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Cotton is a natural fabric that manufacturers can process into various finishes, including warm flannel, soft Pima, plush Egyptian, and satin-like finishes. The best cotton sheets depend on an individual’s preferences.
- Best overall: American Blossom’s Cotton Sheets
- Best organic: West Elm’s 100% Organic Cotton Sheets
- Best for comfort: Parachute’s 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets
- Best luxury: The White Company’s Cavendish Cotton Sheets
- Best value: Pinzon’s Egyptian Cotton Sheets
- Best pima cotton: Simply Vera Vera Wang’s Supima Cotton Sheets
- Best heavyweight: Mellanni 100% Organic Flannel Cotton Sheets
- Best wrinkle resistant: Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Flat Sheet
- Best for hot sleepers: Simba Performance Fitted Sheet
MNT chooses sheets that meet the following criteria where possible:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best overall: American Blossom’s Cotton Sheets
- Pricing: $229 – $345
- Thread count: 180
These 100% cotton organic sheets are made in the United States using cotton from sustainable farms.
The sheets have a thread count of 180, but American Blossom claims that the custom fabric feels thicker and ensures greater durability.
The sheets are available in white or a beige shade that is unbleached and undyed.
Pros
- Made from sustainable cotton
- Seller provides free shipping within the U.S.
Cons
- Only two color options are available
- High price point
Best organic: West Elm’s 100% Organic Cotton Sheets
- Pricing: $140 – $160
- Thread count: 200
These sheets comply with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meaning they contain a minimum of 70% organic fibers.
The GOTS certification also indicates that the finished product conforms to the highest environmental standards, from harvesting raw materials through to product manufacturing and labeling.
West Elm state that they source their materials from fair trade manufacturers and prioritize sustainable practices.
Garment washing during manufacturing may make these sheets feel soft and “worn in.”
Pros
- Does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Available in various colors
- Seller sources materials from fair trade manufacturers
- Seller provides free shipping within the U.S.
Cons
- Products not made in the U.S.
- Sheets may wrinkle easily
Best for comfort: Parachute’s 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets
- Pricing: $90 – $120
- Thread count: Information not available
Parachute makes these sheets using 100% Egyptian cotton. The manufacturer claims they are soft and lightweight, with a shiny, sateen finish.
These sheets have OEKO-TEX certification, indicating that they do not contain harmful or hazardous substances.
Online reviewers consistently note the softness of Parachute’s sheets, even after many washes.
Learn about PeachSkin, another brand offering soft and comfortable sheets, here.
Pros
- Cheaper than some competitors
- Soft and lightweight material
- Have an OEKO-TEX certification
Cons
- No information regarding thread count
- Available in only four colors
Best luxury: The White Company’s Cavendish Cotton Sheets
- Pricing: $198 – $259
- Thread count: 800
The White Company markets these sheets as a luxury option due to their feel and design.
These Egyptian cotton sheets have a thread count of 800, making them soft and durable.
Users say they like the simple, modern border design, which is available in four different colors.
Pros
- Luxury material and feel
- High thread count for added softness
Cons
- High price point
- Available in only four colors
Best value: Pinzon Egyptian Cotton Sheets
- Pricing: $64-$68
- Thread count: 400
These 100% Egyptian cotton sheets are smooth, durable, and available in different color designs.
Manufactured in an OEKO-TEX certified factory, the sheets are free from common harmful chemicals.
Online reviewers state that the sheets are just as soft as those from more expensive brands and have a satin-like finish.
Pros
- Several color and size options available
- Cheaper price than many competitors
- OEKO-TEX certification
Cons
- Only available to purchase from Amazon
- May wrinkle easily
Best pima cotton: Simply Vera Vera Wang’s Supima Cotton Sheets
- Pricing: $59.99-$179.99
- Thread count: 600
Pima is high quality cotton made from long, silky fibers.
These Supima cotton sheets are slightly thicker than other Pima cotton options, combining softness and durability.
The OEKO-TEX certification indicates that these sheets are manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities and are free from common harmful chemicals.
Users state that the sheets stay firmly in place and are durable and low pill.
Pros
- High thread count for softer sheets
- Reviews mention good durability
- Available in 30 different colors
- OEKO-TEX certification
Cons
- Expensive
- Thicker material may not suit warm climates
Best heavyweight: Mellanni 100% Organic Flannel Cotton Sheets
- Pricing: $45 – $84
- Thread count: information not available.
These 100% organic flannel cotton sheets with GOTS certification are made from heavyweight ultrasoft cotton.
Mellani claims that these properties provide both warmth and breathability.
The sheets are available in various colors and patterns to suit different tastes.
Pros
- More affordable than some competitors
- Available in 8 color/pattern options
Cons
- No information regarding thread count
- May be too warm for summer use
Best wrinkle resistant: Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Flat sheet
- Pricing: $99 – $129
- Thread count: 400
These flat sheets are made from 100% combed cotton and have an OEKO-TEX certification.
Cuddledown states that the sheets have a sateen finish and are wrinkle-resistant.
User reviews state that these sheets have a soft feel. Some also state that the sheets do not wrinkle much after washing.
Pros
- User reviews confirm the company’s wrinkle-resistant claim
- OEKO TEX certification
- Available in 11 different colorways.
Cons
- Additional charges apply for shipping
Best for hot sleepers: Simba Performance Fitted Sheet
- Pricing: $67 – $110.50
- Thread count: 200 or 400
These sheets are made from percale cotton, which is a tightly-woven cotton. They feature Simba’s trademark Stratos cooling technology to help keep a person cool at night.
According to Simba, this technology makes the fabric cooler and draws heat away from the body.
The company uses cotton from the supplier “Better Cotton Initiative.” This is a not-for-profit organization that supplies sustainable cotton to manufacturers.
User reviews mention that the sheets are high quality and help to regulate body temperature.
Learn about the best sheets for hot sleepers here.
Pros
- Choice between two thread counts
- Useful for hot sleepers
- Environmentally friendly cotton
- Free shipping
Cons
- Only available in white
Below is a chart comparing all of the above products on key features:
| Pricing | Thread count | Certifications | Color options | Free shipping? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Blossom | $229 – $345 | Around 180 | Certified organic | 2 | Yes |
| West Elm | $140 – $160 | 200 | GOTS | 7 | Yes |
| Parachute | $90 – $120 | Not stated | OEKO-TEX | 4 | Yes |
| The White Company | $198 – $259 | 800 | None stated | 4 | Yes, on orders over $150 |
| Pinzon | $64-$68 | 400 | OEKO-TEX | 6 | Yes, for Amazon Prime members |
| Simply Vera Vera Wang | $59.99-$179.99 | 600 | OEKO-TEX | 30 | Yes, on orders over $49 |
| Mellanni | $45 – $84 | Not stated | GOTS | 8 | Yes |
| Cuddledown | $99 – $129 | 400 | OEKO-TEX | 11 | No |
| Simba | $67 – $110.50 | 200 or 400 | None stated | 1 | Yes |
Some things to look for when choosing cotton sheets include:
- Safe for sensitive skin: Allergies to cotton are uncommon, but some people have skin sensitive to dyes, flame retardants, and other additives. A person should check the label for an OEKO-TEX certification to verify that the sheets are free from common harmful substances.
- Thread count: Thread counts of 400–600 threads per square inch tend to be softer and more durable. Higher thread counts may not make much difference and can even be less durable.
- Organic status: Some people prefer organic cotton or cotton grown on sustainable farms. If this is the case, a person should check the label for the necessary certifications.
Some benefits and drawbacks of using cotton sheets include:
Pros
- Health and safety: Cotton is a natural fiber, so allergic reactions are uncommon.
- Feel:Cotton is available in different thicknesses and textures, including soft and sateen.
- Cost: Cotton sheets are available to suit a range of budgets.
- Environmental impact: Cotton biodegrades more quickly than synthetic fibers, such as polyester.
Cons
- Feel: Some users may not like the feel of cotton, preferring other natural fibers or synthetic alternatives.
- Thickness: Cotton tends to be thinner than other fabrics, such as wool.
- Choice: A wide variety of cotton options are available, meaning it may be difficult to separate lower quality from higher quality products.
Cotton sheets are not for everyone. Some alternatives to consider include:
- Linen: A natural material, linen is hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and breathable. However, they may not feel as soft as cotton sheets. Learn about the best linen sheets here.
- Polyester: A human-made material that is stronger and more durable than cotton. However, it does not absorb sweat.
- Modal: A semi-synthetic material made from beech tree pulp. It is softer and silkier than cotton.
- Bamboo: Bamboo has a soft finish similar to cotton, is more breathable and absorbent and has antimicrobial properties. Compared to cotton production, bamboo production also produces a smaller carbon footprint. Learn more about bamboo sheets here.
- Wool: A natural fiber derived from animal fleece. It is thicker and more durable than cotton, and provides greater warmth. It may be a good option for use in cooler climates, as long as a person is not allergic to wool.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about cotton sheets.
What is a good thread count for 100% cotton sheets?
In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. A common thread count for cotton sheets is usually between 200 and 400.
Is Egyptian cotton better?
Egyptian cotton tends to be stronger and softer than regular cotton. This is because Egyptian cotton plants have longer fibers.
How do you soften cotton sheets?
A person can attempt to soften their cotton sheets by adding a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar to their regular machine wash. Alternatively, they can add the ingredients to water, and soak the sheets for a few days.
Cotton is a natural material that is both soft and breathable, making it a good option for bed sheets.
When choosing cotton sheets, a person may want to consider various factors, including the fabric quality, durability, and feel, and the cost of the product. They may also want to check labels to see if the cotton is organic or sustainable.
Cotton is not the only option for bed sheets. Some people may want to consider other natural alternatives, such as bamboo or wool. Others may want to consider a semi-synthetic fabric, such as modal, or a synthetic fabric, such as polyester. People may wish to consider experimenting with different sheet options to find the right fit for them.