Stave off stuffy bedding with these breathable picks.
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Cooling sheets made from breathable materials are essential to creating the ideal bed for hot sleepers. Not only are they great for people with night sweats, but cooling bed sheets are a game changer for anyone who often tosses and turns at night because they’re overheating.
“The combination of the fiber content and weave are the most important factors in contributing to the performance of sheeting,” says Shannon Maher, assistant professor of the Home Products Development department at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
To find the best cooling sheets, we’ve tested over 235 sheet sets in our Lab and in our homes over several months (at minimum), including a variety of bamboo, cotton percale, eucalyptus, and linen sheets. Each sheet set was evaluated on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert tips on what to look for in cooling bed sheets, we tapped Maher for her insight on finding breathable sheets for every season.
These cooling sheets are ultra-soft and performed extremely well in our tests.
They don't have the crisp feel that other types of cooling sheets do.
Out of all the cooling sheets we tested, the Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets were our favorite for their impressive performance during both our Lab and long-term testing. We couldn’t get over how absurdly soft these sheets are—they were so comfortable we had to pry ourselves out of bed. Bamboo-derived sheets (aka viscose) are also extremely effective at drawing heat away from the body and wicking away moisture, and these Bampure sheets are no exception.
They proved themselves to do exactly that during testing—we actually felt like we became cooler as we laid under the sheets. The sateen weave has a silky smooth feel and sheen, and the 300 thread count is just the right blend of breathability and durability.
After six months of use in real-world conditions, the sheets were just as silky and soft as when we first tested them 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: Viscose | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 300 | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen, California king | Return Policy: 30 days
These affordable sheets have a silky smooth feel and a cool-to-the-touch sensation.
After washing, there were a number of loose threads.
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. We found these affordable sheets to be silky smooth and cool to the touch.
The buttery sateen weave and 300 thread count give these affordable sheets a luxurious feel. During our Lab tests, the sheets retained their cooling sensation for the full five minutes we laid on them. At the one-month, two-month, and three-month marks of our real-world testing, the sheets were just as cooling as when we first got them.
While there were a number of loose threads after our first wash, these sheets maintained their quality over six months of real-world testing with no fading, shrinkage, or additional loose threads, so we’re confident that they’re a durable, long-lasting pick. 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 viscose | Weave: Sateen | Pocket: 16 inches | Sizes Available: Full, queen, king, California king, split king | Return Policy: 30 days
These durable and breathable bamboo sheets have the deepest pockets of all the sheets on our list and come with a 100-night sleep trial.
They are priced much higher than other bamboo 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. We 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 throughout our long-term testing.
Made from bamboo-derived viscose, these sheets have a cool-to-the-touch sensation that stayed that way even after we 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. We used these sheets almost every night, washing them every two weeks for six months straight, and only noticed a few loose threads, leading us to believe that they can withstand long-term wear and use.
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 (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 viscose | Weave: Sateen | Pocket: 20 inches | Sizes Available: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Return Policy: 100 days
The loose linen weave allows for plenty of airflow, yet remains cozy during the winter months.
They are only available in three neutral colors.
Linen’s loose weave allows for ample airflow, making the material well-suited for hot sleepers. Saatva’s linen sheet set is our favorite because it is truly temperature-regulating—it breathes well yet features a sturdy fabric that’s cozy in the winter months as well, not to mention durable. We even woke up with fewer night sweats when sleeping on these sheets. They quickly became our go-to sheets during warm summer months, offering a nice heft while still being breathable.
Made from 100 percent Belgian flax, these are high-quality sheets that came with no loose threads or seams. After washing and drying them over six months, they sustained no visible damage or shrinkage and grew even softer, as linen is designed to do with age. We found these sheets to be impressively durable over our long-term testing, as there were no stains, tears, or holes—even when a dog was digging around them with dirty feet.
Despite the relaxed, “perfectly imperfect” look of these linen sheets, the fitted sheet was easy to get around the mattress (thanks to the generous 16-inch pocket depth) and stayed put even when we tossed and turned. The sheets are only available in seven neutral colors, however, we do appreciate that they come in a variety of sizes from twin and twin XL all the way to California king. These are the more expensive sheets on our list, but their durability and high-quality materials (they’re Standard 100 certified by Oeko-Tex) make them a worthy investment.
Material: 100 percent Belgian flax | Weave: Linen | Pocket: 16 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 45 days
These crisp percale sheets keep you cool throughout the night and grow softer with each wash.
There is an additional charge for a top sheet.
If you prefer the crisp and airy feel of percale sheets, these long-staple, Egyptian cotton sheets from Parachute are your best option. They’re comparable to a button-down shirt in terms of feel, thanks to the one-thread-over, one-thread-under percale weave. Plus, these sheets will continue to soften with use.
We immediately noticed that the breathable, lightweight fabric was cool to the touch, and there was no noticeable rise in temperature after we laid on them. Hot sleepers will love this lightweight, breathable fabric—it felt heavenly to climb into during warmer months and was also suitable for fall during our long-term testing.
After washing, the sheets remained soft and there were no visible signs of wear and tear. Throughout three months of testing these sheets held up to stains, wear and tear, and washing. We especially liked that they dry quickly on the manufacturer-recommended low setting, while some other sheets we tried would still be damp. The sheets are also Standard 100 certified by Oeko-Tex, so you can feel confident that they won't contain harmful substances.
These sheets are available in eight different color options, along with a nice variety of sizes, too. Just keep in mind that the flat sheet is not included in the base price, so those who are team top sheet will need to add one for an additional cost.
Material: Long-staple cotton | Weave: Percale | Pocket: 17 inches | Sizes Available: Full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 60 days
The buttery soft feel was comforting yet breathable.
Some of the seams could have better stitching.
Sateen sheets are usually less cooling than percale because they have a denser weave. Fortunately, the Parachute Sateen Sheet Set is made of breathable 100 percent Egyptian long-staple cotton—a premium fabric known for its softness and durability. The sheets earned a perfect score for their breathability during our Lab testing, ensuring that you won’t become stuffy or overheated while sleeping.
The buttery texture of the sateen weave was comfortable when we were enveloped in these sheets, while the lightweight construction and cool feel kept us from being smothered. We think they are suitable for year-round use thanks to their breathable make and loved how soft they stayed throughout six months of use.
While these sateen sheets are a high-quality option overall, we noticed some inconsistencies in the seams and a few loose threads during our Lab tests. For the price, we wish the construction was a bit more cohesive, though we were pleased to find that they didn’t show any wear after six months of use and weekly washing.
Material: 100 percent Egyptian long-staple cotton | Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: Not listed | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Sizes Available: Full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 60 days
The super lightweight make and cooling sensation is ideal for hot sleepers and warm seasons.
The fabric is less durable and may stain more easily.
These sheets from Nolah felt instantly cooling and kept hot sleepers comfortable during warm summer months with their breathable, lightweight 100 percent viscose bamboo fabric. In our testing, the sheets had an impressive cooling sensation that didn’t fade with time. The texture is thin, soft, and silky, adding to their overall breathability. We didn’t notice any changes to the texture of our sheets after washing them, though they became quite wrinkled—if you dislike wrinkles and don’t want to bust out your iron while making the bed, we recommend another pick from our list.
While its lightweight fabric aids in its cooling effect, it is noticeably more delicate and may sustain wear and tear over time. It also stained during our Lab tests, so we don’t recommend these sheets for families with pets or kids. That said, in our real-world testing, the sheets held up well to washing and regular use except for a few loose threads in one corner.
Material: Viscose bamboo | Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: 300 | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex 100, Forest Stewardship Council | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, split king | Return Policy: 30 days
These eco-friendly sheets feature tags labeling the different sides.
The pocket depth is on the smaller side.
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 a sustainable choice, too.
During testing, we immediately took note of the softness of these eucalyptus sheets. We 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 a month of real-world testing, they showed no signs of damage, even with two dogs sleeping and digging into the bed. These sheets were our favorite during summer months thanks to their cooling properties—plus they were easy to toss in the wash with our other bedding.
The elastic band on the fitted sheet held snug to the mattress, and we 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 lyocell | Weave: Sateen | Pocket: 14 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king | Return Policy: 90 days
The crisp feel of these sheets keeps you cool while the high-quality materials withstand wear and tear.
The sheets are very wrinkled.
If you want cooling bed sheets made with organic materials, opt for the Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set. These percale sheets are made from 100 percent organic cotton crafted with a cooling weave and are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. They have a natural crinkle that gives them a more relaxed, lived-in appearance—although people bothered by wrinkles will probably want to steer clear, especially because we found that these became even more wrinkled after washing. While most percale sheets soften over time, we noticed that these sheets kept their original texture, which is ideal for those who prefer the feel of crisp sheets.
These organic sheets held up well in the washer and dryer, with no loose threads or uneven stitches. While these sheets are undoubtedly cool and breathable, they don’t sacrifice durability either. Over three months of real-world testing, they retained their color, quality, and feel and didn’t become stained even when a dog constantly jumped on the bed. We also loved the thick elastic band that kept the fitted sheet securely in place, which didn’t stretch or lose its elasticity regardless of how many times we washed it.
Material: Organic cotton | Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 300 | Pocket: 15 inches | Certifications: GOTS | Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 60 days
These affordable Tencel lyocell sheets come in 17 different colors.
The sheets are not Oeko-Tex certified.
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, we noticed that they felt high quality and silky, although there were a few loose threads and a minor snag on the top sheet. Despite these minor inconveniences, these sheets held up tremendously over our long-term testing. Even with frequent use and washing, there was no fading, shrinkage, or damage—plus, the soft, cooling feel remained constant throughout.
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 makes sleeping extra comfortable. After washing, there was no visible damage, aside from some very minimal shrinkage, and over a six-month span we haven’t noticed any color fading or other imperfections. 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 lyocell | Weave: Sateen | Pocket: 16 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, California King, split king | Return Policy: 30 days
Hemp can absorb moisture to keep you dry and cool as you sleep.
The fabric could be more durable.
Hemp naturally cools and absorbs moisture, making it an ideal pick for warmer seasons, hot sleepers, or those in search of breathable sheets. And while hemp is known to have a coarse, crisp texture, the Casaluna 100% Washed Hemp Solid Sheet Set felt like a lightweight linen set. After we washed the sheets they got softer, so we’re confident that the texture of this set will only improve with time.
During our Lab tests, water dispersed quickly across a large area, ensuring that any moisture or sweat is wicked away while you sleep, keeping you dry and comfortable. As far as hemp sheets go, we were impressed with the overall quality of these, though considering the price, they might not be the most durable option on our list. The oil stain left a slight mark, and the sandpaper test created a hole in the sheet, so rough sleepers might experience some wear and tear. Still, for those who want cooling sheets at an affordable price, this Casaluna set is a stellar option.
Material: Hemp | Weave: Woven | Thread Count: 100 | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex 100| Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 365 days
Our top pick is the Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets, which have an impressively cooling and soft texture that stood out during both our Lab and long-term testing. Plus, after six months of consistent use and washing, they showed no signs of wear and tear. For a more affordable option, the California Design Den Bamboo Sheet Set is made from breathable bamboo-derived viscose and costs a fraction of the price of its competitors.
To find the best cooling bed sheets, we blind-tested dozens of sheet sets in our Lab before bringing the top performers home to test over time. 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, we 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, we used the sheets to make a bed, evaluating the overall feel and construction.
Perhaps the most important test of a cooling bed sheet is its breathability. To evaluate this, we 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, we 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, we were told the price of each sheet set and scored its overall value based on their final feelings about the product and the price. After our Lab tests were complete, we brought the top scoring sets home and continued to provide feedback as to how the sheets held up over time.
We re-assessed their performance, durability, and quality at one-month, three-month, and six-month intervals, noting whether they sustained wear and tear. We also evaluated whether they were worthy of a recommendation and if they improved our overall weekly or daily routines.
Material is the most important factor to consider when shopping for bed 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 (the Parachute Percale Sheet Set were among the most breathable of the percale sheets we tested)
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.” Do note that because linen fibers are thicker, they tend to have lower thread counts (our favorite linen sheets for hot sleepers, Saatva Linen Sheet Set , has a thread count of 150).
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,” says Maher. However, you may find sheets that are made with a “performance” blend of polyester and another fabric for more breathability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can find more bedding options for hot sleepers, such as cooling blankets, mattresses, mattress toppers, comforters, and even cooling pillows. Using a quiet fan (such as a tower fan) can also help to keep your room at a more comfortable temperature while you sleep. According to experts, the ideal temperature for sleep is around 67 degrees. And hot sleepers can’t go wrong with wearing cooling, breathable pajamas to bed. All of these contribute to helping you beat the heat, particularly during the summer.
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.
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!
This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested over 100 cooling sheets in our Lab and in our homes, evaluating 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.
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.
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