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/ Best Sheets of 2024 / Best Cooling Sheets of 2024
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ByLauren Fountain
Lauren Fountain
Senior Product Editor
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
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Methodology
Sleep Foundation
Product Research Methodology: Our Process
At SleepFoundation.org, we personally test every sheet set featured in our product reviews and guides. Our hands-on approach allows us to evaluate sheets using different performance factors, and provide our readers with accurate, data-based recommendations.
Guidelines we follow for testing sheets include:
- To ensure objective findings, we test all sheet sets using different mattress types. Testing the sheets on foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses allows us to determine baseline performance ratings for breathability, softness, and overall comfort.
- Some of our performance criteria are based on observable characteristics, such as fit and ease of cleaning. These ratings do not require hands-on tests, but still factor into our reviews and recommendations.
- We conduct new tests throughout the year and revisit our current picks after each round of testing has concluded. If need be, we’ll update our product guides to reflect our most recent findings.
Explore Our Full Methodology
Up-to-Date
Whether it’s hard to fall asleep at bedtime, or you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, overheating is the enemy of a good night’s sleep. If you’re a hot sleeper, then making the switch to cooling sheets may give you the relief you need. Cooling sheets are designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking, so you can stay cool and avoid waking up in a sweat.
We’ll kick things off with a list of our Test Lab’s top picks for the best cooling sheets. Then, we’ve put together an expert shopping guide to help you know what to look for in cooling sheets, along with some of our tips and tricks to beat the heat at bedtime. If you want to take a broader look at all of your bedding options, you can start with our list of the best sheets.
What Are the Best Cooling Sheets?
Our testing team’s pick for the best cooling sheets is the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set. Made with ultra-breathable bamboo viscose, these sheets wick moisture and enable plenty of cooling airflow. Soft and smooth, the Luxome Luxury Sheets help make your bed both cool and comfortable.
On This Page:
- Our Top Picks
- In-Depth Reviews
- Video: Our Choices
- How We Test
- What to Consider
The Best Cooling Sheets
- Best OverallLuxome Luxury Sheet SetShop Now
- Best ValueQuince Organic Percale Sheet SetShop Now
- Best Temperature RegulatingSweet Zzz Organic Bamboo SheetsShop Now
- Best LuxuryCozy Earth Bamboo Sheet SetShop Now
- Best Hotel-StyleSaatva Banded Percale Sheet SetShop Now
- Best All-SeasonBrooklinen Classic Core Sheet SetShop Now
- SoftestSijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet SetShop Now
- Best Deep PocketBrooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel SheetsShop Now
To learn more about each of our best picks for cooling sheets, check out our full reviews below.
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Luxome Luxury Sheet Set
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8.8/10
Test Lab Score
“The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set has a super soft feel thanks to the sateen weave and bamboo-derived viscose construction. Our testers with sensitive skin experienced no irritation with this bedding.”– Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
Pros
-
Bamboo viscose material is breathable and wicks moisture
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Sateen weave gives the sheets a silky-soft feel
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Offered in 10 elegant colors
-
Cons
-
Fabric sheen may not fit with some interior decorating
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Return shipping fee is deducted from refund if you request a return
-
Price
$160
Material
100% Viscose from Bamboo
Weave
Sateen
The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set offers a luxurious feel at an affordable price-point. Made from 100% bamboo-derived viscose, the sheets have a cool and silky-smooth hand feel, which is great if you value extra soft bedding.
How It Performed
Since bamboo-derived fabrics are moisture-wicking, these sheets are a strong choice if you live in a humid climate. The silky-soft sateen weave creates a lustrous look and a luxuriously soft feel that our testers with sensitive skin appreciated. We could easily move across the sheets without rubbing and irritation. The fitted sheet also has a larger-than-average pocket depth of 17 inches that could fit most mattresses in our testing lab, including those with thick pillow-tops.
What It’s Made of
Each item in the set is made from breathable viscose derived from bamboo in a smooth sateen weave. Seven sizes are available. All sets come with one flat sheet. The full, queen, king, and California king options include two pillowcases and one fitted sheet, and the split king features two fitted sheets. Twin and twin XL sets come with one pillowcase. The 10-color range features a variety of options, from neutrals to bold blues and greens. All items in the set are washable in your household machines. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and line dry or tumble dry on low.
Luxome offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a 30-day return trial. You can return a Luxury Sheet Set in “like new” condition for a full refund during this period.
Best Value
Quince Organic Percale Sheet Set
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9.3/10
Test Lab Score
“We recommend the Quince Organic Percale Sheet Set for anyone who wants bedding that looks and feels luxurious but carries an affordable price-point. A percale weave gives the sheets a sophisticated, matte appearance.”– Lauren Fountain, Senior Product Editor
Pros
-
Percale weave produces a crisp, cool feel
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Long-staple cotton is breathable and durable
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Affordable price-point
-
Cons
-
Not available in twin XL size
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May not appeal to people who prefer silky sheets that drape
-
Price
$100
Material
100% organic extra-long staple cotton
Weave
Percale
The Quince Organic Percale Sheet Set has a crisp and smooth feel, resulting in a luxurious appearance and texture. Like many of Quince’s bedding products, this set is reasonably priced compared to other bedding of similar quality.
How It Performed
The sheet set offers a cool feel and matte finish due to its percale weave. The sheets are a good choice for people who sleep hot or live in warmer climates, as the cotton is lightweight and breathable. They’re also ideal for sleepers who prefer sheets that don’t drape too closely to the body. The fabric is designed to grow softer each time it’s washed, so you’ll notice a smoother feel over time.
What It’s Made of
The Quince Organic Percale Sheet Set is made with long-staple cotton, a variety known for its quality and durability. The sheets are available in an impressive array of colors as well as a couple of patterns, including Oxford stripe and windowpane. You can choose between twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. Each set includes one fitted and one flat sheet. Twin and full sizes come with one pillowcase, while the larger sizes include two. The fitted sheet has a 16-inch pocket depth and is labeled with a “top” and “bottom” to help make the bed.
Each item can be machine washed using cold water and a gentle cycle. After tumble drying on low, the sheets should be promptly removed in order to prevent wrinkling.
Quince offers free shipping within the U.S. The sheet set includes a 365-day return policy, which is longer than average for bedding. Customers are eligible for a full refund at any point during this period, even if the sheets have been used or washed.
Most Comfortable
Silk & Snow Percale Sheets
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8.7/10
Test Lab Score
“If you’re someone who constantly kicks the sheets off at night because of overheating, we recommend the Silk & Snow Percale Sheets. Our testers found the percale-woven cotton to be crisp, breathable, and ideal for warm nights.”– Eric Suni, Staff Writer
Pros
-
Percale weave cotton has a feel that is crisp and cool
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Made with breathable and 100% natural cotton
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Available in seven solid colors derived from organic dyes
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Cons
-
Matte finish may not appeal to people who want shiny sheets
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Pockets only fit mattresses up to 15 inches tall
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Price
$125
Material
100% Cotton
Weave
Percale
If you value crispness over clinginess with your bedding, then you’re an excellent candidate for percale-woven cotton sheets. The Silk & Snow Percale Sheets deliver everything we love about this weave, and the set is budget-friendly to boot.
How It Performed
Our team enjoyed the balanced feel of these sheets — crisper than cotton sateen but not as coarse as linen. The set should serve you well during hotter or more humid times of the year, when drapey sheets are less inviting. We’ve also found that cotton percale sheets hold up well over time with proper care and storage, and are less likely to pill than those made of sateen-woven cotton.
One potential drawback is the pocket depth. Many mattresses are covered in the range of 15 inches or less, but some luxury pillow-tops and other high-profile models need deeper pockets for a secure fit. We recommend measuring your mattress profile before buying this set.
What It’s Made of
The sheets and pillowcases in this collection are composed of 100% cotton. Percale is a tighter weave than sateen, so the fabric feels crisper and more breathable, and won’t drape as closely to the body. The set is available in six sizes that correspond with standard mattress dimensions. You can also choose from seven colors, each produced using organic dyes. All items are fully machine-washable for quick, easy care.
In addition to affordable pricing for the Sateen Sheets, Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. You’ll receive a 100-night trial period with your purchase, and an additional year of warranty coverage if you decide to keep the set.
Best Temperature Regulating
Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets
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8.8/10
Test Lab Score
“Our testers with sensitive skin loved the close drape and soft feel of the Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets’ sateen weave. These also look great on your bed if you’re a fan of sheets with a silky sheen.”– Colin Simpson, Product Research Manager
Pros
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Viscose material is derived from organically grown bamboo
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Sleek and smooth feel from sateen weave
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50-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
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Cons
-
Fitted sheet may not accommodate beds with extra-thick profiles
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Above-average price-point
-
Price
$230
Material
100% GOTS-certified viscose from bamboo (400TC)
Weave
Sateen
Most hotel-style sheets we test are exceptionally soft and breathable, and the Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets are no exception. This affordable collection from Sweet Zzz is also one of the only bamboo-based options that’s certified as organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
How It Performed
The bamboo-derived fabric slept cool enough for our team’s hot sleepers, making it a great option if you live in a warm or humid climate. Meanwhile, the sateen weave gives each item an exceptionally soft and smooth feel that was ideal for testers with sensitive skin. If you prefer bedding that drapes closely to your body, you should also be satisfied with these sheets.
What It’s Made of
The set is made entirely from GOTS-certified organic viscose derived from bamboo in a sateen weave. Six sizes are available for this sheet set that match standard mattress sizes, including a split king size if you own an adjustable bed. You can also choose from six different neutral color schemes. The fitted sheet has a 14-inch pocket depth, making it compatible with all low- and medium-profile mattresses as well as select high-profile models. All components of the set can be washed and dried in household machines.
Thanks to an affordable price-point and stellar performance, the Organic Bamboo Sheets are considered a high-value investment. You’ll also receive a 50-night sleep trial with your order, as well as a lifetime warranty.
Best Luxury
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Cozy Earth sheets
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8.8/10
Test Lab Score
“We recommend the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set for anyone who enjoys slipping under luxuriously soft sheets at the end of a long day. This set is made with a bamboo-derived viscose fabric that feels cool and silky against your skin.”– Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
Pros
-
Moisture-wicking fabric provides excellent temperature regulation
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Fits mattresses up to 20 inches tall
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Produced to meet demanding standard for sustainability
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Cons
-
Higher-than-average price
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Drape and shine of sateen may not appeal to some shoppers
-
Price
$389
Material
100% viscose from bamboo
Weave
Sateen
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is an excellent pick if you want a luxurious option. Though these sheets have the price-point, Cozy Earth uses high-quality materials that may be worth the cost if you want a premium product.
How It Performed
Our hot sleepers found this set excels at temperature regulation. Viscose from bamboo effectively draws heat away from your body and helps reduce humidity by wicking away moisture, making it a great choice if you tend to sweat at night or live in a humid climate. Our eco-conscious testers appreciated that Cozy Earth uses sustainably harvested bamboo and ensures fair manufacturing practices across its supply chain. The generous pocket depth also makes the set a suitable choice if you own a pillow-top mattress or use a mattress topper.
What It’s Made of
This set is made of 100% viscose from bamboo and feels silky and cool to the touch. The fabric’s sateen weave provides a subtle sheen and elegant drape. This fabric is also easy to launder at home. Cozy Earth recommends washing on a cold cycle and line drying when possible. The set is available in six sizes, each fitting mattresses up to 20 inches tall. You can choose between seven neutral color schemes.
You can opt to try the set for 30 days before your card is charged. Shoppers in the contiguous U.S. enjoy free shipping and a 100-night return window. The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is backed by a generous 10-year warranty.
Read Our Full Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set Review
Best Hotel-Style
Saatva Banded Percale Sheet Set
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8.2/10
Test Lab Score
“I love the crisp, lightweight feel of the items in Saatva’s Banded Percale Sheet Set — it reminds me of a freshly pressed dress shirt. As someone who runs hot in bed, I could see these sheets being a game-changer on muggy summer nights.”– Eric Suni, Staff Writer
Pros
-
Long-staple, percale-woven cotton is exceptionally crisp and breathable
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Thick elastic skirt secures the fitted sheet to your mattress
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Available in three color schemes and seven sizes
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Cons
-
Not ideal for people who prefer smooth, silky bedding
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Expensive pricing may be a dealbreaker for budget-conscious shoppers
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Price
$245
Material
100% long-staple cotton (200TC)
Weave
Percale
Saatva’s reputation for luxurious sleep products extends well beyond the company’s mattress line. Take the Banded Percale Sheet Set, which consists of sheets and pillowcases crafted from durable long-staple cotton. The percale weave and 200 thread count make each component crisp and lightweight, but the fibers should gradually soften over time for a comfy, lived-in feel without sacrificing breathability or moisture control. This set reminded our team of bedding one might encounter in a high-end hotel suite.
How It Performed
Our team was highly impressed with the stability of the set’s fitted sheet. Thick banding secures the sheet to the corners of your mattress — it stayed in place even as we changed sleep positions and rolled around on the mattress, so people who toss and turn shouldn’t need to worry about fixing their bedding during the night.
When testing the sheets and pillowcases for temperature control, we noticed very little heat buildup. This can be attributed to the all-cotton construction, low thread count, and percale weave. The set was particularly popular among team members who dislike the close drape of sateen-woven bedding. We also awarded high marks for ease of care, since each item in the set is fully machine-washable.
What It’s Made of
Long-staple cotton is prized for its natural longevity and resistance to pilling. The percale weave also contributes to a long lifespan, so these sheets and pillowcases should hold up well over time. Although the sheets are mostly white, you can choose from three colors for the contrast banding. The set is also available in seven sizes including a split king for couples who use adjustable beds.
Twin and twin XL sets include a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcases, while full and larger sizes add a second pillowcase into the mix. A pocket depth of 16 inches makes the fitted sheet compatible with most mattresses made today. Saatva sells a matching duvet cover, as well.
The Banded Percale Sheet Set is on the expensive side, but Saatva offers free ground shipping for all U.S. orders. Your purchase comes with a 45-night sleep trial. If you decide to keep the sheets, you’ll also receive a one-year warranty against workmanship defects.
Best All-Season
Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set
15% off sitewide
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9.8/10
Test Lab Score
“The Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set is exceptionally soft, and the material is cool to the touch. One of our field testers has slept on these sheets for over two years and he credits them with keeping him comfortable most nights, despite being a hot sleeper.”– Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
Pros
-
Long-staple cotton offers softness and durability
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Percale weave permits airflow and provides a crisp sleep surface
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Wide variety of color and pattern options
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Cons
-
Returns incur a $10 fee deducted from the refund
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Some patterns may have limited size availability or a higher cost
-
Price
$179
Material
100% Long-Staple Cotton
Weave
Percale
The Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set is made entirely of cotton with a percale weave, giving the sheets a soft, comfortable texture. Although the material is cozy, it maintains a crisp appearance ideal for sleepers who enjoy bedding that doesn’t drape closely to the body.
How It Performed
We test our sheet sets on the same mattress for consistency, and we found that the breathable and moisture-wicking fabric of these sheets kept our testers cool and dry. One thing our testers really appreciated was the “long” and “short” labels on the fitted sheet’s sides, which made it easier to place correctly on the first try. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 16 inches, so it should accommodate most beds on the market.
What It’s Made of
The set is constructed from long-staple cotton, which is known for its high quality and durability. Available sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. The set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. You can select from a wide spectrum of color and pattern options, making the set a great option if you are a style-savvy shopper. The color line includes white, cream, graphite, warm grey, and a variety of striped and patterned prints. Brooklinen also has limited edition colors, which frequently include more vibrant hues and patterns.
You can wash these sheets on a cold cycle. Brooklinen recommends machine drying on low heat and a low tumble cycle. Some wrinkling will occur, but it should decrease with additional washings. Hang-drying your sheets can also reduce wrinkling.
Brooklinen offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S. You can return the sheets any time within 365 days of delivery. If you decide to keep the sheet set, it is further backed by a one-year warranty.
Read Our Full Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set Review
Softest
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set
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7.8/10
Test Lab Score
“Our hot sleepers were very satisfied with the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set. The Tencel fabric drapes closely and feels luxuriously smooth while staying naturally breathable. We’re confident these will feel comfortable throughout the year, regardless of temperature.”– Colin Simpson, Research Manager
Pros
-
Tencel fabric with a sateen weave produces an exceptionally soft and smooth feel
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Choice of seven colors offered in all six standard sizes
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Competitive pricing
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Cons
-
Not all sizes qualify for free shipping
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Base price does not include a flat sheet
-
Price
$165
Material
100% Tencel lyocell
Weave
Sateen
Eucalyptus-derived Tencel is popular among our hot-sleeping testers due to its exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties, and the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is no exception. Each item is composed of high-quality Tencel fabric that feels luxuriously soft and smooth.
How It Performs
The sheets drape closely to your body and provide insulation on chilly nights without retaining too much heat during warmer times of the year, so it’s a great choice if you are seeking sheets to use year-round. Thanks to the smooth fabric and the sateen weave, the sheets easily glided across our skin. This makes it a great choice for sleepers with skin that’s sensitive to harsh rubbing from coarser fabrics.
What It’s Made of
A silky sateen weave enhances the buttery-smooth Tencel fabric. Six sizes are available, all of which correspond with standard mattress dimensions. Twin and twin XL sizes include a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcase, while larger sizes feature these elements and an additional pillowcase. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth makes the set compatible with any mattress up to 16 inches thick. Sijo also offers appealing options if you are trying to save a bit of extra money. Forgoing the flat sheet can reduce the cost of your purchase by as much as $70.
You can also choose from six different colors, ranging from neutrals to light pink and blue. This set is also easy to clean. Simply wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, then tumble dry on low heat. Promptly removing the items from your dryer can minimize some of the wrinkling that commonly occurs with Tencel bedding.
Sijo offers free shipping on all orders of $65 or more, a range that includes each size of the AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set. The company also permits returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery, provided each item is in good condition.
Best Deep Pocket
Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets
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8.8/10
Test Lab Score
“Our testers enjoyed the naturally cooling Tencel lyocell fabric in the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets. We recommend these sheets for sleepers who tend to overheat or sweat a lot at night.”– Jackson Lindeke, Executive Director
Pros
-
Tencel material wicks moisture and allows for cooling airflow
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Sateen weave creates softness without heaviness
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Smooth finish reduces friction and irritation against the skin
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Cons
-
Sleep trial limited to 30 nights
-
Only available in three color choices
-
Price
$199
Material
100% Tencel
Weave
Sateen
Sheets made from eucalyptus-derived Tencel lyocell are touted for their exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets enhance the material’s natural cooling with a lightweight feel that ensures comfort all night.
How It Performed
Our hot-sleeping testers thoroughly enjoyed these sheets thanks to the breathable and moisture-wicking construction. This makes them a great choice for hot sleepers, people who sweat at night, and those living in warm or humid climates. The smooth feel was another major highlight for our testers with sensitive skin. Our testing found we could easily glide across the sheets without harsh rubbing or irritation. The sateen weave also appeals to sleepers who enjoy bedding that drapes closely to the body.
What It’s Made of
The sheets are made from 100% Tencel lyocell in a silky-smooth sateen weave. You can choose between six standard sizes, as well as a split king size for adjustable bed owners that includes two fitted sheets. All other sizes come with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and one to two pillowcases. Each fitted sheet can accommodate mattresses up to 15 inches thick. All items are fully machine-washable.
Three neutral color schemes are available, khaki, silver, and white, which should match most bedroom decor. Brooklyn Bedding ships free to all customers residing in the contiguous U.S. The Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets come with a 30-night return period and a 1-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Moisture-Wicking
Nollapelli Cool & Cozy Sheet Set
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8.3/10
Test Lab Score
“The Nollapelli Cool & Cozy Sheet Set combines the smoothness of a sateen weave and the breathability of cotton. These sheets felt extremely comfortable and luxurious throughout testing — they remind us of bedding you’d find in top-tier hotels.”– Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
Pros
-
Blend of Tencel, nylon, and cotton is both soft and durable
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Excellent breathability and temperature regulation
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Fully machine-washable for quick and easy care
-
Cons
-
Not available in twin, twin XL, or full sizes
-
Limited color options available
-
Price
$317
Material
Tencel Lyocell, Nylon, and Cotton Blend
Weave
Sateen
The Nollapelli Cool & Cozy Sheet Set is a hotel-style option that’s great if you want soft and breathable bedding. The proprietary fabric used to construct the sheets is engineered to regulate moisture and body temperature during sleep. The result is a sheet that helped even our hot-sleeping testers stay cool throughout the night.
How It Performed
The sheets have a sateen weave that is exceptionally silky and smooth. Even our testers with sensitive skin felt comfortable, without harsh rubbing or irritation. The fitted sheets have a pocket depth of 16 inches and are compatible with mattresses up to 20 inches thick. This accommodated every mattress in our lab, including high-profile pillow-top models.
What It’s Made of
Every item in the set is composed of a Tencel lyocell, nylon, and cotton blend in a sateen weave. The sheet set comes in five sizes — full, queen, king, split king, and California king, and all sets include one flat sheet and two pillowcases. The split king includes two fitted sheets, whereas the smaller sizes come with one. Maintenance is simple for these machine-washable sheets. Nollapelli recommends washing on warm with like colors and tumble drying on low.
Nollapelli ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. The Cool & Cozy Sheet Set comes with a 30-day return trial, during which you can test the sheets and return them for a full refund.
Sheets to Help You Sleep Cooler – Video
Watch the video below for some tips on how to create a cooler sleep environment.
How We Test: Rigor, Data, and Sleeper Feedback
Our testing team understands that every sleeper has different likes and dislikes when it comes to sheets and other sleep products. We’ve created an objective rating system that takes individual considerations into account, allowing us to narrow down the pros and cons of different products and determine who benefits most from using them.
We know bedding plays a role in how well you sleep — the right sheet set can be a game-changer, while sheets that don’t align with your preferences can lead to restless nights of tossing and turning. In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we evaluate each sheet set with the same four-step process. Each component of this system is outlined below.
Construction analysis: Our tests begin with a thorough examination of how the sheets and pillowcases are constructed. We make note of material, weave, thread count, and other specifications that help us determine qualities like longevity and breathability.
Product testing: In order to thoroughly test bedding, each member of our team has the opportunity to lie on a mattress with all four components of a sheet set. We’ll change positions to see if the fitted sheet remains intact, use heat guns to gauge how well each item regulates temperature, and assign ratings for qualities like cooling, warmth, and overall comfort.
Field testing: Field testers play a pivotal role in our rating process. They’ll sleep with a sheet set in their own home for weeks at a time, making daily notes that help us understand how well the bedding performs in the long term.
User testing: Experiences from verified sheet owners are also important. We’ll sift through surveys and product reviews to collect feedback from consumers — this helps us fine-tune our ratings to ensure they reflect real-world experiences.
What Are Cooling Sheets and Who Are They Best For?
Cooling sheets are designed to resist heat buildup and allow you to sleep comfortably without overheating. They pull this off in two major ways:
- They’re made with breathable materials that allow plenty of airflow to help heat escape.
- They’re better at wicking away moisture so that it can evaporate, keeping you from waking up in a pool of sweat.
Cooling sheets are best for anyone who tends to sleep hot, but they’re also handy to have around in some other situations, like:
- If you find yourself constantly throwing layers off during the night
- If it’s summer or you live in a hot climate
- If you experience hot flashes or night sweats
- If you share the bed with a cold sleeper – it’s better to sleep with cooling sheets so you can stay cool while your bed partner piles on blankets on their side
“Your sheets are one of the most important factors when it comes to sleeping cool through the night. You can have a breathable mattress with all the cooling technology in the world, but it won’t help that much if you’re sleeping in heat-trapping microfiber sheets. If you’re a hot sleeper, then sheets made of breathable materials like cotton, linen, and bamboo-derived fabrics are going to be your best friends. As a hot sleeper myself, once I made the switch to linen sheets, I never looked back.”
– Daniel Noyed, Senior Product Editor
What Are the Best Materials for Cooling Sheets?
The fabric used to make sheets directly impacts how much heat they insulate. The best materials for cooling sheets are breathable and allow plenty of airflow, which keeps heat from being trapped around your body.
Materials like cotton, linen, viscose, silk, and Tencel are some of the best materials for cooling sheets, but this is not an exhaustive list since other fabrics can be engineered to reduce heat retention. We’ve put together a quick breakdown of cooling sheet types for you below.
Material | Description |
---|---|
Cotton | Cotton is soft and breathable and can effectively wick moisture away from the body. However, performance and durability can vary significantly based on the quality of the cotton and the type of weave. |
Linen | Linen is made from the flax plant. It is incredibly breathable, which makes it appealing for hot sleepers. However, it has a stiffer feel, is prone to wrinkling, and often comes with a higher price tag. |
Viscose | Viscose is a fabric made by processing wood pulp. In sheets, it is most often made from bamboo. Bamboo viscose is well-regarded for its softness, smoothness, and breathability. |
Silk | Silk is supremely soft and smooth. Its light and airy feel helps it effectively regulate temperature and avoid heat buildup. However, it can be expensive and harder to clean and maintain. |
Tencel | Tencel is made using a specific process to process wood pulp, often from eucalyptus trees. Tencel wicks moisture away from the body and has a soft and lightweight feel. |
Which Materials Should Hot Sleepers Avoid?
Hot sleepers should generally avoid flannel sheets and microfiber sheets, including fleece. Both of these types of materials use brushed fabrics, which makes them thicker and more likely to collect heat. While these sheets can feel soft and cozy, they are not a good choice for sleeping cool.
“I generally recommend looking for breathable, natural fibers for bedding and cooling sheets, especially if you’re a hot sleeper. Regulating your core body temperature during the night can make a huge difference in your overall sleep quality, so breathable materials are optimal to promote cooler temperatures. Consider hypoallergenic materials like cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo, as synthetic fibers tend to be less breathable and trap more heat at night. This goes for bedding/sheets as well as your pajamas or sleepwear. It may also help to keep a frozen cool pack under your pillow and/or feet or invest in a cooling mattress topper.”
– Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.
What You Should Consider in Cooling Sheets
When choosing sheets, we recommend considering the factors most likely to impact your comfort and satisfaction, including thread count, weave, fabric quality, aesthetics, and ease of cleaning.
Thread Count and Weave
The total number of threads in a square inch is known as a fabric’s thread count. In most cases, a higher thread count means more durable and softer sheets. But thread count doesn’t always correspond to quality, and you can’t compare thread counts across materials since the threads themselves are different.
The weave refers to how the threads are layered to create sheets. Most sheets use either a percale or sateen weave. Both can be used in cooling sheets, but generally speaking, a percale weave allows greater breathability. Percale sheets have a crisp feel and a matte-like appearance, similar to a classic dress shirt’s material in terms of look and feel. In contrast, sateen sheets are softer, smoother, and shinier.
Which Weaves Are Best for Cooling?
For most sleepers, a percale weave is the best for cooling. With this weave, vertical and horizontal threads are overlapped on a one-to-one basis. This gives sheets with a percale weave their breathability and crisp feel against the skin.
A sateen weave, which uses a four-over-one-under pattern, can also be good for cooling when used with breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. Sheets with a sateen weave tend to feel smoother but are not quite as breathable as sheets with a percale weave.
Fabric Quality and Durability
Fabric quality is a key driver of the performance and durability of cooling sheets. Certain materials, including cotton, linen, viscose, silk, and Tencel, tend to facilitate airflow and resist heat buildup. However, you’ll usually have better results from high-quality versions of these fabrics. High-end materials can stand the test of time and keep performing well despite being used and washed many times.
Color and Design
If you value a certain bedroom decor, then look for cooling sheets that come in a color or pattern that fits your sense of style. Silk sheets or sheets with a sateen weave tend to be shinier and have a more pronounced drape. Linen sheets and sheets with a percale weave usually have a matte-like finish. The colors and patterns available vary by brand.
Ease of Care
Some sheets require special handling to avoid damage when washing and drying them. This depends on the sheet’s material, thread count, and how it was produced. Cotton, bamboo viscose, and Tencel sheets tend to be the easiest cooling sheets to clean. Silk is the most challenging to care for.
It’s best to wash your sheets every week, but you may need to wash them more frequently if you sweat heavily during the night. For many hot sleepers, it helps to have sheets that can be quickly and conveniently washed and dried.
Other Ways to Keep Cool While You’re Sleeping
If you’re tired of sleeping hot, you may want to take multiple steps to address the problem. Cooling sheets can have a big impact, but here are some other ways you can try to stay cool in bed.
Invest in a Cooling Mattress and Bedding
Staying cool when you’re sleeping involves more than just your sheets. Even the best cooling sheets can only do so much to help you beat the heat if your mattress, bedding, and pillows aren’t chosen with cooling in mind.
A cooling mattress and cooling bedding can reduce heat buildup when you’re trying to sleep. Certain types of mattresses, including latex and hybrid mattresses, are better at keeping you cool. Special cooling features, including gel-infused layers, are engineered for better temperature regulation. Sometimes a cooling mattress topper can prevent sleeping hot without investing in an entirely new mattress.
You can also look for cooling pillows, which reduce heat buildup around your head and neck. A cooling comforter can provide light warmth and is often a better choice than a heavy blanket that holds in heat. Cooling pillows and bedding use breathable materials to prevent heat retention.
Cool Down Your Sleeping Space
Reducing the temperature in your bedroom can help you sleep cool. If you have air conditioning, lowering your thermostat is an easy way to maintain a lower temperature. Opening your windows and turning on a fan can promote cooling ventilation. If your bedroom gets direct sunlight, then using blackout curtains may help regulate your bedroom’s temperature.
Pick Out Breathable Pajamas
Choosing the right pajamas can help avoid overheating during sleep. Choosing pajamas with less skin coverage, including shorts and short-sleeve tops, can help avoid trapping heat against your body. Materials like silk, lightweight cotton, and linen are cool and breathable fabrics for pajamas.
Dive Deeper: In-Depth Sheet Guides
If you’ve got a particular material in mind for your next pair of sheets, check out our detailed guides below.
Best Sheets by Material
- Best Cotton Sheets
- Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
- Best Linen Sheets
- Best Bamboo Sheets
- Best Silk Sheets
- Best Tencel Sheets
- Best Percale Sheets
- Best Sateen Sheets
Data-Driven Results You Can Trust
We take pride in providing the most dependable product reviews for sheets and bedding. The experts on our team have spent years in the industry and know how to evaluate the finer points of how sheets perform, including whether they stay cool. During in-house testing, our team’s hot sleepers tried dozens of sheets to find the best options to prevent overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cooling sheets really work?
Cooling sheets really can make a difference in your sleeping temperature and overall comfort. High-quality cooling sheets allow air to move around your skin, which enables your body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Cooling sheets can also pull moisture away from your body to avoid the frustration of waking up in a sweat.
How much do cooling sheets cost?
Cooling sheets can range in price from around $50 to as much as $500. The reason for this wide range is the diversity of materials and styles found in cooling sheets. High-end materials like Egyptian cotton and silk tend to cost more, and prices can also be higher for organic or specialty materials.
What are the best cooling sheets?
The best cooling sheets feel light against your skin. Their materials and weave should let air flow through the fabric, allowing warm air to escape so the body can cool itself down. Moisture-wicking and breathability are important for cooling sheets, and these characteristics are often found in fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, Tencel, and bamboo-based textiles.
What is the best thread count for cooling sheets?
There is no universal best thread count for cooling sheets. Factors like the material and weave have a greater impact on cooling than thread count.
A higher thread count can sometimes be an indicator of quality, but it’s far from a single determining factor. In fact, thread count can sometimes be misleading since some low-quality sheets have an inflated, double-counted thread count.
How often should you change your sheets?
You should try to change your sheets once per week, especially if you sleep hot and tend to sweat during the night. Washing your sheets regularly keeps your bedding looking and smelling fresh while also preventing the buildup of dust, dead skin, and sweat. You may want to change your sheets even more often if you eat in bed, have allergies, or let your pets lie on your bed.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [emailprotected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Written By
Lauren Fountain,Senior Product Editor
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
Learn more about our Editorial Team