These Sheets Feel Just as Luxurious as the Expensive Set I Love and Cost Half the Price

These Sheets Feel Just as Luxurious as the Expensive Set I Love and Cost Half the Price

by | Mar 29, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

When it comes to bedding, I’m kinda particular. It’s not about the color, print, brand name, or detailing. The reason I’m so picky about what goes on my bed (and which mattress I’m sleeping on) is this: getting quality sleep is very important to me. Without at least eight solid hours of snoozing, I’m not exactly at my best — believe me, you don’t want to face my grouchiness after an uncomfortable night’s sleep. So when I find a set of sheets that works for me, I order multiples. The only problem? Good sheets usually come with a hefty price tag, and since I’m not willing to compromise on my Zzz’s, I often have to sacrifice the health of my bank account to buy the bedding I want.

Enter: Quince. Admittedly, I was skeptical when I stumbled across the home goods company that promises to deliver high quality at “a radically lower price.” At less than $90 for a Queen sheet set (my favorite sheets are a whopping $250), there was no way I’d wake up perky and ready to face the day, right? Wrong. I took Quince’s Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set for a spin, and let me tell you, I was shook. After one wash, the set felt almost identical to the expensive options I’m used to splurging on.

Quince offers a range of bedding finds, including these linen sheets that AT’s commerce director, Mark, swears by. The innovative company keeps its prices low by cutting out the middlemen and handling as much as possible (including packaging and transportation) in house. That’s how they ensure their products are made from high-quality, sustainable materials with a luxurious feel — which let me tell you, their percale sheets certainly are.

This 400-thread-count sheet set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases that are crisp (but not crispy), soft (but not silky), and lightweight (but not so light that you can’t feel them). They achieve that hotel feeling: never scratchy and always fresh. Available in three subtle, elegant colorways, the sheets have softened with each wash, and although they are marketed as cooling sheets for those who “sleep hot,” I find them substantial enough to keep me warm on colder nights.

I also love that Quince’s company values align with my own. Their sheets are made from 100 percent organic, extra-long-staple cotton that’s OEKO-TEX and Global Organic Textile Standard Certified. All Quince products ship directly from the factory to reduce their carbon footprint, and Quince only works with partners that pay fair wages to their employees.

A set of amazing sheets for one-third the price of my usual luxury buys might seem too good to be true, but trust me, it isn’t. My wallet isn’t suffering anymore, and I got up this morning chipper and ready to start the day — no grouchiness in sight. Sweet dreams, indeed.

Buy: Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set, $89.90

I Switched from Linen Sheets to These Dreamy Cotton Percale Ones and I’m Never Going Back

I Switched from Linen Sheets to These Dreamy Cotton Percale Ones and I’m Never Going Back

by | Mar 15, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

It wasn’t until recently that I became hip to percale sheets. I had always been a linen gal, but after literal years of wear and tear endured by my favorite Parchute Linen Sheet Set, it was time to switch it up. That’s when I began looking for a sheet set that mimicked the clean, crisp feeling of hotel sheets. For me, ideal bedding is stiff enough to stay taut against my mattress without feeling crunchy, and the texture is smooth but not too silky. Bottom line: Cotton percale seemed to be the fabric for me.

As it turns out, knowing what kind of sheets you like is a lot easier than finding the exact set of sheets you like — at least when you’re as picky as I am about bedding. In the course of my quest, I’ve tried multiple sets: A few were passable at best, others felt far too satiny, and still others wrinkled easily or felt crinkly when I got into bed. It wasn’t until trying out Boll & Branch’s Percale Hemmed Sheet Set that I was excited about bedding again. Finally! These smooth, clean-feeling sheets checked off all my boxes.

Snagging the top spot on AT’s Best Organic Sheets list, the Hemmed Sheet Set is 100 percent organic and Fair Trade Certified. I love that Boll & Branch’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t compromise the exquisite feel or style of these sheets. With an array of sophisticated colors to choose from, any bedscape is bound to look (and feel) heavenly when topped with these Boll & Branch beauties.

Made from 300-thread-count cotton, the set includes a fitted sheet, a top sheet, and two pillow cases. The bottom sheet fits perfectly over my beloved Burrow mattress, and the top sheet is heavy enough to stay put yet light enough to avoid feeling claustrophobic. Slipping into my Boll & Branch-clad bed makes for a breathable sleep, one where I never wake up sweaty or shivering even with the erratic weather changes we have here in Southern California. The sheets even get smoother and look more and more at home on my bed with each wash. They truly feel like they were made just for me. 

Buy: Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set, $238

The Luxuriously Soft Cotton Percale Sheets That Made Our Best List Are 40% Off Right Now

The Luxuriously Soft Cotton Percale Sheets That Made Our Best List Are 40% Off Right Now

by | Feb 25, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Finding the perfect set of sheets is no easy feat. With so many different styles and fabrics out there, figuring out which ones are actually worth your time can be overwhelming. But fear not — that’s why we’re here. At Apartment Therapy, we’re constantly on the hunt for the best in bedding, testing and vetting everything from the most affordable finds to the luxe picks that have you wondering, “Are these really worth the investment?” So when we find a piece we adore, there’s nothing we love more than sharing it with you. Well, except, maybe finding out that said piece is also currently on sale. Today we’re talking about a tried-and-true favorite: the Martha Stewart Collection Cotton Percale Sheet Set from Macy’s.

Earlier this year, our team embarked on a testing spree to find the best cotton percale sheets, and as soon as the topic came up, there was one set we knew was going to make the cut (I think you can guess where I’m going here). Perfect for building a hotel-quality bed on a budget, the Martha Stewart sheets, a Macy’s exclusive, feature a 400-count thread count, are made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton, and are luxuriously soft yet crisp without that crunchy feel some percale sheets tend to have.

Commerce executive director Mark put these affordable sheets to the test, and let’s just say they passed with flying colors. As someone who admittedly doesn’t like to spend a lot on sheets, Mark said this set made him a believer in percale. “Sleeping in these sheets almost feels indulgent, and it’s hard to believe they don’t come with a hefty price tag,” he shared. They also kept Mark cool and comfortable and have “only gotten softer with each wash, yet somehow have maintained a bit of a crisp quality.” To sum it up: “[This set] turned out to be the best affordable option I’ve found so far, and I’m never going back.” Consider us sold!

Ringing in at just under $100 for a Queen-sized set, the sheets comes in five neutral, dreamy colors, including Pale Indigo, Milky Green, and Dove Grey, and make the perfect addition to any bedroom. So if you’ve been considering upgrading your sleep setup, consider this a sign.

Sarah M. Vazquez

SEO Commerce Editor

Sarah writes about all things shopping for Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, and Cubby helping you find the best deals and the best products for you and your home. A Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl, she loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and her family (but not necessarily in that order).

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The Best Organic Sheets You Can Buy Right Now

The Best Organic Sheets You Can Buy Right Now

by | Feb 2, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Good bedding is meant to stay with you for years, which is why it’s important to consider any chemical treatment your sheets have undergone in the production process. Certified organic sheets are, without a doubt, the best option for the health of our skin and environment. But navigating the wide, somewhat convoluted world of organic textiles can make finding the right set daunting. We’ve done the research for you, found out what matters when it comes to organic bedding, and tested a wide range of brands and sheets. Here are our picks of the best of the best. Looking for a more comprehensive guide to buying sheets? Check out ours here.

What to Consider When Buying Organic Sheets

In the western world, we hear “organic” and are somewhat conditioned to feel better about a purchase, even if we’re not entirely sure what the term means in relation to what we’re buying. Not all bedding with “organic” in the name is the best option or even completely trustworthy. There are a few things to consider when you’re shopping for organic sheets, from what they’re worth to why and how their value is certified.

The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. However, sheets with a thread count above 430, according to the pros, may require more of your attention. In fact, Brooklinen co-founder Vicki Fulop says “a multi-ply construction is often used to strengthen lower-grade cotton; a super high thread count can actually indicate the presence of a lower-quality sheet.” But this doesn’t actually complicate things as much as it may seem. Thread count is still an important factor; just keep in mind that “as the thread count rises, the fabric becomes softer, denser and warmer,” says Fulop. “So that you know you’re getting an accurate and not misrepresented thread count, you want to be in the 200-500 range. In the lower range you’ll have a crisper, cooler sheet and on the higher end you’ll have a smoother and warmer sheet.” Hot sleepers may actually prefer a percale or sateen sheet with a count closer to 200, while hot sleepers could enjoy the density of a 500 thread count set.

Even though the production of organic textiles, as opposed to non-organic textiles, involves fewer (if any) chemical treatments, they are usually still more expensive than the alternative. This is because the quality of the raw material itself — cotton, for example — has to be quite high to surpass the need for chemical softeners or other processing and finishing treatments. For the same reason, the material then has to be artfully woven into fabric and naturally dyed in order to yield a desirable look and feel without chemical aids. In short, quality organic sheets cost a pretty penny but are more than worth it when you consider the benefits and amount of use you’ll get out of them.

Dermal exposure to the chemicals that so much non-organic bedding is treated with — flame retardants, quinoline, bisphenols, benzothiazoles, phthalates, formaldehyde, metal nanoparticles, and other scary stuff we can barely pronounce — takes a toll on our largest organ over time. But it can also have an immediate effect on our skin, causing rashes and other allergic reactions after just a night’s sleep. And, no, washing your sheets when you first unbox them won’t get rid of all those chemicals, and maybe not any, depending on the production process. Now that you’re as scared straight as we are, think about a world where your bedding is guaranteed to not cause a chemically induced rash or emit so many harmful chemicals into the environment — globally or at home. Organic sheets, depending on their certifications, are non-toxic and safe.

There are a number material and textile certifications to consider when shopping for organic bedding.

What We Look For in Organic Sheets

We tested a range of organic sheets, from cotton to linen and hemp, judging them on the following criteria. Though not one of our most important criterium, we also considered the aesthetics of the sheets.

Our best overall pick when it comes to organic sheets are not only OEKO-TEX 100, GOTS, and Fair Trade certified but also hit the sweet spot between slick sateen, textured linen, and weighty hemp. Boll & Branch, an editor-favorite bedding brand, impressed us with its organic cotton percale Signature Hemmed Sheet Set. Tester and AT contributor Stella says, “I am not a lover of uber-soft sheets — I don’t like something scratchy, of course — but I’ve never been into sateen or even a really soft percale. I LOVE these sheets. They are crisp with a light texture and are perfect for me.” Stella tends to sleep a bit cold, but also lives in southern California, and these sheets served her well. “They have a bit of weight without feeling claustrophobic, and I feel they are less wrinkled than other percale sheets I have tried. These sheets are for the person who wants that hotel sheet feel — a set that stays clean feeling and crisp” wash after wash, year after year. The sheets, a perennial best-seller for Boll & Branch, are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, easy to clean, and dress a bed beautifully.

Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t want sheets that are either cooling or warming; those who want something that will soften with each wash and last a long time.

Good to Know: Boll & Branch offers free shipping and returns, but you can also try these sheets risk-free for 30 nights.

*Honorable mention: West Elm’s 400-Thread Count Organic Percale Sheets have apparent high quality “right out of the package,” says AT commerce executive director Mark. “They are lightweight, yet…substantial and the pleated edge makes them feel so fancy.” Mark is “a huge fan of these sheets” and, since he doesn’t wake up either freezing or sweating, he “highly recommends,” no matter what kind of sleeper you are.

While they’re not cheap, the Organic Sateen Sheets from Under the Canopy achieve one of the lower price points among our best picks without sacrificing quality. AT contributor Ivy, a tester of countless sheet sets, found these to be the “softest set of sheets I’ve ever tried (I’m talking butter-soft), and even my husband agrees. He’s used to me testing new bedding products all the time and makes comments here and there, but in this particular instance, I believe his exact words were, ‘WHERE did these sheets come from? They seriously gave me an amazing night’s sleep.’” The thing that really gives these sheets such value and makes them a rather uncommon find, though, is the fact that they’re sateen and organic. None of those chemical treatments often used to give sateen bedding that slick, ultra-soft feel were involved in the making of these Under the Canopy sheets, and Ivy calls it “a huge plus.” This also means they won’t lose their sateen sheen over time, which is even better news, considering Ivy calls them perfect “for year-round use.” Under the Canopy has sales often, so it’s likely you won’t spend the full amount on your own set, but Ivy does mention that these sheets are “well worth the $98 investment, anytime.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who love to shop sales; those who want the best sheets at the lowest price; those who want something on the cooler side.

Good to Know: Opting for a Twin size? It comes with a single pillowcase.

Weighty but breathable, the Organic Linen Sheets from Avocado are a standout option among other linen bedding. If you’re not a fan of the linen sheets you’ve tried so far, are a bit skeptical of linen’s softness or comfort as bedding, or think you prefer simple, soft cotton sheets, we urge you to give these a try. While, yes, they do achieve the price point expected of our best luxury pick, they also undeniably achieve everything a dream sheet set should be, from the certifications to the quality, feel, overnight performance, and durability over time. Though many linen sheet sets are pre-washed for immediate comfort, the Avocado Organic Linen Sheets achieve an out-of-the-box softness — without any chemical treatment, of course — that’s unsurpassed so far in our testing. The wide weave, typical of linen, gives them ventilation while the thread’s heft allows the sheets to drape over and hug you. Warm and cold sleepers can unite comfortably thanks to these impressive Avocado luxury linens.

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a sheet set to stand the test of time; those who love textured, slightly weighty, or linen sheets.

Good to Know: While we think these linen sheets are a standout, Avocado has a range of other luxury sheet sets to shop as well. You also get a 100-night sleep trial to make sure they’re the right investment for you.

Outside of sheets with more ventilated, open weaves like linen, organic ones don’t usually have the same cooling factors as those treated with chemicals that laminate materials or otherwise smooth and add shine. Commerce SEO editor Sarah notes, “In the past, I haven’t had the best luck with organic sheets, so I’d be lying if I said I didn’t go into this testing hesitant.” She’s not alone there, which is what made creating this list both a passion project and a challenge. “However,” she continues, “these sheets were an ABSOLUTE dream. Soft to the touch and able to keep me cool all night long (a feat, if I do say so myself), I felt luxurious (like Rihanna luxurious) with these sheets on. The slip, the comfort — if you’re looking to spoil yourself, do it with these sheets.” A rave review from an editor who is usually not impressed by organic sheets (including some from the same brand)! The Organic Relaxed Sateen Sheets from Coyuchi keep you cool, your bedroom looking great, and you feeling good about your purchase.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who like soft, slick cotton sheets, those who prefer a sheet with sheen.

Good to Know: Coyuchi uses a USDA-certified, biobased softener, miDori bioSoft, to finish these sheets and other textiles for added comfort and dryness.

If you’re shopping for winter bedding, sleep cold year-round, or enjoy sheets with a touch of texture and fluffiness, these Garnet Hill Organic Flannel Sheets are for you. Untreated flannel, especially organic, that’s still soft and will last through washes rather than felt up is tough to find, but these achieve everything a flannel lover could want while also being sustainable and GOTS certified. Fluffy and brushed, they come in an exciting range of sumptuous colors, from a poppy red to a lush laurel green. We love these for warmth, softness, and staying cozy all year-round, but especially for their skin- and environment-friendly production. They’re the definition of a “feel good” product.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep cold; those who live in cooler climates; those who like softness and plush texture.

Good to Know: You can add a monogram to these Garnet Hill sheets, making them perfect for personalizing, passing down, or gifting.

Saatva impresses again with its Organic Percale Sheet Set, our best classic percale set option in the organic textile world. In alignment with Saatva’s renowned standards of quality and construction, these sheets feel like the epitome of luxury. Their cost goes to contributing to the economic health of the farmers whose cotton yields such a gorgeous textile, so there’s even more to feel good about beyond the softness and comfort they provide. Ideal for co-sleepers, these percale sheets are soft and pre-washed for a cozy, lived-in effect while also being cool to the touch and a great option for those who sleep hot. Unlike a sateen, however, these percale sheets have a matte finish that allows the cotton they’re made from to do the shining.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep with someone else; those who enjoy smooth, cool-to-the-touch, classic cotton sheets.

Good to Know: Saatva offers 45 days of free returns on this set as well as free shipping.

Expertly woven in Italy from Belgian flax yarns, these sheets are constructed in New York with the attention to detail only had by seasoned craftspeople with a single focus. Linoto’s substantial Organic Linen Sheets are the ones you’ll have for a lifetime and be able to pass on to generations to follow, allowing them to get softer and better as they wash and age and serve as an heirloom. The linen is dew-retted, which means that it’s softened naturally with rainwater and morning dew rather than harsh chemicals and wasteful quantities of water. Pretty freaking magical. While they’re pre-washed, they arrive in sturdy condition and await the years of wear and washing ahead of them, so we recommend another wash before using them for the first time. Linoto is highly customizable, from sizes like split King and European Queen to fitted sheet depth and pillowcase style, so you can get the exact right set for a lifetime of use.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who enjoy linen; those who want sheets that will last decades and get better with time.

Good to Know: Linoto sheets ship free in the USA and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee (that you won’t need to use, but still).

Another ultra-high-quality option for lovers of classic cotton sheets, these seperates from Tekla make it possible to customize your perfect bedding color scheme, complete with vibrant brights and crisp, fresh whites. Lightweight, thin, yet sumptuous, Tekla percale sheets are seriously soft, all thanks to the quality of the cotton itself rather than any chemical treatments. The 600 thread count of superior percale cotton is what helps set this brand’s sheets apart from competitors. Ideal if you prefer sleeping without a top or flat sheet, these sheets are sold separately. Grab yourself a fitted sheet, some shams, and the Tekla duvet cover for a complete bedding set that does good things for your bedroom decor, the environment, our communities, and us.

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who prefer cotton sheets; those who love bright or unique colors; those who prefer sleeping without a flat sheet.

The best option for anyone who loves weighty, breathable, natural material bedding, these Jungmaven Hemp Sheets are the softest and thicket option we’ve tried among hemp and linen sheets alike. Personally, these are the best sheets I’ve ever felt, slept on, looked at, and showed off so far in my career. From small LA-based brand Jungmaven, a source for all things organic hemp textile, these sheets arrive feeling like the most luxe, natural material out there, but then get velvety soft after just a single wash. And, somehow, they continue to soften with every wash thereafter. I actually get excited for laundry day and quite literally will wash, dry, and (especially) fold these sheets for personal enjoyment. Jungmaven’s mission of loving and caring for the planet without sacrificing style, function, or beauty in their products is immediately apparent when you snuggle into these sheets and only part of what makes such a small brand worth shopping, supporting, and pushing forward toward new possibilities and offerings.

Who It’s Best For: Those who love linen; those who want to try (or are fans of) hemp bedding; those who prefer sustainable options; those who love soft, weighty bedding.

Good to Know: Save 10 percent when you purchase a top and a bottom sheet together.

*Honorable Mention:American Blossom Linens Organic Cotton Sheet Set is our close runner up as a small business with American-made bedding. This set is weighty, thick, and textured as far as cotton sheets go but still highly breathable, making them ideal for couples.

We Tried It All and Found the Best Bedding of 2021

We Tried It All and Found the Best Bedding of 2021

by | Nov 5, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

We’ve tried it all at Apartment Therapy, from shower curtain liners and bath towels to diffusers, lamps, and sofas. But if there’s one thing we know from top to bottom (especially those layers in between), it’s bedding. Over the past year, we’ve tested hundreds of pillows, sheet sets, mattress toppers, and more from new collections and well-loved ones. Each category of bedding essentials involves its own specific set of criteria, most of which boils down to feel, durability, and performance. We asked the questions: Does this product deliver on what it claims to do? What does it feel like? How long does it last? Bedding that has exceeded our expectations ended up in one of our lists of the best on the market. Here, we’re celebrating the winners of each of those features in the world of bedding: The best of the best. Whether you’ve been looking for the perfect set of sheets or are in the market for a whole new sleep setup, we’ve got you covered (as it were).

Testing for the best mattress has been, by far, our longest-running test period of the year. There are quite a few out there, not to mention the variety of materials and designs as well as the types of sleepers they’re best suited for. After testing 30 mattresses, we determined the best among them for back, side, and stomach sleepers, in firm or plush feels, and more. In the end, we found Helix to be the best overall mattress brand for their large variety of options and the high performance of the Midnight LUXE mattress. It’s a hybrid-style mattress with a combination of memory foam, gel foam, and wrapped coils for a medium feel. It also has a quilted pillow top so you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud, even with superior support, which makes it suitable for nearly any kind of sleeper. It features zoned lumbar support for body contouring as well, so pressure points are alleviated and the spine stays aligned.

Our tester, real estate and finance editor Madeline, describes herself as both a hot sleeper and a side sleeper. Her most recent mattress was a 2015-era hand-me-down from a friend, and she says the Midnight LUXE is a major upgrade. Some of the adjectives she uses to describe it: supportive, squishy, comfortable, and cozy. “I feel like a queen sleeping on a queen. It’s softer and squishier, for sure, which means I don’t need a topper. And it provides so much more support than my old mattress.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; side sleepers; those who want a hybrid construction; those who appreciate long trial periods.

Good to Know: Military, first responders, teachers, and students are all eligible for a 15 percent discount. Helix has a showroom in New York City where you can schedule an appointment to feel the mattresses before you buy. Helix also has a referral program, so the benefits keep coming while you’re getting your best sleep.

Mattress toppers are one of the most personal bedding elements because of their ability to alter the feel of your current mattress subtly or dramatically, depending on what you need. When choosing the best topper, we went with the one that would take any mattress situation and level it up dramatically at the best price. It’s no surprise that Coop Home Goods, which makes one of our favorite pillows, has such a fantastic mattress topper as well. Made from CertiPUR-US certified foam, this topper has a few features that make it stand out from the rest. First, it’s flippable, with both a plush and a firm side. If you tend to go through periods of different sleep positions (like me), the ability to change your bed completely with one quick flip is a huge relief — literally. What if you think you prefer plush but it turns out you actually need something firm? The firm side is great if you need extra support or want to improve alignment, while the plush side turns any old mattress into a cozy wonderland. The Flip already comes covered with a waterproof mattress protector, saving you money if you need both. Plus, having a protector will give you peace of mind if you have pets or little kids jumping into bed with you (or if you enjoy drinking wine in bed).

Who It’s Best For: Those who want flexibility with their mattress feel; those who want something waterproof.

Good to Know: It’s a mattress topper and waterproof protector in one, so there’s no need to invest separately in a protective cover.

In our hunt for the best pillow, we knew it had to offer support to the widest range of sleepers — it can’t be too flat, isolating side sleepers, and it isn’t the one with the most volume, which can put back and stomach sleepers’ necks out of alignment. The best pillow is a perfect medium, much like the ones at nice hotels that work for a large population of people. Our winning brand Fluff Co.‘s pillows are inspired by those luxe hotel pillows we all covet, commerce writer Sarah says. The idea is to “get luxurious, hotel-style pillows into everyone’s hands at a fraction of the price (those fancy pillows can run well over $100 a pop!).” Everything Fluff Co.’s got has been sourced from the same factories that make 5-star hotel products. Their limited catalog only includes what they’ve meticulously tested and perfected. “I ADORED this pillow!” says Sarah. “The second I laid down, I knew I was in for a treat as I let out an audible, ‘ooooh.’ The support was great, I slept soundly, and didn’t wake up with any neck pain — a sign of a good pillow.” Another sign that this pillow was a winner was how Sarah’s best friend — a back sleeper with a history of neck problems and surgeries — reacted to it. “I didn’t mention anything about the pillow, I just let her use it when she stayed over,” says Sarah. “After five minutes, she turned to me and said, ‘You HAVE to send me the link for this pillow.’ Coming from someone who I know has spent so much time and money trying to find something for her delicate neck, it made me a believer that these might just be one of the best pillows around.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a luxe hotel-style pillow; those who don’t want to break the bank.

Good to Know: You can try your Fluff Co. pillow for 30 days and get a full refund if you’re not happy. (Pillow shopping might have a leg up on dating after all.)

For the second year in a row, Riley Home’s Goose Down Comforter reigns supreme as our best overall comforter. For this category, we tested for quality, feel, weight, and durability — Riley came out on top on all accounts, including improving our quality of sleep. This pick continues to be a standout because it’s luxe, feels cozy, and is perfectly weighted. Made with a 100 percent long-staple combed cotton sateen cover and 700 fill power white goose down, the comforter is airy enough for a breathable sleep yet insulating enough to keep you snug in frigid temperatures. “This comforter gives me all the fancy hotel room feels,” says AT contributor Samantha, who put it to the test. “It’s the perfect weight and helped keep me warm through a wintery snowstorm. The material is sturdy yet soft, narrow yet puffy, and resort quality. It’s the ultimate treat yo’ self comforter.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want the luxury of down; those who have trouble staying at the same temperature through the night; those who want something that will last.

Good to Know: Comes with a five-year warranty and a 60-day money back guarantee. You can also buy Riley Home’s down alternative version that starts at $179.

It couldn’t be denied that this set by My Sheets Rock blew every other competitor out of the water with its eponymous temperature-regulating powers. Testing for this category of sheets is fairly black and white: They either cool or they don’t. Made from high-grade, sustainably sourced OEKO-TEX-certified bamboo rayon, these sheets boast eight heat-fighting benefits, including breathable construction, moisture-wicking technology, and a lightweight feel that’s buttery soft and inviting all year-round. Commerce writer Sarah attests that they’re not only the softest pair of sheets she’s ever encountered, but they’ve also allowed her to sleep sweat-free at last. “These sheets seem to combine the positive traits of two other beloved textiles: the smoothness of silk (sans the slip) and the lightweight, classic design of cotton,” she says. “Not only did I sleep soundly and comfortably, but I also woke up sweat-free and without a hair out of place.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want to sleep on the coolest sheets possible; those who love a silkier feel to their sheets.

Good to Know: These sheets have sold out several times and fly off shelves when they re-stock, so don’t wait if you think you could benefit from a set of your own.

Linen sheets, while attractive and trending, have a bad rap for being so textured and taking quite a bit of use and washes to break in. In looking for the best linen sheets, we expected 100 percent high-quality linen, breathability, and coziness after just one wash. Wayfair-exclusive brand Greyleigh, which was named our best budget brand last year, crept all the way to the top spot with their Hilma linen sheet set as our best overall pick for linen sheets in 2021. Made from 100 percent French linen, these sheets are soft, lightweight, and, best of all, under $160 for a Queen set. Commerce director Mark calls these sheets “life-changing,” while applauding them for their breathability. “They’re soft with a bit of a gauze-y feel, which I really love,” he says. “They’re also completely breathable and keep me comfortable through the night.” Because these linen sheets are on the thicker side, he anticipates being able to swap out his comforter for the set’s top sheet during the sweltering summer months. Since they’re comparatively inexpensive, the Greyleigh Hilma sheets are a good starter option for those testing the linen waters. We appreciate the clean design, which comes in four colors and breaks up the all-white bedding look without going rogue.

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a perfect combination of soft and sturdy; those who want luxury quality at a more attainable price.

Good to Know: This is another sheet pick that tends to sell out, especially when it goes on sale, so if you see it available in your size and color preference, don’t wait to purchase.

Those opting for cotton percale sheets are often on the hunt for something high quality, cooling, and free of mysterious materials. Percale is characterized by a matte finish and crisp feel thanks to its “one-over-one-under” weave. We tested over two dozen sets of percale sheets across a variety of brands and thread counts and determined Brooklinen’s to be the best of all. “These sheets truly make getting out of bed a challenge — that’s how darn comfortable they are,” says senior commerce editor Jasmine. Though they have a bit of weight to them, these 270-thread-count sheets are completely breathable, making them ideal for both hot and cold nights. And while the sheets are already soft to the touch, they get even better with each wash, developing a sort of lived-in quality. “What I love most is the hotel-like crispness from these sheets, which I’ve only ever experienced when I’m vacationing somewhere fancy,” adds Jasmine. To round out how awesome they are, the sheets also come with a lifetime warranty(!) and are available in a really nice range of colors. Keep an eye out for Brooklinen’s limited-edition colorways — they tend to sell out fast, but the brand typically launches new ones every season.

Who It’s Best For: Those who want percale sheets but don’t like an ultra crisp feel; those who want to invest in quality sheets but don’t want to spend a lot.

Good to Know: You can also buy a starter set that doesn’t include a top sheet, if that’s your thing.

Macy’s has a full range of sheets in every style and material imaginable, but when it comes to jersey softness, it’s gotta be Martha Stewart Essentials. We tested a spectrum of jersey sheets across a range of prices for softness, durability, breathability, and warmth, and found this Martha Stewart Essentials Jersey Knit set to be the best performing at the best price. Real estate editor Madeline thinks they are the perfect balance between ultra soft and lightweight. “My apartment in Brooklyn runs really hot in the wintertime (thanks, radiators!), so I’m usually on the lookout for lightweight sheets and blankets that won’t make me too warm when I’m trying to fall asleep,” she says. In fact, Madeline notes that the sheets feel like her softest fitted tee in the best kind of way. The set can outfit mattresses up to 15” (take note, dorm dwellers), and is available in an array of six moody and muted tones — rich purple and vivid aqua included. 

Who It’s Best For: Those who run warm at night; those who want lived-in softness; those who are working with a budget.

Good to Know: This set is exclusive to Macy’s. 

The best overall flannel sheets have to be of the highest quality material and construction, and made with a long-lasting, ultra-soft weave that keeps you cozy, not stuffy. Warm and weighty, Coyuchi’s simply amazing Cloud Brushed flannel sheets are our best overall pick. They rival the most expensive flannel sheets we tried when it comes to softness, weight, and quality. They’re also organic and consciously made. The velvety finish is smooth and pill-resistant, and you have seven different colors to choose from, ranging from a fresh spring white to an autumnal ginger, so they’ll work all year round. Shopping editor Blair says, “I’ve only owned one pair of flannel sheets in my life, which I did like a lot, but I admittedly had nothing else to compare them to — that is, until I got Coyuchi’s version, and I’ll never look at my prior set the same. I love Coyuchi’s because, yes, they add an extra layer of warmth to my bed, as all flannel sheets do, but their unparalleled softness really makes them superbly next-level. What’s fascinating, too, is that they’re fairly thick but still feel especially breathable — which, as a habitual hot sleeper, I SO appreciate.”

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for the softest sheets around; those who want something breathable; those who are picky about color; those who want something organic.

Good to Know: Even the packaging is eco-friendly — all sheets come in a reusable organic cloth bag.