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The 9 Best Cooling Sheet Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Stave off stuffy bedding with these breathable picks.

Folded yellow and blue cooling bed sheets in a stack on a bed
Photo:

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Whether you’re a naturally hot sleeper or just don’t like the AC running in your bedroom during the summer, investing in a cooling sheet set has a ton of benefits. As you shop for cooling sheets, there are a few things to keep in mind—namely, material and weave. When looking for cooling sheets, focus on naturally breathable materials like cotton, linen, bamboo, Tencel, or hemp. When it comes to cotton, a percale weave is best, although you can find some cooling sateen sheets too.  

To find the best cooling sheets, we’ve tested over 235 sheet sets over several months (at minimum). 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 Shannon Maher, dean of the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Kat Dey, co-founder & president of Ettitude, for their insight on finding breathable sheets for every season.

Best Overall Cooling Sheets

Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheet Set
PHOTO: Amazon
What Stands Out
  • The eucalyptus-derived fabric is cooling and moisture-wicking, and the fitted sheet features extra-deep pockets to accommodate mattresses of all sizes.

What Could Be Improved
  • The fitted sheet does not come with tags labeling the different sides.

Out of all the cooling sheets we tested, the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set was the only one that earned perfect five-star ratings across the board. We couldn't get over how absurdly soft these sateen sheets are. The cooling, eucalyptus-derived Tencel fabric is breathable and moisture wicking, while the sateen weave has a soft, silky feel against the skin. The sheets remained cool for the duration of our testing, even for self-proclaimed hot sleepers. It's also worth noting that the fibers have the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification—meaning they've been tested for harmful substances and proven to be safe.

Even though there was a little shrinkage after washing and drying these sheets, they were still easy to get on the bed. Plus, the pocket depth remained the same at an impressive 17.5 inches—enough to fit most mattresses with ease. The texture remained incredibly soft and, aside from a seam splitting on the pillowcase at the three-month mark, minimal visible threads or other wear and tear. One tester even walked away with plans to buy these sheets immediately, describing them as "inexpensive luxury."

The sheets are available in a variety of stunning earth-toned colors to fit any bedroom color scheme and come with a 60-day sleep trial, so you can take your time deciding. Unfortunately, Olive + Crate's cooling bed sheets only come in queen, king, and California king sizes—so people with smaller mattresses would need to pick another set from this list.

Material: Tencel lyocell | Weave: Sateen | Pocket: 17.5 inches | Sizes Available: Queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 60 days via the manufacturer

Woman measuring the Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Tencel Fiber Sheet Set top sheet

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

What Stands Out
  • They’re very durable and didn’t hold onto stains during testing.

What Could Be Improved
  • They are not made from natural materials.

If you’re looking for cooling sheets on a budget, we recommend the Comfort Spaces Coolmax Sheets, which offer a solid combination of cooling, comfort, and price. This set is made from a blend of polyester and “Coolmax” microfiber, which is specially designed to wick away moisture. This might be a con for people who are looking for sheets made of natural materials, but if budget is your primary concern, we think this is a doable tradeoff. This sheet set performed well across all our test categories—we rated it highly for durability, breathability, texture, and value. 

In general, these are top-quality sheets that are constructed very well. Even when we took sandpaper to the sheets, we ended up with little to no pilling, which is a strong indication that these sheets are built to last. Both the sheets and the pillowcase stayed soft and did not diminish in any way due to washing, and all stains we applied to the sheets came out easily.

More importantly, these sheets are truly comfy and cooling. They feel cool to the touch and absorb moisture really well. At under $60 for a queen-size set, they are a steal. You can also buy just the fitted sheet if you don’t want to get the entire set with the flat sheet and pillowcases. The sheet set is available in twin to California king sizes and comes in six colors.

Material: Polyester, microfiber | Thread Count: 180 | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: Not listed | Size Range: Twin—California king | Return Policy: 30 days

What Stands Out
  • They’re softer than other percale sheets, yet still retain that crisp, breathable feel.

What Could Be Improved
  • They only come in two colors.

If crisp bedding is what you’re after, you need to look for cotton percale sheets. Percale doesn’t refer to a fabric specifically, but rather a type of weave that features a one-thread-over, one-thread-under pattern, resulting in a crisp, lightweight feel. Our favorite cooling percale sheet set is this option from West Elm, which has a hotel-like quality that’s particularly breathable. 

After six months of regular use, these sheets have held up perfectly, and feel just the same as they did when they first arrived. They’re an ideal warm weather bedding option, although hot sleepers will definitely get year-round use out of them. While percale sheets can sometimes be a bit rough and almost crinkly, especially at first, we found these sheets to be soft right out of the box. They did not hold onto stains, and coffee and oil stains were completely removed after washing.

One thing we wish was different about these sheets is that they only come in two colors: white and pearl gray. While this won’t bother minimalists who prefer neutral bedding, it might be a con for those who like some variety—even a tan shade would be a good addition. On the plus side though, these sheets are made of organic cotton, and have pleated stitched edges that look totally sophisticated.

Material: Organic cotton | Thread Count: 400 | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade | Size Range: Full—California king | Return Policy: 30 days

What Stands Out
  • The buttery soft feel is comforting yet breathable.

What Could Be Improved
  • We noticed some inconsistencies in the seams.

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% Egyptian long-staple cotton—a premium fabric known for its softness and durability. The sheets earned a perfect score for their breathability during our 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 feeling smothered. We think they are suitable for year-round use thanks to their breathable make, and we loved how soft they stayed long term.

While these sateen sheets are a high-quality option overall, we noticed some inconsistencies in the seams and a few loose threads. 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: Egyptian cotton | Thread Count: Not listed | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Size Range: Full—California king | Return Policy: 60 days

What Stands Out
  • They have the deepest pockets of all the sheets on our list and maintained their quality over two years.

What Could Be Improved
  • They are priced much higher than other bamboo sheets.

If you’re looking for high-quality cooling sheets, this set from Cozy Earth is worth the splurge. Bamboo sheets, which are actually made from rayon, lyocell, or viscose fabric derived from bamboo fibers, are known for being effective at drawing heat away from the body and wicking away moisture, and these luxurious sheets are no exception.

They have a cool-to-the-touch sensation that stay that way through the night. 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. We found no visible flaws both before and after washing and the sheets remained just as soft as they were right out of the package throughout two years of use. We did observe a small tear in the elastic band, though this was minor.

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 16 different colors, including plenty of neutrals and a few unusual hues. 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: Viscose from bamboo | Thread Count: Not listed | Pocket: 20 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Size Range: Twin/twin XL—split king | Return Policy: 100 days

Person spreading a Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set top sheet over a mattress

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

What Stands Out
  • They feel like silk but are much more breathable, and you can buy them without a top sheet

What Could Be Improved
  • We noticed minor shrinkage when we first washed them.

Tencel lyocell sheet sets are similar to bamboo in that they’re silky smooth and naturally temperature-regulating. This set from Sijo impressed us with their lightweight feel, which kept us cool and comfortable over several months of use. They also have a nice sheen to them, which gives them more of a luxurious vibe—they look and feel like silk sheets, but are much more cooling. 

These sheets have held up really well over months of use, and have quickly become a fan favorite. They are durable and don’t require any special care (again, a feature that sets them apart from traditional silk sheets), although we did notice some minor shrinkage when we first washed them. Apart from that, we have zero complaints about these sheets.

There are also some unique extra features to this set. First, they are top sheet optional, which is good news for people who prefer to forgo the top sheet and save some extra money. Second, they come with a Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification, which means that they’re hypoallergenic and suitable for people with fabric sensitivities. The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification is another standout feature, and means that these sheets are made without any potentially harmful chemicals. 

Material: Tencel lyocell | Thread Count: Not listed | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, Asthma and Allergy Friendly, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) | Size Range: Twin—California king | Return Policy: 30 days

What Stands Out
  • They are much softer than typical hemp sheets because they’re made with a bamboo lyocell-hemp blend.

What Could Be Improved
  • They’re only available in three sizes.

The Ettitude Linen+ Sheet Set isn’t actually made of linen—it’s actually a combination of cooling bamboo lyocell and hemp fibers that are breathable and less wrinkly than your classic linen sheets. Still, the fabric is incredibly soft and drapey, and we love the pretty embroidery on the pillowcases. It can accommodate mattresses up to 17 inches, although we would have liked to see tags on the inside of the sheets to show us the best way to fit them on the mattress. 

While hemp sheets can be scratchy and rough at first, the inclusion of bamboo lyocell fibers makes these sheets much softer, even after six months of use. They’re also pretty durable—during testing, it was easy to remove the coffee and foundation stains, although the oil stains were harder to wash out. They unfortunately did not perform as well during the abrasion tests, which resulted in a hole after 40 strokes with sandpaper. We were relieved to find that these sheets showed very little wear and tear after six months of regular use though, with no stains or loose threads. 

Material: 70% CleanBamboo Lyocell, 30% hemp | Thread Count: Not listed | Pocket: 17 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Size Range: Queen—California king | Return Policy: 60 days

What Stand Out
  • The crisp feel of these sheets keeps you cool while the high-quality materials withstand wear and tear.

What Could Be Improved
  • They are pretty wrinkly.

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% 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 six months of testing, they retained their color, quality, and feel, and didn’t become stained even with a dog sleeping on them. We also loved that they have a thick elastic band that keeps the fitted sheet securely in place—and it didn’t stretch or lose its elasticity regardless of how many times we washed it. 

Material: Organic cotton | Thread Count: Not listed | Pocket: 15 inches | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade | Size Range: Twin—California king | Return Policy: 60 days

Saatva Linen Sheet Set
PHOTO: Saatva
What Stands Out
  • The loose linen weave allows for plenty of airflow, yet remains cozy during the winter months.

What Could Be Improved
  • They are only available in four neutral colors.

The loose weave of linen 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. 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% Belgian flax, these are high-quality sheets that come 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 four 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% Belgian flax | Thread Count: Not listed | Pocket: 16 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Size Range: Twin—California king | Return Policy: 45 days

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Sijo CrispCool Cotton Sheet Set, which is made from crisp and cooling cotton percale. These sheets are highly durable and have a nice mid-weight feel that’s breathable but not papery, making them suitable for all types of sleepers. For a cheaper option, we suggest the Comfort Spaces Coolmax Sheets, which are durable, soft, and temperature-regulating at a much lower price.

Our Testing Process

To find the best cooling bed sheets, we tested 200 sheet sets over a span of six months, including cotton, linen, bamboo, Tencel, hemp, and polyester options. Our initial evaluation of each set involved visually inspecting them 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 purposely stained each sheet set with coffee, oil, and foundation. After one hour, we applied a stain remover solution and washed the stained sheets, keeping one stained pillowcase for reference. We then compared the unwashed pillowcase against the washed flat sheet, noticing any changes in color or texture and any imperfections. We also observed how effectively the stains were removed in the wash.

We then conducted a durability test, which involved swiping a sanding block against each flat sheet 25 times over a 5-inch area. We noted any differences between the abraded and non-abraded areas, as well as any holes that formed.

Afterward, we brought the top scoring sets home with us and used them consistently. We re-assessed their performance, durability, and quality at one-month, three-month, and six-month intervals and noted how well they kept us cool.

A person covered in the Quince Linen Bamboo Sheet Set

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

How to Shop for Cooling Sheets Like a Pro

Material

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. Opt for cotton sheets with a percale weave, as those feel crisp and tend to be more breathable than sateen. (There are exceptions though—the Parachute Sateen Sheet Set was among the most breathable of the sateen 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% 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. Maher says “the 'relaxed' linen look allows linen sheets to be washed/dried without the guilt of a wrinkled/rumpled look.” 

Hemp: Hemp is another plant-based material that has a similar feel to linen, and is naturally temperature regulating. It feels a bit rough at first, but softens up with time and washing, and allows for plenty of airflow. It’s also highly durable, and is known for its eco-friendliness.

Polyester: This synthetic fiber is extremely durable, wrinkle-resistant, and affordable. 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, like the Comfort Spaces Coolmax Sheets, our Best Budget pick.

Weave

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 is typically 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.

Pocket

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.

Person placing a yellow fitted sheet on a mattress
Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Thread Count

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. Since the basic plain weave of percale is a 200 thread count, Maher says it is naturally lighter in feel and weight. A sateen weave, on the other hand, 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," Maher explains. Ideally, a thread count between 200 and 400 is best for hot sleepers.

Return Policy

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.

More Cooling Bed Sheets to Consider

Quince Linen Bamboo Sheet Set: These sheets are incredibly soft, combining the best of both linen and bamboo fibers. We think they’re a good year-round option, as they managed to keep us cool and comfortable through the night but still had a cozy feel that is very enticing.

The Company Store Cotton Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set: Made from 70% bamboo viscose and 30% 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. 

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, which might be annoying for some people.

A person putting a pillowcase on a pillow from the West Elm Silky Tencel Sheet Set

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Questions You Might Ask

What’s the difference between “cooling” sheets and “breathable” sheets? 

According to Dey, breathable sheets allow air to pass through them easily, which in turn causes moisture (such as sweat) to evaporate quickly. “The primary function of breathable sheets is to promote ventilation and moisture management, keeping the sleeper dry and comfortable,” she says. Bamboo lyocell, linen, Tencel, and long-staple cotton are all examples of breathable materials. 

On the other hand, cooling fabrics often feature special technologies or additives to cool the body as a person lies on it. “Examples of cooling fabrics include certain types of nylon or polyester blends with added cooling properties, as well as fabrics infused with cooling gels or treated with cooling finishes,” Dey explains.

Are there any materials that hot sleepers should avoid? 

Hot sleepers should avoid polyester fabrics (usually labeled as polyester or microfiber) in favor of more natural materials. “These materials trap heat and moisture and feel uncomfortable against the skin,” says Dey.

Again though, some polyester sheets are made with cooling technology to counteract their typical heat-trapping nature. These sheets also tend to be very affordable (think under $50 for a queen size), so they may be worth it for people who don’t want to spend a lot.

What are some other ways to keep cool at night?

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.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, a commerce editor at Dotdash Meredith, and updated by Nor’Adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested over 200 sheet sets, evaluating them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert tips on what to look for in cooling bed sheets, we spoke to Shannon Maher, dean of the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Kat Dey, co-founder & president of Ettitude.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

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. 

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

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