To find the best cooling sheets, we tested 68 sheet sets in our Lab and evaluated them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. Our testers gave their honest feedback on a variety of bamboo, percale cotton, and eucalyptus sheets—all of which are known for their cooling properties. For expert tips on what to look for in cooling bed sheets, we tapped Shannon Maher, assistant professor of the Home Products Development department at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “The combination of the fiber content and weave are the most important factors in contributing to the performance of sheeting,” says Maher. Our top pick is the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set, which seriously impressed our testers with its incredibly soft and cool-to-the-touch feel. Plus, the moisture-wicking sheets have deep pockets that can accommodate a variety of mattress sizes. Keep reading to learn more about the best cooling sheets, according to our in-depth testing. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer the crisp feel of percale bedding. Out of all the cooling sheets we tested, the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set was the only one that earned perfect five-star ratings across the board. Our testers couldn’t get over how absurdly soft these sateen sheets are: “I absolutely loved lying in these,” says one tester. “Honestly, it makes me a tad nervous that I wouldn’t want to get out of bed, but that’s what alarms are for, yes?” The cooling, eucalyptus-derived Tencel fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, while the sateen weave will feel soft and silky against your skin. The sheets remained cool for the duration of our testing, even for self-proclaimed hot sleepers. It’s also worth noting that the fibers have the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification—meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances and proven to be safe. Even though there was a little shrinkage after washing and drying these sheets, they were still easy to get on the bed. (Our tester’s only complaint was that there aren’t any “top/bottom” or “side” tags.) Plus, the pocket depth remained the same at an impressive 17.5 inches—enough to fit most mattresses with ease. The texture remained incredibly soft with no visible threads or other wear and tear. One tester even walked away with plans to buy these sheets immediately, describing them as “inexpensive luxury.” The sheets are available in a variety of stunning earth-toned colors to fit any bedroom color scheme and come with a 60-day sleep trial, so you can take your time deciding. Unfortunately, Olive + Crate’s cooling bed sheets only come in queen, king, and California king sizes—so people with smaller mattresses would need to pick another set from this list.
Material: Tencel lyocellWeave: SateenPocket: 17.5 inchesSizes Available: Queen, king, California kingReturn Policy: 60 days via the manufacturer
Who it isn’t for: People who wash their sheets frequently. Made from bamboo-derived viscose, these California Design Den sheets are great for people who want the breathability of bamboo without the steep price tag that comes with many competitor brands. During testing, we found these affordable sheets to be silky smooth and cool to the touch: “They feel amazing to the touch, they keep you cool, and the material is high quality and well put together,” says one tester. The silky smooth sateen weave and 300 thread count give these affordable sheets a luxurious feel. During testing, we found the sheets to retain their cooling sensation for the full five minutes we laid on them. One tester says these sheets “would definitely help me fall asleep faster.” Post-wash, there were a number of loose threads, but given the quality of the sheets, we hope this is just a first-wash fluke. The sheets did however remain just as soft and cooling after laundering. We also love that these cooling bed sheets are available in numerous colors and sizes, too. But where they really stand out is their price point: They cost just a fraction of what our best overall pick costs.
Material: Bamboo viscoseWeave: SateenPocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Full, queen, king, California king, split kingReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who aren’t in a position to spend a lot on bed sheets. Expensive bedding isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for high-quality cooling sheets, this set from Cozy Earth is worth the splurge. Our testers found no visible flaws or loose threads both before and after washing, and the sheets remained just as soft as they were right out of the package. In fact, they were completely wrinkle-free after washing and drying. Made from bamboo-derived viscose, these sheets have a cool-to-the-touch sensation that stayed that way even after our testers laid on top of them. They have a thread count of 300, which falls right in the optimal range for cooling bed sheets—they’re durable yet still breathable for a comfortable night’s sleep. Out of all the bed sheets on our list, this set has the deepest pockets at 20 inches, so there’s no need to worry about the corners sliding off your bed. They’re available in six different sizes on the brand’s site (including twin/twin XL and split king) and come in five different neutral tones. These sheets are definitely an investment, but they’ll give you years of use and comfort. Plus, they come with a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty so you can ensure that they’re worth the investment and see for yourself that they’re made to last.
Material: Bamboo viscoseWeave: SateenPocket: 20 inchesSizes Available: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split kingReturn Policy: 100 days
Who it isn’t for: Anyone who would be bothered by the relaxed appearance of linen. If you want the moisture-wicking and cooling properties of bamboo but prefer the natural softness and relaxed look of linen, this is the sheet set for you. Made from a blend of flax linen and bamboo viscose, these sheets gently drape over your body, allowing for more airflow underneath. Unlike most bamboo sheets, which have a silkier, more satin-like feel, these sheets have the softness and relaxed look of linen, which slopes over the body as opposed to clinging to it. However, the bamboo does help to offset the crispness and scratchiness of linen. Our testers found these sheets to be slightly stretchy, making them easy to slide over the bed. We did notice multiple loose threads along the seam, but there were no additional pulls or snags after washing. Because these sheets are mostly linen, they are more prone to wrinkling than the other options on our list. And while the set comes with a fitted sheet and two pillowcases, you have to pay extra for the flat sheet—which increases the price significantly. We would like to see them in more size options, too.
Material: 60 percent linen, 40 percent bamboo viscoseWeave: N/APocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Queen and kingReturn Policy: 60 days
Bamboo-derived sheets (aka viscose) are extremely effective at drawing heat away from the body and wicking away moisture. These Bampure sheets proved themselves to do exactly that in our tests: They maintained their cool-to-the-touch sensation over time and didn’t feel much warmer after our tester laid on them. The sateen weave gives these sheets a silky smooth feel and sheen, and the 300 thread count is just the right blend of breathability and durability. In our testing, the sheets became even softer after washing and didn’t show any wear or tear. We particularly like that the fitted sheet has corner straps to keep it secure to the mattress, which is a standout feature, especially considering the price. The sheets feature attractive stitching and come in a nice variety of colors (like taupe and purple), all of which are extremely saturated and bright. Plus, the bamboo is 100 percent organic and Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certified.
Material: Bamboo viscose Weave: SateenPocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, full, queen, California kingReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who want extra-deep pockets. Tencel lyocell—a fiber made by dissolving eucalyptus wood pulp in a chemical solvent and pushing it through an extruder to form fibers—is moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, soft, and extremely cooling. Plus, it’s made with a closed loop process in which 99 percent of the solvent and water are reused and recycled, making it an sustainable choice, too. During testing, we immediately took note of the softness of these lyocell sheets. Our testers found them to be extremely lightweight and breathable, so much so that we were initially concerned they may lack durability. Fortunately, there was no visible wear after washing. And after laying on them for five minutes, they remained just as cool as they were to begin with. The elastic band on the fitted sheet held snug to the mattress, and our testers really liked the tags labeling the top and bottom of the sheets. The 14-inch pockets are deep enough to fit most mattresses, though it’s on the smaller side of those we tested. Unfortunately, the sheets do not come sold in a complete set; flat sheets and pillowcases are available, but they’re sold separately. However, they all come with a 90-day sleep trial, so you can purchase one piece before committing to the rest.
Material: Tencel lyocellWeave: SateenPocket: 14 inchesSizes Available: Twin, full, queen, kingReturn Policy: 90 days
Who it isn’t for: People who want their sheets to feel super silky. If you’re in the market for bed sheets made with natural materials, we recommend Pottery Barn’s Organic Percale Sheets. These crisp sheets are made from 100-percent organic cotton and are GOTS certified. Like other percale sheets, these are soft but not silky, and they’ll continue to get softer after each wash. They have a natural crinkle that gives them a more relaxed, lived-in appearance—although people who are bothered by wrinkles will probably want to steer clear. The stitching pattern gives the impression of luxury, and the fitted sheet comes with tags labeling the long and short side. We found these organic sheets to hold up well in the washer and dryer, but they did shrink a bit. And compared to the other sheets we tested, these are on the heavier side—but they still felt breathable and remained cool throughout our testing. This pick is ideal for the hot sleeper who prefers the cozy and sturdy feel of natural fibers like cotton.
Material: Organic cottonWeave: PercalePocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who want Oeko-Tex certified sheets. This affordable sheet set from Linenwalas comes in 17 color options and a wide variety of sizes, so you can stock up on a set for every bedroom in your home. Made from Tencel lyocell, the sheets are naturally soft, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking. Upon first inspection, our testers noted that they felt high quality and silky, although there were a few loose threads and a minor snag on the top sheet. Making the bed was a breeze with these sheets, thanks to the smooth sateen weave that glides over the mattress, as well as the snug elastic band, 16-inch pocket, and the envelope closures on the pillowcases. But most importantly, the sheets have a strong cooling sensation that endured for the entire five minutes we laid on them. After washing, there was no visible damage, aside from some very minimal shrinkage. Overall, the Linenwalas Tencel Lyocell Bed Sheets are priced very reasonably for the quality of the material, and can often be purchased on sale.
Material: Tencel lyocellWeave: SateenPocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, California King, split kingReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who are not looking to spend very much on bed sheets. If you can swing it, the Sheex Arctic Aire Max Sheets are ideal for hot sleepers or anyone prone to night sweats. Made from breathable and cooling Tencel lyocell, the sheets also feature Sheex’s patented CoolX technology, which helps to wick away moisture and keep you cool all night long. One tester described them as “thick but very breathable,” which leads us to conclude that they’re made to give you many years of use. The slick sateen weave makes it easy to slide these sheets over the corners of the mattress. And the pocket depth ranges from 14 to 20 inches, depending on which size you purchase. Our testers note that there were no loose threads both before and after laundering, although they did shrink a bit (but not so much that we couldn’t get the fitted sheet over the bed again). If you’re dissuaded by the price, take advantage of the 60-day sleep trial before you commit. For a complete cooling bedding set, the Artic Aire Max collection also features a duvet cover and coverlet.
Material: Tencel lyocellWeave: SateenPocket: 14, 16, 18, 20 inchesSizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingReturn Policy: 60 days
Our Testing Process
To find the best cooling bed sheets, we blind-tested 68 sheet sets in our Lab. Before testing, the sheets were removed from the packaging and any visible brand names or logos were covered up with masking tape to eliminate bias. To evaluate the quality of each bed sheet, our testers visually inspected it for any imperfections, such as loose or uneven threads and flaws in the dye or pattern. We also measured each sheet and compared it to the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Next, testers used the sheets to make a bed, evaluating the overall feel and construction as they went. Perhaps the most important test of a cooling bed sheet is its breathability. To evaluate this, our testers wore short-sleeved shirts and laid down on a bed made up with the sheets, noting whether the sheets had a cool-to-the-touch sensation and, if so, whether this lasted after five minutes. Afterward, our testers washed and dried each sheet according to the manufacturer’s instructions to assess its durability. We compared the measurements of the sheets after washing to the original, pre-wash measurements. We then re-made the bed with the sheets and took note of any signs of damage, like pilling or a change in texture. Finally, our testers received the price of each sheet set and scored its overall value based on their final feelings about the product and the price.
How to Shop for Cooling Sheets Like a Pro
Material
Material is the most important factor to consider when shopping for cooling sheets. Here’s a guide to some of the most common types of materials used for cooling sheets: Cotton: “Cotton is king when it comes to sheeting and is the preferred fiber due to its breathability and easy care,” says Maher. Sheets made of natural fibers like cotton are both cooling and affordable, although they don’t have the same moisture-wicking properties as synthetic materials. Opt for cotton sheets with a percale weave, as it feels crisp and tends to be more breathable than sateen. Viscose: Viscose may be derived from any number of trees or plants, most commonly bamboo. The material is made by treating cellulose—the main constituent of plant cell walls—with chemicals to make a fiber that mimics the qualities of many natural fibers. Manufacturers may use the generic term “bamboo” when referring to viscose, however, any raw plant materials are chemically dissolved in the treatment process. Bamboo viscose sheets are effective at drawing heat away from the body and wicking away moisture, making them ideal for hot sleepers. Tencel/Lyocell: Tencel is a brand name for a type of lyocell, a fiber made from wood pulp—mainly eucalyptus, beech, birch, and spruce. It’s similar to viscose because it’s another type of “regenerated cellulose.” This material is made by dissolving wood pulp in a chemical solvent and pushing it through an extruder to form fibers. However, Tencel is considered the more environmentally friendly option over viscose because 99 percent of the water and solvent are reused and recycled during the treatment process. We like this material because it’s moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, and extremely adept at cooling. Linen: Linen is a breathable material that comes from flax, and it has a looser weave for maximum airflow. (That’s why the material feels light, airy, and perfect for summer.) Just keep in mind that even high-quality linen sheets can feel a little scratchy at first. They typically get softer over time, but they are more wrinkly than cotton sheets. But Maher says “the ‘relaxed’ linen look allows linen sheets to be washed/dried without the guilt of a wrinkled/rumpled look.” Polyester: This synthetic fiber is extremely durable and wrinkle-resistant. However, it’s more prone to trapping moisture and heat than other fabrics: “Polyester and microfiber are not recommended as they tend to limit airflow and moisture transfer,” Maher says. However, you may find sheets that are made with a “performance” blend of polyester and another fabric for more breathability.
Weave
Weave refers to how the material is constructed, and it can have a large effect on the overall feel and breathability of a sheet set. Percale: Percale is generally considered the best weave for cooling bed sheets. It features a simple one-thread-over, one-thread-under pattern that gives the sheets a crisp, cool feel. Most percale sheets are cotton, but they may also use a blend of cotton and synthetic materials. Sateen: Sateen weaves usually use a one-thread-under and three-or-four-threads-over pattern, resulting in a fabric that’s silky smooth with a slight sheen. Sheets with a sateen weave may be made with cotton, viscose, Tencel lyocell, or polyester. However, sateen tends to be heavier and less breathable than percale. “Sateen (not satin) weaves provide a softer hand, but they tend to have a warmer hand,” Maher says. “The exception would be a sateen with a material content of Tencel/lyocell or modal—these would feel cooler to the touch than a cotton sateen.” Twill: A twill weave makes a sturdier, more durable fabric—it’s most commonly associated with denim, after all—but it’s also heavier and less breathable than percale and sateen.
If you’re constantly fighting with your fitted sheet to stay put, you might want to consider the pocket depth of the sheets you’re using. To figure out how thick your mattress is, measure it from bottom to top—and if you use a mattress topper, include it in your measurement. If it’s greater than 12 inches, consider looking for sheet sets with deep pockets. Technically, the pocket depth corresponds with the maximum mattress height the fitted sheet can accommodate. So, a sheet with a 12-inch pocket depth should fit mattresses up to 12 inches tall. However, you’ll generally want to give yourself a little leeway to ensure your sheets don’t slide up the corners of your mattress. You can do this by subtracting two inches from the pocket depth to determine if it will fit your mattress comfortably. For example, if the pocket depth is 15 inches, it will most comfortably fit a mattress that’s 13 inches high or less.
Thread Count
Contrary to popular belief, a higher thread count is not necessarily better, especially when it comes to cooling bed sheets. “The material and weave are more important,” says Maher. “Higher thread counts can create a denser fabric which would feel heavier and restrict the airflow or moisture transfer, but consumers should focus more on the fiber content listed on the packaging and care label.” Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. “The basic plain weave of percale is a 200 thread count, so it is naturally lighter in feel and weight,” says Maher. “A sateen weave starts at a 300 thread count and goes up from there. While thread count does affect the performance of sheeting, a high thread count does not necessitate quality.” Ideally, a thread count between 200 and 400 is best for hot sleepers. Our best overall pick, the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set, falls right in the middle with a thread count of 300.
Return Policy
Because purchasing sheets is a personal choice, many brands offer free trial periods so you can make sure you continue to like them over time. These trial periods could range anywhere from 30 to 100 days, and you’ll typically be able to return the sheets for a refund within this window.
More Cooling Bed Sheets to Consider
The Company Store Cotton Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set: Made from 70 percent bamboo viscose and 30 percent combed cotton, these sheets combine the durability and moisture-wicking properties of bamboo with the breathability and feel of cotton. If you’re not set on all-cotton or all-bamboo sheets, these will give you the best of both worlds. Brielle Home Tencel Lyocell Sateen Sheet Set: These affordable sheets can fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep, and have a silky smooth feel that helps them to glide over the mattress with ease. However, they do seem to be prone to wrinkling, and we would like to see them in more colorways. Lands’ End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Sheet Set: These high-quality, durable percale sheets have a thread count of 300, which falls right in the optimal range for percale, allowing for ample airflow. And unlike some percale sheets, they don’t have a papery, stiff texture. West Elm Silky Tencel Sheet Set: We were impressed with the luxurious, satin-like feel of this sheet set, especially given the price point. Unfortunately, they came out of the wash fairly wrinkled.
Questions You Might Ask
Who should buy cooling sheets?
Of course, cooling bed sheets are ideal for people who tend to sleep hot, but they can also be a great solution for people living in warmer climates, particularly during the summer months. They’re also excellent for people with hyperhidrosis or anyone prone to night sweats because they tend to be more moisture-wicking than traditional sheets. For those with night sweats, we like the Sheex Arctic Aire Max Sheet Set because it features patented CoolX technology, which helps to wick away moisture and keep you comfortable.
Are there more ways to keep cool at night?
You can find more cooling bedding options such as mattresses, pillows, mattress toppers, blankets, comforters, and more. Using a quiet fan (such as a tower fan) can also help to keep your room at a more comfortable temperature while you sleep. And hot sleepers can’t go wrong with wearing cooling, breathable pajamas to bed.
Should you wash new sheets before using them?
This is an age-old question that is hotly debated. If you have sensitive skin, we do suggest washing new sheets before you use them, as there can be chemical remnants on the fabric that can irritate your skin. But for most people, using new sheets without washing them won’t cause any adverse reactions.
How often should you change your sheets?
Wondering how often you really need to change your sheets? The answer comes down to your sweat level, whether you share a bed (if so, sheets will get twice the wear), whether you snack in bed, etc. Hot sleepers or people prone to night sweats will probably want to clean their sheets more often, about once a week or more. Don’t forget to wash your pillowcases, too!
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 68 cooling sheets in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. Melanie also spent hours researching what to consider when shopping for cooling sheets. For expert tips on what to look for in cooling bed sheets, we spoke to Shannon Maher, assistant professor of the Home Products Development department at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
