To find truly soft sheets, we tried and tested a selection of sheet sets in The Lab, putting products made of a variety of different materials to the test with washing, wear, and even staining. We also used these sheet sets in real-world settings, with our product testers putting each set through its paces at home for one to three months so we could determine how they performed in everyday situations. Our pick for the softest bed sheets is the Lands’ End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Sheet Set, which features Supima cotton in a smooth percale weave. Their cotton construction makes the sheets wonderfully soft, and they remain comfortably soft even after daily wear and regular washings. Discover more of the softest bed sheets with our picks below. Our tester found caring for these soft sheets is as easy as tossing them in the washing machine. They aren’t finicky at all. “They are easy to launder as they don’t require any crazy instructions and, since they are a darker color, I can wash them along with jeans or our mostly dark wardrobe and not worry about them,” our tester said. They hold up and maintain their color with regular washings (yes, even with regular drying!) The only potential drawback our tester noted is hot sleepers may not experience much of a cooling effect from these soft cotton sheets. While they’re relatively breathable and nicely crisp, these sheets may not be the coolest choice for those who run warm year-round. However, we think the softness and durability make them well worth it. Price at time of publish: $170 for a Queen set Unfortunately, after even just a single wash, our tester did find that the sheets’ pattern can fade. However, with their budget-friendly price and overall quality construction, our tester still recommended them: “With a thread count of 400, they are soft enough to be a great value. The special features on the bottom sheet make this sheet set a bargain… even if the bottom sheet faded after one wash/dry.” Price at time of publish: $55 for a Queen set Plus, in addition to their comfort and secure fit, these sateen sheets are also OEKO-TEX Made in Green certified, which verifies they’re manufactured in an environmentally-friendly facility and free of harmful substances. The only potential concern with this soft set of sheets? Our tester found that the pillowcases can be somewhat tight if you’re working with a particularly plush pillow. Otherwise, however, these sleek sateen sheets will offer luxury-like perks at a reasonable price (and all the softness you’ve been looking for!) Price at time of publish: $130 for a Queen set As an added bonus, these soft bed sheets are also cooling for warm and hot sleepers. Our tester found them cool to the touch, and they didn’t warm up noticeably after laying atop them. Their airy construction makes them breathable and even odor-resistant (yes, even during summer!) Our tester did note that the color choices available are pretty bright; however, if you’re looking for a pop of color, they’ll fit the bill nicely. Additionally, these soft bamboo sheets do wrinkle pretty easily, even right out of the wash. However, it’s nothing unsightly. Price at time of publish: $100 for a Queen set With a higher price tag, these sheets are definitely a bit of a splurge. And you’ll want to note that if you want a fitted and flat sheet, the flat sheet comes as an additional cost. However, as our tester summed these sheets up, “The price is high, but they’re a very soft cotton option that feels well-made, fits the bed well and is breathable.” Price at time of publish: $229 for a Queen set Woven out of TENCEL lyocell fibers sourced from eucalyptus, these soft bed sheets are ultra-breathable and naturally hypoallergenic. While eucalyptus is already kinder to the environment, these sheets are also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. But, according to our tester, they really shine in comfort. “So so so soft, silky, and smooth. I absolutely loved lying in these. Honestly makes me a tad nervous that I wouldn’t want to get out of bed but that’s what alarms are for, yes?” she noted. The only slight drawback to these extra-soft sheets? They can shrink slightly after a wash. However, it shouldn’t be enough to affect how they fit on your bed. Price at time of publish: $160 for a Queen set In addition to their soft feel, these sheets are also nicely breathable and moisture-wicking for a comfortable night of sleep year-round. The fabric won’t change, shrink, or pill with regular wear and washing, either, making them a great everyday choice. Our tester did note, however, that these soft bed sheets will wrinkle easily if not removed from the dryer promptly. The longer the sheets sit, the more they’ll wrinkle–so keep that in mind if you’re someone who prefers a perfectly smooth sheet. Price at time of publish: $96 for a Queen set In addition to their sustainable–and soft–construction, these organic bamboo sheets are also wonderfully comfortable. Our tester noted there were no issues with fitted sheet corners popping off or shrinkage after washing. Rather, they stay comfortable and hold up with even frequent washing well for the long haul. The only potential issue may be their wrinkly nature right out of the wash. Our tester pointed out that the top sheet is particularly prone to wrinkling, even after being on the bed. Price at time of publish: $110 for a Queen set These soft bed sheets are definitely an investment and come with a higher price than most of our other picks. Additionally, they do wrinkle easily; if you aren’t a fan of wrinkles, you’ll want to make sure they don’t sit in a laundry basket or inside the dryer long after washing. Ultimately, though, our tester noted that the high quality of these sheets makes them a quality pick for anyone who wants soft, luxury-level sheets. Price at time of publish: $278 for a Queen set However, these soft flannel bed sheets can show some signs of wear after washing. Our tester noticed shrinkage after the first wash, as well as some light pilling. It’s common for there to be lint buildup after the first wash, too, with these flannel sheets. However, when it comes to a plush and warm bed, these are a worthwhile investment. Price at time of publish: $129 for a Queen set Bamboo, eucalyptus, and other sheets made out of renewable resources can also have a high level of softness, like BAMPURE’s Organic Bamboo Sheets. However, these sheets tend to have more a silky soft feel–they’re sleeker and often a bit more slippery, which lends a different softness. If you prefer lightweight sheets, this silky texture may be a good choice.
Weave
Along with the material, the weave of a sheet set can play a role in softness. For example, a percale cotton sheet will feel different in softness than a sateen cotton sheet. The weave determines the direction of the yarn or fibers, giving a sheet set its texture. When you’re searching for the softest bed sheets, sateen weave is a popular choice; in sheets like Nestwell’s Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, this means you’ll feel a smooth, softened texture. Percale sheets, on the other hand, can also be wonderfully soft, but their weave lends itself to crispness, too.
Thread Count
A higher thread count doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a softer set of sheets. Thread count can help you determine how many yarns are used per square inch across a piece of fabric. But it doesn’t always mean that a truly soft yarn or fiber was used to make that material. Thread count does matter when you’re picking out 100 percent cotton sheets, as a higher count can sometimes enhance softness. Typically, you’ll want to look for options within the 300 to 500 thread count range for the right balance (the Lands’ End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Sheet Set is a great example!)
Why Trust The Spruce?
Heather Adams is the Senior Commerce Editor for all things bed, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. She researched the products in this roundup, considering the material, softness, and insights from product testing at-home and in The Lab for various sheet sets. She chose sheet sets that offered comfort for every type of sleeper, as well as options that offered a combination of softness, durability, and value for the cost. Previously, Heather wrote for Clean Eating Magazine, covering food, nutrition, and wellness content, and created product roundups for sites including Fatherly, The Drive, and Car Bibles, covering parenting, automotive, garage, and tool content.
