The very best sheets from luxury, cooling bed sheets to budget choices

We spend at least a third of our lives asleep — and if you’re anything like me, an even bigger proportion of that is spent luxuriating in bed with a book, a brew, or just a well-earned lie-in. That’s why choosing the best bed sheets isn’t just about aesthetics or thread counts; it’s about finding the right texture, feel, and performance to match your sleep style.

I grew up with the luxury of crisp Egyptian cotton from The White Company, so I knew what “good” felt like early on. But when I first had to buy my own bedding, I was completely overwhelmed. What is the best thread count for bed sheets? What kind of weaves will feel good against my skin? And is linen or cotton the best fabric for keeping me cool at night? I left the shop more confused than when I arrived and ended up with cheap sheets that didn’t last the year.

Fast forward five years, after working at The White Company and testing some of the softest bed sheets on the market, I now know exactly what to look for — and what to avoid. One of the biggest myths I’ve uncovered is that people think softness always means a sky-high thread count. In reality, the best sheets come in all kinds of fabrics — from breathable linen to buttery sateen — and suit a range of budgets. So whether you’re after hotel-style luxury, fuss-free maintenance, or just something that feels lovely against your skin, I've tested all the sheets in this guide to help you find your perfect match.

The best bed sheets, tested and approved by us

The right sheets are one of the most influential factors that will help you to sleep at night — and it'll impact how refreshed you feel in the morning. As Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders of sustainable bedding brand scooms, put it: “The bed linen you choose will be in direct contact with your skin all night, so it should feel just right.”

That means paying attention to more than just price or pattern. From cool, crisp percale to silky-soft sateen and breathable linen, different weaves and fabrics create completely different sleep experiences. The Attwoods recommend choosing “the best quality, natural materials” — like long-staple Egyptian cotton or garment-washed linen — as these “will ensure you’re on track to get the best night’s sleep.”

But there’s more to consider than just feel. Thread count is often touted as the hallmark of quality, but it’s not as simple as ‘the higher, the better.’ According to the Attwoods, while a thread count between 400–600 is ideal, “some manufacturers artificially inflate these numbers by twisting multiple low-quality yarns together.” So it’s worth looking for brands that are transparent about their materials — and that carry certifications like OEKO-TEX, which guarantees your bedding is free from harmful chemicals. With that in mind, let's take a look at the sheets that I got my best beauty sleep on.

How we tested the best bed sheets

All the bedding that we recommend to you has been through rigorous rounds of testing with us at woman&home. Before we recommend the best bed sheets to you, we spend months sleeping on these sheets. We test them in different temperature conditions, with different sleep styles, and we go through washing them too. That means that we get a good sense of who these sheets suit, where they're great, and where you might want to look for an alternative.

In our reviews, we go into more detail on the composition, feel, and fit of the sheets. If you have a deep bed, sensitive skin, or very specific credentials, we will help to break these down in detail with you.

If you want to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test bedding.

FAQs

What do I need to know before buying bed sheets?

One crucial thing to consider when choosing your new bed sheets is the size you need to buy them. Simple? Yes. Easy to get wrong? Also yes.

Buying a bed sheet that's in the correct size might sound foolish but you'd be surprised by how many people actually do it, costing them both time and money. And it can happen all too easily, as many of the best mattresses don't adhere to a set, standardized sizing down to the exact centimeter.

"Whilst you should take into account the standard bed sheet size that matches your mattress (such as a double, king, super king, or queen), you also need to consider the depth of the mattress," explains Martin Seeley, CEO of bed specialist MattressNextDay. "If yours is extra thick or you use a mattress topper, you should size up—especially as some fitted sheets may shrink after continual use and washing."

A too-small bed sheet won't tuck under a mattress's corners, resulting in it pinging off throughout the night, so if you ensure and don't have the exact measurements of your mattress to hand, it's better to go up in size rather than down.

What are the best materials for bed sheets?

Whilst there is a wide range of materials that can be used to create bed sheets, there are five popular choices that people turn to over and over again...

• Cotton: Breathable, cool and cheap, it's little wonder that cotton is such a favorite. "Cotton sheets soften up with time, which is why it's important to wash a new bed sheet before putting it on," advises Seeley. "Cotton sheets also wash well, as they tend to maintain their durability."
• Polyester: Polyester can get a tough rap, but not always fairly. While itchy polyester can feel uncomfortable on skin, blended variations of the material can make a great budget-aware compromise. "Pure polyester sheets are rough, and not recommended unless you're on a tight budget," says Seeley. "Polyester blends, however, are much softer and also maintain their strength. They're easy to wash and don't need to be steamed or ironed." The downside of polyester-based sheets is that they're not as breathable as other materials, meaning polyester bed sheets won't keep you cool at night.
• Linen: If you're a hot sleeper or suffer with allergies, linen bed sheets are the ideal choice for you. "This is because linen is a naturally cool material and, therefore, allows plenty of airflow through the material," advises Seeley. "If you like a soft bedsheet, you should wash your linen bed sheets multiple times before using them for the first time, as they can be quite stiff compared to other fabrics."
• Bamboo: Looking for an eco-friendly option? Bamboo bed sheets could be the perfect choice for you. "They're more wrinkle-resistant than cotton, making them the ideal fabric for those that like the look of a hotel-standard bed," Seeley explains. "They're also hypoallergenic and breathable, making them perfect for those who tend to overheat at night."
• Silk: After something a bit more opulent for your boudoir? Romantic silk could be your perfect match. Seeley advises that silk tends to have a higher price point as "it's a natural fiber produced by silkworms, and therefore needs delicate care when being produced. This makes them more high maintenance to clean than other bedsheets."

What does thread count mean for bedsheets?

When shopping for bed sheets, it’s easy to assume that a higher thread count means better quality—but that’s not always the case. As Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders of bedding brand scooms, explain, “Some manufacturers unfortunately achieve high thread counts by artificial means. Instead of counting individual threads they count each ply spun within each thread and then twist multiple yarns together which could indicate low quality cotton that is artificially strengthened in this way.”

So, what should you look for instead? “We would always recommend opting for high quality Egyptian cotton with a 400-600 thread count for a balance of softness, durability and breathability,” they advise. This sweet spot delivers comfort without compromising on quality.

What kind of bed sheets do five star hotels use?

According to the Attwoods, luxurious bedding often comes down to choosing the right fabric and thread count: “We would always recommend opting for high quality Egyptian cotton with a 400-600 thread count.” Egyptian cotton is widely used in luxury hospitality because of its breathability, smoothness and durability—so if you're looking to recreate that hotel feel at home, that’s a smart place to start.

How often should I wash my bed sheets?

Most experts recommend washing your bed sheets once a week. Of course, if you have spent a lot of time in bed, or you're struggling with night sweats, you might want to wash them more often. We've got all the expert advice in our guide to how often you should wash your sheets.

How much should I spend on bed sheets?

It can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but when it comes to bedding, spending a bit more can make a big difference to both your sleep and the longevity of your sheets. As the Attwoods point out, “Do your research and look for brands that offer all natural bedding, with all the right accreditations and commit to ethical and sustainable practices – whilst the bedding may be more of an investment, it’ll serve you better and for much longer, whilst giving you the best night’s sleep possible.”

In other words, investing in well-made, natural bedding pays off in comfort and durability.

Can bed sheets help with menopausal symptoms?

Menopausal symptoms like night sweats and hot flushes can really affect your sleep—but choosing the right sheets can help. The Attwoods recommend steering clear of synthetics and focusing on natural materials: “Hot flushes and night sweats can really disrupt your sleep, making breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics an essential choice. Opt for natural materials like Egyptian cotton, linen or silk, all of which regulate your temperature and help to wick away moisture as you sleep.”

They add, “Lightweight and breathable bed sheets can make all the difference in helping you to get a restful night’s sleep, reducing the discomfort caused by overheating.”

So if you’re navigating menopause, your bedding might just be one of your best allies for cooler, more comfortable nights.

What mistakes do people make with their bedding.

If you’ve ever regretted a sheet set purchase, you’re not alone. The Attwoods highlight several common pitfalls: “These would include choosing synthetic fabrics that are not breathable, opting for lower quality fabrics that wear out quickly and falling for misleading thread count claims.”

Another overlooked factor is care: “Many also ignore the care requirements; some fabrics may require ironing or special washing instructions, whilst others like linen are low maintenance.”

Their advice? Look beyond buzzwords and focus on quality fabrics, sustainable practices, and ease of care to avoid bedding that disappoints in the long run.