To find the best cooling sheets, we researched a variety of picks and tested over 30 styles in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab. Using a predetermined methodology, testers evaluated each sheet set based on five categories: quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. Some styles were even sent home with testers, who shared insight after one month. We also consulted Deborah Young, textile educator, author, and consultant, for additional insight. Overall, the best cooling sheets are the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets. Despite their lightweight construction, they hold up well after a wash, so they’ll be able to stick around long after the heat of the season subsides. They’re also offered in a variety of colors and have an extra deep pocket. Here, the best cooling sheets. Note all listed prices are the regular cost for a queen, four-piece sheet set. Keep in Mind: There’s no tag that indicates which end of the fitted sheet is up. These Olive + Crate sheets come in eight different colors, so you’ll be able to choose one that suits your bedroom best. Testers felt that the sheets are well- constructed and stretched easily over the bed and pillows, even after the first wash where there was a bit of shrinking. Plus, there weren’t any visibly loose threads or other wear and tear. After one month, our tester reported that the sheets became a household favorite—post-wash, her husband requested the sheets be put right back on their bed instead of a different set. Overall, the only complaint our testers had was that there was no tag on the fitted sheet to determine the top or bottom when making the bed. There also was a slight scent, though testers didn’t mind it. Price at time of publish: $160 Material: Eucalyptus lyocell | Thread Count: 300 | Weave: Sateen | Pocket: Up to 17.5 inches | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Certifications: STANDARD 100 By OEKO-TEX Keep in Mind: Testers felt that they were breathable but didn’t let a ton of light in, unlike some other picks. During testing, our tester found the sheets to be breathable though they didn’t let a ton of light in, unlike some other picks. However, they felt that because of that, they would be a good bedding choice no matter the season. These percale sheets emerged from the wash feeling just as soft as before, and our tester noted they fit the bed even better this time around. They liked that the fitted sheet had straps in each of the corners to ensure an easy fit when making the bed. The BHG percale sheets come in a variety of colors, so you’ll be able to find a set that coordinates well with your bedding. And, since it’s less expensive than other sets, you can even stock up for any extra bedrooms as well. Price at time of publish: $45 Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 300 | Weave: Percale | Pocket: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: After washing, testers found that the sheets were snug on the mattress. These sheets have a shiny surface, which could be bad news when they get wrinkled—but they don’t. Overall, these Cozy Earth sheets wash up well, staying soft and wrinkle-free wash after wash, unlike some other similar styles. Though the brand recommends washing them in cold water, our at-home tester washed them on a hot cycle and confirmed they held up well. Overall, the tester said they look forward to using them each night. Our testers did note that you might want to give your nighttime skincare routine some time to soak in before heading to bed, as moisturizing right before could likely lead to oily stains on these sheets. The fitted sheet pulled on snugly and there wasn’t much give after washing, but they still stayed in good condition and didn’t have any loose threads. Plus, testers felt that the embroidered logo offers a nice high-end touch. Price at time of publish: $295 Material: Viscose from bamboo | Thread Count: Not listed | Weave: Not listed | Pocket: Up to 20 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin xl, queen, king, California king, split king | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: The sheet isn’t part of a set, so you’ll have to buy pillowcases and other pieces separately. Testers noted that the sheets were soft and didn’t have any loose threads. Overall, they’re pretty breathable too. Even after laying underneath them, one tester didn’t feel like they were getting warm and noted that the sheets still felt cool to the touch. The sheet has an all-around elastic band that makes putting on a fitted sheet much easier and ensures it’ll stay secure. Just keep in mind it’s compatible with mattresses that are up to 16 inches thick, so it may not be the best pick if you have a larger mattress. The sheet is offered in four sizes and five neutral colors that’ll work well with most comforters and throw pillows. If you’re looking for matching bedding, however, it’s worth noting that this sheet isn’t sold as part of a set, so you’ll have to buy pillowcases, shams, and top sheets individually. Price at time of publish: $84 Material: Tencel lyocell | Thread Count: 300 | Weave: Sateen | Pocket: Up to 16 inches | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Certification: Not listed Keep in Mind: They’re a bit bit more expensive than some other sets. One tester noted that these Lands’ End sheets were made of durable, high-quality fabric. There was a long string that came loose from the stitching on the top sheet, but it didn’t cause any unraveling, and there were no other flaws or snags visible. These sheets also held up well in the wash as one tester noted they emerged without very many wrinkles and fit the bed well. Assuming they will stay as soft and silky after numerous washings, our testers thought that these Lands’ End sheets were worth the higher price point. The sheet set is offered in seven colors, so you can choose which suits your home best. If you’re unsure, however, you can even order a free swatch from Lands’ End to see the color and feel the texture before committing. Price at time of publish: $170 Material: Supima cotton | Thread Count: 300 | Weave: Percale | Pocket: Up to 16 inches | Sizes: Twin, extra long twin, full, queen, king, california king | Certification: Not listed Keep in Mind: These have nearly 6 times the thread count of others on the list, which makes them warmer. The thread count on this set is 1,800 which means it should be a bit warmer than other options. However, testers felt the sheets were cool and breathable, even after laying under them for a few minutes. Our long-term tester confirmed they felt soft and lightweight as well. The sheets maintained their softness after the wash, and there were no visible signs of wear and tear. There was some slight shrinkage after washing but even if they did shrink more, the stretchy elastic band at the corners of the fitted sheet would ensure it stayed on tight. Price at time of publish: $109 Material: Bamboo | Thread Count: 1,800 | Weave: Solid | Pocket: Deep | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Certification: STANDARD 100 By OEKO-TEX Keep in Mind: Testers felt that the sheets retained a bit more heat than some other options. These West Elm sheets felt cool to the touch and remained that way, thanks to their 100% organic cotton construction that makes them breathable. At 200 thread count, these sheets are super lightweight. Some might consider them a bit too thin, and it’s worth noting that they do wrinkle quite easily. Still, they didn’t show any loose threads or snags and they kept their color and soft texture after a wash. When it came to these GOTS-certified sheets, appreciated that they have elastic all around the sheet, making it easy to make the bed. They also had tags that labeled the top and bottom, a feature favored by testers. Price at time of publish: $140 Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 200 | Weave: Percale | Pocket: Up to 16 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king | Certification: GOTS Keep in Mind: They wrinkled easily and more than other styles. Our testers found these Brielle Home sheets to be cool to the touch and very breathable. The fitted sheet was quite roomy, so there was no wrestling match trying to make up the bed. Testers also noted that these sheets have beautiful stitching, and the pillowcases have an extra flap to cover the ends of the pillows. Even after a wash, the sheets kept their luxurious texture and cooling feel. There was some shrinking, but they were easily able to fit back on the mattress again. Though the sateen weave creates silky smooth sheets with a lovely shine, keep in mind that they do wrinkle easily, so it depends if you prefer a more lived-in look. Price at time of publish: $68 Material: Tencel lyocell | Thread Count: 300 | Weave: Sateen | Pocket: Up to 18 inches | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Certification: Not listed Keep in Mind: Some of the color options are not very versatile. These super soft sheets are constructed well and didn’t appear to have any loose threads, though there were some wrinkles when they were first taken out of the package. Testers noted that they held up well after a wash and felt that the price point was well worth it. Our long-term tester washed these once a week and quickly put them back on her bed, as opposed to using another set. She also appreciated the texture and color. She recommended, however, taking them out of the dryer quickly post-wash to avoid tons of wrinkling. Price at time of publish: $96 Material: Tencel lyocell | Thread Count: Not listed | Weave: Not listed | Pocket: Up to 15 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Certification: Not listed Keep in Mind: There were a few loose threads and a minor snag on the top sheet. According to testers, the texture of the sheets is silky and feels cool to the touch. They noticed a few loose threads and one minor swag but overall, they felt that they were a high-quality set. Our long-term tester hadn’t used sheets made of this material prior, yet confirmed they now want more sets for their home. After washing, there were a few wrinkles but they maintained their softness. The set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. It’s less expensive than other options as well, so you can potentially get a few sets for guest rooms as well. Price at time of publish: $80 Material: Tencel Lyocell | Thread Count: 300 | Weave: Not listed | Pocket: Up to 16 inches | Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, split king | Certification: Not listed
Our Testing Process
To find the best cooling sheets, we researched a variety of picks and tested over 30 styles in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab. Using a predetermined methodology, testers evaluated each sheet set based on five categories: quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. To evaluate quality, testers inspected each set for any loose threads, snags, or imperfections. They also made the bed with all included pieces in a set, keeping in mind the construction and size. While making the bed, testers also evaluated the texture of the sheets. After running their hand over the sheets, they noted how the material felt and if any imperfections stood out. In terms of breathability, testers were asked to wear a short-sleeved shirt and lay under the sheets for five minutes. When the time was up they noted if the sheets still felt cool-to-touch, as well as if they felt any airflow. Durability was determined after the sheet set was washed and dried per the brand’s instructions. In addition to checking for any damage, each sheet was also measured to see if there were any changes. Value was then based on whether or not testers agreed with the price points, as well as if they’d recommend these sheets. Some styles were even sent home with testers, who shared insight after one month.
What to Know About Cooling Sheets Before Shopping
Material
When shopping for cooling sheets, the material is the most important factor to consider. In general, you’ll want to opt for breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, like bamboo, cotton, or linen. Bamboo is known for its ability to wick moisture, reduce humidity, and stretch while retaining a soft feel. Watch out for bamboo sheets made from polyester, though, as they don’t provide superior breathability and comfort. When it comes to cotton, you’ll want to consider a percale weave. Known for being cool-to-the-touch, percale offers a crisp and comfortable feel for your bed. Linen is another option for sheets. Young notes this fabric is stiff at first, but it will break down after several washings. When it does, it feels soft and cool, so it’s a good choice for summer bedding. Linen is breathable and can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture, supplying a natural cooling effect, according to Sun. It’s a popular fabric used throughout all seasons in warmer climates.
Thread Count
Thread count denotes the number of threads in a square inch of fabric, and how tightly woven the fibers are. According to Young, a higher count also indicates more threads making up the sheet’s construction, which makes for a heftier fabric. “We generally know that a higher thread count is better [but] not always because it’s also warmer,” Young says. “If it’s really dense, then there’s no getting through to your body staying under those sheets,” she says. We recommend selecting cooling sheets with a thread count between 200 and 400. Lower thread counts result in uncomfortable sheets, and higher thread counts are known to retain heat.
Weave
Consider the weave of cooling sheets and how they were sewn together. Sateen and percale allow the most airflow. Sateen tends to be heavier than percale, with a slight silky luster. Percale is typically crisp, lightweight, and matte, like a crisp button-down shirt.
Other Products We Tested
Tribeca Living 300 Thread Count Rayon from Bamboo Extra Deep Pocket Queen Sheet Set
From the start, testers noted that the Tribeca Living 300 Thread Count Rayon from Bamboo Extra Deep Pocket Queen Sheet Set felt cheap, had inconsistent coloring, and had tons of loose strings. They did feel lightweight and breathable, however, and were cool-to-touch
Riley Percale Sheet Set
The Riley Percale Sheet Set were well-constructed and felt cool and soft to the touch. The cotton sheets felt light and crisp—similar to what you might find in a hotel, our testers noticed—though, after washing, they appeared to have a good deal of shrinkage and loose threads.
Serena & Lily Essential Sheet Set
According to testers, the Serena & Lily Essential Sheet Set felt durable and breathable and didn’t have any loose strings or snags. However, they had a stiff, paper-like texture and they appeared to shrink a bit after washing.
Your Questions, Answered
How should I wash cooling sheets?
Always refer to the manufacturer’s washing instructions for the best care. In general, most sheets should be washed in cool or lukewarm water and then tumble dried on low or hung outside on a clothesline to dry. Manufacturer’s guidelines aside, Young says when it comes to laundry temperature for your sheets, “Hotter is more hygienic.” The trade-off? The hot water will either shrink or wrinkle the sheets depending on the fabric. Polyester tends to wrinkle in hot water while cotton tends to shrink, Young says.
How can I stay cool when sleeping?
In addition to using cooling sheets, make sure you stay hydrated so your body doesn’t overheat. Create a dark and cool environment in your bedroom by closing the blinds. In the warmer months, it’s important to keep air circulating with a fan, either on the ceiling or freestanding. Set your thermostat somewhere between 60°F and 67°F at night for optimal sleep.
Who We Are
Barbara Bellesi Zito writes about home and garden topics for various lifestyle publications. To compile this list, she reviewed the findings of our in-house testers who analyzed a variety of sheet sets based on their quality, texture, breathability, durability, and pre-wash and post-wash value. She consulted Deborah Young, textile educator, consultant, and author, for her insight.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
