We researched top-rated cooling sheets and put some to the test in different climates to see how they really performed. After sleeping on and laundering the sheets over the course of several weeks, our testers rated them according to their quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. During testing, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets stood out as our top pick for their breathability and softness. Read on for some of our other top options, informed by both testing and independent research. Soft, crisp, and actually cooling, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets went above and beyond during testing—earning a perfect 5 out of 5 in every category. This is a sheet set that hot sleepers will appreciate night after night, in large part thanks to the breathable Tencel material. (Tencel is a brand of eucalyptus lyocell fiber, produced from sustainably harvested wood pulp.) “These are the softest, smoothest, coolest sheets I’ve felt yet,” said our tester. “Honestly makes me a tad nervous that I wouldn’t want to get out of bed but that’s what alarms are for, yes?” The sheets are finished in a sateen weave, giving them a super smooth, almost silk-like look and feel. Available in three sizes (Queen, King, California King) and eight colors, each Olive + Crate sheet set comes with a fitted sheet, a top sheet, and two pillowcases. Our testers found them fairly easy to put on the bed, in large part thanks to the deep, 17.5-inch pockets. Our only complaint is that the sheets shrank slightly in the wash, but not enough to affect their fit or overall usability. Price at time of publish: $130 One of our only complaints was how rough these sheets were right out of the package. However, Brooklinen does recommend washing them before use and, during testing, the break-in period proved to be worth it. And while the color options on these sheets are somewhat limited, most are neutral or earth tones that complement the overall look. They are also on the expensive side, so make sure that you really want the color that they have (some go out of stock quickly) before making the investment. Price at time of publish: $259 With their soft and cool feel, these sheets wowed our testers: despite their lower price, we found them to be well constructed, with only a few loose threads present upon arrival. Plus, unlike other options we tried, they didn’t wrinkle in the wash—fairly impressive, considering the Tencel fabric is 500 times thinner than cotton. You can choose from over a dozen colors. Price at time of publish: $90 Luckily, these breathable sheets don’t overheat throughout the night. Our tester loved how they stayed cool and breathable. They’re also designed to regulate body temperature for improved sleep. We awarded them extra style points for the beautiful stitching on the included pillowcase. Price at time of publish: $68 The coolest of Sijo’s bedding offerings, the AiryWeight sheets promise to provide a comfy sleeping experience to hot sleepers and those in warmer climates. To complete the look, you can also purchase the brand’s eucalyptus comforter, duvet cover, and pillows (all sold separately). Price at time of publish: $110 After sleeping on them for 10 nights, our tester noted that these sheets kept her and her husband cool and comfortable through the night. “The sheets have a rich, buttery softness,” she said. “The fabric draped and slid over my hand and fingers.” While their silkiness might not be a fit for everyone, we were a fan of their heat-absorbing properties, giving them a 5 out of 5 for both breathability and texture. Just note that the fitted sheet included in this set has a fairly deep pocket; as such, these sheets are best suited for medium to thick mattresses. Price at time of publish: $169 One thing to note about these sheets is that they wrinkle quite easily—a disappointment, especially because the company claims that they’re wrinkle-resistant. However, if you’re looking for a high-performing set of cooling sheets, these are a great option. Price at time of publish: $109 After sleeping on them for almost a week, our tester found these sheets to be breathable, cool-to-the-touch, and soft. “To the touch, the fabric is cool and only slightly textured, which I appreciated,” she said. “While more texture can be aesthetically appealing, I liked that this fabric didn’t leave any weird marks on my face when I found myself wrapped up in the top sheet come morning.” Linen provides a lived-in look, but some might take some issue with how quickly they wrinkled. We recommend using dryer balls and fluffing the sheets in between washer and dryer cycles to help reduce unsightly wrinkles and bunches from forming. Price at time of publish: $42 These are expensive sheets and some of the most popular colors sell out very quickly. They also don’t offer a twin sheet option so make sure that your mattress will work with what they offer. Buffy stands behind their products, however, and offers a 7-day free trial period. Price at time of publish: $238 Price at time of publish: $99 Price at time of publish: $325
What to Look for in Cooling Sheets
Material
When purchasing cooling sheets, the most common materials that you’ll encounter are linen, bamboo, cotton, and lyocell (Tencel is a common brand). During testing, we had the best luck with our lyocell options, as they were less scratchy than linen and provided a silk-like look and feel. However, the best material for you depends largely on your individual preferences. For instance, cotton has a crisper texture than lyocell and linen, which some sleepers prefer.
Weave
Tighter weaves will have a heavier heft and will often trap heat, while loose weaves breathe more and allow body heat to escape as you sleep. Brakefield asserts that weave is the most important factor when choosing cooling sheets. “If it’s only a cooling sensation or texture, it’s not going to allow your body to regulate heat and it’s not going to keep you cool throughout the night,” she says. An easy way to assess the weave of your sheets is to hold them up to a light source: if there’s very little light transfer, this means that the weave is denser; loose weaves should allow more light to pass through. During testing, all of our top picks had a high amount of light shining through the material.
Thread Count
Contrary to popular belief, a high thread count isn’t the only thing that can indicate softness. Material and weave can also have a big impact. A thread count in the 200 to 400 range is more than sufficient, especially if the material and weave are known to be soft.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this article, she personally tested products, compiled data from our team of testers, and looked at third-party reviews and features. Having lived in Hawaii, she knows the importance of sheets made for your climate and sleep needs. For extra insight, she also consulted with Amanda Leather, an Interior Designer at Havenly. Following our testing at The Lab, Lily Sperry contributed additional reporting and research. Emma Phelps, an Updates Writer for The Spruce, also offered additional support for this roundup by speaking to Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton, a family-owned and operated bedding business. Brakefield offers a unique, expert perspective on bedding by having previous professional experience in marketing and branding, and working on her family’s North Alabama cotton farm, which supplies all of the fibers for Red Land Cotton’s bedding.
