Overheating at night isn’t just a summer problem; for hot sleepers, it can be a year-round struggle. To find the best cooling sheets, our editors teamed up with a panel of fellow warm sleepers and compared 18 sheet sets, prioritizing breathable linens that help circulate air instead of trapping heat. After testing, we named the our best overall pick for its cool-to-the-touch feel, lightweight profile and impressive wrinkle-resistance. We also found eight other sheet sets that helped us sleep cooler through the night, including crisp percale, airy linen, bamboo and eucalyptus options.
Why We Named It Best Overall
Behavioral sleep medicine clinician and National Sleep Center founder Andrew Colsky generally recommends that hot sleepers avoid nylon, since it can trap heat. But Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon found the Cool+ Sheet Set to be an exception during testing. Compared with front-runners like the and the , the Cool+ sheets worked especially well with her cooling mattress to keep her and her husband comfortable overnight. The set is made with Coop’s proprietary CoolPhiber material, a nylon-spandex blend that feels drapey, stretchy and smooth, almost like breathable bamboo.
How It Performed During Testing
“I sleep on the , and I can still feel the mattress’ little air vents pulling my body heat away through the fabric—a relieving feeling that was less noticeable with other sheet sets I tested,” says Dillon. She also notes that they’re very wrinkle-resistant. After washing them straight out of the package and accidentally forgetting them in the dryer overnight, she says, “I was worried they were going to come out wrinkly, but there literally wasn’t one kink, and they looked picture-perfect on my mattress.”
Why We Named It Best Value
The Quince Bamboo Sheet Set earns very high marks for its cooling abilities, but it becomes even more compelling when you consider its accessible price. (This set also tops our list of the best bamboo sheets.) Similar to the , the Quince sheets have a sateen weave, which gives them a subtle sheen. However, unlike the Cozy Earth sheets, they’re made from viscose derived from organic bamboo. If you sleep extra hot, we recommend choosing the fitted sheet set (which doesn’t come with a flat sheet) and pairing it with a cooling duvet for the same soft feel without the extra sheet layer.
How It Performed During Testing
Our tester loved their smooth texture and was equally impressed by their cooling prowess; Bridget Chapman, Forbes Vetted sleep and wellness deputy editor, has extensive experience with this set and agrees. “These sheets have a silky-soft feel that is so nice to cuddle up with,” she says. “I also appreciate how they maintain their softness after several washes.” While they aren’t quite as lightweight as the their exceptional breathability makes up for it. “I’ve slept comfortably with them through many hot nights,” adds Chapman.
Why We Named It Best Percale
The Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set became an instant favorite once our testers slept on it. One tester noted how well the sheets wicked away moisture, praising their quick dry time and breathability. In addition to performing well in our dry-time tests, these sheets also shine in the softness department, thanks to their long-staple cotton and percale weave construction. This design (plus its 270 thread count) also strikes a nice textural balance; the sheets feel lightweight and breathable despite their smooth, soft feel. For an even crisper feel, our tester recommends letting these line dry instead of tumble drying.
How It Performed During Testing
“These sheets are great for anyone wanting a classic percale feel, as I found them to be crisp, lightweight and soft,” says Chapman. “They’re more structured than the bamboo sheets on this list, but they’re still breathable and don’t trap body heat.” She also appreciates that the “long” and “short” side labels simplified making the bed, so you don’t have to guess which end is which.
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Why We Named It Best Bamboo
Many of the sheets on this list are soft, but Cozy Earth’s bamboo set was one of the smoothest we tested. As the top pick in our guide to the best sheets of 2026, we found this set extremely smooth and cozy without feeling too slick. Made from 100% viscose from bamboo, they also do a good job at regulating body temperature. However, the Cozy Earth set comes with a slightly more luxurious feel and a 10-year warranty, should your set pill or break down in the wash over time. To minimize wrinkles, our tester suggests removing these immediately from the dryer and putting them on your bed.
How It Performed During Testing
Chapman shares that these are her go-to for hot nights. “These sheets have been in my regular rotation for several years now,” she says. “They truly are buttery soft—and that softness doesn’t fade over time. They’re also super lightweight and flowy, which makes them extremely breathable and great for hot sleepers on toasty summer nights.” Our only issue with these sheets is some subtle transparency, which is largely due to the lightweight feel. “If you pick the white color, the sheets are a little see-through, which is really only noticeable if you have a pillow with dark colors on it,” says Chapman.
Why We Named It Best Sateen
Although a sateen weave isn’t typically our go-to recommendation for hot sleepers, the Ettitude set stays breathable thanks to its lightweight 120 GSM construction. “I sleep hot and these perform exceptionally well here,” says one tester, while another adds, “They’re super breathable. After a couple weeks, I noticed I haven’t woken up sweaty or uncomfortable once, which happened several times when testing other linens.” They’re made from 100% CleanBamboo lyocell, a soft and lustrous material that, according to the brand, is sourced using less water than some other bamboo-derived fabrics.
How It Performed During Testing
One panelist admits she was initially skeptical about the sheets’ cooling ability due to their thicker feel compared to other sets tested, but they climbed to the top of her list after several washes and weeks of testing. “I haven’t had any sweaty, sleepless nights,” she says, and also notes they’ve shown no signs of weakness or pilling after several washes. However, we’ve found they aren’t as wrinkle-resistant as marketing details claim. See more in our Ettitude sheets review.
Why We Named It Best Tencel
For hot sleepers looking for immediate relief, the Slumber Cloud Performance Tencel Sheet Set is our top Tencel recommendation. Its dual temperature-regulating design is specifically made to address excess heat; first, the Outlast technology that’s incorporated into the material gives it a cool-to-the-touch sensation, followed by a combination of viscose and Tencel lyocell, which helps regulate your body temperature. The result is an exceptionally cool feel, plus the gets softer with each wash.
How It Performed During Testing
Our tester also found these sheets aren’t as clingy as other soft sheets on this list, many of which tend to stick to your body—a pro for sleepers who prefer a lightweight feel. Our tester also stresses the importance of following the care instructions to maintain the cooling effect and longevity.
Why We Named It Best Linen
While linen sheets can get a lot of flak for feeling rough or scratchy, this option from Bed Threads is the exact opposite. We found these sheets excelled at wicking away moisture and drying quickly. Similar to other linen sheets, these have more of a laid-back, lived-in look. One note: While the sheets are technically machine-washable, Bed Threads recommends you don’t tumble dry (or if you do, avoid using a hot setting). We recommend washing and drying these a few times immediately after unboxing to get rid of excess lint and increase softness.
How It Performed During Testing
Our tester found they feel soft to the touch, and Dillon agrees: “I was hesitant to try linen sheets until I tested the Bed Threads flax linen set, and now they’re my close second favorite and my year-round bedding. They manage to be buttery soft, airy and durable at the same time, and they’ve only become softer.”
Why We Named It Best Eucalyptus
Sustainably sourced from Austrian eucalyptus, the Breeze sheets remain breathable and moisture-wicking all night to let hot sleepers rest easy. They’re designed to absorb 50% more moisture than cotton, keeping you drier and more comfortable. Although they’re not as luxurious as the bamboo sets from or , they feel more expensive and high-end than where they’re priced. They’re ultra-thin and lightweight, and most comparable to a percale weave but with a sateen-like sheen. We’ve found the bedding feels more crisp and structured right out of the package, but softens up after a few cycles in the wash.
How It Performed During Testing
Dillon kept these sheets for months before handing them off to her sister to make room for a new testing rotation. Because they are so thin, they are more susceptible to rips and tears. While she didn’t experience issues, her sister says they tore after a few washes. That said, Buffy’s customer service replaced the sheets with a new set at no charge.
Why We Named It Best Soft
For hot sleepers who refuse to sacrifice coziness, these bamboo sheets from Bedsure combine softness and temperature regulation to keep you comfortable (and cool) throughout the night. Made with 300-thread-count bamboo sateen, the Bedsure sheets have a silky finish and a more substantial feel than similar bamboo sets from , or . Together, these features give the set a luxurious, cool-to-the-touch feel. The sheets are also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means they’ve been tested for certain harmful substances.
How It Performed During Testing
This sheet set was on the bed that Chapman slept on during a recent three-night trip. “I immediately noticed how soft they were with a gentle drape—classic bamboo-viscose material,” she says, adding that they are a little thicker and more substantial than other bamboo sheets. “I typically sleep warm and it’s been toasty, but these sheets kept me completely comfortable and didn’t trap heat,” says Chapman. “After the first night, I was so impressed I checked the tag to see what brand they were from. They also have an overall luxurious look and feel to them.”
Other Cooling Sheets We Tested
We tested 18 different sets in our search for the best cooling sheets. While the sets below didn’t outperform our winners in any specific category, some still offer features that make them worthy of consideration. That said, others fell short on durability and overall performance.
Others We Tested That Are Worth Considering
- An Affordable Linen Set: : These sheets are about $140 less than the , making them a more budget-friendly alternative to our top linen pick. Our tester, who slept with this set for several months, appreciated their velvety-soft feel and muted color.
- A Crisp Percale Set: : Our testers were impressed with the crisp, hotel-like feel of these sheets. With a thread count of 300, they have a denser, more substantial feel than our top percale pick. However, they’re difficult to find in stock at major retailers, and the ultimately feel more luxurious.
- A Natural, Lightweight Set: : This set has an airy, delicate feel; at 130 GSM, they’re among the lightest and smoothest we tested. That said, we recommend washing them separately or with similar fabrics in order to help prevent snags and pilling.
- A Budget-Friendly Bamboo Set: : This set has similar temperature-regulating characteristics to other bamboo sheets, providing a nice, cool-to-the-touch sensation. However, they have a very oversized fit with excessive draping on average-sized mattresses.
Others We Tested That We Don’t Recommend
- : Our tester enjoyed the soft, smooth feel of these sheets. However, they didn’t perform better than the in the moisture-wicking and quick-drying department.
- : During our testing, these bamboo sheets felt silky smooth and helped regulate our tester’s body temperature. They have a similar thickness as the ; however, we found they didn’t feel quite as luxurious.
- : At $70 for a queen-size set, these percale sheets offer an impressive level of breathability for less than half the price of most other cooling sheets on our list. However, they wrinkle easily and don’t hold up in the wash as well as others.
How We Tested The Best Cooling Sheets
Over the years, we’ve tested dozens of bedding products and sheet sets. This includes a multi-step process of research, hands-on testing, feedback collection and expert input to help inform our winning picks.
Research And Selection
For this guide, we identified 18 contenders, sourcing them from reputable brands and researching sets that feature materials and constructions associated with better breathability and temperature regulation:
- Materials: We selected sheet sets made with temperature-regulating materials, such as cotton, bamboo, eucalyptus, linen, lyocell or viscose. (Note: While the isn’t made with a traditional cooling material, its temperature-regulation abilities and breathability impressed our editors during testing, earning it a top spot on our list.)
- Breathable construction: We zeroed in on sheets that feature a percale or sateen weave, both known for their cooling, lightweight feel. We also considered thread count; our recommendations measure under or around 300, enabling them to release heat and moisture more readily (although some brands don’t disclose their thread count).
Real-World Testing
To test each option, we tapped our team of six panelists to try them out where they could get the most realistic results: in their own homes. Our panelists represent various degrees of hot-sleeping.
- Bridget Chapman: A year-round warm sleeper.
- McKenzie Dillon: A combination sleeper who runs warm.
- Katie Simpson: An extra-hot sleeper whose ideal sleeping temperature is a cool 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Anna Perling: A sleeper with a neutral sleeping temperature.
- Christine Colby: A hot sleeper who often gets sweaty at night.
- Jamie Ueda: A textile expert accustomed to climate swings, from humid summers to snowy winters.
Our Evaluation Criteria
During testing, we had panelists take notes on the following criteria, which informed our list of winners:
- Overall performance: We slept on each sheet set for at least two nights to assess its comfort and cooling abilities, paying close attention to our body temperature and, of course, documenting bouts of night sweats (or lack thereof).
- Moisture-wicking abilities: Moisture-wicking refers to how well a piece of fabric draws moisture away from the skin. To determine a set’s level of moisture-wicking, we checked that each of our recommendations dried quickly. In some cases, we performed a series of tests, which included placing the same amount of water on each sheet, then measuring how far the water spread and timing how long it took the water to dry on the sheet. The faster the water dried, the better its moisture-wicking abilities.
- Durability: To test each set’s ability to hold up well over time, we washed and dried each sheet set at least three times to evaluate the level of pilling. None of the sheet sets that made our final list pilled during testing.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Cooling Sheets
With so many varying factors, from material and weave to thread count and fit, no two sets of cooling sheets are alike. We break down each of these factors and how they affect the overall feel and cooling ability of a sheet set below.
Material
Material is key when shopping for cooling sheets. To keep cool, you want sheets that are breathable, moisture-wicking and antibacterial, says Colsky. He suggests options made from bamboo, linen, cotton and eucalyptus, and avoiding materials that trap heat, such as microfiber, polyester and nylon. We’ve outlined the most common cooling materials below.
- Cotton is a popular fiber for cooling sheets because of its versatility and inherent lightweight, breathable feel.
- Linen has a natural texture that’s excellent at wicking away moisture and dissipating heat quickly, making it a great choice for hot sleepers. However, low-quality linen can feel scratchy, so if you opt for this material, we recommend spending more for quality.
- Lyocell, Tencel and viscose sheets are softer than cotton and linen, with the added plus of a lightweight and cool-to-the-touch feel. These materials typically offer the best combination of softness and cooling prowess.
- Bamboo sheets feel similar to lyocell and viscose options because they’re made up of similar fabrics. They are a good choice for hot sleepers because they’re buttery-soft, yet plenty breathable.
Weave
The type of weave determines how lightweight or heavy your sheets feel. The two most common weaves are percale and sateen.
- Percale sheets sleep cooler than sateen. Their simple “one-under, one-over” structure allows for maximum airflow, making them very breathable and lightweight. That said, “percale may be a bit rougher,” says Colsky. These are best for those who prefer a crisp, freshly ironed-shirt feel to their sheets.
- Sateen is often more lightweight and “feels a bit softer than percale,” says Colsky. While it tends to sleep warmer than percale if it has a high thread count, it’s still a good option for hot sleepers because it drapes over your body instead of clinging to it.
Thread Count
Thread count isn’t an indication of quality; instead, it points to the thickness of the sheet. As a hot sleeper, look for a lower thread count (around 300 or less). A lower thread count sheet is thinner, allowing more heat and moisture to escape, whereas a high thread count typically means the sheets are warmer and thicker. You may be able to get away with a higher thread count on cotton sheets given the natural breathability of the material, although we recommend avoiding anything above 500. For more, read our guide to the best thread count for sheets.
Fit
Prioritize a secure fit; cooling sheets that slip or bunch are less effective because they expose you to the warmer fabrics of your mattress. While most quality sheet sets should fit securely on your mattress, mattresses thicker than 14 inches are best paired with deep-pocket sheets.
Care
To ensure you sheets hold up well over time, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Be mindful of certain materials like bamboo and Tencel, which are particularly delicate. These materials require gentle washing cycles, low heat and air drying to prevent damaging their cooling properties.
Other Ways To Sleep Cool
Cooling sheets aren’t the only way to make your bedroom more comfortable if you sleep hot. Other bedding and sleep-surface upgrades can also help reduce heat retention and improve airflow throughout the night. Our recommendations include:
- Adding a cooling comforter. Your blankets also impact how hot or cool you feel at night. Our hot-sleeping editors prefer a lightweight and breathable comforter that wicks away moisture and heat. For specific recommendations, read our guide to the best cooling comforters.
- Upgrading your mattress. Certain mattresses are better than others at keeping you cool. Hybrid mattresses, for example, provide more airflow and breathability than memory foam beds. For more insights, see our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our team is constantly testing and reviewing a wide variety of sleep products, resulting in a large library of mattress and sleep guides. These include dozens of stories on sheets and bedding that cater directly to hot sleepers, such as the best bed cooling systems.
- Coauthor and Forbes Vetted senior strategy editor Katie Simpson has tested over 100 mattresses, and is a self-proclaimed chronic hot sleeper—she currently sleeps with a cool-to-the-touch pillow top.
- Coauthor and Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon has also tested over 100 mattresses. Dillon is a certified sleep science coach, and regularly reviews and tests the latest in bedding.
- Forbes Vetted sleep and wellness deputy editor Bridget Chapman oversees this guide and its recommendations. Chapman has also tested a variety of mattresses and sheet sets, including several of the sets on this list.
- We regularly revisit this story to ensure our recommendations remain accurate and up to date. It was last updated in June 2026 to add the to our list.
Our Experts
- , behavioral sleep medicine clinician and founder of the .