Updated: 4:39 PM EST Jan 12, 2021
Melanie Yates
Senior Home Decor Editor
Viewing this on our app? Tap here for the full experience. An exceptional set of bed sheets could be the missing link to getting your best shut-eye ever. If your bedding feels too pilled, too stiff or too threadbare to be enjoyable, then it’s time to make that upgrade for your sleep's sake. After getting the chance to try these sheets and live with them for a few weeks (even formally testing them side-by-side in some cases!), the ones that impressed our partners at Good Housekeeping the most in terms of construction, feel and longevity made the final cut. Read on to find out why these are the best bed sheets in every category.Best Sateen SheetsCotton sateen sheets are known for their silky feel and subtle sheen, which is the result of a tight three-over-one weave. If you pinch the corner of a sateen sheet and rub your thumb along it, you should feel smoothness back and forth, but more friction up and down; this is due to the elongated weft stitches. Sateen is usually made with thicker cotton yarn than percale, though most sets that we've tested are a comfortable weight to sleep with in all seasons.The Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Set is one of the best sheets that we've ever tested in this category, because the material is exceptionally well made for a fair price. These long-staple cotton sateen sheets have a 480 thread count, which strikes the right balance between crisp and casual. They're way more flexible and breathable than hotel-quality starched linens — yet their tight weave is smooth, soft and not see-though whatsoever. They come in a variety of product permutations, depending on your particular bedding needs, but our most recommended set is the Luxe Sateen Hardcore Bundle. This set comes with a duvet cover, four pillowcases and a flat and fitted sheet, making it a good starter option. Best Percale SheetsPercale sheets, though made with nearly the same type of fibers as sateen sheets, have a slightly more textured feel. If you do the above-mentioned rub test on percale sheets, you won't find any variance of friction in any direction; this is because percale sheets have a symmetrical over-one-under-one weave that is slightly more porous and breathable than sateen. Percale sheets may be a better choice for those who tend to sleep hot, as the material isn't as insulating as other types.Parachute's Luxury Percale Sheets are gorgeous linens with a crisp feel and clean look. Made in Portugal, the Egyptian-cotton percale material is pleasantly lightweight and airy, making them an ideal summertime set. It's certainly a sheet set that gets better with time, as washings with the proper care will relax the fibers and make the sheets even more cozy. If you sleep with a cooling pillow, this set is the perfect thickness to allow you to feel the pillow's coolness without being too thin or as porous as linen. As with all of their sheet sets, Parachute allows users to choose whether or not they want to include a top sheet, making a difference of $60–90 on the sum total, depending on the chosen size.Best Linen SheetsLooking for bedding that's even lighter than cotton percale? Get yourself a set of linen sheets, stat! Linen sheets are ideal for summertime sleeping, because the fabric itself tends to be lighter and more porous than other weaves. It's woven of sustainably sourced fibers derived from the flax plant, which is a fast-growing crop that requires far less water to grow and harvest than cotton. Although linen sheets tend to feel a little grainy to the touch upon first use, they usually soften up after a few washes into an unbelievably soft and cozy material that won't pill or produce as much lint as others.The Lands' End Garment-Washed Linen Sheets topped our own in-house user test, ticking off all of our baseline criteria in terms of comfort, breathability, and value. They're made from Belgian flax, and are pre-washed for a cotton-like feel that’s far softer than linen’s traditionally rough texture. This set got high marks for breathability, which is perfect for those whose body (or bedroom) temperature errs on the side of warm at night. For the long-term, these sheets are touted as holding up incredibly well to countless washes and near-constant use. Users can also monogram these sheets for just $8 more!Best Flannel SheetsCome winter, you'll want to tuck into something a little warmer. Cotton flannel sheets get a bad rap for being a little too warm at times, which is why a well-made set makes all the difference. At its best, flannel material should feel smooth and velvety, and should keep the sleeper feeling warm and cozy, without making them sweat. We prefer lighter-weight flannel sheets for this reason.Everything about the Riley Flannel Sheets appeals to the modern consumer's tastes, from their reversible colorways, to the lightweight, silky texture. Crafted in Portugal, they're made of Oeko-Tex-certified 100% combed-cotton flannel. They're far more breathable than other flannel sets and have deep pockets to accommodate a tall mattress plus a topper. This set also washes beautifully, and doesn't pill after a season of use. It also comes in gray, oatmeal and navy.Best Bamboo SheetsBamboo sheets tend to have a very relaxed, flexible feel to them, and the breathable, moisture-wicking material gives them a casual texture akin to performance wear. The Purple sheets are made of bamboo-derived viscose and Spandex, and the texture is very comfy and T-shirt-like. The sheets' fabric isn't thick or weighty at all, making them great for the warmer seasons, and though the material isn't infused with anything to make it "cooling," it does have a slinky, breathable feel. Quite simply, these sheets are a hot sleeper's dream. They form-fit perfectly to a 12-inch-high mattress and securely stay on, thanks to the fitted sheets' thick elastic band. Best Jersey SheetsJersey sheets are made of modal, which is a semi-plant-derived textile made from beech-tree pulp that's used often to make T-shirts, pajamas and underwear. The fabric is slinky and stretchy, and it feels great against the skin. It also tends to have a slight cooling feeling as well, making them great for warm-weather sleeping.The Pure Beech Jersey Knit Sheet set may be on the affordable end of the bedding spectrum, but they're also irresistibly soft and flexible. They require no breaking-in at all to feel instantly at home in. Though the material is slightly more prone to pilling and shrinking, washing the set on a gentler and cooler laundry setting will extend its lifespan considerably. Best Microfiber SheetsAs far as budget goes, it's tough to beat microfiber polyester. Though not quite as breathable as cotton, bamboo or modal, they do have a velvety coziness to them that makes for a good, flannel-like alternative in the colder months. The Mellanni Microfiber Sheet Set has a very cozy tactility, and retains it for months (even years!) later. The material not only feels great, but it has some impressive grip to it, too. It'll grip to a mattress cover or pillowcase much better than cotton or other materials, to prevent slipping off in the night. And if these sheets seem a little familiar to you, it's likely that you saw them on Amazon — these are their most popular bedding set with over 57,000 reviews!