The best cooling sheets could save your sleep, long after summer ends. Whether you suffer from night sweats or hot flushes, or you simply tend to run a little warm, the best cooling sheets should help to enhance the airflow through your bed so that you can sleep comfortably.
First, let's talk materials. It's common consensus that sheets made from natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, are more breathable than synthetic sheets. When you're working with cotton, the weave of the fabric matters, too. Hot sleepers need loose weaves and lightweight sheets to promote airflow through the bed.
As H&G's resident sleep writer, I've sampled some of the world's best bed sheets. I've also tested some real duds. I've had to sweat my way through stuffy microfiber sheets and fuzzy flannels to find cooling bed sheets to dissipate heat, wick moisture, and block odors. The best cooling sheets are pretty, as well as practical: these sheets should wash well, dry quick, and lie beautifully on your bed.
Best cooling sheets 2024: ranked + reviewed
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
I've narrowed it down to my top six cooling sheet sets to suit every style of bedroom and every size of budget. Together with my team of expert testers, I've sampled each sheet set through heatwaves and high humidity.
Best cooling sheets 2024
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Material: Bamboo lyocell
Colors: 12
+ Made from organic materials
+ Naturally antimicrobial
- Silky finish isn't for everyone
Naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, these bamboo bed sheets are built to bust the bacteria that breeds in sticky, sweaty environments, such as bedrooms. These bamboo lyocell sheets are treated with food-grade, non-toxic solvents which are soft on your skin, so they're a great pick for sensitive sleepers and eco-conscious shoppers. Still, if you'd like something with a little more texture, then you might prefer a set of the best linen sheets.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Material: Cotton percale
Colors: 16
+ Effortlessly luxe
+ Wide color range
- Might feel too coarse for some sleepers
Cotton percale is the bed sheet material of choice in high-end hotels and luxury spas: cool and crisp, yet soft against your skin. Still, if you're looking for something silkier, you might prefer the feel of cotton sateen. I shopped the set in a blue-and-white stripe, which adds a little dimension to my bedspread, but you could keep it classic with cream or opt for solid shades of slate gray or storm blue.
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Material: Cotton percale
Colors: 9
+ Affordable
+ Deep pockets
- Limited size range
Our expert tester, Lucy, tested the Martha Stewart 100% Cotton Sheet Set last Memorial Day. She still raves about their breathability, durability, and affordability (not to mention their deep pockets to accommodate thicker mattresses). Take note that the Martha Stewart 100% Cotton Sheet Set only comes in sizes Twin, Full, Queen, and King. If you're shopping for a Twin XL or a California King bed, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King/California King
Materials: European flax linen
Colors: Countless
+ Low-maintenance
+ Wide color range
- On the more expensive side
Out of all the bed sheet types, linen offers the best balance of breathability and durability. These cooling sheets are designed to be wrinkled and rumpled: it's all part of their rustic charm. I sampled the set in sage green, but you can choose whichever shade complements your color palette, or even mix and match between hues. If these sheets weren't so expensive, I'd buy a set for every bedroom.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Materials: Bamboo viscose
Colors: 16
+ Naturally breathable
+ Just the right weight
- On the more expensive side
I started testing these bamboo bed sheets back in the spring, but they've really come into their own this summer. As a hot sleeper who still likes a layer, I appreciate that these sheets are thick enough to feel, but not so thick that I start to swelter beneath their weight. While the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is expensive, you get a lot of bang for your buck, including a stylish tote bag that makes for easy storage or regifting.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Material: Eucalyptus lyocell
Colors: 13
+ Cold to the touch
+ Moisture-wicking
- Prone to wrinkling
If you're a seriously hot sleeper, or you live in a warm climate, then you'll appreciate these cooling eucalyptus sheet set. These sheets aren't just thermoregulating: they're actively cool to the touch. During a heatwave a few weeks back, I called on this sheet set to keep me cool and dry. The only downside is that they're a little high-maintenance: I've found that the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set easily wrinkles in the wash. If I were you, I'd hang them on the line and let gravity get to work.
How we test cooling sheets
I put a lot of thought into how we test bed sheets. I carefully pick from our pool of expert testers to find hot sleepers who suffer from night sweats or hot flashes. I ask that each tester samples a sheet set for weeks, if not months, to monitor their performance over time.
Our hot sleepers work through all four seasons, weathering heatwaves and cold snaps, to better assess the thermoregulation of their cooling sheet set. We consider the look and feel of the sheets before we strip the bed, wash the sheets, and make the bed again to see how well the sheets wash and dry.
FAQs
Where can I buy cooling sheets?
Some of the best places to buy bedding sell cooling sheets. I recommend Ettitude or Cozy Earth for eco-conscious shoppers. For the widest colorways, try Piglet in Bed or Amazon. For high-performance cooling, you could try Slumber Cloud or Sijo.
Are cooling sheets worth it?
I think so. My cooling sheet set helps to keep my night sweats under control. I don't wake up in a hot sweat anymore and I feel much fresher come morning. You might have to pay a little more for natural materials, but I'd rather spend more to get better thermoregulation than save a few bucks with cheap, sweaty synthetic sheets.
Final thoughts
If you're looking for other ways to keep cool, I suggest you invest in one of the best cooling mattress protectors to keep your bed looking clean and your body feeling fresh. If, like me, you're a hot sleeper who likes a layer, then you might appreciate the best cooling comforter.
-
'It feels really seamless' – this Studio McGee home office is a masterclass on embracing dark, moody paint colors in small roomsThere's more than one reason why Shea McGee opted for this dreamy, dark paint color for this sophisticated home office
-
Adele's minimalist garden looks just as good during every month of the year – landscape designers say the look is enduring'The garden will usually be on display from the kitchen throughout the year, and it has to look perfect': The singer's yard is the perfect starting point
-
Nespresso vs espresso – tested for taste, cost, and technical differencesA barista offers some perspective on the Nespresso vs espresso debate. She's tested them for taste, and accounted for cost differences too
-
I just tested the best small drip coffee maker – and it's surprisingly stylish tooI've tested a range of filter coffee options and it turns out that the best small drip coffee maker is beautiful, sleek, and smart too
-
Best iced coffee makers 2024 – tested by a baristaThese are the best-iced coffee makers on the market, whether you want a machine that makes hot and cold coffee or a special one for your iced lattes
-
Best nut milk makers 2024: tested by an expert veganThese are the best nut milk makers for almond, oat, coconut milk and more. Our expert vegan barista tested them to see which is best
-
Best moka pots 2024: barista-approved Italian coffeeThese are the best moka pots on the market, covering everything from basic to automatic coffee. We've got some super stylish options too.
-
Best coffee makers with grinders 2024 – for effortless, fresh coffeeThe best coffee makers with grinders span from simple filter carafes to professional espresso makers. Our team have tested the best
-
Best Nespresso machines 2024 – for every kind of coffee drinkerHow do you know whether you want the Lattissima or the Creatista, the Vertuo or the Original, and the Essenza or the Pop? We have the answers
-
Best chest freezers 2024: spacious, dependable, and practicalI've researched the best chest freezers on the market. From garage-friendly to enormous capacity, these are my top picks.
