The best sheets you can buy online in 2021

April 16, 2021

Image courtesy of Snowe

In any season, we spend a significant portion–and probably not as much as we’d like–between the sheets. And if this past year has taught us anything, it’s that having a calming and comfortable place to rest can not be underestimated. But assembling a dream-worthy bed can be confusing, not to mention expensive. As with all things home-related, much of it comes down to personal preferences, trends, and pricing. Below is a guide to the best bedding available online, what’s new, and where to score fabulous sheets, duvet covers, and more, for less.

All of these products have been hand-selected by team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing. 

COTTON

bedding, sheets, affiliate marketing, shopping, bedding guides, linen, linen bedding, society limonta, brooklinen, rough linen, ikeaImage courtesy of Brooklinen

When it comes to bedding, cotton is the traditional gold standard. The highest quality sheets use cotton with extra-long (“long-staple”) cotton fibers, including Egyptian and Pima. Percale is the cool, crisp, breathable, and durable plain weave fabric typically used for sheets. Sateen is cotton with a satin weave, which gives it a silky, lustrous feel; though they may have a very high thread count, sateen sheets aren’t as cool to the touch, and they can pill with time.

Does thread count really matter? Thread count addresses the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. Generally, sheets with a higher thread count are softer and feel even more luxurious over time. But sheets with sky-high thread counts aren’t necessarily that much better. For example, sometimes multiple yarn threads are twisted together to inflate the thread count while the weave isn’t any tighter and the fabric isn’t any softer. Thread count alone doesn’t determine the feel of the fabric; how tightly the fabric is woven also determines quality and “hand” as does the type of fibers used.

Generally, with cotton percale fabric, less than a 200 thread count means lower quality, though perfectly functional. High-quality cotton percale sheets are usually 300 threads per square inch or higher.

California Design Den, 400-thread-count 100% cotton sheet
From $39.99 on Amazon

You absolutely can’t beat this price, plus the sets come in 29 colors/patterns. With nearly 40,000 reviews on Amazon, the sheets are described as “surprisingly soft and silky before and after washing” and “very light and cool for the summer, and warm and smooth in the winter.”

Brooklinen luxe core sheet set
From $135 at Brooklinen

There’s a reason, Brooklinen sheets have become a staple on wedding registries. They’re not insanely expensive, but they feel super high-end. Their best-selling Luxe Sateen Sheets are made of 100% long-staple cotton in a 480-thread-count, resulting in “a rich, buttery-smooth weave.”

Photo courtesy of Brooklinen

Parachute Brushed Cotton bedding
From $149 for sheet sets

LA-based Parachute was among the first new bedding companies to offer fresh, crisp, quality cotton bedding basics at a reasonable price. Their unique brushed cotton sheets have a soft buttery finish that feels like you’re sleeping in your favorite worn-in t-shirt. It’s a fan favorite amongst customers as well as the Parachute team themselves.

Photo courtesy of Parachute

Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale™ Sheets
From $178 for a full sheet set

We love the feel of Organic textile company Coyuchi’s crinkled percale sheets–it’s like a mix of your favorite t-shirt and linen. Made with 100% organic cotton, they’re breathable, comfortable, beautifully rumpled, and wash well over time. We’re partial to the natural look of the undyed sheets, but the other colors are rich and lovely, as well.

Photo courtesy of Coyuchi

Snowe Percale starter sleep bundle
From $375 at Snowe

Bedding basics brand Snowe is positioned at a slightly more luxe level, with an emphasis on lifestyle and integrated home decor. Their percale is made from 500-thread-count, Italian-milled long-staple cotton that is breathable, cool, and crisp.

Photo courtesy of Snowe

LINEN

bedding, sheets, affiliate marketing, shopping, bedding guides, linen, linen bedding, society limonta, brooklinen, rough linen, ikeaImage courtesy of Magic Linen

Long a luxury preference, this soft, natural fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant is catching on in the mainstream bedding market, with availability and pricing making it more accessible. The fabric is a looser weave, so thread count is of less concern; just look for 100 percent linen, Belgian linen, or flax.

Laundering isn’t any different from what you’d do with cotton bedding. Linen sheets and duvet covers can be machine washed and dried on a warm setting. Fold right away for fewer wrinkles, but the wrinkled, effortlessly laid-back look is part of linen’s charm.

Though it’s pricey, linen has its benefits. It gets amazingly soft over time. It’s static-free, absorbent, and it keeps you toasty in winter and cool in summer. Pre-washed linen will be softer from the beginning. If it’s not pre-washed it may seem coarse at first, but it will soften over time.

Society Limonta Rem Duvet Cover
From $590 at Society Limonta

Interior design junkies love the fabulous colors, styles, and quality of Society Limonta, the popular Italian bedding brand. Their bedding is definitely priced at the high end, but the fabrics and colors are beautiful. If you want to check them out before buying, they have a flagship in Soho.

Photo courtesy of Society Limonta

DAPU Pure Stone Washed Linen Sheets Set
From $129.99 on Amazon

For just $130, this 100% French natural linen set comes with flat and fitted sheets and two pillowcases. It’s the most reviewed on Amazon and seems to be a pretty good place to start if you’re new to linen.

Magic Linen, linen sheet sets
From $232 at Magic Linen

Born in Lithuania, a country with a long history of growing and hand-weaving flax, Magic Linen makes everything from clothing to tea towels. The sheet sets come in 19 beautiful colors/patterns and are known to get softer over time. Deep-pocket options are also available.

Photo courtesy of Magic Linen

OTHER FABRICS

Mellanni micro-fiber sheet sets
From $32.97 on Amazon

These uber-affordable sheets from Amazon have an almost cult following. Unlike a lot of microfiber, they don’t get super sweaty, and you can wash them a hundred times and they won’t wear out (trust us). They come in over 40 colors, as well as special fit options.

LuxClub 6-piece bamboo sheet sets
From $34.95 on Amazon

If you’re looking to go the natural route, this other incredibly popular and affordable set from Amazon may be the way to go. The bamboo sheets are moisture-wicking and wrinkle-free and get rave reviews.

Silvon Sheets
From $180 for a full sheet set

Though their sheets are made of 93 percent Supima cotton, Silvon also weaves their textiles with natural silver, clinically proven to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. In fact, NASA has long used silver in the medical field for its antimicrobial technology. These unique sheets are perfect for anyone who’s prone to acne or oily skin or for those who tend to sweat a lot in their sleep. They also wash up really nicely and don’t feel any less soft than a good set of cotton sheets.

Photo courtesy of Silvon

L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheets
From $99

If you’re looking for a good pair of flannel sheets to keep warm in the winter, this set from L.L. Bean has been raved about by almost everyone in the know. They come in eight soothing colors and are light enough that you won’t wake up sweating in the middle of the night.

Photo courtesy of L.L. Bean

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on March 12, 2020 and has been updated.

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