The Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers

If you’re a hot sleeper, switch to breathable, temperature-regulating sheets and sleep comfortably all night long.

Best Overall

The Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers Option: Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Bed Sheet Set

Slumber Cloud Essential Sheet Set

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Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers Option: Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Bed Sheet Set

Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Bed Sheet Set

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Upgrade Pick

The Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers Option: Parachute Percale Sheet Set

Miracle Sheet Set

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Discomfort while trying to sleep can result in tossing and turning. Rather than hitting an REM cycle, you’re constantly shifting the covers and sheets, trying to find the right temperature. Body heat fluctuates, and what feels snug at first may feel sweaty a few hours later. Switching your sheets may make all the difference.

The best sheets for hot sleepers regulate body temperature. Made from breathable fabrics, these sheets allow heat to escape, keeping you cool even when you’re covered. Some sheets feature moisture-wicking properties, which is helpful for keeping night sweats at bay—and keeping sheets clean. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for when shopping for sheets that help provide a cool, comfortable night’s sleep.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Slumber Cloud Essential Sheet Set
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Bed Sheet Set
  3. UPGRADE PICK: Miracle Sheet Set
  4. BEST COTTON: Parachute Percale Sheet Set
  5. BEST LINEN: DAPU Pure Linen Sheets Set 100% French Natural Linen
  6. BEST BAMBOO: Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets
  7. BEST TENCEL: Sijo Premium 100% Austrian Eucalyptus Lyocell Tencel
  8. BEST MICROFIBER: Mellanni Queen Sheet Set Hotel Luxury
  9. BEST EUCALYPTUS: Buffy Eucalyptus Sheets
The Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers Option
Photo: buffy.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers

Sheets are available for various sleeping scenarios and preferences. However, the best sheets for hot sleepers use a combination of breathable fabric and quality construction to deliver bedding that prevents sleepers from feeling too warm. For organic sheets, synthetic sheets, and those in between, consider the following factors when selecting bedding.

Material

Different materials are used to make sheets, including cotton, linen, bamboo, eucalyptus, tencel, and microfiber. Some important qualities worth noting about each fabric include:

Cotton

  • Natural, hypoallergenic material with a soft, crisp feel
  • Durable and breathable
  • Egyptian and Pima cottons feature long-staple fibers for a smoother surface
  • Cooling or warming properties depending on weave and thread count

Linen

  • Smooth, soft material made from flax that becomes softer with usage
  • Threads are generally thicker and longer than cotton, thus more durable
  • Microscopic breaks in the fabric aid breathability
  • Naturally filters allergens and germs

Bamboo

  • Natural hypoallergenic material from a sustainable source
  • Breathable, lightweight feel
  • Very durable

Eucalyptus

  • Breathable, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced
  • Comfortable and soft with a natural cooling effect on the skin
  • Strong fibers offer durability and long lifespan

Tencel

  • Made from sustainably sourced cellulose from wood pulp
  • Breathable and gentle on skin
  • Strong fibers that feel similar to silk

Microfiber

  • Made from a combination of synthetic fibers, typically a polyester-nylon blend
  • Low price and soft feel
  • Less breathability than other fibers but wicks moisture effectively

Size and Fit

Over the decades, mattresses have gotten thicker, with an average depth between 8 and 14 inches. To accommodate these mattresses, sheet pockets are often approximately 17 inches deep. Measure your mattress to ensure the sheets are the correct size, especially if you have a less-common mattress size or also use a mattress topper.

Standard mattress sizes include:

  • Twin: 38 inches by 75 inches
  • Twin XL: 38 inches by 80 inches
  • Full: 53 inches by 75 inches
  • Queen: 60 inches by 80 inches
  • King: 76 inches by 80 inches
  • California king: 72 inches by 84 inches

Split king mattresses, which are the same size as king mattresses, but split into two, are less common.

Fitted sheets should stretch around the corners of the mattress without a struggle. Designed to fit perfectly to the mattress, they typically have elastic in the corners to help the sheet stay put. All-around elastic helps this sheet sheet stay even more secure. Flat sheets should be larger than the mattress to tuck the extra fabric under the mattress.

Most sheet sets include at least one pillowcase in one of two sizes: standard, which fits pillows for twin-, full-, and queen-size beds, and king-size pillowcases, often used on king and California king-size beds.

Weave

The type of weave contributes to the fabric’s ability to keep sleepers cool. Some of the most effective weaves for cooling sheets are percale, satin, and sateen.

  • Percale uses a crisscross pattern. It’s the most common weave, resulting in breathable and lightweight sheets with a crisp matte finish.
  • Satin weaves contain long-continuous fibers, like silk, with four or more weft threads going over one warp thread (or vice versa). This fabric is shiny and soft, and it offers excellent cooling properties.
  • Sateen uses the same weave style as satin but with short-staple spun yarns, such as cotton. More fibers are along the surface to provide a smooth feel and cool touch.

Some sheets are advertised as “jersey” weave, which technically isn’t a weave; instead, it’s a fine knit with a soft feel and lots of stretch, similar to a T-shirt. This construction is versatile, keeping sleepers cool in summer and warm in winter.

Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven together in a square inch, tallied by counting both lengthwise and widthwise threads. In theory, weaving together finer threads produces softer and finer fabric. However, only so many threads can fit in a square inch, so buyers should be aware that thread count may be misleading. Some manufacturers claim thread counts upward of 1,000 by counting not only each thread but the individual fibers that make up the threads. According to Consumer Reports, the thread count sweet spot is 400.

Rather than focusing too closely on thread count, put a greater emphasis on the quality of the material, particularly the type of fibers, thread structure, and weave.

Breathability

Sheets that allow air to flow through them are considered “breathable” and ideal for hot sleepers. Breathability is determined by a combination of material, weave, and thread count. Working together, these factors allow warm air and moisture to escape through the sheet instead of trapping body heat underneath. With less-breathable sheets, such as flannel, heat and moisture build up under the fabric, which can lead to sweat and discomfort, especially in already warm environments. Lightweight, breathable materials, including cotton, linen, bamboo, and eucalyptus, help reduce excess heat and sweat by keeping the sleeper cooler.

Moisture Wicking

It’s normal to lose moisture during the night from sweat and other bodily functions, but sheets with moisture-wicking capabilities help mitigate moisture loss by keeping sleepers dry.

Moisture-wicking sheets absorb this moisture from the skin and use special fibers that spread moisture over a larger surface. Exposing more moisture to the air causes it to evaporate more quickly, keeping sleepers dry. Areas near the body are high-saturation areas; moisture-wicking bedding spreads moisture to low-saturation areas away from the body.

Some fabrics, like cotton or linen, simply absorb moisture without spreading it out, which can result in dampness over time. (Because these materials are more breathable, moisture wicking is less of a concern.) Other materials, such as microfiber and polyester, often stay drier.

Antibacterial Properties

When not washed regularly, bedsheets can accumulate bacteria, fungi, sweat, and skin cells. While sheets should be washed weekly to reduce the negative impact of bacteria and other germs, antimicrobial bedding can help stop the spread of certain germs. These linens are infused with fine silver strands, which carry a positive charge that’s attracted to negatively charged bacteria. When the two meet, the attraction breaks the bacteria’s cell wall, effectively killing the microbe before it multiplies. Fewer bacteria mean sheets stay fresher longer and don’t require washing as often as other bedding.

Hypoallergenic sheets help keep allergens and microbes from settling into bedding. Some materials, such as cotton, bamboo, and eucalyptus, are naturally hypoallergenic.

Our Top Picks

The best sheets for hot sleepers keep users comfortable no matter the temperature in the bedroom. These products are among the best for those who sleep warm, chosen not only for their quality materials and breathability but also for their price and variety of sizes and color options.

Best Overall

Slumber Cloud Essential Sheet Set

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Modern technology meets classic style and comfort in these NASA-approved sheets from Slumber Cloud. By combining cozy, durable cotton with temperature-regulating viscose fibers, the fabric adapts to fluctuations in body temperature, absorbing heat when sleepers get warm and releasing heat when their skin temperature drops.

Each set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases (one for twin-size beds). The fitted sheets have 15-inch deep pockets, with all-around elastic to secure them to the mattress. Available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes, these sheets come in seven colors.

Product Specs

  • Type: Cotton
  • Thread count: 300
  • Weave: Unlisted
  • Sizes offered: Twin, full, standard/queen, king, California king, and split king

Pros

  • Temperature-regulating viscose fibers
  • 15-inch deep pockets
  • All-around elastics
  • NASA-approved
  • 7 colorways

Cons

  • Pricey

Get the Slumber Cloud sheet set on Slumber Cloud.

Best Bang for the Buck

Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Bed Sheet Set

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These bamboo-derived rayon sheets from Cosy House Collection offer a cooler feel and softness that competes with cotton. Breathability comes from the rayon’s cellulose fiber, which helps heat escape to regulate temperature. Don’t fret about sweat—these sheets wick and evaporate moisture to help keep sleepers dry.

Tightly knit threads create a barrier against odor, allergens, and germs, keeping the sheets clean as well as cool. The fitted sheet has 16-inch pockets, and it stays in place thanks to durable elastic that goes around the entire mattress. With 13 colors options in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes, a bedding set is available for almost anyone. This set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases (one for twin).

Product Specs

  • Type: Bamboo
  • Thread count: Unlisted
  • Weave: Unlisted
  • Sizes offered: Twin, twin XL, full, standard/queen, king, California king, and split king

Pros

  • Rayon cellulose fibers
  • Protects against odor, allergens, and germs
  • Durable elastic
  • 16-inch deep pockets
  • 13 colorways

Cons

  • No thread count or weave type listed
  • Some users report inconsistent materials

Get the Cosy House bamboo sheet set on Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

Miracle Sheet Set

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Miracle’s ultra-soft 350 thread count sheets feel clean and fresh longer than other bedding. These sheets are made of fabric infused with antimicrobial silver, which uses a process called ionization to prevent 99.9 percent of bacteria growth naturally. While sheets should still be washed regularly, this set can be washed three times less often than standard bedding but still remain odor-free.

Made from high-quality cotton percale, these sheets provide softness and breathability for a cooler night’s sleep. Choose from three neutral colors in twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. Each set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases (twin-size sets have one).

Product Specs

  • Type: Cotton
  • Thread count: 350
  • Weave: Sateen
  • Sizes offered: Twin, full, standard/queen, king, California king

Pros

  • Infused with antimicrobial silver; prevents 99.9 percent of bacteria growth
  • Requires limited washing
  • 3 colorways

Cons

  • Comes with fewer sizes and colorways than comparable options

Get the Miracle sheets at Miracle Brand.

Best Cotton

Parachute Percale Sheet Set

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Parachute’s 100 percent premium, certified long-staple Egyptian cotton sheets use a tight percale weave for a crisp, cool to the touch feel. Cotton sheets are ultra-breathable, letting heat escape and diminishing night sweats and overheating.

These sheets soften over time while maintaining their shape. Note that this set comes with a fitted sheet and pillowcase; the top sheet and additional pillowcases are sold separately. Available in eight warm and cool-toned neutral colors, these luxurious sheets come in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.

Product Specs

  • Type: Cotton
  • Thread count: Unlisted
  • Weave: Percale
  • Sizes offered: Twin, twin XL, full, standard/queen, king, California king

Pros

  • Ultra-breathable
  • 8 colorways
  • Optional top sheet

Cons

  • Pricey

Get the Parachute sheet set at Parachute.

Best Linen

DAPU Pure Linen Sheets Set 100% French Natural Linen

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Linen, a popular material for summer clothing because it’s lightweight, breathable, and durable, is also an excellent bedding option for hot sleepers. Made from 100 percent French-grown flax, these sheets have a thicker fiber, offering more durability and longevity while softening with use. Although linen sheets aren’t generally considered moisture-wicking, these sheets absorb up to 20 percent of their weight in moisture.

This set of linen sheets comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases (one pillowcase for twin and full sizes). All-around elastic secures the fitted sheet to mattresses up to 16 inches deep. These linen sheets come in five color options in twin, full, queen, and king sizes.

Product Specs

  • Type: Linen
  • Thread count: 160
  • Weave: Unlisted
  • Sizes offered: Twin, full, standard/queen, and king

Pros

  • 100 percent French-grown flax
  • Hyper-absorbant
  • All-around elastic
  • 16-inch pockets
  • 5 colorways

Cons

  • No weave type listed
  • Pricey
  • Should not be tumble dried

Get the DAPU Pure Linen sheets on Amazon or at Sears.

Best Bamboo

Bampure 100% Organic Bamboo Sheets

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Better for the environment and designed for a good night’s sleep, Bampure sheets are made of 100 percent organic bamboo viscose. These temperature-regulating sheets are made without chemicals and are OEKO-TEX certified, assuring quality manufacturing standards. Bampure sheets are odor resistant, which may help reduce washing.

While these bamboo sheets will keep you cool in the summer, these sheets are just as good in the winter thanks to natural materials that provide insulation without trapping moisture. The soft, sateen weave feels luxurious like silk or the highest thread-count cotton. Each six-piece, deep-pocket set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet for mattresses up to 16 inches thick, and four pillowcases. Choose from 12 rich hues.

Product Specs

  • Type: Bamboo
  • Thread count: 300
  • Weave: Sateen
  • Sizes offered: Twin, full, queen, king, and California king

Pros

  • Odor-resistant material
  • Sateen weave
  • OEKO-TEX certified
  • 12 colors

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Limited sizes

Get the Bampure sheets on Amazon.

Best Tencel

Sijo Premium 100% Austrian Eucalyptus Lyocell Tencel

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Sijo’s 100 percent Austrian Eucalyptus Tencel sheets are grown and manufactured with fewer chemicals than organic cotton, rayon, or even eco-friendly bamboo. The fabric is certified “Standard 100” by OEKO-TEX, and the eucalyptus is sourced from forests certified for sustainable practices by the Forest Stewardship Council.

According to brand tests, Tencel absorbs and evaporates 70 percent more moisture than cotton in a controlled environment, making these ideal for those who suffer from night sweats. Sijo’s sheets come in three- or four-piece sets (with or without a flat sheet) in sizes from full to California king. Softer than silk, cooler than linen, and easy to care for, the sheets come in nine all-natural hues.

Product Specs

  • Type: Tencel
  • Thread count: 300
  • Weave: Sateen
  • Sizes offered: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king

Pros

  • OEKO-TEX certified
  • Organic cotton evaporates 70 percent more moisture than regular cotton
  • 3- or 4-piece sets
  • 9 colorways

Cons

  • Pricey
  • No split king

Get the Sijo Premium sheets on Amazon.

Best Microfiber

Mellanni Queen Sheet Set Hotel Luxury

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These Mellanni microfiber bedsheets are made from 100 percent brushed polyester that’s thin enough to use all year. The breathable fabric helps wick away moisture, keeping sleepers dry and cool in the summer and comfortable in the winter.

Sheets in the perfect color and pattern can enhance and elevate the appearance of a bed. This set comes in more than 40 vibrant colors and patterns, giving users many customizable options. These sheets stand up to heavy use and machine washing, and they resist fading, stains, shrinking, and wrinkles. Moreover, they’re offered in many sizes, including sheets with extra-deep pocket options.

Product Specs

  • Type: Microfiber
  • Thread count: 1,800
  • Weave: 1,800
  • Sizes offered: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king

Pros

  • Moisture-wicking material
  • 40 colorways
  • Fade-, stain-, shrink-, and wrinkle-resistant fabric
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Some users report poor quality

Get the Mellanni luxury sheets on Amazon.

Best Eucalyptus

Buffy Eucalyptus Sheets

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Made from sustainable, 100 percent eucalyptus fiber, these earth-friendly sheets are naturally soft and have a respectable 300 thread count. Eucalyptus offers better breathability than cotton and feels cool to the touch against the skin, while naturally resisting dust, mites, and mold.

Each set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Available in six colors, these sheets use natural, plant-based dyes like turmeric and pomegranate for pigment, keeping every detail of the manufacturing process clean and eco-conscious. These sheets must be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. Choose from twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.

Product Specs

  • Type: Eucalyptus
  • Thread count: 300
  • Weave: Sateen
  • Sizes offered: Twin, full, standard/queen, king, and California king

Pros

  • Earth-friendly
  • Resists dust, mites, and mold
  • 6 colorways

Cons

  • Should not be placed in direct sunlight

Get the Buffy Eucalyptus sheets on Amazon, Buffy, or at Target.

Our Verdict

If you are looking for a great set of cooling sheets, the cotton Slumber Cloud sheet set has temperature-regulating viscose fibers, 15-inch pockets, 7 colorways, and come NASA-approved. Alternatively, the bamboo Cosy House sheet set is made with rayon cellulose fibers to resist odor, allergens, and germs and they come in 13 colorways.

How We Chose the Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers

We researched the most sought-after sheet sets for hot sleepers in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by type, thread count, design features, sizes offered, and other special features.

To include a variety of options for different preferences, our featured sheet sets are made from cotton, Egyptian cotton, bamboo, microfiber, Tencel, eucalyptus, and linen with thread counts from 150 to 1,800, making some of these picks luxury sheets. Many of these cooling sheets are made with moisture-wicking materials with durable constructions that stay looking good through many washes.

Select sheet sets also have 360-degree elastic edging, deep-pocket designs, sateen and percale weaves, and hypoallergenic constructions and they’re offered in multiple colorways. Plus, most of these cooling sheets come in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes.

FAQs

Shoppers must consider many details when selecting new bedding. After reading through this guide, you may still want extra information about the best sheets for hot sleepers. Keep reading to find some frequently asked questions and answers to help you make an informed selection.

Q: What are moisture-wicking sheets?

Moisture-wicking sheets move dampness caused by sweat or other bodily functions away from the body so it can evaporate more quickly.

Q: What material is best for night sweats?

Breathable materials like cotton percale may eliminate night sweats as air and moisture can flow through the material. Moisture-wicking sheets, such as polyester, may keep you drier if sweating doesn’t result from overheating.

Q: What thread count is best for cool sheets?

The best thread count for sheets, including cooling sheets, is around 400, but buyers still should look at the quality and construction of the fabric.

Q: What is the most breathable fabric for sheets?

Cotton, silk, and linen are very breathable fabrics that promote airflow through fabric.

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Kat Hodgins

Contributing Writer

Kat Hodgins is a freelance copy and content writer based out of Vancouver, Canada. This lifelong DIYer and hands-on learner has been a freelance writer for over a decade and a BobVila.com contributor since 2020. With an affinity for jumping headfirst into home projects and finding products that make home life easier, Kat’s major contributions to the Bob Vila team are in DIY ventures and home goods.

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