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The Best Cooling Sheets to Beat the Heat

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Photo: Courtesy of Eucalypso

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Any hot sleeper knows it’s a struggle to get a good night’s rest. If you’re prone to night sweats or your home is in desperate need of air circulation, try this solution: cooling sheets. Here at Clever we’re very invested in your sleep, and lately we’ve been testing the best cooling sheet sets in luxe materials like linen, bamboo, eucalyptus, and cotton percale that’ll keep you comfy all summer long. And the best part (for your energy bill) is that they don’t require cranking up the AC. To take some of the guesswork out of things, we’ve written up what you need to know about these 16 breathable sheet sets and why we’re so fond of them. All that’s left for you to do is rest easy (and cool). 

For your convenience, prices are given for queen-size bed sheet sets, but different sizes are available for purchase.

Shop by material:

Eucalyptus

Linen

Bamboo

Cotton 

Tencel

Hemp


Eucalyptus


Buffy Eucalyptus Sheets

Buffy Eucalyptus Sheets

Tester: Zoë Sessums, Digital Design Writer

My sleep preferences: I am a hot sleeper no matter the time of year, so I love any sheets that give me some temperature regulation and cooling abilities. I’ve grown particularly fond of natural fibers too, so look for those in my bedding.

About the brand: Buffy is all about cool-to-the-touch eucalyptus fabric for its product range. “More breathable than cotton and softer than linen,” is one of the claims on the site, so I was sold on that messaging. The sheets are also safe for pets, children, and those with sensitive skin.

My experience: My first thought when touching these sheets was how soft they are—almost like silk! I also enjoyed the lovely delicate gray color, which comes from natural ingredients like turmeric, rose petals, bark, and gardenia. After sleeping on them for several nights, I did feel like the cooling claims were true—I stayed comfortable through the night.

The bottom line: I appreciate the sustainability of the materials used by Buffy; the eucalyptus, which is grown in Austria and the Czech Republic, uses 10 times less water to produce than cotton. Plus, I always like a naturally dyed fabric if I’m really getting close. Finally, with the real cooling abilities and soft feeling of the sheets, I would definitely recommend them to a fellow hot sleeper.

Buy at Buffy, $199


Sijo Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Sijo Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Tester: Mel Studach, associate editor

My sleep preferences: I tend to use just about every excuse possible to linger in bed in the morning, so I know better than to keep my bedroom so cool that I won’t want to get out from under the covers! Ideally, the room is set to around 67 degrees, but other than that, I’m not picky when it comes to sleep needs. When it comes to sheet needs, though, the feel of the fabric has to be next-level soft.

About the brand: I tested Sijo’s Eucalyptus Sheet Set (with a name like that, how could you not be intrigued?). I’ve always associated the eucalyptus plant with wellness—great for steaming in the shower for aromatherapy or using as a body oil for relaxation. Outfitting the bed in the plant seemed like a natural progression. Though if you’re like me and are quick to read the materials label, know that eucalyptus isn’t exactly listed. Rather, the sheets are made from 100% Tencel lyocell fiber, which is made from a number of wood sources (including eucalyptus) that are turned into a dissolved pulp and extruded into a fiber.

When made into bedding, specifically at Sijo, the result is incredibly soft, smooth, and hypoallergenic. The sheets remind me of my favorite silk shirt, airy and comfortable yet elegant. They are pleasantly lightweight, meaning that they not only drape beautifully along the sides of the bed, but they are also conveniently breathable—or “naturally cooling,” as the brand puts it.

My experience: I’ve used the Eucalyptus sheets year-round at this point—under a lightweight quilt in the summer and a down comforter in the winter—and they’ve remained silky soft and wonderfully breathable. I’ve certainly noticed a less humid sleep experience in comparison to my past sheet sets.

The bottom line: I can’t get over how comfortable the set is, and—cooling aside—it has a fabulous sheen to it that still has me like a kid in a pet store, wanting to touch its softness every time I walk by. I’d certainly recommend it to friends, but only with the disclaimer that I don’t want to hear complaints if they (like me) struggle to get out from under these sheets in the morning.

Buy at Sijo, $132 with code SUMMER21


Italic Slumber Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Italic Slumber Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Tester: Rachel Fletcher, Commerce Editor

My sleep preferences: I HATE being hot, hate it. There is something about my constitution that makes my entire body reject the summer temps—and that discomfort is especially heightened when I’m trying to sleep. I was fairly new to the notion that sheets could provide any sort of cooling, so I jumped at the chance to try a bunch of sheets in materials that’d help regulate my body temps.

About the brand: Italic is a concept that has intrigued me for a while now. The membership-driven platform works closely with manufacturers that actually make the products that direct-to-consumer brands and luxury fashion retailers sell, but Italic offers them at cost.

In the case of these 100% lyocell sheets (eucalyptus is frequently the fiber lyocell is made with), Italic employs the same factories that make sheets for Frette and Four Seasons. Eucalyptus, similar to linen and hemp, is said to be heat/moisture wicking and more sustainable to grow. Unlike linen and hemp, which tend to be a bit more rustic, the feel is super soft and silky.

My experience: These are really lovely sheets! They are cool and, as I mentioned earlier, incredibly soft and silky. It’s a nice way to try a cooling sheet if you’re not wild about the texture of a hemp or linen. The one downside is that they fit rather snugly on my bed and I tend to prefer a little more breathing room, as my mattress is left exposed by a few inches with these.

The bottom line: Yes! If you’re interested in eucalyptus, these sheets are significantly less expensive than a set from other brands (Italic’s site mentions the costs of Buffy and Ettitude specifically). However, at a membership cost of $100 a year, you’d likely want to stock up on home goods or clothing in the near future to make it worth your while. Italic also tends to sell limited colorways—these sheets only come in ivory, which was fine by me, but if you’re looking for something bold and bright, these are not for you.

Buy at Italic, $95


Eucalypso Eucalyptus Classic Sheet Set

Eucalypso Eucalyptus Classic Sheet Set

Tester: Audrey Lee, Commerce Writer

My sleep preferences: Since I have very sensitive skin I’ve always slept on 100% cotton sheets (the softer, the better) because I know they won’t irritate my skin the way other materials have. No matter what time of year it is, I like to have at least some sort of cover on at night—whether it be a duvet, quilt, or just a flat sheet—but in the summer I’m extra keen on anything cooling or with particularly good ventilation to keep me from overheating.

About the brand: Eucalypso is an eco-friendly family-owned brand that touts itself as makers of “the world’s softest eucalyptus sheets, guaranteed.” This is thanks to a proprietary fabric-treating technology that the company says makes its Tencel lyocell sheets body temperature–regulating, extra-breathable and more moisture-wicking than cotton. In addition to its cooling abilities, Eucalpyso says its materials are naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic to help soothe skin while preventing acne and irritation.

My experience: Prior to sleeping on these sheets I was only familiar with eucalyptus in the form of a skin-care ingredient and as the preferred snack of koala bears—but that association has quickly changed now that I’ve experienced just how silky-soft these sheets are. What I like most about the material is that alhough it feels thick, the sheets are still breezy enough that I never want to kick them off at night. I slept on them during a very tumultuous weather period where temperatures were close to the 90s one week, then dropped to the 60s the next, but the sheets stayed cool and airy in the highs yet still cozy paired with my duvet in the lows. And though I can’t say for sure whether or not my skin benefited substantially from sleeping on them, I didn’t notice any new breakouts or irritation, which was big for me.

The bottom line: These sheets checked all my boxes and I can definitely see myself enjoying them year-round because of how cozy they feel. Not only were they comfortable temperature-wise, but as someone who takes extra precautions when it comes to what I put in contact with my skin, it was a treat to know that Eucalpyso’s sheets wouldn’t be irritating in any way.

Buy at Eucalypso, $159


Linen


Parachute Linen Sheet Set

Parachute Linen Sheet Set

Tester: Sydney Gore, Digital Design Editor 

My sleep preferences: I am a very sensitive sleeper, so no matter the season I suffer in silence. As someone who continues to fight the transition into a full-on insomniac, I find summer the most challenging time of the year. I don’t have air conditioning in my bedroom, so sleeping under layers of bedding is a big no-no, but I require the light weight of something soft on me to fall into a gentle slumber. When it comes to bedding, I’ve been more inclined in the past to make my selections based on the style as opposed to the features, but now I’ve zeroed in on the quality of the fibers.

About the brand: Parachute is a trendy direct-to-consumer brand dedicated to comfort. Since 2014, they have been creating what they call “impeccable bedding.” On their website, the brand says that what sets them apart is the fact that their bedding is made in a family-owned factory located in the Guimarães region of northern Portugal. Parachute products are also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, which means they’ve satisfied the highest criteria of testing for harmful chemicals and synthetics.

My experience: I’m a sucker for linen, which I consider to be a luxury fabric in the thick of the heat during those unbearable nights where you’re sweating through the sheets. Parachute’s linen is made out of pure European flax—I couldn’t tell you what that means, but I will say that the texture is as soft as a cloud! My bed always feels like a nest when it’s covered in this set and I generally sleep soundly through the night.

The bottom line: I’ll admit that I’m a little biased because I’ve been making my bed with Parachute for a long time, but the quality is simply undeniable! You can’t go wrong with the full set, which comes in 10 different colors so there’s truly something for everyone’s aesthetic. It’s worth the price.

Buy at Parachute, $169


Bed Threads 100% Flax Linen Sheet Set

Bed Threads 100% Flax Linen Sheet Set

Tester: Zoë

My sleep preferences: Hot sleeper year-round, particularly fond of natural fibers.

About the brand: The ethos behind Bed Threads is: Make a product that is “high-quality, simple to wash, easy on the environment, affordable and beautiful.” The bedding is pure French flax linen without breaking the bank. The linen, as usual, is touted as having natural temperature-regulating abilities, so you can be comfortable year-round.

My experience: As with the Piglet linen sheets, I found these to be sturdy, beautiful, and perfect for temperature control. It’s hard to go wrong with 100% French flax linen. These fit my needs for providing a comfortable sleep.

The bottom line: Bed Threads is another brand with high-quality products that come in an incredible range of colors (currently 22!). A friend of mine has a range of sunset hues on his bed and frankly, I’m jealous (though it’s hard to go wrong with white linen sheets). I would sing the praises of these sheets any day.

Buy at Bed Threads, $260


The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set

The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set

Tester: Audrey

My sleep preferences: A super-soft, hypoallergenic sheet with good ventilation.

About the brand: The Citizenry is known for their environmentally friendly and fair trade furniture, decor, and bedding. These linen sheets, woven by a family-run mill in Portugal, are made from a French flax and designed in a muted color palette that includes shades like olive and sienna. I was curious to find out how this set would compare to the other natural-fiber sheets I tested and whether they would be as cooling and soft as the brand promises.

My experience: I love to outfit myself in linen during the summer, so I was excited to try my first set of linen sheets, though concerned that the material would feel too scratchy to sleep on. Thankfully, not only did I love the look of them (I chose the olive), but the stonewashed linen was super soft and inviting. The material is definitely more crisp than silky, but I quickly got used to the texture, which supplied just the right amount of airy ventilation throughout the night. Plus, I’ve washed my set twice already and they’ve gotten even softer and cozier each time.

The bottom line: I’m not sure what I’m more impressed by: the cooling quality of these sheets or how lovely they are to look at. And though these linens are on the expensive side, I can tell they’ll really stand the test of time because they’re the kind of sheets that get better the more lived-in they become.

Buy at The Citizenry, $250


Piglet White Linen Complete Sheet Set

Piglet White Linen Complete Sheet Set

Tester: Zoë

My sleep preferences: Hot sleeper year-round, particularly fond of natural fibers.

About the brand: Piglet was started in West Sussex, England, with the goal of creating cozy, beautiful, high-quality basics—all winning descriptions for bedding. Known for its exceptionally soft linen, the site claims that “the natural long fibers help to regulate your body temperature as you sleep, with its breathability and high moisture absorbency.” Apparently the weight of the fabric is part of why it helps with a deeper sleep too. Plus, the more wear on the linen, the softer it gets.

My experience: These are truly some substantial sheets, so the weight and sturdy feeling were noticeable first. I love the color range you can choose from, but I went with the classic white. The more I sleep in these sheets, the softer they get—it’s true. I also find the linen to be an ideal match for my typically hot body temperature.

The bottom line: Though this sheet set is a bit steep in price, the quality is unmatched and I predict I’ll use these for as long as they’ll last (seemingly incredibly long!). You really get what you pay for, so I would say these are A+++ sheets.

Buy at Piglet, $320


Bamboo


Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Tester: Audrey

My sleep preferences: Likes a super-soft, hypoallergenic sheet with good ventilation.

About the brand: Cozy Earth is the brainchild of a couple looking for smarter bedding solutions to their clashing temperature preferences. What they came up with was a line of breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo sleep essentials that Oprah described in her 2018 “Favorite Things” list as the “softest bedding ever.” And if you’re on the fence, the brand allows returns and exchanges within 100 days, plus an additional 10-year warranty against defects.

My experience: Sleeping on these sheets felt like being draped in a luxuriously lightweight silk that often had me wishing I didn’t have to get out of bed in the morning. At first, I immediately noticed how next-level soft the bamboo viscose fabric was and how nicely the fitted sheet clung my bed. Though it still has a nice weight to it, the fabric is thin enough to allow air to pass easily through the layer and keep me comfortable all night long. Even more impressive, these sheets kept me cool and dry during a string of mid-90-degree days when I’d normally resort to using a fan to stay comfortable (which I prefer not to because of the noise). If I had just one wish, it would be that these sheets came in colors other than white (but thankfully, I’ve been told the brand is releasing more colors later this year!).

The bottom line: Rolling around in these sheets feels like a refreshing treat, which makes me think I’ve found my go-to summer bedding with Cozy Earth. Plus, if Oprah approves, who am I to disagree?

Buy at Cozy Earth, $369


The Purple Sheets

The Purple Sheets

Tester: Sydney

My sleep preferences: Sensitive sleeper who likes a lightweight layer to combat lack of AC.

About the brand: Purple is a company founded by two brothers on a mission to revolutionize how we sleep. Their sheets are made out of 90% bamboo-derived viscose and 10% spandex, designed with “cool, breathable stretch that cradles your hips and shoulders for total comfort,” per their website. 

My experience: I’ve always been interested in making my home more sustainable, so starting with bedding seemed like a simple fix. I didn’t know what to expect from bamboo sheets, but what I quickly found out was that this set is super stretchy, which I am not used to feeling with standard sheets. To my surprise, I found this elastic texture comforting, and I wrapped myself in the sheets like a caterpillar in a cocoon! The first night that I tried them, I woke up feeling well-rested and refreshed. It’s honestly been the smoothest transition.

The bottom line: These sheets are extremely breathable and give you the flexibility to lie in any position without disruption, which makes them the perfect companion for a deep slumber. I think I may have found my new security blanket… Purple also provides a one-year warranty, so if you’re not satisfied, you can get your money back.

Buy at Purple, $99


My Sheets Rock “The Regulator” Sheet Set

My Sheets Rock The Regulator Set

Tester: Audrey

My sleep preferences: Likes a super-soft, hypoallergenic sheet with good ventilation.

About the brand: Made from bamboo rayon and formulated to wick moisture, minimize odor, and keep you cool, My Sheets Rock calls their signature sheet set the “ultimate performance sheets.” The company is so confident you’ll love them, they offer a 90-day risk-free trial or your money back.

My experience: The name “My Sheets Rock” gave me high expectations for these sheets—and I’m happy to report they didn’t disappoint. The bamboo rayon has a really nice, silky feel to it. In fact, I was surprised at how similar the material felt to one of my favorite French silk shirts. Whether I was crawling into or out of bed, the sheets felt refreshing. Plus, I appreciated the small design details like tags designating which mattress corners the fitted sheet goes on and the cheeky care label that reads, “If in doubt, call your mom.”

The bottom line: Though these sheets are marketed to men, I think anyone who’s prone to night sweats would appreciate them, and they come in 10 colors to boot. They seem like an overall solid introduction to anyone who’s skeptical about bamboo or looking to upgrade to an elevated sheet set.

Buy at My Sheets Rock, $169


Pom Pom At Home Bamboo Sheet Set

Pom Pom At Home Bamboo Sheet Set

Tester: Sydney

My sleep preferences: Sensitive sleeper who likes a lightweight layer to combat lack of AC.

About the brand: Pom Pom at Home is a Los Angeles–based marketplace for superior Belgian bedding that is said to be sustainably sourced and free of harmful substances and synthetics. On their website, the brand claims that they provide “the most refined, natural, and highest-quality fibers” in the making of their products.

My experience: These silky sheets, 100% rayon made from bamboo, give you a feeling of pure luxury. Compared to some of the other sustainable bedding brands that I’ve tried in the past, Pom Pom at Home doesn’t compromise quality or integrity in presenting itself as a luxury brand. My hibernation mode was fully activated and I found it very difficult to leave my bed every morning. Color me impressed!

The bottom line: If your bedding preference is usually a classic cotton, but you want to make the switch to a more sustainable fiber like bamboo that still feels luxurious, look no further than Pom Pom at Home. 

Buy at Pom Pom at Home, $211 with code SUMMER20


Cotton


Saatva Organic Percale Sheet Set

Saatva Organic Percale Sheet Set

Tester: Rachel

My sleep preferences: As mentioned, ideal sleeping temp is ICY.

About the brand: Percale is often likened to the feeling of a crisp cotton button-up and is said to be breathable and cool to the touch. In my quest to not turn into a rapidly melting human Popsicle every night, that sounded great to me! Saatva’s set is made of 100% organic cotton that is light but also sturdy at the same time.

My experience: Of all the sheets I’ve tried, these feel the most like expensive hotel sheets that I’ve come across, and the price tag certainly reflects that! That said, they’re Fair Trade and GOTS Certified, which are things I believe in paying more for across the board. These sheets did have a cooling effect, though not dramatically so, but they’re also nicely made and seem like they’ll last forever. And I love the bluish gray hue.

The bottom line: If you’re a super sweaty sleeper, I would recommend trying something like eucalyptus or linen. If you’re looking for a set of really beautiful and well-made sheets that also help cool, I’d say Saatva is the way to go.

Buy at Saatva, $155


Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set

Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set

Tester: Kristi Kellogg, contributing editor

My sleep preferences: I am not a hot sleeper. I am the kind of person who sleeps all bundled up in a swath of blanketry, often including one pulled over my head. And I love sheets. I used to sleep with no top sheet (out of sheer laziness), but once I started using a top sheet again on a whim, I was hooked. My usual set is California Design Den Luxury Sheets with a 1,000-thread count—they truly make your bed feel like a hotel bed. But going into summer, it made sense to try the Tuft & Needle percale to experience a cooling sheet and all it has to offer.

About the brand: These 215-thread-count sheets are made of 100% cotton grown in the United States, and they feature extra-strong elastic to keep the fitted sheet in place. According to Tuft & Needle, the cotton sheets get increasingly soft with each wash. They’re available in a handful of neutral colors (charcoal, cloud, sage, slate, and sand).

My experience: These sheets are very thin and lightweight—if you were sleeping in a hot place, they would be just the thing. They do, in fact, feel very crisp. They also really do fit my mattress snugly and stay nicely and neatly in place. Even though I am not a hot sleeper, I still liked this cooling sheet overall.

The bottom line: If you find yourself waking up at night because you’re hot, I think these sheets are a safe bet. They’re so light and airy—they’re as close to sleeping with no sheet as you could get!

Buy at Tuft & Needle, $90


Tencel


Casper Hyperlite Sheets

Casper Hyperlite Sheets

Tester: Madeleine Luckel, Design Editor

My sleep preferences: I love to sleep cold! The cool side of the pillow has always been my thing, and I’d rather bundle up under a fluffy duvet and a pile of blankets than try to go to sleep on a warm night. I look for sheets that run cool and that I think match my overall bedding scheme.

About the brand: I think of Casper as a mattress company, but they’ve expanded into other bedding verticals. These sheets are made with 100% Tencel lyocell.

My experience: My favorite part of these sheets was probably their rosy hue (not quite millennial pink territory, but not too dull either). But—that doesn’t mean they weren’t also highly functional! They really were lightweight and breathable.

The bottom line: I would recommend these sheets, but if the person was finely attuned to textiles and bedding, I would note their grid weave. I’m also not sure how their thinness will hold up after multiple runs in the washer and dryer, but time will tell.

Buy at Casper, $219


Hemp


Botana Oat Milk Bundle

Botana Oat Milk Bundle

Tester: Rachel

My sleep preferences: As mentioned, ideal sleeping temp is ICY.

About the brand: Botana makes hemp sheets only–specifically 100% hemp sheets. Hemp is known to be a sustainable material, as it uses significantly less water than cotton to produce and is naturally resistant to insects that are traditionally treated with pesticides. Hemp is also said to be antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and cooling (among other things!). Brooke Henderson started Botana in 2020, pairing her knowledge of hemp from her husband’s career in the CBD field with her drive to create high-quality sustainable bedding.

My experience: My first impressions were that I loved the color, which is a beautiful neutral shade of light brown. They also felt heavy, in that they were densely woven and solidly constructed; these sheets feel incredibly well made and have softened beautifully every time I’ve washed them this summer. When I lie on them, I’m cooler and I feel like they’re moving moisture away from my body. I’ve climbed into bed not completely dry from the cold shower I require every night in the summer; while that might normally feel a little uncomfortable, the sheets pull the water off my skin and dry faster than any towel I’ve ever used (I might have to invest in some hemp towels this year, too!).

The bottom line: While they’re not the most affordable bed linens on the market, these are not the most expensive sheets I own, and yet they feel worth every penny. I can 100% feel the difference between the Botana sheets and a less costly pair and I appreciate the sense of luxury they bring to my sleep routine. I’m definitely a hemp convert and would highly recommend the Botana set to someone looking to try the material for the first time.

Buy at Botana, $468