The 10 best cooling sheets that make hot nights a little more bearable

The best cooling sheets are breathable and soft and help regulate body temperature. We like natural fabrics like bamboo, cotton, linen, and Tencel.

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As someone who lives in Texas, I'm always on the lookout for the best cooling products, and when it comes to best bed sheets, it's imperative that I outfit my bed with items that will keep me cool and comfortable at night. Sweating in summer is a given where I live, but I shouldn't have to sweat when I sleep, no matter what the air conditioning is set on.  

If you're a hot sleeper you can rest easy knowing that we've vetted all the coolest options, from moisture-wicking to temperature-regulating designs. I tested 10 different bed sheets, all known for their cooling properties during June and considered nearly another dozen experiences from fellow reporters and editors. Through my testing process, I learned how some materials — like cotton and bamboo — are more breathable and got a better understanding of how cooling technology and moisture-wicking properties can make for a cooler sleep experience. As someone who never puts the air conditioner below 77 degrees and likes to sleep under comforters (even in the summer), I was able to provide a true perspective on which sheets did great with dispersing heat.

Ultimately, the Sijo Airyweight Eucalyptus Sheet Set took the overall spot for its temperature regulation capabilities and soft and silky feel. I chose the Mellanni Iconic Collection for budget shoppers because the microfiber sheets are quite breathable. 

Our picks of the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers

Best overall: Sijo Airyweight Eucalyptus Sheet Set — See at Sijo

Best cotton: L.L.Bean Percale Sheet Set — See at L.L.Bean

Best bamboo: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set — See at Cozy Earth

Best linen: Brooklinen Washed linen core sheet — See at Brooklinen

Best moisture-wicking: Nolah Tencel Sateen — See at Nolah 

Best temperature regulation: Slumber Cloud Performance Sheets — See at Slumber Cloud 

Softest: The Original PeachSkinSheets Sheets Set— See at PeachSkinSheets

Best cool-to-the-touch: Comphy CoolSpa Sheets — See at Comphy

Best budget: Mellanni Iconic Collection — See at Amazon

Best organic:  The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set — See at The Citizenry

Best overall

The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set, made with Tencel Lyocell offers a feel between silky and soft, though I preferred how they felt after washing them, more soft than silky. I remained cool sleeping under these sheets as they wicked away heat and moisture and allowed air to flow through, and they were slightly cool to the touch as I got into bed. With a 16-inch pocket, they could fit a thicker mattress than my 10-inch mattress, however, when I placed the fitted sheet on my bed, I didn't notice any extra fabric bunching. 

Health-minded buyers will love that these sheets have the best certifications that bed sheets can have; they're sourced from FSC & PEFC-certified eucalyptus wood, hold an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, and are Allergy & Asthma Friendly Certified. In addition to 12 different color options, you can buy the Sijo Airyweight Eucalyptus with or without a flat sheet in a set or individually, which is a nice option in case you need to replace only a single item, like a fitted sheet, in the future. The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set has only two drawbacks — no bottom/top labels on the fitted sheet and a seven-day sleep trial. Beyond that, they excel in every other way.

Best cotton

Cotton is a very breathable material, especially when it has a percale weave which is a loose weave that allows for better airflow. The L.L.Bean Percale Sheet Set is not only the best cotton sheet choice for sleepers who sleep hot and want to stay cool at night, but it's also our overall favorite in the best sheets guide for its durable, crisp and soft nature that will hold up with each wash.

This percale sheet set is moderately priced and comes in nine color options, plus prints like florals and gingham. Our reviewer loved how soft and durable this sheet set was — which is not surprising since they're made with extra-long-staple cotton, which is stronger and more resistant to abrasion than, say, long-staple cotton. So, yes, it may only have a 280-thread count, but it'll be softer to the touch. If you have a twin XL bed, you're out of luck as they're not offered in this size. What I found most odd was that L.L.Bean denotes in the product listing that the Percale Sheet Set is tested for harmful substances, and yet, they don't share those results and the sheet set doesn't have any certification that proves they don't have harmful chemicals. At least it comes with a one-year satisfaction return policy, which means you can return the set within a year for a full refund (minus a shipping cost; it's free to return the sheets in-store or if you're an L.L.Bean cardmember). 

Read our full L.L.Bean Percale Sheets review.

Best bamboo

Bamboo is highly regarded for its very breathable properties in textiles. Cozy Earth has become the de facto brand when we think of high-quality bamboo bedding, making it no surprise that their Bamboo Sheet Set made this list. Our reviewer for the guide to the best bamboo sheets selected the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets as her splurge pick, but she also found that they sleep the coolest. They are cool-to-the-touch and get softer after each wash. The medium-weight feels luxurious, and the sheets have labels to identify the top and bottom of the sheets to make it easier to make the bed. 

Cozy Earth offers 17 colors, and the fitted sheet will fit up to a 20-inch mattress. Of note, the flat sheet is considerably long and didn't shrink much in the wash. The sheets arrive with a shiny sheen, which lessens following a wash. Of the sheets we've listed, the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is the most expensive, but at least it comes with a 100-night sleep trial with free returns and a lengthy 10-year warranty against pilling, abnormal rips, and craftsmanship defects. 

Best linen

Linen is renowned for being breathable, durable, and temperature-regulating. Out of all the sheets we tested for our best linen sheets guide, the Brooklinen Washed Linen Core Sheet Set are the perfect mix of soft out-of-packaging and cooling. The Oeko-Tex certified sheet set regulated the temperature of our tester as she slept. While the texture was something that our reviewer (and her husband) weren't initially used to, they quickly overlooked this when they didn't wake up sweating at any point in the night.

These lightweight and airy sheets have a GSM of 145, which is on the lower spectrum of most linen sheets. While they sleep cool, they can feel thin. There are seven core color options, with additional seasonal color options offered until the brand sells out. Pieces are available individually and as a set. We are happy to see that Brooklinen now offers this set in twin sizes (they previously did not) and provides a 365-day trial and a two-year warranty.  

Read our Brooklinen Washed Linen Sheets review for more information.

Best moisture-wicking

I love it when mattress brands also offer quality bedding options, and that's the case with the Nolah Tencel Sateen Sheet Set. These Oeko-Tex certified sheets are made with 100% Tencel Lyocell which results in a soft yet slightly satin-like feel. These sheets lack a top/bottom label but were easy enough to get on the bed. There was a little bit of extra fabric as the pockets can fit up to a 17-inch-tall mattress, but not enough to bother me when I slept. The Nolah Tencel Sateen Sheet Set kept me cool while I slept by wicking away moisture and allowing air to flow through the bed.

Even after washing these sheets, they seemed quite durable, and considering the fairly affordable price, I'd say they're a great value buy. This is especially true when you consider that they include a one-year warranty and a 30-day trial. However, they're available in just three neutral colors and only as a set. 

 Best temperature regulation

Slumber Cloud Performance Sheets sheets did a great job of keeping my temperature regulated as I slept. Not only were they breathable and regulated my temperature, but I did not sweat when sleeping with them. 

I liked how the sheets became softer and took on a more natural look after washing them, almost losing the silky feeling that originally stood out. The silky feeling of the material didn't feel bad, it's just that I prefer soft over silky fabrics for my sheets. These unique sheets are made with Tencel Lyocell and proprietary Outlast viscose fibers, which regulate heat to stop moisture from developing as opposed to having to wick away the sweat that developed. The fabric absorbs, stores, and releases body heat to keep you from overheating or becoming too cold. 

While I'm not a fan of the elastic corner straps on the fitted sheet because they're hard to put on the corners, they do prevent the sheet from slipping, and others may appreciate that feature.   There are no top/bottom labels on the fitted sheet and I did notice some extra fabric that bunched when I placed the fitted sheet on my bed. The 60-night trial is a practical perk, but I wish the sheets were covered beyond a 180-day warranty. I also wish  they came in more than four colors and individual options. 

Softest

As microfiber sheets, I assumed the Original PeachSkin Sheets would be soft, but even I was surprised by the almost creamy — smooth and soft — feel.  According to PeachSkin, their "athletic grade poly fiber" sheets (a form of microfiber) are moisture-wicking and more breathable than cotton. While definitely breathable, I disagree with the claim that they are cooler than cotton, but they did a stand-up job of keeping me cool at night. I never once got warm or hot sleeping with these sheets, which is impressive, considering these OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified sheets are one of the more affordable options on this list.

They are also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, come in 32 different color options, are available in specialty sizes,  and can fit mattresses up to 22 inches thick, showcasing their extreme versatility. I also appreciated that they had a "side" label to indicate the longer sides of the fitted sheet. 

While I'd prefer to wash my sheets on cold with the rest of my dirty clothes, I had to wash the Original PeachSkin Sheets on their own in warm or cold water and ensure that the detergent was poured into the dispenser or with the running water (detergent pods can't be used). These sheets had to be dried separately too. This is to ensure that they don't pile. If you purchase this sheet set, you have to be OK with doing an extra load of laundry (which means using a bit more electricity and water). At least the set comes with a one-year warranty and 30-day trial.

Best cool-to-the-touch

I tested quite a few sheet sets that were cool-to-the-touch, and trust me, I understand the appeal. Unfortunately, I found that such sheets trapped heat and didn't regulate my temperature throughout the night. Of the cool-to-the-touch sheets, the Comphy CoolSpa Sheet Set did better than the others. The coolness of the sheets was apparent when I lay down in bed. The fabric is incredibly silky and stretchy, almost like athletic material. It's a little slippery, and sometimes the top sheet would slide off the bed, which was my editor's experience, but I had no issues with fit. The zippered pillowcases were useful for keeping my pillow in place.   

As I slept, I could feel the sheets pull the heat away from my body. While they dispersed some of the heat, it wasn't enough to prevent me from waking up slightly warm at times. This is likely due to the fact that they're made of nylon/spandex, which is not the most breathable material. 

The CoolSpa sheets become softer after washing. Take note that I had to wash the set by itself in the washing machine, on a permanent press, or with hot water, which is more of a hassle than I'd prefer. While the 100-night trial and one-year warranty are great risk-free policies, with only three color options — two of which are different shades of gray — it's understandable if this particular sheet set won't work for everyone.  

Best budget

You get more than what you pay for with the Mellanni Iconic Collection. They're not perfect by any means, but they're a solid budget buy that I myself would invest in with my own money. Not only do they offer 45 different color options, but you can buy a queen-size sheet set for only $38. That's a steal in itself, though I'm glad to say that these microfiber sheets did well in terms of temperature regulation. 

They aren't cool-to-the-touch, and they may not be the softest that I tested. However, they did well in pulling heat from my body and releasing it. I didn't get hot at night, only slightly warm — not enough to cause me to sweat. You won't find top/bottom labels on these sheets, and there wasn't any extra fabric that made for an uncomfortable sleep experience. It doesn't hurt that these OEKO-TEX-certified sheets have a lifetime warranty, which is something you don't often see among sheet sets, much less one at this price. Perhaps the only issue that you'll run into is when choosing colors or patterns, as some are not available in all sizes.

Best organic

The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set was my second favorite sheet set to test because it did a phenomenal job keeping me cool on warm nights, even under a heavy comforter and with little air flow in my room. The stellar temperature regulation can be attributed to the material of the sheets — 100% organic long-staple Turkish cotton with a 400 thread count. These Citizenry sheets are OEKO-TEX and GOTS-certified, and they felt very soft and cozy upon first use. After washing them, they didn't seem any softer, but they took on a more natural, slightly wrinkly look that I like (it's nowhere near what linen or bamboo sheets look like, but it leans toward that vein). This is not to say that they looked worn or seemed less durable. In fact, I think they'll hold up well over time. Plus, they fit on the bed perfectly without any bunching fabric. 

The biggest drawbacks to this sheet set are that there are only five color options, no bottom/top labels, and they are only sold in full, queen, or king sizes. For the price, I was disappointed that the sheets don't come with a warranty and the return policy is poor. Essentially, the sheets have to be unused and returned in original packaging, which means you can't sleep on them to see if they're a good fit. Beyond these few drawbacks, I can confidently say that you'll enjoy the Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set. 

What to look for in the best cooling sheets

Although cooling bed sheets can be helpful to those who live in warm places or folks who overheat at night, they are beneficial to all sleepers.  "As your body temperature naturally decreases at night, cooler bed sheets can help signal to your body that it's time to go to sleep," said Dr. Daniel Gartenberg, Ph.D., CEO of SleepSpace and an adjunct professor at Penn State University. "They can also help you stay asleep and avoid interruptions that may be caused by sweat or increased temperatures."

He adds, "Cooler sheets help maintain a more balanced temperature within your body, so you're more likely to experience more restful sleep rather than waking up periodically due to either sweating or feeling hot."

With this in mind, here's what to consider when shopping for sheets that will keep you cool as you sleep. 

Material

Sheets that are advertised as "cooling sheets" can be made with a wide variety of materials from cotton to microfiber, eucalyptus, bamboo, Tencel lyocell, nylon, spandex, and more. Cotton, Tencel lyocell, linen, and bamboo are best known for keeping sleepers cool. 

"Certain bedding materials such as bamboo sheets excel at deterring moisture and promoting airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable. Bamboo fibers contain tiny pores that let hot air escape naturally, making it easier to stay cool and relaxed while sleeping," Gartenberg said. He specifically recommended Ettitude Sheets, another bamboo favorite of ours, which are made with organic bamboo, and feel "very soft and light, which is essential for being cool and comfortable when going to sleep."

Microfiber is quite affordable, and for the price, it does a decent job regulating a sleeper's temperature. This is not to say that other materials wouldn't be good at temperature regulation — they may — especially as sleep brands continue to experiment with new materials. 

Thread count and weave

As mentioned above, breathability and temperature regulation are going to depend a lot on the sheets' material – as well as the thread count and weave.

According to Gartenberg, "The lower the thread count, the cooler you'll be able to feel at nighttime as lower thread counts typically have a much looser weave than higher thread counts, which allows them to be more breathable."

The type of weave method used can also contribute to a cooler sleep. "The best weave method for cooling sheets is Percale, as Percale contains a one-thread-over, one-thread-under pattern that provides the sheets with a cool feel," Gartenberg explains. 

Sizes and color options

Many popular sheet sets are limited to three or four color options. In fact, it seems that the more affordable the sheet set, the more color options available. White, gray, tan, and cream are the most common sheet color options, so if you're looking for specific sheet colors beyond that, you're a bit limited in options. Of course, you'll need to see if the sheet sets come in the mattress size you need and have a deep enough pocket to fit over your mattress height. It's also helpful when sheets are sold with the option to purchase with or without the top sheet, according to your own preferences, or individual pieces. 

Certifications

Whether you have allergies or just want to ensure that the product you're sleeping with doesn't contain harmful substances, it's necessary to determine if the sheets you're interested in have specific certifications. We love to see sheets that are hypoallergenic. Common certifications include: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, as it means that they're free of harmful chemicals. Sheets with FSC certification indicate that the materials were sourced from forests that are being managed in ways that are socially and environmentally responsible. And if sheets claim they're "organic," look for a GOTS certification, as it is the certified standard for organic textiles. 

Return and warranty policies

I was astonished by some of the return and warranty policies of the sheets we tested. Some brands will not allow you to actually test the sheets before returning them, requiring buyers to return the sheets in the original packaging — unused! We prioritized brands with flexible trial and return policies; they can vary from 30 days up to an entire year. It may seem a little silly that sheets come with a warranty, but considering that some sheet sets cost upwards of $200-$400, it's a nice perk to have, even if it is only for one year, in the event that they rip or pile.

 How we tested cooling sheets

I've tested mattresses, comforters, and pillows, and I know how important it is to have the right products and accessories for a good night's rest. Bed sheets, like any other sleep product, can improve one's sleep, and as someone who lives in Texas, it's imperative that my bed is outfitted with cooling sheets. 

I slept on each sheet set for two nights and evaluated how they felt on my skin, their cooling capabilities, and how they fit on the bed. Some of the sheets were tested on a queen mattress with a lightweight comforter, while others were tested on a king-size mattress with a heavy comforter. However, for each sheet set that I tested, the air conditioning was set at 77 degrees, and the fan was on. My house is inevitably warm even with the air conditioner.  

To determine the sheets' durability, I washed the sheets per the brand's instructions. This allowed me to see if the feel or comfort level of the sheets changed with washing. I also made sure to consider the materials, certifications, color and size options, and policies relating to returns and warranties in the overall score I gave each sheet set.

Best cooling sheets FAQs

What are the best sheets for hot sleepers?

I personally tested 10 different sheet sets and considered numerous sets written by fellow writers at Business Insider to determine the best sheets for hot sleepers. Many of the best cooling sheet sets I included were made of Tencel Lyocell including the Sijo Airyweight Eucalyptus and the Slumbercloud Performance Sheet Set or cotton like the L.L.Bean Percale Sheet Set and The Citizenry Organic Resort Cotton Sheet Set. Bamboo and linen are equally as cooling, which is why the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set and the Brooklinen Washed linen core sheet made the list, too. For budget options, microfiber can be an affordable material too. 

Can cooling sheets help with night sweats?

Night sweats can occur for a number of reasons, but no matter the cause, you'll want to invest in cooling sheets.

"Cooling bed sheets can help with night sweats by keeping you from becoming too hot and trapping moisture away from your skin. It's best that you find cooling sheets that are more lightweight and breathable, " says Gartenberg. "Heavier cooling sheets will make you sweat more, so finding cooling sheets that are super lightweight and breathable will be most beneficial to you."

What is the best material for sheets to keep you cool?

In my testing, sheets made with cotton or Tencel Lyocell excelled above the rest in terms of temperature regulation. Cotton repels heat and is very airy, whereas Tencel Lyocell is great at wicking moisture away and is breathable. That said, bamboo and linen have a looser weave allowing for more airflow, so they may do better than cotton and Tencel Lyocell.