Best bed sheets 2025: the top flat sheets for comfortable sleep
We’ve tried and tested a bundle of the best bed sheets to see which delivered good sleep and which left us hot and bothered, including Scooms and The White Company.
Choosing the best bed sheets is crucial for achieving a great night’s sleep and maintaining your overall well-being. Considering we spend about a third of our lives in bed, it’s essential to make your sleep environment as comfortable as possible. Comfort varies for everyone, so finding sheets that suit your personal preferences, whether it’s breathability, softness, or durability, is key.
Flat bed sheets are particularly versatile, serving not only as a protective bottom layer for your mattress but also as a breathable barrier between you and your duvet. This makes them an excellent choice for year-round comfort and adaptability.
To help narrow down your choices, here we’ve put a selection of the best plain white cotton flat sheets to the test.
At a glance - the best bed sheets for 2025
Best bed sheet overall: Scooms King Size Flat Sheet Egyptian Cotton
Best easy-care bed sheet: Dusk Regent Embroidered 100% Cotton Flat Sheet 400
Best budget bed sheet: M&S Collection Egyptian Cotton Sateen 400 Thread Count Flat Sheet
Best luxury bed sheet: The White Company Cavendish Flat Sheet
Best cotton alternative bed sheet: Panda London 100% Bamboo Flat Sheet
Best eco-friendly bed sheet: Homescapes Organic 400 TC Egyptian Cotton Sateen Flat
Best low maintenance bed sheet: Bedfolk Relaxed Cotton Sheet in Snow
Best bed sheet for cosiness: Secret Linen Store White Henry Brushed 100% Cotton Flat Sheet
Best bed sheet for comfort: John Lewis Soft & Silky Specialist Temperature Balancing 400 Thread Count Cotton Flat Sheet
Best bed sheets for breathability: Piglet White Washed Cotton Percale Flat Sheet
Best all-rounder bed sheet: The Fine Cotton Company Brooklyn 300TC Cotton Sateen Flat Sheet
Best hotel-quality bed sheet: Richard Haworth Savoy 100% Sateen Cotton Flat Sheet
How we tested
To test these plain white cotton bed sheets, each one was slept on for a night by two people on a king-size bed, before being washed and dried per the brand’s recommended instructions and then slept on again.
All of the sheets were able to be machine washed on a normal cycle at 40 degrees, and were then hung out to air dry indoors. If the weather had been better the sheets could have been hung outside to dry for speed and to avoid wrinkling, though most of the sheets are tumble-dryer safe on a low setting, too.
Best bed sheets 2025
Best overall
Size tested: King, 275 x 275 cm (£75)
Material: 600tc Egyptian cotton
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
The silkiness of this flat bed sheet rivalled all of the other products we tested, and its bright white finish really set it apart from first look. Made from 600tc Egyptian cotton, the flat sheet has a delicate trim detailing at the top to match the other linens in the same range. Scooms claim this sheet will get softer with every wash, and even back this up for a 60-night trial, making it a great all-rounder for the price point.
We like how this sheet came in a bag, not only because it was plastic-free packaging but this will also come in handy for storing away the bedding when not in use. Although a little slippery due to the silky finish of the sateen weave, this sheet was a comfortable sleep and it washed well. It did, however, need a thorough ironing whilst damp. Perhaps in summer, hanging it outside would improve the drying process.
Stays white
Luxury feel
Easy storage
Creases easily
Stays white
Luxury feel
Easy storage
Creases easily
Best easy-care bed sheet
Size tested: King, 275cm x 275cm (£30)
Material: 400tc 100% Cotton
Available sizes: Double, King, Super King
At just £30 for a king-size, the Regent flat sheet from Dusk proves to be excellent value for money. As a 400 thread-count 100% cotton, the material has a light and breathable feel that remains after washing, but is stiffer compared to some of the other sheets tested – though this meant it didn’t move around the bed as much after being slept on.
The sheet can be machine-washed as low as 30 degrees, and can also be tumble-dried on a medium setting, making it a very practical option. Dusk also recommended ironing whilst damp, though we hung it out to air dry after washing, and it held onto minimal creases.
The Regent flat sheet features a double-marrow decorative trim for a luxe-looking finish that would work nicely as a top sheet, and matching duvet covers, classic and Oxford pillowcases are available to complete the look.
Easy to clean
Luxe-look trim
Good value for money
Stiffer feel
Easy to clean
Luxe-look trim
Good value for money
Stiffer feel
Best hotel-quality bed sheet
Size tested: King, 275 x 315cm (£115.95)
Material: 800tc 100% Cotton
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King, Emperor
It’s clear from the outset that this flat sheet is a premium product that can offer a hotel-quality night’s sleep at home. Arriving in a cardboard box and wrapped in tissue paper, the Savoy 100% sateen cotton flat sheet has an 800 thread count that feels luxurious with an ultra soft, yet quite dense, touch. At 315cm, the king size is also much longer than the others we tested, which was particularly helpful with making up a bed with a deep mattress and did not budge after being slept on.
Furthermore, the Savoy flat sheet has a subtly coloured ID thread at the bottom to help you identify the size of the sheet (in our case, gold for king size) as well as which direction to place the sheet on the bed. The sheet should be washed at 60 degrees, tumble dried and ironed on a hot setting, which was needed after cleaning it to get the creases out. While it has a high price point, it feels the most durable out of the sheets we reviewed, making it a worthy investment.
Premium feel
Long length
Colour ID thread
Washes on high heat
Premium feel
Long length
Colour ID thread
Washes on high heat
Best luxury bed sheet
Size tested: King, 275 x 275 cm (£165)
Material: 800tc cotton sateen
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King, Emperor
This was the most expensive product we tested out, and it was obvious from first touch that this is a high quality bed sheet. Made of 800tc cotton sateen, the Cavendish flat sheet offers an impressive hotel-worthy sleep experience with its luxuriously silky feel and cool-to-touch finish. The top edge has a subtle folded detail for a smart finish if being used as a top sheet, which we think would be the best way to continue to use the sheet in the future as it was a little slippery to sleep on top of.
While it is easy to machine wash at 40 degrees and the bed sheet kept its attractive ivory-white shade, we felt like the sheet did need an iron to keep it looking in mint condition and the brand recommends doing so when the sheet is slightly damp for a crisp finish.
Luxury quality
Silky feel
Stays white
Expensive
Luxury quality
Silky feel
Stays white
Expensive
Best budget bed sheet
Size tested: Super King, 310cm x 275cm
Material: 400tc Egyptian cotton sateen
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
As the most budget-friendly flat sheet we tested, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of this bed sheet. While the 400tc Egyptian cotton sateen material is smooth to touch, it wasn’t too slippery and so was straightforward to make up the bed. And while it did benefit from an iron on a hot setting after washing it’s ‘easy-to-iron’ promise did deliver with little creasing.
We air dried this sheet, however, it can be tumble dried on a medium setting which is a useful feature for busy households. The bed sheet does feel quite cold to touch, so we felt that it would suit those who prefer a cooler night’s sleep or that it would be best used over the summer months. The StayNew technology used in this M&S Collection bed sheet meant that there was minimal pilling and the sheet maintained its standard white appearance after washing.
Affordable
Soft feel
Washes well
Cool to touch
Affordable
Soft feel
Washes well
Cool to touch
Best cotton alternative bed sheet
Size tested: King, 275 x 275 cm (£67.50)
Material: 100% rayon made from organic bamboo
Available sizes: Double, King, Super King
Panda’s bamboo flat sheet has an exceptionally satin-like feel, which can be quite slippery to the touch, and the brand claims it can get smoother after every wash. Care for the sheet is straightforward, washing on a low temperature without fabric softener, and air-dry where possible.
When reviewing this sheet, we were pleased to find that creases fall out of the sheet easily, so there’s no need to iron it either. This flat sheet glides onto the bed, so it was easy to fit over the mattress. It is probably the thinnest sheet we tested, and felt cool to touch, making it an ideal choice for those who get hot at night or for use in the summer months.
The bamboo material looks crisp white, even after washing, and is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial. The sheet itself came in eco-friendly packaging with playful messaging, as well as a handy storage bag.
Easy to care for
Crisp white shade
Naturally antibacterial
Slippery touch
Easy to care for
Crisp white shade
Naturally antibacterial
Slippery touch
Best bed sheet for breathability
Size tested: King, 275 x 275 cm (£65)
Material: 200tc 100% washed cotton percale
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
Piglet’s washed cotton bed sheet has a matte finish thanks to the durable percale weave and 200 thread-count, which did feel a little stiff upon opening but not too rough to touch. In fact, this sheet felt softer to sleep on after its first wash which indicated that it would only get more comfortable with time.
Comparably, it has a creamier appearance rather than a crisp white that some of the other products we tested have and this was still the case after washing. The washed cotton does offer a relaxed finish that doesn’t need an iron if you’re happy with a slightly creased look. To avoid big wrinkles, however, the brand recommends removing the sheets promptly from the washing machine and air drying, which we did.
Overall, we enjoyed the breathability of this bed sheet and that it helped to maintain a balanced temperature throughout the night.
Comfortable
Durable
Breathable
Low thread count
Comfortable
Durable
Breathable
Low thread count
Best eco-friendly bed sheet
Size tested: King, 240cm x 275cm (£39.99)
Material: 400tc GOTS Certified 100% Organic Cotton
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
Eco-conscious buyers can rest easy on Homescapes’ affordable organic cotton flat sheet, knowing its impressive sustainability features. Not only is it made from 100% GOTS organic cotton, but it is also OEKO-TEX certified. With a 400 thread count, the Egyptian cotton sateen material feels particularly smooth to touch, and being hypoallergenic and naturally breathable makes for a comfortable night’s sleep.
It doesn’t measure quite as wide as some of the other flat sheets we tested, which meant it came untucked more easily on the sides of the mattress. Homescapes recommends washing at 60°C and avoiding using any bleaches, though it can be tumble-dried on a low setting. The sheet does, however, get quite creased and needs to be ironed well after washing. It came in a large matching cotton bag, which is helpful for storing away when not in use.
Certified-organic material
Hypoallergenic
Breathable
Creases easily
Smaller width
Certified-organic material
Hypoallergenic
Breathable
Creases easily
Smaller width
Best all-rounder bed sheet
Size tested: King/Super King, 300 x 290cm (£105)
Material: 300tc cotton sateen
Available sizes: XL Single, Double, King/Super King, Emperor
Being a hybrid King/Super King at 300 x 290cm, the Brooklyn flat sheet was the most generous size we tested, making it a versatile design to be used on deep mattresses or as a top sheet on a king or super-king bed. The 300 thread count cotton sateen material feels particularly lightweight and breathable, though it has been designed to still withstand industrial laundering in hotel settings.
For home use, however, it is recommended to wash the sheet at 60 degrees and to tumble dry on a low setting. The sheet did crease after washing, though it was remarkably easy to iron and remained impressively white. The Brooklyn collection also includes matching pillowcase sets, duvet covers and fitted sheets all the way up to an XL Emperor size to complete the hotel-worthy look in your own bedroom.
Generous size
Breathable material
Easy to iron
Lower thread count
Generous size
Breathable material
Easy to iron
Lower thread count
Best bed sheet for comfort
Size tested: King, 275 x 275 cm (£50)
Material: 400tc cotton
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
The Hygro technology used to give this flat cotton bed sheet temperature regulating qualities made a noticeable difference – both of us agreed it was a comfortable night sleep despite one of us preferring to be cooler at night than the other! As well as maintaining an even temperature throughout the night, it felt breathable and is a good basic flat sheet to use all year round.
The 400 thread-count offers a silky smooth touch though it does feel quite slippery, you will want to make sure it is firmly tucked in before going to sleep. It is one of the brightest white bed sheets out of the ones we tested and this still rang true after washing. The Soft & Silky sheet can be tumble dried on a low setting though to avoid too many wrinkles air drying worked well and didn’t necessarily require ironing this way.
Temperature regulating
Well priced
Bright white
Slips around
Temperature regulating
Well priced
Bright white
Slips around
Best low maintenance bed sheet
Size tested: King, 275cm x 275cm (£75)
Material: 100% relaxed cotton
Available sizes: Single, Double, King, Super King
This relaxed cotton flat sheet is a great middle ground between some of the silkier sheets we tested and the brushed cotton ones. It offers a comfortable, cosy feel whilst still being breathable. This specific finish also made it an easy one to put on the bed, though it was noticeably thinner than others we tested.
Designed to have a relaxed look, the bed sheet comes in the shade Snow (as well as six other colours), which is white but not bright as others we compared it to. It also wrinkled after its initial wash. This is intentional and makes for a quick and easy clean which we saw as a huge plus, but is understandably not the look for everyone.
Bedfolk label this sheet as ‘best un-ironed’ for the ultimate relaxed linen look, however it is can tumble dried low and ironed on a medium setting if desired.
Cosy feel
Warm touch
Breathable
Thin material
Cosy feel
Warm touch
Breathable
Thin material
Best bed sheet for cosiness
Size tested: King/Super King, 275cm x 260cm (£49)
Material: 100% brushed cotton
Available sizes: Single, Double, King/Super King
The Henry brushed cotton flat sheet is remarkably soft to touch and offers a cosy night’s sleep which is a particularly attractive feature during winter or for those who like to feel snug at night. The brushed finish provides some grip so the sheet didn’t slip around like some of the others we tested, though this sheet was shorter in length than the others which meant it had to be firmly tucked in to prevent it from coming out from under the mattress.
By the nature of brushed cotton, this sheet did bobble slightly after its first use and dulled in appearance, though it is recommended to be washed before first use. The washing instructions are a little more particular than the other sheets tested as it is recommended the sheet is washed inside out and on its own gentle cycle to prevent pilling. On the upside, however, this type of material doesn’t need to be ironed.
Soft texture
Warm to touch
Stays put
Pills quickly
Short length
Soft texture
Warm to touch
Stays put
Pills quickly
Short length
What to consider when buying bed sheets
When it comes to buying a flat bed sheet, opting for a breathable fabric such as cotton is a good choice as it tends to promote airflow and naturally help to regulate body temperature. However, thread counts and finishes vary considerably and so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.
A soft brushed cotton sheet, for example, will offer a cosier night’s sleep, whereas a thin Egyptian cotton with a high thread count can give a silkier feel to your bed linens. Thread counts are listed on most bed sheets and typically range from 200 to 800 threads per square inch. Higher thread counts often indicate smoother and more durable sheets, although the quality of cotton itself also plays a significant role.
Weave type is also worth considering in your search, with the most common options being percale for a matte finish, and sateen for a silkier feel. You may also want to check the care instructions before buying a bed sheet, to ensure they are easy for you to wash, dry, and (if necessary) iron so that you can maximise the sheet’s lifespan.
Shopping in person is always preferable so you can actually touch the sheets before buying, but by looking out for these key factors you should be able to buy a reliable bed sheet online that will help create a comfortable and inviting sleep environment in your own bed.
How to choose cotton sheets
When buying a white cotton flat sheet, or any other bed linen, several key factors should be considered to ensure you get the best quality and comfort:
Thread count
“Thread count refers to the number of threads woven together per square inch of material,” explains Emily Attwood, founder of scooms. “Thread counts for bedding typically range from 200 to 800, though 1,000 and higher thread counts do exist. Keep an eye out for suspiciously sounding high thread count. Some manufacturers unfortunately achieve high thread counts by artificial means.
“Instead of counting individual threads they count each ply spun within each thread and then twist multiple yarns together. Which could indicate low quality cotton that is artificially strengthened in this way,” she adds.
Cotton type
“High-quality cotton is typically produced in ‘percale’ and ‘sateen’ weaves, and it’s completely personal as to which you will prefer,” says Jo James, co-founder of Bedfolk. “Percale bedding is made using a traditional ‘one-under-one-over’ criss-cross construction, which produces a fabric with a matte finish, creating a smooth sheet that feels crisp and cool to the touch. Kind of like your favourite dress shirt.
“Sateen cotton uses a ‘one-under-three-over’ weave, which produces luxurious cotton bedding which is often mistaken for silk. It feels buttery soft and smooth to the touch and has a subtle sheen that mellows beautifully after washing.”
Size and fit
Make sure you buy the correct size bed linen to fit your mattress. The obvious options – Single, Double, King, and Super King – are used across all different types of linen but when it comes to bed sheets you will want to ensure the sheet fits around your mattress.
So if you have an extra-deep one then look for either Deep/Extra Deep fitted sheets or a flat sheet in an appropriate size. Flat sheets tend to be generous in size to be able to be tucked firmly around your mattress or to be used as a top sheet comfortably so will offer you more flexibility.
How should you care for white cotton bed sheets?
You should wash your bed sheets once a week, or at least every fortnight, in order for them to stay fresh, bright and soft. Always check the care instructions on your sheets to ensure longevity, though most require machine washing at 40°C along with similar items and colours.
Some brands will, however, recommend deeper-clean washing at a higher temperature to help remove stains, as well as dust, bacteria and other allergens. You should ideally avoid fabric softeners as these can add a coating to cotton fibres over time, reducing the breathability and comfort of your sheets. Similarly, it is best not to use bleach on white sheets as this can degrade the sheets quicker and instead look for natural stain removers.
Most white cotton bedsheets can be tumble-dried on a low to medium setting, but it is preferable to line-dry to keep them looking white, whilst also avoiding creasing the sheets. If that is not possible, particularly during the winter months, ironing straight after tumble-drying or when the sheets are still slightly damp will help to remove deep creases. Alternatively, you could lightly steam the sheet once it is on the bed.
If you’re storing your sheets away, keep them in a dry, ventilated space such as an airing cupboard, packed in a breathable cotton or canvas bag.
What sustainable features should I look for when buying bed sheets?
To make an eco-friendly choice when buying bed sheets that will be kind to both your skin and the planet, check for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which indicates the cotton is grown organically without harmful chemicals and processed in environmentally and socially responsible ways.
Additionally, sheets marked OEKO-TEX Standard 100 guarantee they’re free from harmful substances. Stick to natural or recycled materials, particularly those that have not been heavily bleached or dyed, and consider brands that use minimal or recyclable packaging.
Summer vs winter sheets. Does it make a difference?
“Cotton and linen are pure, natural materials, and this means that when woven into a bedding set it makes the fabric breathable and so is perfect for warmer and cooler months,” explains Molly Freshwater, Secret Linen Store’s co-founder and creative director. “As well as keeping you cool in the summer, cotton and linen bedding will keep you warm throughout winter by absorbing and retaining your body heat.”
“If you’re sleeping in man-made materials, like polyester, they’ll absorb your body heat, rather than naturally ventilating, so the fabric will retain your heat, and you’ll struggle to cool down,” she adds. “If you want to be extra cosy in winter, then invest in brushed cotton sheets. This cotton undergoes a mechanical process, where brushes are rubbed on the surface of the fabric to pull up and raise the very softest fibres from the yarns.”
“The brushed finish raises the fluffy fibres up, allowing them to trap warm air in between. This makes it more insulating and therefore naturally warmer than other cotton fabrics and is why it’s just perfect for the cold winter months.”
What is the most luxurious type of bedding?
When it comes to luxurious bedding, high-quality Egyptian cotton and cotton sateen sheets are often the top contenders, known for their softness, breathability, and durability. Egyptian cotton, especially in a high thread count around 600 or above, offers an ultra-smooth feel and durability that improves with every wash.
Cotton sateen, on the other hand, provides a silky, buttery finish due to its unique weaving pattern, making it a favourite for those seeking a truly luxurious feel that resembles silk. Brands like The White Company and Scooms exemplify this luxury with their high-thread-count Egyptian cotton and sateen sheets, each carefully woven to offer hotel-like comfort in the home.
What is the very best thread count for sheets?
The best thread count for sheets typically falls between 300 and 600, with sweet spots around 400 to 600 for those seeking a luxurious feel without sacrificing breathability. Sheets in this range, especially when made from quality materials like Egyptian or Supima cotton, offer a balance between softness, durability, and airflow that enhances sleep comfort.
Although some sheets boast thread counts above 800, these can sometimes be achieved by counting plies within threads, which doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality. A thread count of 400 in a cotton sateen weave or 500 in percale is often regarded as the ultimate for smoothness, longevity, and a cooling feel.
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