Comfortable sheets are important for a good night’s sleep. Mellanni Fine Linens states “sleeping well shouldn’t be a luxury” and seeks to fill the gap of providing quality bedding at affordable prices. We tested the Mellanni 100 percent Cotton Bed Sheet Set for durability, breathability, and comfort. Read on to see if they live up to the hype.
Material: 100 percent cotton comfort
Made with all-natural fibers, 100 percent cotton sheets are prized for being lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. These sheets are no exception. They felt soft and snuggly straight from the package. So much so that my son claimed these sheets for himself and refused to sleep on any others. When purchasing cotton sheets, it’s important to examine the label. If it doesn’t say 100 percent cotton, it’s likely to be a blend of cotton and synthetic materials. Mellanni sheets are 100 percent cotton, although not marked as one of the superior blends of Egyptian or Supima. We couldn’t discover the type of cotton or its origin, but the sheets are made in India. The sheet OEKO-TEX-certified to ensure they are chemical-free.
Thread Count and Weave: Soft sateen
The feel of a set of sheets is determined by several factors, such as weave, thread count, and the material. Mellanni 100 percent cotton sheets are sateen, which is a dense weave produced the same way as satin, to give the material a glossy shine. A good quality sateen will have a thread count of 300 to 600. These sheets are 300-thread count. While they didn’t live up to the packaging promise of “Sleep better and wake up each morning feeling refreshed and full of energy,” they did deliver on their promise for “exceptional comfort.”
Texture: Thinner than others
Cotton is a breathable fabric, which means it allows air to flow through the material, making it comfortable for people who get hot while sleeping. These sheets felt thinner than other sheets we tested. We chose white sheets, and we could see our hands through them when we held them up to the light. They still draped nicely over the bed and our bodies. If you have a furry friend who sleeps with you, like our black cat, any hair shed on the bed is easy to wipe away with a lint roller or by hand.
Washing: One giant wrinkle
Mellanni claims these sheets are “super soft and smooth.” I didn’t find this to be true. We washed them according to the manufacturer’s directions in cold water with a cold rinse and a quick tumble dry on low, but these sheets came out of the dryer as one giant wrinkle. They became softer with each wash but required ironing to achieve a “smooth” feel. Even after ironing, the sheets became wrinkled again after a night’s use. The sheets had no problems with pilling, fraying, or fading. Although cotton sheets are easy to care for, they do have a few special instructions to keep them looking their best. The manufacturer directs you to avoid bleach, fabric softener, or other clothing when washing; it can break down the fibers. Also, washing sheets in hot water or drying on high heat can shrink the fabric. To prevent (or reduce) wrinkling, remove the sheets from the dryer while still slightly damp.
Color: No patterns or stripes
Looking for bold colors, patterns, or stripes? You won’t find them here. Only four color options are available: white, ivory, gray, and light gray. While these colors are designed to match most decor, they felt plain. A stripe or band of color would have enriched the options.
Key Features: A lifetime of sleep
It’s hard to sleep on a sheet that keeps slipping off the bed. Mellanni solves this problem by adding elastic all around the bottoms of their fitted sheets and deep corner pockets that fit up to a 16-inch mattress. The sheets stay in place and keep a firm grip on the mattress even through a night of tossing and turning. If you have a mattress topper or an oversized mattress, be sure to measure the mattress and topper before you purchase your sheets. You might need to opt for a larger size.
Price: Luxuriously affordable
Ranging in price from $35 for a full set to $39 for a California king, these sheets are a good choice for budget-friendly cotton comfort. For 100 percent cotton, their 300-thread count, and palpable softness, you can’t beat the price. For anyone not satisfied with the sheets, Mellanni offers a lifetime manufacturer’s guarantee that’s one of the best we’ve seen. Simply send an email, and they’ll refund the purchase with no questions asked.
Competition: Quality cotton, all chemical-free
The Casper Cool Sheet Set: This top quality set is made from 100 percent premium extra-long-staple Supima cotton. Supima cotton is only grown in a few states in the US and is strictly regulated for quality. Its durable blend means it won’t pill or tear easily and becomes softer after each wash. Available in sizes twin to California king, these sheets have a higher price point, but they are backed by the 100-night sleep guarantee, allowing for returns with a full refund. Consider purchasing these sheets if you want to experience the comfort, softness, and breathability of cotton, but don’t want to splurge on Egyptian or Supima cotton. To keep these sheets wrinkle-free, you will need to iron them.
