Best Microfiber Sheets of 2020
The level of care and craftsmanship displayed by the Danjor Linens Hotel Luxury 1800 Series is bound to sway even the most stubborn microfiber critics. Right out of the package, these sheets impressed us with their delicate softness — a feeling that only improved after laundering several times. We know it's not a real word (yet), but we have a tough time describing these sheets as anything other than perfectly curl-up-able. Wrapped up tight or gracefully draped across you while you sleep, these sheets provide a nearly ideal sleeping temperature, regardless of whether you sleep hot or cold. Before even sleeping in them, we were highly impressed by the care that obviously went into every stitch, giving us hope for a long lifetime despite their nearly sheer feel.
Through close examination, we did notice a pull on the flat sheet that could result in a future tear, especially if this set is not properly cared for. Even though the 16" pockets of the fitted sheet managed to seat just fine on a pillow-topped mattress, the thin elastic hem gives us reason to doubt how well it will stay attached to a bed — especially for those "aggressive" sleepers who tend to toss and turn. Compared to most other sets in this review, the Danjor Linens set is slightly slippery, but nothing compared to a sateen-weave on a cotton sheet and especially not a silk set. This is certainly a set of sheets that our expert team did not want to take off at the end of the testing period — we believe that these high-quality, microfiber sheets will have you dreaming of a great night's sleep in no time.
Material: 100% polyesterPillowcases: Envelope style
Health Rating: None
The Mellani Brushed Microfiber 1800 bed sheets are another favorite that we couldn't help but want to wrap around us. Even after a hot, midsummer's night, we wanted to curl up in these sheets to sneak in a few extra minutes in the morning. They are luxuriously airy and seem to magically hover over your skin while you sleep, pleasantly balancing warmth and breathability. These sheets are very soft, and beautifully supple — they fall around the body with the same natural grace of a silk shirt or dress. Available in 43 different colorways and ten unique patterns, we're certain that there is a set to match the decor of any bedroom. It is often the small but thoughtful details that seal the deal; in this case, we really appreciate that Mellanni includes pillow measurements on the tag so that you have an easier time finding pillows that properly fit the cases.
This is important too because the envelope-style pillowcases are a bit too big for standard size pillows. So while the cases are highlighted with a deeply saturated satin stitch — adding to the luxurious appearance of this set — the pillows look a bit sloppy with the extra material draped off the end. The fitted sheet presents a bit of a paradox as well: even though it is tight to pull over a mattress, it always managed to end up slightly uneven from front to back and fitting loosely, requiring constant adjustment. That said, we never ended up in a sheet snap-trap, and thoroughly enjoyed every night sleeping in this Mellani set.
Material: 100% polyesterPillowcase Style: Envelope
Health Rating: None
Microfiber sheets are not known for their cooling effects, but the CGK Unlimited Hotel Luxury sheets come closest to filling that niche. Compared to the thick weaves of the competition, we're impressed with the airiness of these super lightweight sheets. While other sets we tested trap air in an insulating layer around the body, the CGK sheets promote the type of positive airflow that creates a lasting cooling effect. The soft, pliable polyester microfiber is still incredibly comfortable to curl up and roll around in without feeling trapped. This set also has the best fitted sheet of any in this review by far, with perfectly rounded corners that easily fit an 18" mattress. These qualities of the fitted sheet, combined with the flexible and breathable top sheet, make this the ideal set for those who tend to toss and turn on hot summer nights.
However, there are a few factors that might work counter to this utopian dream of a peaceful night's rest. Even though they are satiny smooth, these are the most slippery sheets we tested, and consistently lead to a slight static buildup that causes the sheets to stick to clothes and skin. This is also the only fitted sheet that has an elastic hem that is not sewn into the sheet itself — it worries us that this could result in the fitted sheet slipping from a mattress in the middle of the night, particularly if you use a mattress cover. The envelope pillowcases are oversized, and although we did not personally experience this, a number of dropped stitches worry us that there could be some durability issues with these sheets in the future. That said, particularly for the price, these sheets are excellent for anyone that gets overheated during the night.
Material: 100% microfiberPillowcase Style: Envelope
Health Rating: None
Unless you can pull microfiber sheets straight from the dryer and stretch them out across your bed, you will likely experience issues with wrinkling. This sweeping generalization notwithstanding, there are some particular characteristics of the SONORO KATE Super Soft sheets that we believe combat this common crisis. Regardless of their weight of 1800 grams per meter — a number shared by nearly every other sheet in this review — this particular set feels much heavier than the other contenders. As microfiber, they are of course soft and supple, but they do not exactly have the same perpetually relaxed feel as some of the seemingly thinner sheets we tested. We wouldn't go so far as to call these wrinkle-free, but they did press nearly flat on our bed, even after being folded for a few days post laundering. It helps that these are one of the few sets we tested that give you the green light to "lightly iron if needed."
These sheets do not cling to your sides — in fact they have the opposite effect, affording lots of air space around the whole body, even when wrapped up. But they do have the skin grabbing feel akin to a satin-weave cotton sheet, that can be very uncomfortable for those with sensitive, dry skin. Even though the fitted sheet evenly stretched over our thick, 18" mattress, there is a lot of extra material that makes the sheet awkward to adjust properly. Similarly, the pillowcases have inches of extra material on the tail end, essentially canceling out the luxury appearance of the 3-stripe, satin stitch that highlights the pillows. But to the credit of SONORO KATE, the tags on the pillowcases do identify the dimensions of an appropriate pillow to fill the cases, even if those pillows are slightly larger than standard size.
Material: 100% PolyesterPillowcase Style: Envelope
Health Rating: None
We were initially very off-put by the look and feel of the AmazonBasics Lightweight Easy Care sheets. But improvements in texture post-washing and their overall quality of craftsmanship earns our praise, especially considering the very reasonable price tag attached to these sheets. If you demand sheets that are crisp and cool, we suggest you consider a fabric other than microfiber. But if for allergenic reasons, natural sheets are simply not an option, then this set will fulfill that criteria nicely. These nearly sheer sheets are substantially thinner than many others we tested, yet somehow offer a crisp, albeit somewhat stiff alternative to the generally relaxed feel of other microfiber sheets. They are also the only set we tested that carries an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, so you can rest easy knowing that all harmful chemicals have been removed before bringing them into your bedroom.
Unfortunately, the thin material does not translate well to temperature regulation — these sheets are sweltering to sleep in through the heat of the summer. The vinyl-feel that some attribute to 100% polyester really shows through. Although they softened up a bit with washing, it was tough to even consider the word "cozy" each time we slipped between the sheets. The fitted sheet is well designed, and easily adjusts around an 18" mattress (despite the advertised pocket depth), but it is also much more slippery than any other in this review. We tend to regret our color selection, but with a palette of 45 colors and 17 patterns, without a doubt, you will find something to suit your style. And for the price, you could even buy multiple sets, just in case.
Material: 100% polyesterPillowcase Style: Standard
Health Rating: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
As a synthetic material, microfiber itself can be designed to suit the particular wants of the manufacturer — as a result, not all microfiber sheets are created equal. The Bare Home 1800 Ultra-Soft sheets live up to their name, with noticeably shorter fibers that combat any thought of "chamois cloth". The thick weave is a pleasantly stiff alternative compared to the competition, and this sheet set even has a bit of a shine, similar to a sateen-weave on a cotton sheet. This makes them feel comparatively crisp, affording a very comfortable night's sleep, even in the heat of summer.
Sliding between the sheets, you immediately notice a static cling, and there is very little space between the sheet and your skin, regardless of sleeping position. The Bare Home sheets have a fine outward appearance, but a closer look reveals some serious flaws. The seams are remarkably simple — this is generally not an issue, except for the fact that they are poorly sewn. We appreciate the look and feel of the thick hem on the flat sheet, but turning it over revealed a tangled mess of threads at the end of a seam. This finding leads us to believe many of the user claims that the seams will potentially fall apart after only one month of use. This is disappointing considering the price of these sheets relative to the competition. But with a full array of available sizes — from Full XL beds to Split Head Flex Kings — the price may be worth it for those with unusually sized beds.
Material: 100% polyesterPillowcase Style: Standard
Health Rating: None
As one of the lightest sheet sets we tested, the EASELAND 1800 Series microfiber sheets are particularly suited to those back sleepers who cannot stand a heavy sheet pressing down on the tops of their feet. These sheets feel lightweight without feeling overly thin, and regardless of your preferred sleeping position, afford ample air space around the lower body. Despite a slightly slick texture, they do not stick to skin or clothes, but do often wrap you up if you tend to roll around at night.
The 16" pockets of the fitted sheet are deeper than they appear and easily accommodate up to an 18" mattress. However, the bottom sheet is very loose-fitting, and we worry that the lax elastic hem will not stand up to the test of time — in fact, many other users complain about the fact that the elastic wears out and the hems come undone within a matter of months. Another odd fact related to quality of craft is that one out of the four pillowcases (it is a 6-piece set) has a satin stitch highlight that is a completely different color from the others. This might be a thoughtful means of keeping track of your favorite pillow, but considering the other quality flaws, we sort of doubt it.
Material: 100% polyesterPillowcase Style: Envelope
Health Rating: None
Sometimes, it really pays off to put advertising claims to the test — I mean, that's our job, right? In the case of the Utopia Bedding set, the claimed 15" pockets of the fitted sheet will accommodate mattresses that are much, much thicker. The fitted sheet we tested had more than enough material to stretch across an 18" thick mattress, and even had a little extra material to spare — in fact, we don't recommend this bed set for anything but the thickest mattresses. The sheets are soft, and do continue to soften with time, but do not particularly stand out in a category defined by comfy sheets. They verge on crisp and are slightly more breathable than similarly rated sets.
Without a listed GSM weight, we wonder how durable these sheets actually are. They appear to be nearly sheer, thin enough to see all of the tags when stretched across a mattress or pillow. This is the first sheet we've come across in any review that completely lacks a hem on the flat sheet, and the stitching feels loose across all sheets in this set. We worry that many user claims of the fabric ripping after the first time laundering may not be far from the truth.
Material: 100% polyesterPillowcase Style: Envelope
Health Rating: None
This is the first set we tested for this review period, so in a way, the Sweet Home Collection Fine Brushed sheets set the bar for the whole category. Overall, they are super soft to the touch, but not quite as cozy to curl up in. They are smooth and supple but do very much feel like a brushed version of the chamois cloth. Initially, they feel lightweight and airy, but end up retaining much more heat than you would expect. For those diehard fans of microfiber, this would be a great set to carry you through the coldest months of the year.
Unfortunately, this set also helps define all of the issues with microfiber sheets. Unfolding the sheets from the packaging, we immediately noticed tons of loose threads, signifying that these are not super high-quality. Fortunately, the fitted sheet comes with extra elastic bands to cover the corners, because the elastic hem is remarkably thin. The polyester is also very thin, and the face material started to pill and show signs of wearing through after the first night sleeping in them. Even with proper care, we cannot imagine that these sheets are going to enjoy a very long life on any bed.
Material: 100% polyesterPillowcase Style: Envelope
Health Rating: None
For those having difficulty finding a set of sheets to fit their out-of-the-ordinary bed, the Nestl Luxury Extra Soft set likely comes in a size that will accommodate your specific needs. From the Olympic Queen to the Split California King, and even waterbeds, these sheets are only rivaled by the Bare Home set when it comes to unique setups. The sateen-like material exhibits a noticeably tighter weave, making them another great option for a thicker, winter set of sheets. Considering the size options, it is no surprise that their bright color palette is offered in 44 varieties.
If variety is the spice of life, then it can only be truly enjoyed if you want to try it. With regard to the Nestl Bedding set, we had a tough time wanting to spend more than one night on these sheets. They are soft in the hands but have an overwhelming, chamois-like feel that is noticeably scratchier than all other sheets we tested. They squeak when you move around in bed, and they stick to both clothing and skin. The heavy, sateen-like weave is equally hot to sleep in — they may be great in the winter, but they are much too hot to enjoy in the summertime.
Material: 100% polyesterPillowcase Style: Envelope
Health Rating: None
Why You Should Trust Us
Two of our Senior Review Editors, Aaron Rice and Maggie Brandenburg, combine their expertise on homegoods for this review. As high-desert dwellers of the American Southwest (New Mexico and Nevada, respectively) our team looks for those sheets that are capable of providing a great night's sleep in any climate. Their particular regions require sheet sets that are able to keep them cool through blistering summer heat and warm through long, snowy winters. Both of our editors have worked from home for a while now, so it's likely that they spend a bit more time in bed than just those extra few minutes in the morning. Their experience and living conditions combine to make them the perfect candidates to tackle the challenge of putting some of the most highly reviewed bed sheets on the market through GearLab's rigorous test trials.
To kick off our testing process, we first perform our due diligence of online research. After scouring the internet for the best and most popular microfiber sheets on the market, we whittled our selection down to just 10 sets. By purchasing these sheets at retail cost, we can advertise an objectively-honest review, based on side-by-side comparison. Our experts incorporate years of combined scientific research experience into this process to develop comprehensive test plans. Even though we cannot spend years examining each set of sheets, our team spends a lot of time scrutinizing every detail. We simulate years of use by putting them through multiple wash and dry cycles, documenting important characteristics of durability, and noting any significant changes in softness over time. We inspect every stitch for craftsmanship and quality and make note of any flaws that often affect the lifespan of a set of sheets. And of course, we sleep in them! By testing each set in succession, we can comment on important attributes like breathability, heat retention, skin feel, and just how much you can roll around before ending up in a burrito-wrap. Our commentary is unbiased and unaffiliated, and we offer up one of the most technical reviews available to better inform your purchasing power.
Analysis and Test Results
When it comes to the world of bed sheets, microfiber tends to be the most price-conscious option — but that doesn't mean these sheets should be of any lower quality. We all spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, so it was important that we developed a test plan that incorporates some of the most important factors that we don't normally have the opportunity to consider when asleep. We came up with five, comprehensive and mutually exclusive metrics to rate each set of sheets: skin feel; temperature control; utility; ease of cleaning; and durability. We weight each metric according to its relative importance — for example, temperature control is more important than utility. We consider the pros and cons of each set of sheets relative to one another, breaking down the nuanced differences through side-by-side comparison. This informed approach gives us a solid idea of which sheets stand out from the competition so that you can decide which set perfectly suits the needs of your own bedroom.
Skin Feel
We all want to dive into bed at the end of a long day and wrap ourselves up in an uber-comfy set of sheets. Thanks to a finely tuned production process, microfiber sheets can be woven with such fine threads that they are often some of the softest sheets on the market. We understand that skin feel is a subjective, and highly personal preference — some of us may look for a super soft sheet, while another might want their sheets to be super smooth or noticeably crisp. We slept in every set of sheets, with and without clothes, judging qualities like softness, smoothness, slipperiness, and flexibility. We also made sure to launder each set repeatedly to judge how these sheets change in terms of feel over time.
Microfiber is a synthetic fiber with a denier rating of less than one. This is easy to remember, because as a unit of mass density, the denier rating is based on the density of a single strand of silk — a single strand of silk is approximately one denier.
Microfiber can be made from polyamides, polypropylene, and in the case of most bed sheets, polyester. Practically all of the sheets in this review are 100% polyester, but the size and shape of the microfibers used by each company make for differences in softness, durability, stain absorption, and breathability. Don't forget that all those poly- prefixes mean that microfiber is a petroleum based product — this synthetic production is a big part of the reason why these sheets are generally much lower cost than naturally grown options like Egyptian cotton sheets.
For those who have been sleeping in cotton sheets their entire lives, the feel of microfiber is likely going to be a bit of a surprise — it may be useful to relate their feeling to a really thin flannel sheet. The impressive Danjor Linens set is indeed "hotel luxury soft": these supple sheets are soft and silky smooth in the most delicate way, so you'll be happy to curl up for those extra 15 minutes in the morning. Similar in feel are the Mellanni sheets that feel like a silk shirt or dress in the way that they fall around your body. The brushed microfiber of these particular sheets makes them slightly more slippery than others we tested, but nowhere near like a set of silk or even sateen-finished cotton sheets.
Microfiber is commonly used to make lighter-weight alternatives to thicker chamois cloths, so it should not come as a surprise that some of these sheets feel akin to wrapping up in an ultra-soft towel. The Utopia and SONORO KATE collections have this feel to them, which is by no means a bad thing — particularly if you like thicker feeling sheets — but it is a preference that might not appeal to everyone. On the other end of the polyester-spectrum, the AmazonBasics sheets have much more of a vinyl feel that is often attributed to full-synthetic textiles. Although these sheets softened up a bit after washing, they are still much stiffer and more slippery than any other set we tested.
Temperature Control
Despite being lightweight, microfiber is not usually heralded as the solution for the hot-sleepers of the world. As a sweeping generality, the ultra-thin microfibers afford a tight weave that more often retains heat than actively sheds it. Although they are not naturally moisture-wicking like cotton or bamboo sheets, they are spectacularly quick-drying. So even if you have to endure an especially sweaty midsummer night, your microfiber sheets may be dry in time for you to cuddle up through the early morning hours.
Probably the greatest misconception about microfiber sheets is that they all boast an impossibly high thread count. The numbers associated with a set of sheets is often incorrectly advertised or the numbers are misinterpreted, mainly due to the fact that thread count is falsely plugged as the only way to judge bed sheets. When you see a sheet like the Danjor Linens 1800, that series number is the GSM, not the thread count.
GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter and is simply the weight of one square meter of fabric. Similar to thread count, GSM is a way to measure the thickness of a material. But where thread count is used mostly in describing natural fibers like cotton, GSM is used to describe synthetic fibers like polyester. Unlike cotton, polyester fibers can be made so thin that a thread count number no longer becomes a useful way to judge fabric weight.
Since most microfiber sheets tend to be on the warmer side, we were most impressed by those sheets that are not always warm. Once again, our highest performers rise to the top of the charts, with the Mellanni sheets as a standout in terms of breathability. Even though they may fall on the warm side when compared to other material types, we were comfortable laying underneath them even on a hot summer night. The CGK Unlimited sheets were also particularly airy — unlike most of the other sheets we tested, you can actually feel air comfortably pass through these sheets, resulting in a very restful night's sleep.
Utility
Comfort is likely the most important aspect, and how most of us tend to judge a great set of sheets. But what good are the most comfortable sheets in the world, if they don't fit your bed? We considered different pocket depths and how they accommodate mattresses of various thicknesses. We also found some significant discrepancies between what is claimed, and how big the fitted sheets actually stretch. Even though the Utopia Bedding set advertised 15" pockets, we found that the fitted sheet easily stretched over an 18" mattress, and then some.
Even though all Queen-size bedspreads should fit a standard-sized bed, we have found that there are often great departures from the norm. Our advice? Measure your bed.
Pay particularly close attention to the mattress depth, as this is the number that tends to vary the most between options. Keep in mind that older mattresses tend to compress over time; and it may be obvious when stated here, but it is an easy mistake to forget that your topper adds a few inches. To guarantee that a fitted sheet stretches comfortably over your mattress, we have found that it is best to err on the side of caution and add 1-2 inches to the measured thickness.
To ensure that you don't end up wrapped up like a burrito in the middle of the night, it is important to consider how well sheets wrap around mattress corners. The CGK Unlimited and SONORO KATE fitted sheets have particularly well-designed seams that round the corners of a mattress perfectly, even on an extra-thick, 18" mattress. It is also pertinent to judge the effectiveness of an elastic wrap on a fitted sheet to make sure that it stays in place, particularly for those who would classify themselves as "aggressive" sleepers. The Sweet Home Collection fitted sheet is the only one we tested that has extra elastic bands around the bottom corners, while other sets like the EASELAND — and even the highly scoring Mellani — have awfully loose fitted sheets that barely hug a mattress.
To fully assess utility, we also made sure to judge sheet sets on variety, both in terms of color and sizing options. The variety of color options and patterns is a particularly strong suit of microfiber sheets — thanks, in part, to their synthetic nature. Many of these sheet sets, including the Mellani, AmazonBasics, Nestl Bedding, and Sweet Home Collection, have over 40 colorways to choose from. We also awarded points to the Sweet Home Collection, EASELAND, and award-winning Danjor Linens collections for the fact that they are sold in 6-piece sets, offering extra pillowcases for those of us who like to sleep with two pillows. If you happen to have an oddly sized bed — like a Split California King or an Olympic Queen — check out the Bare Home or Nestl Bedding sets that offer a full array of size options.
Ease of Cleaning
The true value of microfiber sheets is fully expressed in their ease of cleaning. The main advantage of such a fine polyester weave is that these sheets are particularly adept at repelling particulates. The tight weave resists dust and other allergens — most of the sheets we tested are advertised as hypoallergenic, and although neither of our experts suffer from airborne or skin allergies, our research generally confirms these claims. It is important to note that due to the chemical production process, microfiber sheets are likely not suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin conditions.
Like most textile production, the manufacturing process for microfiber sheets is unfortunately chemical-intensive. It is a long way from the factory to your bedroom, and to ensure that those chemicals don't become a part of your nightly routine, many producers opt to have their sheets tested for remaining harmful chemicals post-production. OEKO-TEX is an independent consortium that sets the standard for textile testing. An OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification means that your sheets are verified to be "harmless in human ecological terms" — and you can rest easy knowing that this certification often exceeds national and international requirements for testing.
Besides rebuffing allergens, microfiber sheets are also excellent at avoiding stains. We tested this by intentionally spilling red wine on each of the sheets, and really giving it the time to absorb and set. Even without any pre-wash stain treatment (including dabbing), every set of sheets managed to avoid any permanent blotches, and all of the stains lifted easily on the first time through the wash. Continuing to build upon the point that microfiber is a great low-maintenance option for bed sheets, all of these are exceptionally fast drying. Although the instructions for everything we tested suggest putting them through a dryer on a low-setting, we noted that most dry in less than 15 minutes — perfect for cutting down your time spent at the laundromat.
Many claim that microfiber sheets are the solution to wrinkle-prone bamboo or cotton sheets. We beg to differ — although it certainly helps to fold your sheets right out of the dryer, the only time we experienced non-wrinkled sheets were when we pulled them out and laid them immediately on the bed.
To avoid any potential complications (read: melting) of these polyester sheets, most manufacturers warn against ironing. Only the AmazonBasics, SONORO KATE, EASELAND, and Utopia Bedding sets indicate that it is okay to iron on a low/cool setting.
Durability
Durability is an interesting question to consider when it comes to appraising the value of a set of microfiber sheets. Many argue that, again due to the tightly woven polyester, that strength is a principal quality of microfiber — others will argue that the practically sheer fabric will rip after the first time laundering.
After examining hundreds of pairs of bed sheets, our experts have identified certain characteristics that tend to correlate well with durability. Considering that they are appropriately cared for over their lifetime, a well-sewn textile should last much longer than a piece that is poorly crafted. By closely inspecting seams, quality of stitching, the resilience of elastic hems, and the face fabric itself, there are often signs that lead us to question a set's durability. While high-quality fibers tend to follow higher price-points, this is not always the case.
The Danjor Linens set offers top-notch quality and craftsmanship at a middle-of-the-road price point. We found almost no dropped stitches or loose ends on these sheets, which is a huge step up from the rest of the competition. To put value in perspective, the flat sheet of the much more expensive Bare Home had a tangled mess of thread at the end of one seam. The tags on the Utopia Bedding sheets explicitly state, "save from sharp edges," so it is not surprising that many users complain of ripping after their first time through the wash. Upon unfolding them from their packaging, we immediately noticed a ton of loose threads on sheets like the Sweet Home Collection and the Nestl Bedding sets — a likely indication of problems ahead.
Conclusion
If you indeed spend nearly a third of your life sleeping, shouldn't you love that experience? Even though microfiber tends to be a price-conscious alternative to more expensive sheets, purchasing a quality set of sheets should be considered an investment in your well-being. We hope that by using this article to inform your purchasing power, you can then rest easy knowing that you're sleeping on a reliable bedspread that will last for years.
— Aaron Rice