Crisp, airy, textural…there are so many ways to describe sheets. We’ve tried many of the most popular, but only a select few qualify as the softest sheets. From surprisingly smooth percale to plush cashmere and silk linens, we’ve narrowed it down to the top our team has ever tested.
Our Top Picks for the Softest Sheets
Shop AD editors know high-quality bedding not only because we actually try them on a nightly basis to bring you our favorite essentials, but it’s all part of the research process to zero in on the top contenders for Sleep Week every year.
We have tested dozens of reputable brands, including Brooklinen and Boll & Branch, and slumbered in true luxury sheets from retailers like Matouk. That said, we didn’t forget Quince for good options at an affordable price point. Here, 10 of the softest sheets that will convince you that crawling into bed at 9 p.m. is equivalent to self-care.
The Softest Bed Sheets, Overall
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Eight colorways that range from white to dark moss
- Luminous sheen adds regal quality
- The 600 thread count makes the weave extra soft and supple in texture
Downsides
- Deep pockets can fit a 20-inch mattress, but may feel baggy on thinner mattresses
Size Options
Full, queen, king, California king
What’s Included
- 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- King sets include 2 king pillowcases
Material
Long-staple Egyptian cotton
There is a reason that long-staple Egyptian cotton has a stellar reputation for its ultra-soft weave and the Wamsutta Supreme sheet set exemplifies this quality. Shopping writer Julia Harrison has slept on this premium 600-thread-count bedding for a couple months and wouldn’t change a thing. “I particularly love that their texture doesn’t pull out my hairs like cheaply-made percale or Egyptian cotton sets,” says Harrison, noting that Wamsutta’s sheets are extremely kind on delicate, sensitive skin.
Silky Bamboo Sheets
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- 11 colors available
- Fitted sheet fits well on both regular and deep mattresses up to 20 inches
- Oeko-Tex-certified
Downsides
- Popular colors and sizes sell out quickly
Size Options
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
What’s Included
- 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases
- Twin and twin XL sets include 1 pillowcase
- King and California king sets include king-size pillowcases
- Split-king sheet sets include 1 flat (top) sheet, 2 twin XL fitted sheets, and 2 king-size pillowcases
Material
100% viscose from bamboo
Shopping editor Audrey Lee is a “big fan” of her Cozy Earth cooling bamboo-viscose sheets. According to the brand, bamboo fibers are more hollow than cotton, allowing more air (and heat from your body) to pass through. “I have this sheet set in the Baha Stripe colorway, a delicate earthy tone, and the bedding makes me feel like I am lulled to sleep by gentle waves—the material is barely perceptible, but still decadent,” says contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert. Bonus: If you buy these directly from Amazon, they will ship for free.
A Smooth Percale
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Substantial and comfortable
- Available in more than a dozen solid colors and patterns
- Affordable price point
Downsides
- Our tester says they’re not “ultra-soft”
Size Options
Twin, full, queen, king, California king
What’s Included
- 1 optional flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 1 or 2 pillowcases
- Twin sets come with one standard pillow, and king and California king sets come with two king pillows
Material
100% organic long-staple cotton
Quince continues to impress us with premium materials at solid price points. That’s why we’ve named these the best percale sheets overall. AD PRO senior editor Mel Studach is a percale devotee, and says Quince’s are significantly softer than most she’s tried. “Being 100% cotton, the set is also nicely breathable,” she says. “And while the crisp, smooth texture is incredibly comfortable for sleeping, I also appreciate that when I make my bed every morning, the sheets maintain their structure sans unsightly wrinkles.”
Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor at Condé Nast Traveler, is also a fan, and writes that these are the coolest sheets (literally) she’s ever slept on. “They rival the ones from five-star hotel rooms well and make me look forward to climbing into bed every night even more than I already do,” she says. Kenny adds that while they are temperature-regulating and soft, they’re more crisp than silky sheets. As a plus, the brand’s patterns like dainty florals and gingham easily add personality to your bedscape.
Plush Cashmere Sheets
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Ideal for colder months
- Substantial yet airy feel
- A lightweight alternative to flannel sheets
- Downsides
Limited colorways
Size Options
Full, queen, king, California king
What’s Included
- 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- King and California king sets include 2 king pillowcases
Material
95% cotton, 5% Himalayan cashmere
You likely have some cashmere in your wardrobe, but these sheets from Brooklinen take that cozy texture to your bedscape. The heathered detailing and thread variation provides more texture and dimension to this otherwise neutral set. “Like a posh sweater, the blend of cotton and Himalayan cashmere, feels as if the threads are whipped into a fluffy weave,” shares Alpert. “Even though it is light, the bedding feels incredibly soft and substantial.” Referring to them as her go-to cold weather sheets, Alpert says they're a significantly more lightweight swap for classic flannel bedding. “Even my husband, who thinks flannel sheets are too hot, is a fan of these,” she adds.
The Softest Sateen Sheets
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- 12 colorways
- King with standard case option
- Deep fitted sheet pockets, 17 inches
- Made in a Fair Trade-certified factory
Downsides
- More expensive than some other options on this list
- Popular colorways and sizes sell out quickly
Size Options
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, king with standard cases, California king, split King
What’s Included
- 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- Twin and twin XL sets include 1 pillowcase
- Split King sets include 2 twin XL fitted sheets and 2 king pillowcases
Material
100% organic cotton
If anyone can vet for Boll & Branch’s signature sateen sheets, it’s contributor Rachel Fletcher, who has had this supremely soft bedding for at least five years. “That extra-soft feel paired with the lovely, cooling properties make them feel like the luxury sheets that they are,” she says in her best sheets review.
“Even though I have at least three cotton sateen sheets in my linen closet, I couldn’t help but get the piped-edge style,” says Alpert. “It may be a minor detail, but it adds just enough interest to the creamy colorway. These are perfect for transitional weather when I tend to have more sensitive skin. The texture is something like whipped butter, especially after laundering.” You’ll find subtle creases on the material, but that only makes these look more romantic. While Boll & Branch is not inexpensive, the set can be used all year and is an investment, and you can request free swatches before committing.
A Breathable Supima Cotton Set
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- The pillowcase covers have a double stitch around the perimeter for durability
- Head/Foot labels on the fitted sheet for easy use
- Moisture-wicking properties for those who tend to sleep hot
- Oeko-Tex-certified and includes a three-year protection plan
Downsides
- It micro-wrinkles
- Popular colors sell out quickly
Size Options
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
What’s Included
- 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet 2 pillowcases
- King sets include 2 king pillowcases
Material
100% long-staple Supima cotton
“These are not the cotton sheets of my childhood, which, in comparison, could be described as very, very basic,” says Alpert. “The Buffy Supima cotton is what cotton sheets should be. There is a level of crispness that comes with cotton, yet it is not as perky as percale cotton.” It also has some heft to it, but it is not heavy or suffocating.
Alpert chose the laurel green colorway, but it reads more like pistachio in real life, which actually makes this bedding feel like summer–fresh and light, but with a very subtle texture. “Every once in a while, I get night sweats (hello, 40s!) and these absorb moisture but also dry pretty quickly, so I am not sleeping in a puddle of sweat,” she adds.
More AD-Approved Soft Bed Sheets
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Don’t require a break-in period
- Eight rich colors, including vibrant options like bubblegum and sky
- The 200 thread count gives it an airier feel
Downsides
- These are more lived-in, especially compared to other percales, so that’s something to keep in mind for people who prefer a structured set.
Size Options
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, Queen Special, king, California king
What’s Included
- 1 duvet cover, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- King and California king sets include 2 king pillowcases
Material
100% organic cotton percale
For bold bedding that doesn't lose its rich color, Bed Threads products are a great option for maximalist-leaning spaces. Senior shopping editor Nashia Baker adds that these were soft to the touch from the very beginning. “Some other percale sheets I have needed a few washes to soften up, but this set had a light crispness to it without feeling too starchy,” she notes. This sheet set breaks the mold of the classic percale weave with a breathable 200 thread count that’s more everyday than traditional and structured. Since bringing them home a few months ago, Baker hasn’t noticed frays, snags, or other signs of wear.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Made with GOTS-certified organic silk
- Material is infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, marine collagen peptides, and silver ions
- Keeps you warm without overheating
Downsides
- Limited colorways and sizing
Size Options
Twin, full, queen, king
What’s Included
- 1 fitted sheet, 1 duvet cover, and 2 pillowcases included in this bundle, (only available in queen and king)
- Flat sheets, fitted sheets, and pillowcases are also sold separately
Material
100% GOTS certified organic silk
Clementine’s silk bedding is designed to sneak in self-care while you sleep, explains shopping writer Julia Harrison. Infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, the fabric makeup gives the sheets a soothing texture. “The feel is a standout feature,” she says. “It’s extremely soft and rich-feeling, and though I’m not a hot sleeper, if I was I’d be all over these.” The navy set Harrison tested is a bold choice, and one that provides a striking design element, though a more neutral pearl white is also available. One note: You can purchase items separately in several sizes (twin, full, queen, or king), but the bundle is only available for queen and king sets.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Unique scallop detailing
- Smoother feel than other linens
- Premium 100% linen
Downsides
- Expensive
Size Options
Queen, king, California king
What’s Included
- 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases
- King and California king sets include 2 king pillowcases
Material
100% linen
There’s linen, and then there’s Pom Pom at Home’s 100% linen. “The material itself is the most premium I’ve ever experienced in linen bedding: It has a smooth feel that actually surprised me since my favorite linens usually have a more textured hand feel right out of the package,” Baker explains in her review. The scalloped edges offer a romantic touch, and you can choose from several color combinations. These rank among the priciest on our list, though Baker is confident the “soft, stonewashed-like quality” makes them worth the splurge.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Cooling
- Structured look and feel
- Deep pockets, 17 inches
Downsides
- Expensive
- Only two colors, white and bone
Size Options
Full, queen, king, California king
What’s Included
1 fitted sheet
Material
Egyptian cotton percale
The Matouk Bergamo fitted sheet may look simple, but the airy percale is as soft as silk—all thanks to a unique combination of Giza 87 and 92 Egyptian cotton yarns. Allie Weiss, contributor, calls it the cream-of-the-crop bedding. “I hate scratchy sheets, and breathed a sigh of relief when I slipped into these,” she says. “They are both lightweight, crisp looking, and soft to the touch—talk about a win-win.”
FAQ
What thread count is best for soft sheets?
Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric. So, the higher the thread count, usually the softer the sheets—though the average cotton sheet is between 200 and 600. For example, “Sateen sheets in the 300 to 600 thread-count range are best for someone looking for softness over durability, and better for cooler climates where a heavier feeling sheet is more comfortable,” Katie Glusica, professor in the fibers department at the Savannah College of Art and Design, previously told AD.
What is the difference between a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and a top sheet?
Most sheet sets come with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. When you’re layering your bedding, secure the fitted sheet—a sheet with elasticized, rounded edges—over your mattress or mattress pad. Then, top it with the flat sheet, a.k.a. the top sheet. This might be enough for people who run hot, but most finish their bed with a comforter or quilt.
What cotton sheets feel soft yet breathable?
For soft sheets with an airier feel, consider a set of 200 to 300 thread count sheets, like the 100% percale cotton sheets from Bed Threads. Cotton sateen sheets like the Boll & Branch set Fletcher has are usually smooth and soft. Otherwise, quality Egyptian cotton sheets, like our top overall pick, feel gentle and breathable every night in our experience.
How We Tested the Softest Sheets
For the softest bed sheets, we did more than look at swatches. When it comes to editing, the Shop AD team focuses beyond words. Part of our job involves testing products firsthand—and bedding is a category that is taken very seriously. As a result, we have slept on hundreds of sheets across different brands and can distinguish cotton percale from a sateen weave within seconds.
But it’s more than that; each set we review goes through at least 30 days of testing to help us truly tell if they’re durable and designed to last. For this roundup, we looked at materials that range from organic cotton to bamboo to linen. Since our editors and contributors live across different climates, we are also able to see if performance sheets with cooling properties actually work for hot sleepers.
Once the editors zero in on high-quality bedding, the testing goes on for months—and in some cases years—because we actually want to sleep on these sheets. As a result, the set goes through multiple machine wash and dryer cycles. We look for color-fastness, loose threads, and pilling. Only the strongest contenders remain.