came out of the dryer wrinkle-free

Red Flags

Most expensive set we tested

Cozy Earth and Oprah are almost synonymous at this point because the TV personality has labeled these sheets as one of her “Favorite Things.” Our team has to agree, having tested the sheets in our lab and finding them to be highly breathable, cool to the touch, and durable after washing.

Made with a viscose from bamboo, the Cozy Earth sheets are silky and cool to the touch, and they kept their soft feeling even after throwing them in the washing machine on a cold cycle. We noticed some fraying and slight shrinkage when we remade the bed, but we appreciated that the sheets were essentially wrinkle-free when removed from the dryer. Though it’s the most expensive sheet set on our list, we think it’s worth the investment.

How They've Held Up

We tested the sheets for six months to ensure that the lab tests weren’t a one-off performance. Cozy Earth lives up to its reputation because we used the sheets every day, washed them frequently, and loved them as much on day 182 as we did on day one. They feel downright silky and kept us cool most nights and comfortable always.

Material: Viscose from bamboo | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: 16

PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Parachute Linen Sheet Set

PHOTO: Parachute

$359 at Nordstrom $349 at Parachute

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Texture

4.9/5
Durability

4.9/5
Value

4.5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Linen wicked away moisture, adding to its breathability score
No loose threads, color fading, or other noticeable wear after washing

Red Flags

We couldn't find any

To test linen sheets, we assembled a group of lab and real-world testers to see how well the sheets performed in various environments. In the lab, we noticed there were some stray threads right when the Parachute linen sheets were unpackaged, but the general construction and design seemed sound. Surprisingly (for linen), these sheets are quite stretchy, and our team could fit them over the mattress with little effort (apart from the sides, which appeared scrunched and had to be smoothed out).

Besides these sheets' breathability, we were especially impressed with how well they wicked away moisture. They also seemed to hold up to washing — our team didn’t notice any color fading, shrinkage, or major texture changes. Overall, we liked these sheets' appearance, comfortable fabric, and durability. As with any linen sheet set, expect it to get softer with each wash.

How They've Held Up

After three months of trying these sheets out in one of our testers’ homes, they have continued to uphold their original impressive performance. They were washed on a normal cycle with cold water and dried on low heat around three times. Despite our tester’s deep mattress, the sheets fit like a glove. They did notice the same bunching effect on the sides of the sheets when making the bed, but this was by no means a dealbreaker.

Material: Linen | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 8

PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets

PHOTO: Amazon

$32 at Amazon

Our Ratings

Quality

4.5/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

3.9/5
Value

4.5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Satin material has a soft-as-butter texture
Sheets fit mattress well
Consistent performance over three months of testing

Red Flags

Top sheet got tangled when we simulated tossing and turning

During our test of the best satin sheets, the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets found favor with most members of our team. Everyone loved the design of the sheets, which were soft, silky, and smooth against the skin. The fitted sheet went around the mattress with ease and stayed in place. We did notice the top sheet moved around some when we simulated tossing and turning.

After the wash test, we were happy to report no sightings of snags, loose threads, or other signs of wear. It should also be noted that despite the word “silk” in the product’s name, these sheets are actually made with polyester that has a satin weave. Fabric ingredients aside, the sheets are still incredibly silky to the touch, and as the second least expensive pick on our list, they’re a solid value.

How They've Held Up

After testing the sheets for three months at home, our team is still impressed. Our tester washes and dries the sheets on delicate cycles after around seven to 10 days of use, and so far, there has been no color fading, pilling, shrinkage, or loose threads. They are happy with the performance of the sheets, which becomes even more alluring when you consider the price.

Material: Satin | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 16

PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson
PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set

PHOTO: Parachute

$259 at Parachute

Our Ratings

Quality

4.8/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

4.8/5
Value

4.5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

Solid weight, classic thickness, and smooth, soft texture
Fit the mattress well and stay in place
Breathable material wicks away moisture in under 10 seconds

Red Flags

No cooling effect

This Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set offers a classic design, smooth texture, and medium weight that provides some extra coziness. The pocket of the fitted sheet went around the mattress without issue, and despite our team tossing and turning, both sheets stayed in place. Through several other measures, we determined the sheets can wick away and absorb moisture in under 10 seconds while also being breathable. They didn’t have a cooling effect per se, since they warmed up to match our body temperature once we were lying down, but cotton is breathable enough to serve as a year-round comfortable sheet material. Plus, they held up well to washing and actually softened even more afterward.

How They've Held Up

For three months at home, one tester put these sheets to the test in real-life scenarios. They used the sheets regularly, washing them on a cold cycle almost every week. Mostly, the sheets lived up to our testing lab insights in almost every category. The only exception was the mattress fit. Our tester said the fitted sheet frequently slipped off the mattress, rather than the snug fit we saw in our lab. Overall, they were satisfied with the sheets' softness, comfort, and durability.

Material: 100 percent cotton | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 6

PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock
PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock
PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock
PHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets

Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel Sheets

PHOTO: Coyuchi

$198 at Amazon $308 at Nordstrom $228 at Wayfair

Our Ratings

Quality

5/5
Texture

5/5
Durability

5/5
Value

5/5
Breathability

5/5

Star Qualities

So soft that they almost feel like cashmere
Breathable, with a good balance between thick and thin
Durable material didn’t have any wear after washing and felt softer

Red Flags

Too warm for sleepers who run hot

Though many people seek out cooling sheets, some need a little more coziness to fall into a deep sleep. For great flannel sheets, look no further than the Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheet set. As a bit of a Goldilocks, the sheet wasn’t too thick or too thin. Flannel is warm — that’s a given — but this sheet set was also surprisingly breathable.

The sturdy material held up as expected after the wash. The sheets retained their soft feel, and the solid material didn’t show any snags, loose threads, or other imperfections post-wash. Essentially, the set provides a soft and cozy place to sleep at night without weighing you down as some flannel products are reported to do.

Material: 100 percent brushed cotton | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 8

PHOTO: People / Grant Webster
PHOTO: People / Grant Webster

What to Know About Buying Sheets

Material

Welch breaks down what to expect with popular sheet materials:

Linen: Linen is a natural textured fabric that is highly breathable and allows for airflow. Welch feels that linen also makes a sheet feel more sophisticated, and we have to agree. If it comes down to cotton vs. linen, linen is the more luxurious option.
Cotton: Cotton is one of the most well-known materials for clothing, sheets, and towels.
It’s popular because it’s soft and comfortable against your skin, fairly durable, and versatile. Cotton also varies widely in thread count and weave type — such as percale, which can be highly breathable.
Bamboo: Welch likes bamboo sheets because they are “eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and naturally moisture-wicking,” making them a versatile option for anyone with allergies or skin sensitivities.
Flannel: Flannel is a type of brushed cotton that creates an ultra-soft feel. These sheets are ideal for cold climates and chilly winter nights.
Satin: Like percale, satin is a type of weave, usually done with silk. This creates a silky, smooth texture that can be cool in temperature but is somewhat less breathable than other fabrics. It’s also known to snag when washed or handled roughly.
Cooling: A few different materials — bamboo, percale-woven cotton, and eucalyptus — succeed in cooling off hot sleepers via good ventilation and wicking away sweat.

Thread Count

Don't get too caught up on this number, as it varies, depending on the material. “Thread count can matter to some extent,” says Welch. He says sheets with a higher thread count can have “a smoother and softer feel, but it's not the sole factor determining quality.”

A thread count of 300 is usually a sweet spot for luxurious sheets, but the material can also play a factor. For instance, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheet Set has a thread count of 300, whereas the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets have a thread count of 400. That said, Welch suggests focusing on the fabric’s quality, materials, and weave when choosing sheets.

Durability

How long a sheet lasts depends on the overall durability — which is often determined by the material. Linen sheets hold up well to washing, per Welch’s expertise. He says they are “quite durable and tend to get softer and more comfortable with each wash.” Cotton is another strong material that can “withstand regular use and washing”, especially long-staple cotton like Egyptian or Pima. Flannel is another material that can last for years with the right care. Bamboo sheets are somewhat durable, but their lifespan will depend “on the manufacturing process and the quality of the fibers.” Lastly, satin is known to snag, affecting its overall durability.

Person covering pillow with pillowcase of Dreamcare 100% Eucalyptus Sheets — People / Dera Burreson

Behind the Scenes

Since this article combines the results of five different tests, we’ll share a glimpse of what those processes looked like. We tested 224 sheets, focusing on flannel, percale, cotton, bamboo, linen, and eucalyptus sheet sets. We evaluated them on the following criteria:

Feel and Fit: We evaluated the look and feel of the sheets and the design and construction, looking for imperfections, loose threads, and other snags. After we took the sheets out of the packaging, we made up a mattress with each pair to test the overall fit.
Temperature Regulation: To test cooling abilities, our team lay between each sheet set to see how cool they felt to the touch and if lying there for a few minutes caused them to warm up. With certain tests like the flannel sheets one, we even took the temperature of the sheets before and after lying on them with a thermometer to track any changes.
Durability: To check durability, we washed and dried the sheets (according to manufacturer instructions) to see if the colors faded, if any threads were pulled, or if the texture changed (like pilling or added roughness). We also remade the beds to determine if any shrinkage had occurred.
Long-term Testing: For up to six months, we continued testing many of the sheets in a real-world environment — that of our testers’ homes. We had hot sleepers try out cooling sheets to see if the breathability made a difference in their sleep over time, as well as consistent washing and drying of all the sheets we tried at home to test durability. We used all of these insights to determine the softest sheets of 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sheet material pills the most?

According to Welch, linen sheets pill initially, but that effect lessens with time “with proper care and washing.” Cotton doesn’t pill as quickly, but it will depend on the thread count and specific fabric. Bamboo is prone to pilling “due to the fiber characteristics,” and flannel is the most likely to pill thanks to the material’s “brushed surface,” says Welch.
What materials are best for cooling sheets?

Similarly to the clothes you wear on your body, certain fabrics are just more breathable than others, and some even help wick away sweat for added comfort. Per Welch’s expertise, “Linen is known for its cooling properties, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience even on warm nights.” Cotton is another well-known breathable fabric, but when it has a percale weave, it provides even more ventilation. Bamboo and eucalyptus are some of the most commonly used materials for cooling sheets because they help wick away moisture and feel cool to the touch. The one material that is definitely not designed for cooling is flannel (reach for these sheets in the winter instead to stay cozy). Satin is somewhere in the middle since it’s cool to the touch but not as breathable.
Which sheet material is best for your skin and hair?

Generally, it’s thought that silk (in this case, with a satin weave) is the best material to sleep on for your hair and skin (that's also why silk pillowcases are so popular). Since silk is so smooth, it usually results in less breakage and fewer skin irritations. Regardless of what material you sleep on, you should wash your pillowcases frequently to keep your skin happy.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. Yauger also used testing insights from five different sheet tests we held in our lab and various testers’ homes. We considered the materials, durability, and fit of each sheet set, as well as breathability, cooling abilities, and water absorbency.

Our Expert Panel

Mikel Welch is a celebrity interior designer and host of Netflix's Hack My Home.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.