Choosing the softest bedsheets is a goal for everyone, but many people still seem to be disappointed all too often when they purchase a new set. Perhaps that’s because the concept of softness is so subjective.
There are really three factors that people refer to when deciding on the softness of a set of sheets. Those are: thread count, material and weave. Let’s explore each of those below. And, we’ll let you in on the secret about which of these three is actually the most important factor for softer sheets.
The Most Important Indicator of Soft Sheets
Material is actually the number one most important factor when choosing the softest sheets and the right sheets for you. Each material has its own characteristics, lending itself to be crisp or soft. Let’s break down the options:
Cotton – Although considered to have a crisper feel, in the right weave (see below), cotton can be quite soft. Just be sure to buy quality cotton (Egyptian or Pima is a good place to start) with long fibers or long staple, if this is your choice.
Microfiber – Microfiber is probably the cheapest option for soft sheets. It’s made from thin polyester fibers, which provide a super soft feel. However, it won’t hold up as long or feel as luxurious as cotton.
Jersey – Technically a knit cotton, jersey sheets are a fan favorite thanks to their super soft feel, but they tend to be slightly warmer as their constitution holds in heat. Jersey sheets will feel like your favorite worn-in band tee.
Flax Linen – While you might think of linen sheets as crisp and cool, they do get softer over several washes. For soft sheets for hot sleepers, look for flax linen sheets that come pre-washed or use the term ‘vintage wash’ in the description.
Rayon/Viscose/Lyocell/Tencel – These somewhat interchangeable terms refer to the way certain natural materials are processed to create semi-synthetic fabrics. They’re often used to describe sheets made from bamboo, eucalyptus or other tree fibers, and they are seen as the most eco-friendly choice as they require less water to produce than cotton (up to 2.75 times less according to Buffy). Some of these materials will be crisper than others, but they will get softer in time. The softest of these materials will be described as ‘stone-washed’.
Silk – As the most expensive soft sheet material, silk is also the most sought-after. A quality pair can give you a luxurious, slippery richness every night you crawl into bed. Silk is also hypoallergenic and combats hair frizz. Scroll to the bottom of our list for the best options.
What About Thread Count?
While thread count can act as a determining factor, a higher thread count isn’t always better. Ultimately, thread count is the amount of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch. Instead of focusing solely on the number, consider how the sheets are processed. If they use minimal chemicals and the brand has a solid reputation, a lower thread count might feel quite soft. Still, most options in the 300 to 400 range are a safe bet.
Weave type is also a component to pay attention to — sateen has a luscious, soft texture, but can be less durable than a tighter, crisper weave, such as percale. We definitely recommend focusing on sateen if you’re looking for soft sheets. Otherwise, check the length of the fibers used. Look for long-staple cotton, which uses a long fiber and results in a smoother surface. The longer the staple length, the better.
Ready to feel like your home is a five-star hotel? Read on for our list of the softest sheets you can buy right now.
1. Boll and Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
BEST OVERALL
Boll & Branch’s sheets come in an attractive range of neutral hues and have an expensive feel. Made out of long-staple organic cotton, these cloud-like sheets have earned nearly 8,500 reviews. Buyers appreciate how these sheets “wash beautifully,” fit deep mattresses and are the softest bedding they’ve ever owned, bringing a “swanky” aesthetic at an affordable price. They’re also praised for getting softer and softer with each wash, making your investment more than worth it.
This 300-thread count percale set is a fresh alternative to shiny sateen, offering a feel that’s cool to the touch and exceeded most customers’ expectations. Their cotton is 100% organic and never blended with cheap synthetics. Coyuchi was actually the first pioneer in bedding to introduce organic cotton to the market, three decades ago. The fabric is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, ensuring products are chemical and toxin-free — not just for your skin, but for Mother Nature as well.
In addition to several one-color options, these California Design Den 100% Cotton Sheets come in a range of more intricately patterned designs which are ideal for anyone who wants a more eye-catching bedspread. They come backed by over 40,000 five-star ratings from Amazon users and have a medium thickness, smooth feel and impressive level of breathability, making them suitable for year-round use. Additionally, the sheets are pill-proof, odor-free and resistant to fading, even after multiple washes.
There’s something so familiar and comforting about jersey sheets, but hot sleepers might end up tossing and turning. If you easily get cold at night and love a worn-in feel, this cotton jersey knit set by INK+IVY is the price-friendly solution to your problem. The soft sheets do have more of a casual look than a sophisticated one. For those who prioritize softness over appearance, consider these sheets, which will wrap you up in a cocoon and might make you press the snooze button more than once.
Trying to find the best bang for your buck or buying for someone prone to spills and messes? Look no further than the Mellanni bed sheet set, which is made out of microfiber and resists stains, wrinkles, and fading over time. Although these soft sheets are nearly low-maintenance, they are made with synthetic materials, which may not be long-lasting, or ideal for hot sleepers. Still, at $30, a slightly shorter lifespan might be worth forgiving.
If breathability is at the top of your priority list when it comes to your choice of soft sheets, consider this PeachSkinSheets Classic White Sheet Set. The lightweight, athletic-grade fabric, from which all the sheets are made, helps you stay comfortable through its ability to wick moisture, maintain airflow and manage wetness. This combination also helps ensure your normal body chemistry and hormone levels remain unaffected. In addition, these fast-drying, 1500-thread count sheets are available in 25 different colors, come backed by over 3,000 five-star ratings and actually get softer with every wash.
Flannel sheets are the best way to stay warm in the dead of winter, but high-quality flannel bedding should be light enough to sleep with year-round. L.L. Bean meets this standard with their ultrasoft comfort flannel sheet set, which has earned nearly one thousand rave reviews. Made out of brushed cotton flannel woven in Portugal, this set is also pill-resistant, which is rare for more flannel sheets. The secret to its velvety finish? They use a special process to remove fibers from the surface to ensure the smoothest result possible.
Nothing is crisper than percale cotton, and Parachute has blended the best of both worlds with its certified long-staple Egyptian cotton — the most coveted kind of cotton, for many. Ideal for those who get too warm at night, these sheets keep you cool, but are still soft as can be. THey’re a less heavy alternative to the brand’s sateen set.As Parachute puts it, the weave of percale sheets creates a feel that’s similar to the “perfect white button-down shirt.”
This Silky Tencel Sheet Set ticks all the right boxes for soft sheets. Not only are these sheets made from sustainable botanical fibers, they feel silky to touch and wick moisture away to keep you cool throughout the night. They are also produced using a closed-loop process which recycles over 99% of the water and materials used. For greater comfort, the sheets are breathable and hypoallergenic. The 320-thread-count, Tencel Lyocell construction is also cooler than linen, softer than silk and more absorbent than cotton. Plus, it’s naturally smooth, showing less visible wrinkles than other material types.
By using high-quality rayon made from bamboo, this MALOUF 100% rayon sheet set offers sleepers a soft and silky finish which is hard to compete with. This material is also hypoallergenic, resistant to odors and impressively smooth, making it a great option for anyone with particularly sensitive skin. Each set, of which there are 11 different sizes to choose from, comes with a fully elasticized fitted sheet with deep pockets to ensure a secure fit around your mattress. Plus, you can pick from six subtle color options, including citron, ivory and rain.
These Purple SoftStretch Sheets unleash a level of comfort everyone can enjoy. On top of the softness and luxurious feel, you’ll find a built-in stretchiness that provides unbeatable support, especially when paired with one of Purple’s own-brand mattresses. This stretchiness also results in greater durability and a cozier environment, whether you’re sleeping alone or with someone by your side. Handily, you can also choose from a range of set sizes, six colors and a number of different bundles, helping you to get exactly what you need for the best night’s sleep possible.
Brooklinen is a heavyweight champ in the world of bedding, and their Linen Core Sheet Set is a bestseller for people who want to go with breathable, natural fibers but don’t like the feel of cotton. This linen is made from French and Belgian flax, and buyers feel that they’re properly broken in after a few washes (though they do seem to quickly fill up lint catchers). Unlike other linen options, these sheets don’t stretch out and are a savior for other reviewers who have tried everything from bamboo to eucalyptus. Truly, if you’re looking for some of the softest sheets, it’s tough to do better than this set from Brooklinen.
Bamboo has become popular due to its incredibly supple and lightweight feel, making for some of the softest sheets. Sky-high thread counts of cotton alternatives pale in comparison. Still, they don’t offer that crisp feel that many crave. Bamboo is a naturally antimicrobial plant, making these Layla sheets a breathable and cozy option that wicks moisture and bad odors away. Though they aren’t wrinkle-free, they have an elegant and streamlined look to fit any bedroom. Even the pickiest sleepers can’t seem to get enough of these soft and silky bed linens.
If you like to keep things natural, especially when it comes to coloring your bedsheets, you need to check out this Buffy Eucalyptus Sheet Set. Rather than potentially harmful dyes, Buffy uses natural ingredients like turmeric, rose petals, bark and gardenia to produce the subtle color in the fibers. Each set of these 300 single-ply sheets includes a top sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases. To top it all off, the cool-to-the-touch and breathable sheets are plant-based, meaning they are both fully biodegradable and compostable.
If you get hot or sweaty at night, the breathable essential sheet set by Slumber Cloud is a must. Reviewers ensure that there’s “nothing typical” about Slumber Cloud’s temperature-regulating sheets, which can offset the stuffiness caused by memory foam or latex mattresses. Constructed out of single-ply cotton and viscose fibers, these sheets adjust automatically to your ideal sleep temperature. Instead of being moisture-wicking, these sheets absorb excess heat, preventing sweat and humidity buildup in the first place.
If you’re looking for bed sheets made in the USA and from America’s finest cotton, this Legends Hotel Supima Sateen Sheet Set fits the bill. All sheets included in each of the six available set sizes are made from 450-thread count Supima cotton, delivering a combination of both comfort and style. These versatile sheets are also heavy enough for cooler temperatures while still being light enough for when things heat up, making them suitable for year-round use. In addition, you’ll have over 20 colors to choose from to ensure you can match your sheets to your existing decor.
There’s something indescribably decadent and sensual about silk sheets. They’re not an everyday piece for most, but when a special occasion or anniversary arises, it makes you feel like royalty to slip into these creamy, soft sheets. Offered by THXSilk, these sheets are constructed from 19 momme mulberry silk, which isn’t only comfortable, but also hypoallergenic. Silk also naturally regulates temperatures, so you won’t be caught in a sticky situation on a romantic night.
By prewashing the standard pillowcases, flat sheet and fitted sheet which are included with this Cultiver Linen Sheet Set, sleepers enjoy a soft vintage feel from the very first moment they are installed. Sets are available in four sizes and 20 different colors, making it easy to match your bedsheets with your existing decor. They are also crafted from pure European flax linen and come OEKO-TEX certified so you know they’re free of any harmful substances. Furthermore, each set is supplied with a linen bag for convenient storage when it isn’t being used on your bed.
Frette is the go-to choice if you’re looking to treat yourself and recreate that elevated hotel experience. This is their Hotel Classic sheet set, constructed from matte cotton percale (made in Italy, no less) and complete with finely embroidered pillowcases. Frette sheets are the best of the best, made with smooth and long fibers. This brand is a timeless and luxurious choice that doesn’t come cheap — but if you take your sleep seriously, it’s a worthy investment.
