Softest Bed Sheets 2024 &#8211; TIME Tested

TIME spotlighted Cariloha Resort Sheets as the best soft bed sheets in their article, “The Softest Bed Sheets 2024, Tested and Reviewed”. They talk about the factors to consider when buying the softest bed sheets, including weave, quality, certifications, fit, etc. TIME is one of the longest-running, most-recognizable publications on the planet and receives more than 22.4 million unique monthly views.

The Softest Bed Sheets 2024, Tested and Reviewed

By Elizabeth Kadar

The key to quality sleep is investing in quality bedding. As a mom of three who deeply values her Zzzs, I can attest to a great sheet set making all the difference between a good night’s sleep and a night full of tossing and turning. With so many viral bedding brands and companies claiming to sell the softest bed sheets ever, though, it can be hard to know which bedding to invest your hard-earned money in and what’s just good marketing.

In my experience, the softest bed sheets are well made, easy to clean, and maintain their softness over time. Other features to consider are material, breathability, wrinkle-resistance, cost, and crispness. Over the past six weeks I’ve put eight popular sheet sets from some of the most beloved bedding brands to the test, to discover which sheets live up to the hype. Discover my top picks and what I loved (and didn’t) about each sheet set.

What to consider when buying the softest bed sheets

There’s a lot to keep in mind when purchasing the softest bed sheets, including your own sleep style, desired material, budget, and preferred texture. Below, we break it all down.

Material and manufacturing techniques

When shopping for soft sheets, Julia Siemen, a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor, tells us that material and manufacturing techniques are very important. “For warm sleepers, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton and linen are very breathable, keeping you cool during the night,” she says. “For cold sleepers, flannel sheets may be a good option for warmth.”

From my own testing and speaking with friends and family, personal material preferences will undoubtedly differ. I love the instant softness bamboo sheets provide, while others might like a soft, crisp cotton sheet or perhaps the best percale sheets like you’d find at a luxury hotel.

Weave

Percale and sateen are two of the most common weave styles, with percale being more crisp, lightweight, airy, and breathable, as well as more prone to wrinkling. Sateen has a silky smooth finish and sheen, is a bit weightier/thicker, softer, and wrinkle-resistant, with an excellent drape. It’s also more prone to pilling and snags and retains heat more than percale.

Quality

Turns out, a high thread count doesn’t always make for softer sheets. While it matters, the quality of the fiber itself and the construction is more important. Look for long-staple or extra-long staple cottons for the softest sheets.

Certifications

Certifications are also important, according to Siemen. “The OEKO-TEX certification indicates environmentally and socially responsible production, GOTS makes sure they are organic, and the Eco-INSTITUT certification ensures products are free from pollutants and hazardous chemicals.”

Fit

Check the dimensions of sheets, the fitted sheet specifically, to ensure it’ll fit and cover your mattress.

Lifestyle preferences

“Considering personal preferences, lifestyle, and specific needs, such as sleeping temperature, budget, and desired texture, is important for choosing sheets for a good night’s sleep,” says Siemen.

Our top picks for the softest sheets

Best soft bed sheets for most people: Cariloha Resort Bamboo Bed Sheets

In short: Best bamboo sheets ever! I’ve been sleeping on these sheets for more than six months, and they are an actual dream. They’re made from the softest, sustainable bamboo viscose and feature a silky smooth sateen finish that’ll make you never want to get out of bed.

These sheets were incredibly soft right out of the package, so if you’re looking for a sheet set you don’t have to break in–and retains its softness over time–these are worth every penny. They keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, thanks to their natural temperature-regulating properties. They also repel odors and allergens without all the toxic chemicals, so you can rest easier.

The one thing I didn’t love about these sheets—and all bamboo sheets tested—is that they do feel “slept in” (i.e., slightly rumpled, not fresh out of the dryer) sooner, so I wash them more frequently than I would a more crisp sheet. They’re also pretty thin, which can be a positive or negative depending on how hot you sleep.

That said, they’re easy to care for and are machine washable. After six months plus and plenty of washes, they still look as good as the day I got them–no pilling or rips. Another thing: The sheet set comes with extra deep pockets to fit even the biggest pillow-top mattress.