We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so investing in a good set of sheets is one of the best ways to improve your comfort and overall sleep quality. But with so many bed sheet options on the market, how do you know which ones are truly high-quality?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to find the best, most luxurious sheets for your bed. You’ll learn about the different materials, thread counts, weaves, and features to look for based on your needs and budget. Read on to start sleeping better tonight!
What Makes a Sheet Set High Quality?
When shopping for new sheets, there are several key factors that indicate superior quality:
Materials
The fabric is one of the most important considerations. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk are breathable, soft, and durable. Synthetic microfibers like polyester and microfiber sheets can also provide comfort at an affordable price point.
Cotton is the most popular sheet fabric, praized for its natural softness and ability to stay cool. Percale cotton features a tight one-over-one weave that gives a smooth, crisp feel. Sateen cotton is woven in a four-over-one pattern that creates a silky finish.
Linen sheets are prized for their lightweight breathability and durability. Real silk sheets provide unparalleled softness and insulation.
Weave and Finish
The weave impacts the texture, durability, and appearance. Along with percale and sateen, jersey cotton knits have stretch and flannel is brushed for plushness.
Thread count measures the number of threads woven vertically and horizontally per square inch. Counts between 200-800 are ideal – too low can be rough but too high won’t necessarily mean better quality.
Long or extra long staple cotton fibers produce smoother, more durable thread that improves with washing. Single ply yarn is also superior to multi-ply.
Performance Features
Look for sheets that offer:
- Breathability to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature
- Durability with reinforced seams and strong fibers that resist tearing and pilling
- Wrinkle-resistance for an easy-care option
- Moisture-wicking to pull sweat away from your body
- Cooling properties like eucalyptus or phase change materials to help regulate temperature
How to Choose the Best Sheets for You
Your individual needs and sleeping style should guide your sheet purchase. Here are some factors to consider:
Sleeping Position
- Back sleepers need a smooth, crisp percale cotton to avoid overheating
- Side sleepers benefit from soft, flexible fabrics like jersey knit
- Stomach sleepers require a slick, breathable sateen weave
- Hot sleepers want moisture-wicking, cooling fabrics like linen or eucalyptus
- Cold sleepers may prefer flannel sheets or microfiber for warmth
Budget
- Luxury sheets made from Egyptian or Pima cotton, real silk, or Italian linen cost $200-$500+ for a queen set.
- Mid-range sheets made from blended fabrics or lower thread count cotton run $50-$150.
- Budget sheets made from polyester, microfiber, or thin cotton can cost less than $50.
Prioritize spending on fitted sheets you sleep on directly. Higher quality pillowcases and flat sheets can help cut costs.
Sizing
Ensure sheets properly fit your mattress depth and account for shrinkage.
- Twin: 39″ W x 75″ L x 7″ – 12″ deep
- Twin XL: 39″ W x 80″ L x 7″ – 12″ deep
- Full: 54″ W x 75″ L x 7″ – 12″ deep
- Queen: 60″ W x 80″ L x 7″ – 12″ deep
- King: 76″ W x 80″ L x 7″ – 12″ deep
- California King: 72″ W x 84″ L x 7″ – 12″ deep
The Best Quality Sheets Reviews
We tested sheets made from different materials at various price points. Here are the highest rated options in each category:
Best Overall: Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
- 480 thread count long-staple cotton with single ply yarn
- Buttery soft sateen weave feels luxurious
- Comes in classic, neutral colors that won’t go out of style
- Fitted sheet has a polyester band for stretch
- Lifetime warranty
Price: $149 for Queen
Best Luxury: Frette Hotel Sateen Sheet Set
- 500 thread count long-staple Italian cotton
- Silky smooth with luminous sheen
- Classic elegant styles, hand-sewn hems -Luxury 5-star hotel standard
- Machine washable
Price: $475 for Queen
Best Percale: Parachute Home Linen Sheet Set
- 300 thread count long-staple Egyptian cotton
- Matte percale weave provides crisp, substantial feel
- Gets softer over time
- Ethically made in a Fair Trade certified factory
- Hassle-free 90 day trial
Price: $149 for Queen
Best Flannel: Garnet Hill Solid Supima Flannel
- Heavyweight 5.5 oz cotton flannel with napped finish
- Rich, cozy, plush feel perfect for winter
- Made in Italy from long-staple Supima cotton
- Improves with washing without pilling or shrinking
- Comes pre-washed for extra softness out of the package
Price: $178 for Queen
Most Affordable: Amazon Basics Microfiber Sheet Set
- Double brushed microfiber provides soft comfort
- Durable, breathable, and wrinkle resistant
- Stays cool to touch all night long
- Budget-friendly price under $25
- Variety of colors including prints
Price: $21.99 for Queen
Caring for High Quality Sheets
To get the most life from your top-of-the-line sheets, follow these care instructions:
- Wash: Use gentle, fragrance free detergent in cold water on a delicate cycle.
- Dry: Tumble dry low heat or hang dry to prevent shrinking. Remove bed linens immediately after drying.
- Iron: Turn down the iron to low and avoid direct contact with decorative details.
- Store: Fold sheets neatly and keep in a clean, dry place to prevent yellowing.
Sleep Your Best with Luxurious Sheets
Investing in dreamy, soft sheets tailored to your sleeping needs helps ensure you get truly restful, refreshing sleep each night. Take the time to find the perfect set of sheets for your lifestyle and budget using this definitive guide. With the right materials, design, and care, a high quality sheet purchase can improve your nights for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thread count is best for sheets?
A thread count between 200-800 is ideal for most sheets. While higher thread counts can indicate quality construction with dense weaves, going above 800 thread count usually doesn’t equal more comfort or durability. Focus more on the fabric, weave, and fiber quality.
What are the softest sheets you can buy?
For ultra soft sheets, look for sateen weaves made from long-staple cotton like Egyptian or Pima, or authentic silk sheets. Linen and polyester microfiber sheets can also offer softness at lower price points.
Should you buy percale or sateen sheets?
It depends on your preferences. Percale sheets have a cool, crisp, understated feel. Sateen develops a more luxurious, silky finish. Hot sleepers favor percale’s breathability while sateen’s drape feels decadent.
What brand of sheets do 5 star hotels use?
Luxury hotels source sheets from top Italian and European manufacturers like Frette, Sferra, Matouk, and Peacock Alley. They favor high thread counts between 300-600 and long-staple cottons or linens.
How much do you really need to spend on good sheets?
You don’t need to spend a fortune for quality sheets. There are great options between $80-$180 made of long-staple cotton or cotton blends. Focus your budget on a quality fitted sheet you sleep on directly. Less expensive top sheets and pillowcases can help keep costs down while still upgrading your sleep experience.
