The Best Cooling Sheets of 2023, Tested by HGTV Editors

No more waking up drenched in sweat — beat the heat with one of these lightweight, breathable sheet sets, tested and approved by HGTV editors.

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Updated on June 20, 2023

Our Top Cooling Sheet Picks

The right sheets can make all the difference between waking up in a sweat and getting a full night of restorative, uninterrupted sleep. Whether you're tired of blasting the AC at full force every night during the summer or just run hot all year long, it might be time for new sheets. Read on to learn which breathable materials and weaves make for the most cooling sheets, and shop the best sheet sets at every budget and style HGTV editors recommend.

Materials and Fibers

Natural fibers are touted for their cooling properties and are generally more breathable than synthetic options like polyester. One of the highest quality options is linen. Made from fibers of the flax plant, linen is lightweight and has a relaxed, laidback look. It's also incredibly durable and moisture-wicking, and it dries faster than cotton. On the downside, linen is one of the most expensive options and can wrinkle easily. Cotton is one of the most popular (and affordable!) natural cooling materials — sheets made of 100-percent cotton percale feel crisp and cool like a lightweight button-down shirt that will get softer with each wash. Cotton is durable and easy to care for, though wrinkles can still be an issue. Eucalyptus and bamboo are also becoming more popular options because they're hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, cooling and sustainable. And finally, some companies do offer proprietary fabric blends worth considering that are specifically designed to be cooling. These blends are typically made with a combination of natural and synthetic materials.

Most of our top picks are Oeko-Tex certified, which means the fabrics do not contain any harmful, synthetic dyes or chemicals. You can read more about what Oeko-Tex standards and certifications mean here.

Weave and Thread Count

Percale is generally the best weave type to look for because it's a looser, one-over-one-under pattern that allows for better air circulation and it has a matte finish. One of the biggest misconceptions about sheets is that higher thread count translates to higher quality. Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch, so sheets with extremely high thread counts can actually trap heat. Many brands like Brooklinen and Parachute have helped demystify thread count, and some do not even provide a number on the basis that it's irrelevant. So while higher thread counts and tighter weave styles can create silkier-feeling sheets with a luxurious-looking sheen, they can actually be hotter and less breathable throughout the night.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Sheets

How to choose sheets that are soft, comfortable and long-lasting. Plus, comparing microfiber vs. cotton sheets.

Read Our Buying Guide

Maintenance and Care

Always read the product care instructions, but the sheets we tested are pretty low maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend machine-washing separately on cool, delicate cycles, tumble-drying on low and removing promptly to minimize wrinkling. Brooklinen recommends line-drying their sheets to help preserve the fibers, color and elasticity, but if you don't have the time or space, tumble-drying on low is okay, too. Another happy-medium option one of our editors recommends — dry on low until just a little damp and let sheets air dry the rest of the way.

From $259

These sheets from the direct-to-consumer and internet-famous brand Brooklinen are by far the most cooling sheets we've tried. Made in Portugal using Belgian and French Flax, these sheets are light, cozy, chic and casual all at the same time. They even convinced one of our skeptical editors who typically goes for $30 cotton sheets to make the switch to linen. Managing Editor Kayla Kitts says the sheets felt much softer even after one wash compared to when she first opened them and kept her and her husband significantly cooler than their Egyptian cotton sheets. "The softness of the linen is incomparable to anything I’ve ever slept on," she says. "I can’t imagine going back to 'regular' sheets after trying these out." Available in six sizes from twin to California king, we also love the variety of patterns and colors (12 at the time of writing) to choose from, and the brand is constantly adding more limited-edition colors and patterns. Brooklinen’s fitted sheets also have “long” and “short” tags on the sides to ensure making the bed doesn’t take longer than necessary. While $250 may seem like a lot for sheets, it's a great value for the quality and cooling factor, especially given that Brooklinen has a 365-day warranty in case you end up not loving this set as much as we do. Plus, Brooklinen frequently runs promotions for 10 to 20 percent off, so you can usually score them for a little cheaper. These linen sheets would also make the perfect addition to a wedding registry.

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From $119.99

If you want to give luxe linen sheets a test drive before spending $200+, then these 100-percent French linen sheets from DAPU are a great place to start. Available in four sizes and four neutral colors, they deliver on the primary benefits of linen: the cooling element, moisture-wicking properties and softness that gets better with each wash over time. While these are high-quality linen and Oeko-Tex certified, these sheets don’t come with all of the above-and-beyond features like “short” and “long” side tags, a variety of colors and patterns, thoughtful packaging and generous warranty the Brooklinen sheets do. With a 4.5-star rating, Amazon reviewers love these linen sheets, too, but if you end up not loving them, you can contact the brand within 30 days for a full refund.

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From $139

The founders of Brooklinen launched these now-internet-famous Classic Core Sheets on Kickstarter in 2014 with the goal of providing luxury hotel-style sheets at an affordable price. More affordable than linen, cotton percale is probably the most classic option for cooling sheets on this list, and if you’re used to sleeping on cotton or cotton blends, these are the natural upgrade for you. Available in 12 colors and patterns, these 100-percent long-staple cotton percale sheets are Oeko-Tex certified and available in six sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king. In a word, they are crisp. Lightweight and soft on the skin, they feel like a crisp, button-down cotton shirt and remind us of the feeling of getting into a perfectly made luxury hotel bed. Similar to Brooklinen’s linen sheets, we appreciated the thoughtful packaging, the “long” and “short” side tags on the fitted sheets, the generous 365-day warranty and the variety of colors and patterns. Brooklinen also offers several bundling options, meaning you can get even a better value if you plan to replace all of your bedding at once.

From $139 | Brooklinen From $159 | Amazon
From $129

While we think Brooklinen’s Classic Core Sheet Set offers a better value for cotton percale sheets since they cost a little less and offer more patterns and colors, Parachute’s cotton percale sheets are a great, high-quality alternative. Similar in style, Parachute’s 100-percent, long-staple Egyptian cotton percale sheets feel crisp, lightweight and breathable. Made in Portugal, Parachute sheets are Oeko-Tex certified and intended to get softer with each wash. If you’re Team No Top Sheet, then Parachute may especially be a better option for you. The basic sheet set comes with two pillowcases and a fitted sheet (no top sheet) for $144 in a queen size — $5 less than the regular price of Brooklinen’s queen core set that includes two pillowcases, a fitted sheet and a top sheet. Parachute does offer returns within 60 days, and they have two sales a year — around Memorial Day and Black Friday — when you can snag a deal on these high-quality sheets.

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From $82.99

If you want organic cotton that’s Oeko-Tex certified in neutral colors but want to pay less than $100, these 100-percent, certified-organic cotton sheets from Fabdreams are a great pick. Available in six sizes and six solid colors, they’re breathable, lightweight and arrive in thoughtful, plastic-free packaging — the sheet set comes tied in a bow inside of a canvas bag. Amazon reviewers also appreciate the positive customer service and responsiveness of the company. One downside is these sheets only come in a few neutral colors, so if you want more variety or brighter colors, this set may not be for you.

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From $30

While most bedding brands stick to neutral colors and select patterns, Target is one of the best places to find on-trend sheets at affordable prices, which is perfect if you (or your kids) like changing up bedding styles often and don't want sheets you'll be nervous to ruin. Target's Opalhouse line offers 100-percent cotton percale sheets in cute patterns, with new patterns released regularly. Plus, these are also Oeko-Tex certified. During testing, we noticed these didn't wrinkle as easily as others, and we appreciated the extra elastic band on the fitted sheet that helped hold it in place.

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From $149

After a year of ownership, our editor still claims Eucalypso as the best eucalyptus sheets she's tried. Similar to bamboo, eucalyptus boasts natural cooling, moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties. It was this set's smooth, silky, lightweight feeling, though, that totally won over our editor. To top it all off, Eucalypso sheets meet OEKO-TEX standards and are made with 100-percent TENCEL Lyocell fibers in a completely sustainable closed-loop system. Our only hangup about these eucalyptus sheets is that air drying is recommended, which can be an inconvenience since it takes quite a while to dry and not everyone has the space to line dry. Read more about why we love these sheets in our editor's in-depth review.

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From $169

Bamboo sheets are well-known for their cooling properties, and this luxe set from Ettitude delivered. Deep pockets and Top/Bottom labels made it super easy to make the bed. Our tester immediately noticed the coolness and didn't wake up hot during the night like she usually does under cotton sheets. This set comes in six sizes and several colors, is Oeko-Tex-certified and features a sateen weave, so if you want a silky-but-not-slippery feel and comfortable cooling effect, give this set a try.

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Read Our Review

The Best Bamboo Sheets, Tested by HGTV Editors

From high-end to budget-friendly, these are our editors' top picks for the best bamboo sheets.

From $159

Slumber Cloud’s Essential Sheets are unique because they contain the same patented temperature-regulating technology that NASA astronauts use in their spacesuits. Made from 40-percent NASA-inspired Outlast® viscose and 60-percent cotton, these sheets kept us significantly cooler throughout the night than other blends we’ve tried. Available in eight solid colors and seven sizes, these blended sheets have a sateen weave and feel super cool to the touch. If you prefer the look and feel of smoother, buttery-soft sheets with more of a sheen than relaxed linen or matte cotton percale, these might just be the best option for you. Slumber Cloud offers a risk-free 60-night trial in case you end up not loving them.

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