- We’ve spent more than 2,000 hours researching and testing sleep products and more than 150 hours testing sheets specifically. We’ve also consulted more than 20 sleep experts to make our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated more than 40 sheets and recorded our findings on a 20-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document any issues with each product, and describe our personal experience with each product.
- We pay close attention to specific considerations identified by respondents in our two sleep surveys, one of 600 general customers and another of 600 higher-weight sleepers (250 pounds or more). The considerations we identified include price, features, thread count, and material.
- Learn more about how we test the best cooling sheets.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Percale Sheet Set is our pick for the best cooling sheets overall because of its high-quality construction and use of 100 percent organic and fair-trade cotton.
- Based on our research and testing, we found that cooling sheets are made with breathable materials like cotton and bamboo to help circulate air around the body and moisture-wicking fabric to draw away sweat.
- Depending on size and materials, cooling sheets can cost $99–$399 or more per set.
If you overheat at night, you probably know how difficult it can be to reach that perfect level of cool. Overheating is not only uncomfortable, but it can also interfere with your sleep quality. Some studies show temperature regulation is one of the most important factors impacting our sleep. Sleeping in a room that’s either too hot or too cold can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate its temperature, also known as thermoregulation, which is closely linked to the body’s ability to fall asleep. In addition to making you feel tired, poor sleep is linked to health conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack, and depression.
“Your body’s temperature naturally drops as you sleep, which helps you both fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. When you overheat, this increase in temperature disrupts the natural process and can lead to fragmented sleep and frequent wake-ups,” says Melissa Smith, a neuroscientist and founder of blackout curtain company OtterSpace. “An easy adjustment to your bedtime routine such as using breathable, cooling bed sheets and keeping your room slightly cooler at around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, can help your body maintain the ideal sleep environment that will leave you well-rested and refreshed in the morning.”
Buying bedding designed to sleep cool can be a cost-effective way to prevent overheating. Cooling sheets are a solid sleep investment since they are closest to your body and can help wick away moisture from your skin. Our Handbook Team continuously tests options to find the best cooling sheets. In this review, take a look at our top five picks.
5 best cooling sheets of 2024
- Saatva Percale Sheet Set: Best overall cooling sheets
- Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets: Best bamboo cooling sheets
- Luxome Luxury Sheet Set: Best cooling sheets for menopause
- Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Rayon From Bamboo Sheets: Best affordable cooling sheets
- Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets: Best 100 percent cotton cooling sheets
Saatva Percale Sheet Set: Best overall cooling sheets
Why the Saatva Percale Sheet Set is our pick for best overall cooling sheets
We chose the Saatva Percale Sheet Set as our best overall pick for its high-quality construction, 100 percent cotton, and natural cooling abilities. The sheets are also made with long-staple cotton, which means they’re less likely to pill over time and will stay smooth. They feature a percale weave, which gives them a crisp, lightweight, and cool feel.
Who may want to use the Saatva Percale Sheet Set: People who want sheets that are lightweight and crisp.
Who may want to avoid the Saatva Percale Sheet Set: Shoppers who prefer a wider range of colors or those who prefer a silkier feel to their sheets.
Saatva Percale Sheet Set tester insights
The Saatva Percale Sheet Set is 100 percent cotton and features a percale weave, which is a one-over-one-under weave (also known as a plain weave) that makes for crisp, lightweight sheets. The sheets have a 200 thread count and are also made with long-staple cotton, which gives them a soft feel that’s less likely to pill over time. We like that the fitted sheet has 16-inch-deep pockets, which means they’ll fit over various mattress heights. When testing them, we haven’t had any problems with the sheets sliding off the corner. Instead, they stay in place, making for a more comfortable experience.
The sheets are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified A label for textiles tested for harmful substances, this type of certification proves a product has passed safety tests for the presence of harmful substances. , and our tester feels they do a good job of not trapping heat when lying underneath them. Our testers say these sheets are breathable and feel worn in from pre-washing, making them smooth.
They come in three neutral colors, so shoppers looking for bold colors may want to explore other options. These Saatva sheets are high-quality and have a higher price tag, but we feel the value you get for the sheets is well worth the cost.
Check out our review of Saatva mattresses for more about the brand.
From one of our Saatva Percale Sheet Set testers:
“I love how breezy these sheets are. I didn’t experience any heat being trapped.”
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets: Best bamboo cooling sheets
Why Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets are our pick for best bamboo cooling sheets
The Cozy Earth Bamboo sheets are made with 100 percent bamboo viscose in a sateen weave, which makes them silky-soft to the touch, as well as lightweight and breathable. Bamboo is known for its ability to wick away moisture, and these sheets do a great job of keeping us cool.
Who may want to use Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets: Sleepers who like a silky sheet feel and want plenty of color options.
Who may want to avoid Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets: Shoppers who have a problem with wrinkly sheets and pilling after a few months.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets tester insights
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets are made with 100 percent bamboo viscose and feature a sateen weave, which gives them a soft, silky feel. Our testers feel these sheets are some of the softest they’ve ever tested, saying they’re buttery-smooth, flowy, and drape over you in a cozy way. Hot sleepers who tend to sweat should be comfortable under these sheets since bamboo is known to wick away moisture. Our testers say they feel light and airy, so they shouldn’t trap heat either.
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets come in a range of neutral colors including subtle and stronger tones, so if you prefer natural colors, you should be able to find a set that works for you. Our tester also likes the deep pockets on the fitted sheets and says they’re likely to fit on tall mattresses or mattresses with mattress toppers.
During our research, we found that some reviewers complained about the sheets pilling after several washes and also said they could look a bit wrinkly on the bed. Be sure to care for the sheets based on the brand’s instructions to ensure they maintain their quality.
While mystery shopping this brand, we found thread counts for the sheets on Amazon, but when we contacted Cozy Earth we were told the brand’s products do not have a traditional thread count.
Looking for a cooling mattress? Check out our best cooling mattress review.
From one of our Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets testers:
“These really feel cool to the touch, making them a great option for hot sleepers. I love how light and airy they are.”
Luxome Luxury Sheet Set: Best cooling sheets for menopause
Why the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set is our pick for best cooling sheets for menopause
We chose the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set as the best cooling sheets for menopausal women because bamboo is known for its moisture-wicking ability. This means that instead of absorbing moisture from night sweats, these sheets draw moisture away from the body to the exterior of the fabric, allowing it to evaporate more easily. Not all bamboo sheets have a silky feel like these, creating a cooling, smooth feel against hot skin.
Who may want to use the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set: People who sweat a lot and prefer a silky, soft feel to their sheets.
Who may want to avoid the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set: People who prefer a stiffer, crisper sheet.
Luxome Luxury Sheet Set tester insights
The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set is a 400-count sheet set made with 100 percent bamboo viscose designed to be breathable and to wick away moisture. The brand says the sheets offer a softer feel than Egyptian cotton, and our testers agree that the set has a luxurious and even silky feel. For the quality, we feel the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set is fairly priced, especially when compared to similar bamboo sheets on the market. The sheets have a 15-inch pocket, so they’ll fit on most mattresses and beds with mattress toppers.
Our testers think these sheets are light, airy, and fresh, which is great for people who experience night sweats. While the sheets have a silky-smooth feel, our testers say they also feel slippery, which may be a drawback for people not used to this feature. For this same reason, the sheets tend to move around on the bed a lot, so if you’re an active sleeper, you may want to find a stiffer sheet set that’ll stay in place.
If you’re interested in other sleep accessories from Luxome, check out our best pillows for side sleepers review.
From one of our Luxome Luxury Sheet Set testers:
“I love how light these feel draped over me, keeping me comfortable and cool.”
Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets: Best affordable cooling sheets
Why Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets are our pick for best affordable cooling sheets
We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets as our pick for the best affordable cooling sheets since the price starts at $99 for a twin set. We feel the value is great for the quality and think most shoppers will be happy with the durability and overall comfort of these sheets.
Who may want to use Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets: Shoppers looking for a blend of quality and affordability.
Who may want to avoid Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets: Sleepers who prefer a silky feel to their sheets and want a range of color options.
Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets tester insights
The Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets are made with a blend of cotton and bamboo and offer sleepers breathability and moisture-wicking properties. They are also fully hypoallergenic, which is great news for those with allergies.
While the brand markets the sheets as luxuriously soft, our tester feels the sheets have a more crisp feel to them, which is important if you’re hoping for a silky feel from the bamboo. Despite the crisper feel, we still think these sheets are smoother than other cotton sheets. The cotton and bamboo blend makes these sheets feel lightweight, airy, and cool, and we think they’re a good pick for people in warmer climates.
The Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets are also more affordable than others on this list, coming in at $159 for the queen set before discounts. Since the sheets are made with cotton, they’ll likely last a long time with proper care, so we think this is a great deal overall.
Learn more about Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses in our brand review.
From one of our Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets testers:
“I think these sheets are great for the summer. They’re light when draped over me and feel very breathable.”
Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets: Best 100 percent cotton cooling sheets
Why Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets is our pick for best 100 percent cotton cooling sheets
Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets are made with 100 percent cotton and have a percale weave, which gives them a cool, crisp feel. Percale cotton is known for being lightweight, so sleepers who want a light, breezy sleep should feel comfortable in this sheet set.
Who may want to use Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets: Sleepers who aren’t bothered by a crisp feel in their sheets and want a lot of color options.
Who may want to avoid Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets: People who prefer a silkier feel to their sheets.
Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets tester insights
The Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets are made with 100 percent cotton and feature a percale weave, which is known for its lightweight, crisp feel. The sheets have a 270 thread count, which adds some softness and keeps them from feeling too stiff. The percale weave gives them a bit of a matte finish, and our tester feels they do wrinkle a bit on the bed, which is worth noting.
The 100 percent cotton construction of these sheets makes them highly breathable, which is perfect for people who sleep hot or live in warm climates. The Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets are also made with long-staple cotton, which is a more durable cotton that stays smooth and is less likely to pill over time. The sheets have a 16-inch pocket, which should fit a variety of beds.
We also like that the Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets come in a range of colors. While many of the tones are natural-looking, there’s a mix of neutrals, deeper tones, and patterns to choose from.
Learn more about Brooklinen in our best pillows for neck pain roundup.
From one of our Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets testers:
“I can feel how freely the air flows through these, and they’re crisp but soft too.”
How we test and choose the best cooling sheets
The Handbook Team has researched 100+ sheets online and in person and hand-selected about 40 (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also surveyed 1,200 total shoppers (in two 600-people surveys) and interviewed recent mattress customers to understand the buying process and how their new bed and sheets has impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
Purchase sheets as mystery shoppers.
Evaluate stitching, fibers, and overall quality for durability.
Lie on sheets in mattress testing lab and rank comfort.
Lie on sheets and rank material texture and feel.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to ensure sheets stay in place.
Evaluate cooling capabilities.
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every set of sheets we review. We evaluate brands and sets by recording our findings on a 20-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience using each sheet set.
For this review of the best cooling sheets, we focus on sheets that are made with materials that offer breathability like bamboo and cotton.
Surveys and interviews
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our surveys of 1,200 total people. These include price, features, and thread count. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress and sheets and their benefits.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and sheet ratings.
To make our list, every sheet in this review needs to be made with breathable materials like cotton or bamboo and they must have a minimum thread count of 200.
For more information on how we test, see our sleep products review methodology.
How to choose the best cooling bed sheets
When choosing the best cooling sheets the most important factors to consider are the materials and how those materials will serve your personal preferences. For example, bamboo is known for wicking away moisture (meaning it helps it evaporate) so if you tend to sweat at night you’ll want to consider sheets made with 100 percent bamboo.
On the other hand, cotton absorbs moisture, which means if you sweat, you may feel the sheets clinging to you more so than bamboo. Cotton is a highly breathable material, and it’s also durable. Also, while some bamboo sheets may be made with synthetic materials, you can find many cotton sheets that are 100 percent natural and chemical-free.
While it largely depends on thread count and how the sheets are made, bamboo sheets tend to have a silkier feel than cotton sheets. While cotton sheets can be soft, they won’t have the same “slip” as bamboo sheets, which may be a pro or con, depending on your taste.
Do cooling bed sheets really work?
Cooling sheets made with bamboo and cotton do help regulate your temperature. Bamboo is naturally temperature-regulating and helps to wick away moisture, and cotton is lightweight, breathable, and often cool to the touch. You may want to use cooling sheets in conjunction with a cooling mattress, a cooling pillow, and ensure the ambient temperature of your room is set appropriately for the best results.
What is the coolest type of sheets to sleep on?
As discussed in this review, bamboo and cotton are two of the best materials to sleep on. Here are some other materials that may or may not help you stay cool while sleeping.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a synthetic fiber made with polyester and nylon. While sheets made with microfiber are soft and often quite affordable, they tend to trap heat more than sheets made with cotton and bamboo.
Bamboo
Bamboo sheets are often made from a viscose blend of bamboo and rayon. The resulting fabric is soft to the touch and has a silky feel. These sheets are breathable and great at wicking away moisture, making them a good option for people who sweat a lot at night. Because they wick away moisture, they’re likely to feel cooler on your skin than cotton would.
Egyptian cotton
Egyptian cotton sheets are made with a cotton species exclusively produced in Egypt. The cotton is hand-picked to ensure the fibers don’t break and stay long and soft. It’s then woven into yarn that ends up being stronger and more durable than shorter-strand cotton. Egyptian cotton sheets are known for being highly soft, and like other cotton sheets are very breathable, ensuring air circulates around your body as you sleep.
Silk
Silk sheets are woven from the silk produced by silkworms. They’re notoriously soft, with a luxurious and smooth feel. Silk sheets are naturally antimicrobial and also naturally thermoregulating. They tend to be lightweight and breathable, and can also wick away moisture, making them a good choice for people who sweat at night.
TENCEL
TENCEL A brand of sustainable cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, which is used in clothing, footwear, home linens, carpets, mattresses, and pillows because it’s highly breathable, hygienic, and comfortable. is the brand name of a fabric made with the pulp of eucalyptus wood and is processed with chemicals, spun, and eventually woven into its final form. TENCEL sheets are hypoallergenic, strong, silky in texture, and naturally cooling and moisture-wicking. If you sweat or overheat at night and prefer very soft sheets, you may want to explore sheets made with TENCEL.
Cotton
Sheets made with 100 percent cotton are made with cotton that’s been spun into yarn and then woven into the sheets. Cotton is a highly breathable material and is known for its ability to absorb moisture. While cotton sheets may be cooling if you live in a warm climate or for use in the summer months, it’s important to know that cotton retains moisture so these sheets may feel warmer than bamboo sheets, TENCEL sheets, or other sheets that draw moisture away from the skin.
Does thread count matter?
While thread count is often associated with quality, the reality is a bit more nuanced.
How does thread count work?
Thread count refers to how many threads are in each square inch of fabric. While some assume that a higher thread count means softer sheets, a large part of how soft your sheets are will actually depend on the materials used. If your sheets are made with synthetic materials like polyester, they won’t feel as soft as natural fibers like cotton or natural blends like TENCEL or bamboo.
Sheets with lower thread counts tend to be more breathable since they don’t have as many threads concentrated per square inch. This is why sheets with a percale weave are lighter and tend to circulate air better. If you’re looking for cool, breathable sheets, we recommend opting for bamboo or cotton sheets that use fewer threads.
What types of sheets are best for night sweats?
We recommend bamboo sheets for night sweats since they draw moisture away from the body and help it to evaporate.
What types of sheets should hot sleepers avoid?
Hot sleepers should avoid sheets with higher thread counts, which tend to be heavier and trap heat. They should also avoid sheets made with flannel, jersey cotton, microfiber, and polyester.
Our final verdict
Ultimately, we chose the Saatva Percale Sheet Set as our best cooling sheets overall for its high-quality construction, lightweight and breathable feel, and 100 percent cotton composition. The sheets are made with long-strand cotton, which is known to be durable and not pill after washing. Following the Saatva Percale sheets, we chose the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets, Luxome Luxury Sheet Set, Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets, and Brooklinen Classic Core Sheets.
All of the sheets we’ve chosen are made with cotton, bamboo, or a mix of the two, and are lightweight, breathable, and either wick moisture or absorb it—all standout features for people who tend to sleep hot.
Compare the best cooling sheets of 2024
| Price | $145–$245 | $288–$382 | $145–$200 | $99–$199 | $139–$209 |
| Material | 100 percent cotton | 100 percent bamboo viscose | 100 percent bamboo viscose | Cotton and bamboo blend | 100 percent cotton |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 100 nights | None | 30 nights | 365 nights |
| Thread count | 200 | 300–350 | 400 | 300 | 270 |
| Colors | White, ivory, gray | Creme, driftwood, light gray, white, oat, charcoal, walnut, Pacific blue, shore, dove gray, peony, lemonade, fern, terra, flax, coffee | White, stone, charcoal, sapphire, surf, ocean, ivory, dune, blush, terracotta, truffle | White, khaki, silver | Solid white, cream, pebble, driftwood, fresh moss, cloud, sky, storm, slate, abyss, window pane, and many more |
Frequently asked questions
Cotton sheets with a percale weave are known for being cool and having a “crisp” feel.
Both cotton and bamboo sheets are good for the warmer months since they are breathable. Bamboo sheets are particularly good at wicking away moisture, so you may want to purchase those if you tend to sweat.
Cotton sheets are breathable and cool to the touch. Although bamboo sheets may have a softer feel than cotton sheets, both are equally breathable.
Depending on the hotel, they may use cotton sheets that are durable and easy to care for. This may include sheets with a percale weave since they don’t pill after multiple washes.
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- Amjad, A. I. (2024). Bamboo fibre: A sustainable solution for textile manufacturing. Advances in Bamboo Science, 7, 100088. Link
- Microfiber – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). www.sciencedirect.com. Link
- Periyasamy, A. (2023). Microfiber emissions from functionalized textiles: Potential threat for human health and environmental risks. Toxics, 11(5), 406. Link
- Rodrigues, F., Seoud, O. a. E., & Silva, P. L. (2024, July 29). Why does cotton feel “cool”? RSC Education. Link