In celebration of Sleep Awareness Week 2024, which runs March 10th through March 16th, the research team here at AOL has spent the past two months testing the top-rated pillows, sheets and comforters to find the best in each category. This way, you can have the best night’s sleep no matter what type of sleeper you are.
When it comes to testing bed sheets, we washed, bleached, slept on and even tried to rip the top-rated, cult-favorites. Our aim was to find the highest quality bed sheets on the market. We worked with sleep experts, dermatologists, and an internist to get their take on bed sheet materials and whether organic sheets are really worth it. Plus, we discuss how much sleep you should be getting each night for optimal energy and health. Dr. Kien Vuu, a regenerative medicine specialist and assistant health sciences professor at UCLA, tells AOL, “Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night.” He also tells us, “Consistency is critical, so try to hit the hay and wake up simultaneously every day to keep your internal clock ticking smoothly.”
If you’re looking to make improvements on your shut-eye and in the market for new bed sheets, this is the list for you. Our experts shared their thoughts on cooling sheets, organic cotton and bamboo sheets, and how sweating at night affects your skin. Keep reading for everything you didn’t know you needed to know about bed sheets.
The best bed sheets of 2024
Macy’s
Charter Club’s 1.5″ Stripe100% Cotton Damask sheet set is a cult-favorite amongst Macy’s shoppers (7,000 5-star reviews) and myself — I own three sets! The sheets feature a 100% cotton long-staple cotton weave, which gives the sheets a high-sheen and crisp, airy feel.
Truth be told, I have long been devoted to Charter Club bedding, especially the Damask sheets. Something that sets these sheets apart from all the sheets we tested is their thickness and durability. One of the three sets I own I have had for nearly six years, and they have gotten better year after year and wash after wash.
While the sheets can be a little too crisp out of the packaging, after a few washes they are soft as can be. I chalk it up to the high quality of the sheets needing to be broken in a little, so if you are looking for 100% cotton sheets with a hotel look and feel, these are definitely worth considering. Especially, if you can catch them during a sale or use a Macy’s shopping pass.
$170 at Macy’s
Cozy Earth
Often referred to as “Oprah’s favorite sheets,” Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheets are among the softest, most luxurious we tested. During Oprah’s 2018 Favorite Things roundup, she listed the sheets as “the softest ever.” When asked about their temperature-regulating properties, she added, “Both chilly sleepers and hot flashers can get a good night’s rest.” We 100% agree with both statements.
The sheets are made with 100% premium viscose from bamboo and are available in seventeen beautiful hues. The set comes in a range of sizes from twin XL to split-king. As a little bonus with your purchase, the sheets arrive in a handy reusable canvas carrying tote.
$339 – Use the code “YAHOO” for 35% off at checkout at Cozy Earth
Bedgear
Bedgear’s Instant Cooling Ver-Tex Bed Sheets are made with 100% nylon, which gives a cool-to-the-touch feel. The sheets are also Airflow Certified®, meaning they offer enhanced breathability and airflow. Something that sets Bedgear’s sheets apart is the Powerband® on the fitted sheet, which ensures the sheet stays in place, no matter how crazy and restless your slumber may be. A double-strap Powerband® is also sewn into the pillowcases to keep your pillows secure.
On a personal note, these were some of my favorite sheets we tested, and I currently use them on my bed. The sheets a very soft and feel like a jersey t-shirt. I can’t wait to see how they work to keep me cool during the hot summer nights!
$300 at Amazon
Brooklinen
Brooklinen is a name synonymous with bedding and consistently wins ” best of” awards for its sheets and comforters. So we weren’t all that surprised when the results had us incredibly impressed by its line of sateen sheets.
Sateen offers a crisp, airy, smooth softness that also gets better with each wash. For those with sensitive skin or skin conditions, the sateen sheets are a safe bet thanks to the OEKO-TEX® certification, meaning they are free of harsh chemicals and harmful substances. The sheets are made with long-staple cotton for a crisp yet silky-soft feel and silk-like sheen.
Another winning aspect of Brooklinen’s sheet sets is that the pillowcases feature an envelope pocket that fully tucks the pillow away in the case for a clean, finished look.
$127 (Originally $160) at Brooklinen
Mellanni
These microfiber sheets from Mellanni, a family-owned and operated company, are a steal at under $40 for Sleep Week. What’s more, a whopping 256,000 Amazon reviewers have rated these sheets 5 stars. If you are looking for microfiber’s instantly soft feel, these sheets are about as cozy as they get and are also OTEX Standard 100 certified, so no harsh chemicals or harmful substances to worry about.
The sheets come in 40 different colors and designs and a wide range of sizes from twin to twin XL to full, queen, king, and California king to RV and short queen, with the option of standard or deep pockets. There’s also the Mellanni Lifetime Promise – If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason at any time, you can return it, no questions asked.
$38 at Amazon
Buffy
Made of a silky-smooth eucalyptus fiber, also called lyocell, the Buffy Breeze Sheet is the epitome of breathability. Lyocell is noted for its moisture-wicking properties that draw sweat and heat away from you and are highly antimicrobial. In fact, lyocell is research backed to be more breathable and wick away moisture and heat more effectively than cotton or linen.
But what we loved the most was the super-soft luxurious feel. In the words of our tester, “Their slick feel is so refreshing against my skin. They’re lightweight, but you can tell they’re high-quality because they’re downright buttery-soft. I feel like I’m getting into a hotel bed every time I go to sleep!”
$156 at Buffy
Honeydew
If you are looking for organic cotton sheets at a great price, Honeydew’s 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets are a great option. The sheets are 100% Rayon from organic bamboo, which lends to their crisp, soft, airy feel. The breathable, hypoallergenic fabric wicks away heat and moisture so you stay cool as a cucumber all night.
In the words of our tester, “After my first sleep, I was definitely appreciative of the soft and silky feel and the fitted sheet kept mostly in place—which is a huge accomplishment as I move a lot.” The fitted sheet held up to our restless tester due to the “stay-in-place” corner straps.
Honeydew offers a 60-night money-back guarantee on all orders.
$180 (Originally $260) at Honeydew
Lilysilk
Lilysilk is well-known in the silk textiles industry and offers a broad range of silk clothes for men and women and bedding. Its 19MM organic Silk Bedding Set features 100% grade-A Mulberry silk that is both OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) certified by Ecocert Greenlife. These sheets are everything you would want in a 100% silk sheet set: soft, silky, organic, breathable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and 100% pure luxury.
I do want to warn you if this is your first foray into silk sheets: High-quality silk must be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. If you choose to hand wash at home, it’s important to use silk-specific detergent.
$422.00 (15% off $300 use code ‘HEALTH15’) at Lilysilk
Frequently Asked Questions
Are expensive sheets worth it?
An expensive set of sheets often offers higher-quality materials that are breathable, airy, hypoallergenic, and OEKO-TEX certified to be free of harsh chemicals and synthetic dyes. If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions, splurging on sheets that will prevent irritation or acne is a safe bet, but before splurging on the sheets of your dreams, shop around and consider if a big sale event is coming up, like the deals going on now for Sleep Awareness Week or holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day and, of course, Black Friday.
What is the best material for sheets?
There is no one best material for sheets since there are hot, cold and neutral sleepers, as well as those with skin conditions such as acne or eczema. Dr. Ashley Magovern, a board-certified dermatologist, tells us, “Those with any sort of skin conditions or sensitives, like acne or eczema, and even traditional allergies, I always recommend avoiding traditional cotton sheets. Organic cotton sheets are not bleached nor have synthetic dyes, making them a better alternative for your skin.” For everyone else, it’s important to look for fabrics that are lightweight, breathable, and allow for plenty of airflow air as sweating at night can cause oil buildup, leading to acne. Magovern says organic cotton, silk and bamboo are great choices, adding that, “Silk sheets specifically help reduce wrinkles, keep skin hydrated, and reduce frizz for your hair.”
What is the best thread count for sheets?
While it seems we have always been told that a high thread count is very important when it comes to sheets, the reality is that it depends on the material. The purpose of listing thread count is to let you know the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric and how tightly woven a fabric is. For example, fabric that has 250 lengthwise threads and 250 widthwise threads has a thread count of 500. While thread count can be an indicator of how soft the sheets are, higher thread counts, like 1200, are a sign that the thread is very thin and that the sheets may not be very durable, at all.
A good rule of thumb for finding high-quality sheets relative to thread count is as follows – anything over is more for show or could be a sign of thin low-quality thread:
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Bamboo: 300-500 thread count
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Cotton: 200-600 thread count
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Egyptian Cotton: 300-400 thread count
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Linen: 80-140. Thread count is not very important when it comes to linen, though you should avoid higher thread counts for linen sheets since you want them to be very light and airy.
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Percale Weave: 200-400 thread count
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Sateen Weave: 300-600 thread count
The following materials are not measured in thread count, and should be considered according to their specific construction:
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Flannel: 170+ grams per square meter (GSM) – a lighter GSM for flannel sheets will be less durable, but more breathable
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Jersey: 150 GSM
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Microfiber: 90-120 grams per square meter (GSM)
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Silk: 7-22 momme range — Silk is measured in momme: 4.340 GSM
What type of detergent should I use to wash my sheets?
Dr. Simran Sethi, internist and aesthetic dermatologist, says, “In general, it’s helpful to use non-irritating laundry detergents for your bedding and clothing. Avoid detergents that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, as these can irritate sensitive skin.”
What can I do during the day to get a better night’s sleep?
Dr. Kevin Postol, DDS and president-elect American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, tells us, “To improve your sleep at night, it’s essential to be mindful of your daytime habits. I always recommend avoiding activities that can disrupt sleep quality. This includes limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine, and eating 2 hours before bed, as these can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, reducing exposure to blue light and other screens in the evening can help regulate your circadian rhythms, making it easier to wind down and prepare for sleep.”
If you are looking for pillows, we rounded up the Sleep Week 2024 deals on all the best pillows for every sleep position.
Meet our experts
Dr. Syed Aslam, a pulmonary disease and sleep medicine physician
Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer at Pinalen, Cloralen and Ensueño Laundry
Dr. Sandeep Gupta, pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist
Dr. Shelby Harris, a psychologist and specialist in behavioral sleep medicine
Dr. Ashley Magovern, a dermatologist
Dr. Kevin Postol, DDS president-elect, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. Simran Sethi, Internist and aesthetic dermatology
Dr. Kien Vuu, a regenerative medicine specialist and assistant health sciences professor at UCLA
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