Sateen sheets stand out as one of the most popular choices among bed sheet options, and for good reason—their soft and smooth feel is unmatched. Sateen fabric has a smooth and lustrous appearance due to its four-over-one-under weave. The best sateen sheets are not only soft and buttery, but also durable, properly stay put on your bed and accommodate your temperature needs. To find the best sateen sheets, I have tested several models and sorted through dozens of sateen sheets online using my background in fabrics to evaluate each one. The Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set came out as our top pick for its high-quality, soft cotton and balanced weight that’s just the right thickness.
The best sateen sheets are a dream to tuck yourself into and boast a buttery smooth feel that gets ... [+] softer with each wash.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
When it comes to bedding, one size does not fit all. Other options on this list may be a better fit, depending on your preferences. Here are the best sateen sheets for a wide variety of sleepers, from the best cooling sateen sheets to the best budget pick.
Thread count: 480 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 15
These Brooklinen sheets are among the brand's most popular sets. Its long-staple cotton, which is softer than regular cotton, ensures these sheets are soft and less prone to pilling. The sateen weave gives these a buttery-smooth feel that seems to get softer with each wash. The 480 thread count is on the higher side than most sateen sheets, so they feel substantial but we didn’t find them too hot and perfect for year-round use. We appreciate the “long” and “short” side labels, simplifying the bed-making process. Brooklinen offers a wide variety of 15 colors and patterns such as white, blue mist, stripes and limited edition colors such as beach grass and tropical orchard.
What we love
Smooth and soft feel
“Long” and “short” side labels
Lots of colors and patterns
Keep in mind:
Won’t fit on mattresses thicker than 16 inches
Limited sizes with some color options
What the writers/editors say:I’ve owned these sheets for nearly a year and they are on regular rotation in my sheet sets because they are so comfortable. I especially love them in the winter, they feel cozy without being too warm. These also feel soft on my sensitive skin. Sleep and mattress editor also owns these sheets and says, “They’re my go-to set in the summer because they’re so light and breathable, but have only gotten softer over time. I’ve found they stay wrapped around my mattress well without slipping and sliding, even though there are no securing straps.”
Best Budget Sateen Sheets
High-Quality With A Wallet-Friendly Price Tag
Amazon
California Design Den Sheets (Queen)
Thread count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: 27
This sheet set from California Design Den is hard to beat in value when you can grab a 100% cotton queen size set for under $40. The sheets have over 73,500 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, which is not surprising. I’ve used the California Design Den towels in the past and was pleased with the quality for the price. These sheets boast a 400-thread count and have handy tags indicating “head/foot”, making it easy to put them on correctly the first time. And with 26 color and pattern options, you’re sure to find a set that matches your style.
What we love
Budget-friendly price
Head/foot tags
26 color and pattern options
Keep in mind:
Reviewers say the flat sheet is a little short to tuck under the bed
Some reviewers say they are not as soft as they would like
What the reviews say: One happy customer says, “I ordered these sheets as a “back up” set after upgrading to a bigger mattress and the quality is phenomenal. The fitted sheet is deep enough for my thick mattress. There is no pilling and they are super soft and breathable. I also like how the top and bottom is clearly marked so it’s easy to put on the mattress. I replaced all my sheets with this brand and donated the old ones. You won’t be disappointed with this set.”
Best Lightweight Sateen Sheets
Airy, Breathable And Perfect For Warmer Seasons
MOST POPULAR
Quince
Quince Organic Sheet Set (Queen)
Thread count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 15
The Quince sheets are a good pick if you sleep hot or want a lightweight pair of sheets for warm weather seasons. The 300 thread count makes these sheets lightweight, which helps prevent them from trapping your body heat. Not only that, they are made with 100% organic cotton and OEKO-TEX 100 certified so you know it’s been tested and free from harmful substances. The pocket on the fitted sheets accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches thick. For added convenience they also have “top” and “bottom” labels so you put the sheet on correctly on the first try. While I haven’t tried this specific set of sheets, I’ve tested a number of Quince products and they’ve consistently proven to be good quality.
What we love:
Lightweight
Made with 100% organic cotton
Convenient “top” and “bottom” labels
Keep in mind:
Won’t fit on mattresses thicker than 16 inches
Some may not prefer the thinner feel
What the reviews say: According to one happy customer,“This is our second set of these sheets. We purchased the white. They are elegant, comfortable and wear very well. The quality is outstanding.”
Best Organic Sateen Sheets
Luxurious And Crafted With Eco-Friendly Materials
Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado Organic Cotton Sheets (Queen)
Thread count: 400 or600 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: Natural, white, grey, seafoam green
If you’re looking for sustainably sourced sheets made from green materials, consider these sheets from Avocado. They’re made with 100% cotton that is Global Organic Textile’s Standard (GOTS) and Made Safe certified, which means they pass strict standards for environmental, social and chemical restrictions set by these independent organizations.
As expected, the sateen weave gives them a slight sheen and luxurious feel. The sheets have over 500 reviews with a 4.8-star rating and are one of the brand’s most popular sets. While I’ve not slept in these specific sheets, I’ve tried a number of Avocado bedding products and have been impressed with their comfort and quality, so it’s not surprising these are highly rated. You can also choose if you want a lighter 400 thread count sheet or a heavier, softer one with a 600 thread count.
What we love
Made with 100% organic cotton
GOTS and Made Safe certified
Option for 400 or 600 thread count
Keep in mind:
Only 4 color options
Some reviewers say these tend to wrinkle
What the reviews say:One positive reviewer claims,“I love that these sheets are organic cotton, and they are so soft and comfortable. I recently committed to using organic cotton in bedding wherever possible, and I am very happy I found these sheets from Avocado.”
Most Soft Sateen Sheets
High-quality Cotton For An Ultra Soft Feel
Lands' End
Lands' End Supima Cotton Sheets (Queen)
Thread count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Colors: 11
Sateen sheets are known for their soft, smooth feel but these sheets take softness to the next level. They start with Supima Cotton fibers, an extra-long staple cotton, which means they are softer and more durable than regular cotton. This sheet set has a 400 thread count and is adorned with satin-stitched embroidery on the flat sheet and pillowcases for an extra luxe look. In addition, the sheets are treated with brands “No Iron finish”, so your sheets look freshly pressed out of the dryer up to 30 washes. These fit on mattresses up to 18 inches and you can personalize them with a monogram on the flat sheet and pillowcases.
What we love
Made with soft, Supima cotton
Wrinkle-free up to 30 washes
Can personalize them with a monogram
Keep in mind:
More expensive than some others
Some reviewers say they do not prefer the extra smooth feel
What the reviews say:“These are the first new sheets I’ve bought in a long time. I searched reviews and these were on the top of a few lists. They were on sale, though still pricey, but I took a chance. Now I love them. They launder beautifully and are as soft as they were at the beginning. The sheen isn’t dramatic but I really enjoy how soft and smooth they are. They are so perfect I bought a second set. They’re worth every penny.”
Best Cooling Sateen Sheets
A Lighter, More Breathable Pick To Relieve Hot Sleepers
Unlike percale sheets which are known for their crisp and airy feel, sateen sheets have a denser weave so they often feel warmer. This Company Store Sateen Set feels buttery soft and cooling at the same time. The 300 thread count ensures they feel lighter and cooler than higher thread count sateen sheets. They also go a step further by combing the cotton which makes these sheets feel softer and more durable. A bonus of these sateen sheets, they are wrinkle-free making it easy to make your bed look neat, without the work. You also won’t have to worry about harmful substances since these sheets are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. The flat sheets and pillowcases can be monogrammed, and the sheets are sold in individual pieces so you can customize them to your needs.
What we love:
Lighter weight sateen sheet
Wrinkle-free
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
Keep in mind:
Not available in California or split king size
Some may not prefer the thinner feel
What the reviews say:One happy Customer Store customer says,“The feel of these sheets is fantastic—smooth and cool. The fitted sheet is the perfect size over my mattress and easy to put on and take off. I am going to buy more colors.”
Best Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheets
A Luxurious Pick With A Silky-Smooth Feel
Peacock Alley
Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Sheets (Queen)
Thread count: 500 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king | Colors: White, aquamarine, tin
Crafted with Egyptian cotton, these make it hard to get out of bed in the morning. The long-staple Egyptian cotton ensures these sheets feel buttery-smooth and soft, like you’re sleeping at the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. With a 500 thread count, the sateen sheets are more substantial making them great for those who like a cozier sheet. You can also rest assured the sheets are actual Egyptian cotton since they’ve earned the Cotton Egypt Association Accredited Gold Seal. This accreditation verifies the cotton has been tested and is not falsely labeled Egyptian cotton. It has a simple stitch detail for a clean, minimal look. The fitted sheet has pockets that fit mattresses up to 17 inches.
What we love:
Made with soft Egyptian cotton
500 thread count
Clean, minimal look
Keep in mind:
Not available in California or split king sizes
Only available in three colors
What the reviews say:Feeling impressed enough to leave a positive review, one customer says,“I love these sheets, this is my second set. They are so soft and comfortable. These are going to be the only sheets I purchase from now on.”
Best Wrinkle-Free Sateen Sheets
Achieve A Polished Look With This Wrinkle-Resistant Pick
Garnet Hill
Garnet Hill Sateen Sheets (Queen)
Thread count: 400 | Sizes: Double, queen, king, California king | Colors: 8
Ideal for those who prefer low maintenance yet wrinkle-free sheets, these Garnet Hill sheets are hassle-free. They are designed to look freshly pressed straight out of the dryer so there’s no need to drag out the iron. Having owned these sheets in the past, I can vouch for their smooth appearance fresh from the dryer. However, like any wrinkle-free sheet there are a few wrinkles, just not nearly as many as regular sheets. These sateen sheets are made with 400 thread count combed pima cotton. The extra-long staple pima cotton and combing ensures these sheets are soft and durable. You can also buy flat and fitted sheets as well as pillow cases separately if you don’t need a whole set.
What we love
Resists wrinkles
Soft, high-quality cotton
Flat and fitted sheets can be purchased separately
Keep in mind:
Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
Pricey
What the writers say:These sheets look great coming out of the dryer and have very few wrinkles unlike other sheets, making the bed look neat. These are one of my favorite wrinkle-free sheet sets for its smooth and soft feel. The fabric is not too thick or thin and feels so cozy year-round.
Best Luxury Sateen Sheets
Detailed, High-Quality And Made With Egyptian Cotton
Crane & Canopy
Crane & Canopy Embroidered Sheet Set (Queen)
Thread count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Colors: 11
Crane and Canopy’s sateen sheets feel like you’re sleeping in a luxurious hotel bed. The 400 thread count strikes the perfect balance between weight and breathability. When I’ve slept in these sheets previously, I found them soft thanks to the long-staple Egyptian cotton. They also didn’t feel as slick as other sateen sheet sets I’ve tested, giving them a slightly more crisp, freshly ironed feel like you would find at a hotel. The hand embroidered lines on the flat sheet and pillowcases give the sheets an extra special touch. You can choose from 11 gorgeous, subtle colors such as capri blue, dove gray, apricot and many more so your sheets look as lavish as they feel.
What we love
Made with soft Egyptian cotton
Line embroidery adds an elegant look
Feels cozy yet breathable
Keep in mind:
Not available in split king size
Expensive
What writers say:These sheets feel like the best hotel sheets that are soft yet have a slight crispness, making it feel like room service just freshly made the bed. They have good weight but are still breathable. I love the embroidery lines which make the sheets look extra luxe.
Best Deep Pocket Sateen Sheets
Quality Comfort Fit For The Thickest Of Mattresses
The Company Store
Company Store Cotton Sateen Sheet Set (Queen)
Thread count: 450 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, deep pocket queen, deep pocket king, deep pocket California king| Colors: 17
For those with thicker mattresses, finding deep pocket sheets can be a challenge, which is why we love this set from The Company Store. The sheets have pockets that accommodate mattresses up to 20 inches thick, so they fit on even the thickest mattresses. Not only are these sheets wrinkle-free, but they are made with Supima cotton, which is softer than regular cotton so the sheets won’t feel scratchy. With a 450 thread count these sheets are on the heavier side, yet the cotton ensures they’re still breathable. Deep pocket options are available in queen, king and California king sizes. There’s a wide variety of colors available and these can be monogrammed for a personal touch.
What we love:
Fits mattresses up to 20 inches
Wrinkle-free
Made with soft Supima cotton
Keep in mind:
450 thread count may feel too heavy for hot sleepers
Expensive
What the reviews say:According to one positive review,“These sheets have just the right mix of silkiness and thickness. I felt enveloped in comfort the first time I pulled the sheets back and not looking back. This is my first Company Store product, and definitely not my last. I 10/10 would recommend.”
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve spent hours researching dozens of sateen sheets. The author of this story, Jamie Ueda, has vast experience testing bedding products such as sheets, pillows, mattresses and more. Jamie had spent years evaluating and writing about apparel and textile products for many trusted publications including Good Housekeeping, CNN Underscored and USA Today’s Reviewed. She’s also gained years of experience working in the textiles industry in product development and quality engineering. She holds two degrees in apparel and textile design, and mechanical engineering. Forbes Vetted sleep and mattress editor McKenzie Dillon has years of experience testing bedding products including sheets, and also contributed her expertise to this list.
How We Chose The Best Sateen Sheets
Here at Forbes Vetted, we spend a lot of time finding the top quality sleep products. We find the best products when it comes to sleep, from the best mattresses to the cooling sheets.
When it comes to sleep products, I have tested dozens of sheets, pillows, blankets, mattresses and more for over a decade. In order to choose the best sateen sheets I relied on my previous testing knowledge of all types of sheets, including sateen sheets. I also used my professional and educational experience in textiles. I’ve worked at a home textiles company and Nike in product development and quality assurance. My educational experience includes degrees in apparel and textile design, and mechanical engineering. To narrow down this list, I chose brands that I’ve personally tested, whether it’s a specific sheet set in the past or current bedding products that have consistently shown they’re high quality. I also chose sateen sheets sets that have high ratings and reviews from shoppers like you.
What To Look For In The Best Sateen Sheets
Thread Count
When shopping for sateen sheets, thread count should be taken into consideration. However, a higher thread count doesn’t always equate to better quality. Thread count affects how the sheet feels in terms of feeling lighter or heavier, and breathability. For hot sleepers, a lower thread count is a good choice since it won’t feel as warm and allows for more heat and moisture to escape. If you like extra warmth or like a heavier sheet, then a higher thread count is the way to go.
Cotton Type
Sateen sheets are typically made with 100% cotton. Keep an eye out for terms like “long-staple” or “extra-long staple” cotton, these types of cotton fibers help the fabric feel softer. Egyptian, Supima and pima cotton fall under these categories and are considered some of the highest quality cotton due to their softness and durability.
Fit
Check the dimensions of sheets, especially the fitted sheet, to make sure they suit your mattress. Thicker mattresses require deeper pocket fitted sheets to make sure they fit properly around the mattress and don’t come off. Also keep in mind that if you have an extra thick mattress to check that the flat sheet is long enough to tuck under the mattress if that’s your preference.
What’s The Best Thread Count For Sateen Sheets?
Thread count has been used as a sign of quality for sheets in previous years, but that shouldn't be the sole factor in your purchasing decision. The best thread count should be chosen based on your body temperature when you sleep and personal preference. Hot sleepers who want a lighter and airier sheet should choose a lower thread count, while those who like a more substantial sheet should choose a higher thread count. Generally, a higher thread count means the sheets are thicker and more durable.
Is Sateen A Good Bed Sheet?
Yes, sateen is one of the most popular types of sheets. It's known for its smooth, buttery feel and slight luster which makes it appealing to many people. They are also typically made with 100% cotton so they are soft and breathable.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Sateen?
Sateen sheets have a soft and smooth feel due to the weave construction. The downside of this is that compared to percale sheets they may feel thicker and not quite as breathable. They are also not as crisp compared to percale sheets which some individuals may prefer.