9 Best Hotel Sheets for a Five-Star Sleep, Tested by Textile Experts (original) (raw)
1
Best overall
The Company Store Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sateen Sheet Set
Now 25% Off
Credit: The Company Store
Pros
- Smooth cotton sateen
- Highest softness rating from testers
- Many color and size options
Cons
- Some pilling in Lab tests
Smooth and substantial, this sateen set is one of the softest sheets we've ever tested. The fabric is made with Supima cotton, a premium cotton fiber grown in the U.S. that has a thicker feel for added comfort. In our Lab tests, the fabric proved strong with minimal shrinkage, although we observed more creases and pilling compared with other sheets. The standard fitted sheet in the set has a depth of 14 inches, but it also comes in a generous 18-inch depth for certain mattress sizes.
When consumer testers felt these sheets in a blind comparison, several told us they wanted to purchase them for themselves. One even described the texture as "buttery soft and very luxurious without being slippery." Another said the sheets are a "good balance between soft and crisp." For those who prefer percale to sateen, the brand’s Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set also performed well in our Textile Lab's tests.
Material: 100% cotton sateen | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Deep-Pocket Queen, King, Deep-Pocket King, California King, Deep-Pocket California King | Depth: Ranges from 14" for standard sets to 18" for deep-pocket options
2
Best Value
California Design Den Certified Luxury 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Now 11% Off
Credit: California Design Den
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Authentic Egyptian cotton
- Soft and sturdy, according to testers
Cons
- Thinner than other picks
A Good Housekeeping Bedding Awards winner, this sateen sheet set is made from Egyptian cotton fibers, which create a soft, durable fabric. These sheets hold the Gold Seal of authenticity from the Cotton Egyptian Association and they are DNA-tested, assuring you that you're buying genuine Egyptian cotton.
In a blind comparison test, our testers gave higher ratings for softness than other sheets. They also appreciated how the sheets were sturdy and stayed in place around a mattress, thanks to the wide elastic band on the fitted sheet. "The fit was tight and without any creases and extra fabric," one tester reported. Whether your mattress is 8 or 16 inches tall, these sheets will stay secure — even on adjustable beds.
While some testers mentioned that the fabric felt a bit thinner than other options, these sheets still rank high in sturdiness, softness and have a wide range of color and size options. "They are super soft and cozy, but crisp enough to feel cool on your skin,” another tester said.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 16"
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3
Best Sateen
Cuddledown Hotel Sateen Sheet Set
Pros
- Sleek, polished look
- Soft and smooth sateen feel
- Minimal shrinkage after multiple washes
Cons
- Lower scores for fabric strength in Lab tests
Hotel sheets are known for their pristine, crease-free appearance, and this cotton sateen set stood out for its polished and refined look, even after multiple test launderings. Sateen sheets have a more substantial and silky feel to them than percale cotton sheets thanks to the four-over, one-under satin-like weave. It also has a wrinkle-resistant finish that helped the fabric look smoother than other sheets we tested and it's certified by OEKO-TEX, so you don't have to worry about unsafe levels of chemicals like formaldehyde.
Made with combed cotton for added softness, these sheets come in white with decorative piping available in several colors. While they aren't the strongest sheets we've tested, this set still performed well in our evaluations, with high durability scores and minimal shrinkage. Plus, if you're on the fence, the brand says they're used in luxury hotels all over the country.
Material: 100% cotton percale | Sizes: Queen, King | Depth: 16"
4
Best Hotel-Brand
Marriott Signature Sheet Set
Pros
- Excellent scores across the board
- Lightweight percale feel
- Less wrinkling than most sheets
Cons
- Not as luxurious as sateen sheets
Out of the numerous sheet sets from hotel brands we tested, Marriott's signature sheets reigned supreme. Made of a cotton blend, the fabric stood out for its minimal shrinkage, great fabric strength and overall durability. On top of that, it wrinkled less than similar offerings from other hotels and received high scores from consumer testers for softness.
These sheets use a percale weave for a lightweight, breathable feel, so keep that in mind if you prefer thicker sheets or smooth sateen. Plus, if you're a Rewards member, you can even use your points to pay for a set on the official Marriott Store site.
Material: 60% cotton, 40% polyester percale | Sizes: Queen, King | Depth: Not listed
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5
Best Cotton Percale
Crane & Canopy Bright White 400 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set
Pros
- Light and airy long-staple cotton
- Textbook crisp and cool feel
- Option to add a monogram for an additional fee
Cons
- Some shrinkage over time in Lab tests
For your textbook cotton percale hotel sheets, look no further than this pick from Crane & Canopy. These sheets are light, airy and perfectly crisp for a simple yet elevated look and feel. Made of long-staple cotton, the durable fabric impressed our experts, showing no visible pilling after 1,000 rubs on our abrasion tester. They earned top scores for strength but shrunk a bit more than similar sets we tested.
Our testers raved about the feel of the fabric, describing it as "crisp, cool and luxurious," and several highlighted that the generous 16-inch depth on the fitted sheets stayed in place all night long. We also appreciate that the brand allows you to purchase the fitted sheet, pillowcases and flat sheet separately, so you can swap your pillowcases out for silk pillowcases or opt to skip the top sheet.
Material: 100% cotton percale | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King | Depth: 16"
6
Best Luxury
Frette Hotel Classic Sheet Set
Pros
- Sleek, elevated style
- Used in five-star hotels across the world
- Good performance in Lab tests
Cons
- Expensive
- Visible wrinkles after wash
Although they come with a hefty price tag, Frette's offerings are used worldwide in upscale hotels for good reason: They have a sleek look that exudes luxury with a high quality feel. When we tested them in our Lab, they earned respectable scores in nearly every category, with high strength, excellent tear resistance and minimal shrinkage after multiple washes, along with high praise from consumer testers.
Just be aware: They wrinkled more than most of our other picks, so if you're after that picture perfect hotel room look, you'll need to iron them.
Material: 100% cotton percale | Sizes: Queen, King, California King | Depth: Ranges from 15" for Queen to 18" for California King
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7
Best Organic
Pact Room Service Sateen Sheet Set
Pros
- GOTS-certified Organic
- Soft and cozy sateen
- Oversized flat sheet
Cons
- Pilled more than other sheets in our tests.
Organic sheets often come at a premium, but this set is certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and is also one of our more affordable picks, with a price point under $200. It earned fair scores in Lab tests with respectable strength and shrinkage scores, but it pilled more than similar fabrics we tested.
Consumer testers, however, loved these sheets with several calling them "soft and cozy." One tester raved about the generously oversized top sheet, and a GH editor who tested this set even commented that they "feel like they’re worth double or triple the price."
Material: 100% organic cotton sateen | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: 15"
8
Best Deep Pocket
Hotel Collection 680 Thread Count 100% Supima Cotton Sheets
Pros
- Premium Supima cotton
- Durable fabric
- Tons of colors to mix and match
A truly luxurious hotel bed should have a tall mattress, complete with a cushioning pillowtop for maximum comfort, but not all of our top-tested picks can accommodate the extra height. These sheets from the Macy's Hotel Collection stood out for their quality materials which were some of the most durable we've ever tested. And they come in both a standard 16-inch depth (for up to 18-inch mattresses) and an extra deep pocket version for mattresses up to 25 inches. It's certainly a splurge, but one of our testers summed it up best, calling it a "decadent experience" to sleep on them.
Material: 100% cotton sateen | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Depth: Ranges from 16" for standard sets to 25" for deep-pocket options
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9
Best Egyptian Cotton
Pure Parima Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set
Pros
- DNA-tested Egyptian cotton
- Elastic bands at corners help sheet stay in place
Cons
- Average performance in Lab tests despite high price
Egyptian cotton is prized as one of the most sought-after types of cotton for its extra-long staple fibers. This material offers a softer and more luxurious feel than fabrics made with shorter fibers, which can stick out and break off when twisted into yarns. But take note: Cotton origin, especially for Egyptian cotton, is notoriously difficult to prove with tons of mislabeling in the bedding industry. Pure Parima's sheets are DNA-tested, so you can rest assured that the Egyptian cotton labeling is as accurate as possible.
Testers called this set "comfortable, beautiful and generously sized" and highlighted the large, oversized top sheet and the elastic bands on the corners of the fitted sheet that hold it in place well. Just note that despite their material, these sheets didn't stand out in our Lab tests, with merely average and fair scores across the board.
Material: 100% cotton sateen | Sizes: Queen, King, California King | Depth: 18"
How we test hotel sheets
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab regularly tests sheets each year using a combination of industry standards, specialized equipment and first-hand feedback from real consumer testers.
To find the best hotel sheets, our analysts evaluated over 300 sets and combed through 10,000 data points to assess overall performance and durability. Here are a few factors we consider when choosing the best hotel sheets:
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Philip Friedman
**✔️ Softness testing : Our tester panel rates each fabric in a blind comparison of softness and overall feel. We first wash the sheets to remove any remaining finishes from production and note top performers.
Philip Friedman
**✔️ At-home consumer testing : Promising sheets are tested in the homes of users to gauge real-world performance. Our testers provide both quantitative scores and qualitative feedback on aspects like overall comfort, temperature regulation, appearance, fit and ease of use.
**✔️ Shrinkage: Each fitted sheet is laundered several times and evaluated for changes in dimensions and appearance.
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**✔️ Wrinkle resistance: After laundering, each sheet is taken immediately from the dryer to a room with specialized lighting. Our analysts then visually assess the sheet for creases based on industry standards.
Good Housekeeping/Philip Friedman
**✔️ Fabric strength : Our tensile strength testing machine (called an Instron) reports the force needed to pull apart swatches of fabric.
**✔️ Tear resistance: Based on scores in other categories, some sheets are selected to gauge the force required to tear the fabric in each direction using our Elmendorf Tear Tester.
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Jill Sollazzo
**✔️ Pilling resistance: Our abrasion testing machine (called a Martindale, pictured here) rubs fabric samples together to mimic tossing and turning as well as general wear and tear. After every 100 cycles, our analysts score any signs of pilling according to textile industry standards. We perform 1,000 cycles in total.
**✔️ Other factors: Any claims, from cooling features to organic labeling, are vetted for accuracy.
What to look for when shopping for hotel sheets
**✔️ Material: Most hotel sheets are made of either 100% cotton or a cotton polyester blend. Blends are often less expensive and more durable with more wrinkle resistance compared to a 100% cotton sheet. While many popular hotel brands we tested used blends, we found that consumer testers preferred the feel of 100% cotton, even in blind comparisons, for its comfortable feel. When shopping for 100% cotton hotel sheets, long staple fibers and combed cotton are key for a more luxurious experience.
- Long staple cotton is made of longer cotton fibers for a softer and more durable fabric. Thought of as premium materials, Egyptian and Pima cotton are types of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. Just remember: Cotton origin, especially when it comes to Egyptian cotton, can be difficult to prove. Brands often mislabel their sheets as Egyptian cotton, but recent strides in DNA testing and third-party verification have helped correct this.
- Combed cotton undergoes a manufacturing process that removes short fibers, which can poke out and affect the texture of the sheets, for a smoother feel.
**✔️ Construction: Percale and sateen are the most popular fabric constructions for hotel sheets. Here's more information about the two.
- Percale uses a basic weave for a light and airy feel. It's best suited to those who prefer a crisp feel or who sleep hot.
- Sateen uses a satin-like weave for a silky smooth feel that often feels thicker or more substantial than percale. In our evaluations, testers tend to prefer it since sateen sheets are softer than percale sheets, but take note that they're not as breathable.
**✔️ Thread count: This refers to how many threads there are per square inch in both directions of the fabric. While you may have heard that the higher the thread count, the higher the quality, this isn't always true. Thread count doesn't matter as much as you think as manufacturers can use thinner threads and twist them together (into plies) just to reach a higher number thread count. A higher thread count does signify that the fabric is thicker and more tightly woven, resulting in a smoother, more durable material at the expense of breathability. In our evaluations, we've found that sheets in the 300 to 500 range provide a good balance of softness and durability, but you'll often find hotel sheets outside this range.
**✔️ Certifications: In addition to GOTS for organic cotton, there are other certifications you can look for to avoid high levels of unwanted substances in your sheets. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Made in Green certifications both ensure that there are no unsafe levels of chemicals, and OEKO-TEX Made in Green ensures that the manufacturing process adheres to both environmental and social standards.
**✔️ Price: Hotel sheets often come at a premium compared to your typical bed sheets due to the higher quality materials. If you're looking to save, simple white cotton sheets or white cotton sheets with decorative piping can create an elevated look but may not feel as deluxe.
**✔️ **Wrinkle resistance: A wrinkle-free look is expected of hotel sheets, but it's ultimately a matter of personal preference. Cotton sateen sheets typically wrinkle less than percale, and they sometimes include a wrinkle-resistant finish. Polyester sheets (or a blend of cotton and polyester) wrinkle less than cotton, while cotton percale sheets tend to crease easily. Still, it's your choice if you prefer a crinkled set for a more casual look.
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What else can I do to achieve the perfect hotel bed look?
Hotel beds have an elegant, pristine look — everything is perfect, from the loft of the comforters to the crease-free bed sheets. That's often difficult to fully replicate at home, but if you're determined, here's one key thing hotels do that set their linens apart.
While it's certainly time-consuming, ironing your sheets will help remove wrinkles for a nice, freshly pressed finish. Many hotels, including five-star luxury resorts, have their sheets ironed soon after laundering. This gives the fabric a distinct, almost luxurious feel that's difficult to replicate.
If you're on the fence about the extra effort, some dryers have a steam option that can also help de-wrinkle your sheets for a cleaner appearance.
Shop more bedding and sheets
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and has evaluated more than 40 sheet sets in the past year using specialized laboratory equipment and feedback from hundreds of consumer testers. She's written several stories on various types of sheets, including organic sheets, cotton sheets and percale sheets, and grew up in the hospitality industry of New York City. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Masters of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.