The Best Fitted Sheets that Stay Put

Are you in the market for just a bottom sheet? Sold separately, fitted sheets can be purchased in a fabric and color to meet your needs. Check out our favorites below.

By Sheryl Grassie •

Aug 31st, 2021 •

Cotton, microfiber, silk? Natural or synthetic? 8-inch mattress or 16-inch? How do you replace just that bottom sheet with something that feels good and fits? Sheets come in many different fabrics, colors, and depths, and there is one that is just right for your bed and décor.

Browse our selections for the best sheets organized by size options, color selection, price point, and environmentally friendly fitted sheets.

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The Best Fitted Sheets that Stay On

Best Fitted Sheets Overall – Saatva Lofton Organic Sheets
Most Affordable Fitted Sheets – Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set
Most Eco-Friendly Fitted Sheets – Eli & Elm Winchester Bamboo Sheet Set
Best Fitted Sheets for Cooling – Brooklinen Classic Percale Collection

Best Fitted Sheets Overall

Saatva Lofton Organic Sheets

Saatva Lofton Organic sheets are soft, luxurious, cooler than you might expect, and Mattress Advisor’s choice for best overall fitted sheets. The intent behind Saatva’s choice of materials and design really shines through.

Long-staple cotton woven into a sateen weave translates to a smooth finish and silky feel. The 300-thread count provides more coolness and breathability than typical sateen sheets. Also, they’re designed to work with any model of Saatva mattress and they’re available in all standard mattress sizes plus split king, king upper flex, and more. Like all fitted sheets, they’re also designed to stay in place.

Pros:

High-quality organic material
Cool and breathable
1-year warranty

Cons:

More expensive than typical sheets
Limited color selection

Most Affordable Fitted Sheets

Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set

If you like the crisp feel of a freshly made bed, the Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set can help you experience it every day—at an affordable price. These sheets hit all the high notes of the traditional percale style, including 100% cotton construction using long-staple fibers.

The 215-thread count offers a balance between comfort and durability. The percale weave is designed to last while also getting softer with each wash. Sets include one fitted sheet, one top sheet and one pillowcase for Twin and Twin XL sizes, with an additional pillowcase for Full, Queen, King and Cal King.

Pros:

Affordably priced
Two-year limited warranty
Extra-strong elastic

Cons:

Thread count isn’t exceptional
Won’t fit mattresses over 14″ high

Most Eco-Friendly Fitted Sheets

Eli & Elm Winchester Bamboo Sheet Set

Environmentally conscious people who want to get a good night’s sleep in good conscience could find what they’re looking for with the Elli & Elm Winchester Bamboo Sheet Set. The sheets are made from organically grown bamboo converted to rayon fibers, which are then rendered into a sateen weave with a 350-thread count.

Eli & Elm’s description of this set as “The World’s Softest Bamboo Sheets” might seem over the top, but they do back up the claim with a money-back guarantee. If you want a first-hand account of the sleep experience, you can read our Eli & Elm Winchester Bamboo Sheet Set review.

Pros:

Made from all-natural bamboo
Softness and cooling
Money-back guarantee

Cons:

Cost is on the pricey side
Buyer must pay for return shipping

Best Fitted Sheets for Cooling

Brooklinen Classic Percale Collection

The Classic Core Sheet Set is part of the Brooklinen Classic Percale Collection. Although the brand has “linen” in the name, these sheets are actually 100% long-staple cotton. The 270-thread count is loose enough to provide a level of breathability sure to appeal to people who have trouble staying cool as they sleep.

Each set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases, so Twin and Twin XL mattress owners won’t feel shortchanged. Pillowcases also include envelope enclosures to help your pillows stay in place as well as your fitted sheet.

Pros:

Breathable material and thread count
Two pillowcases with each set
Hotel-quality finish

Cons:

Prone to wrinkling
Light sleepers could find the crisp feel distracting

What Is a Fitted Sheet?

A fitted sheet is the bottom sheet on your bed with elastic to hold it snug, so it doesn’t untuck as you move around. You can use a fitted sheet without a top sheet, especially if you use a duvet. Although sheets often come in sets, you can purchase just a single bottom or fitted sheet. This allows you to easily replace worn bottom sheets or redecorate with a minimal investment.

How to Choose the Best Fitted Sheet

Here are some things you might consider when purchasing a fitted sheet:

Type of Fabric

Percale sheets are tightly woven cotton fibers that create a crisp sheet that’s lightweight and breathable and ideal for warmer nights.
Microfiber sheets are made from finely woven synthetic material such as polyester or rayon. They are more durable and require lower maintenance than natural cotton sheets.
Sateen sheets are woven to create a smooth surface with a luminous sheen. They are generally thicker and better for cooler nights.

If you want a particular fabric like cotton or silk, if you want something natural or organic, if you love microfiber, check out fitted sheets that come in the material you desire.

Pocket Depth

How deep/tall is your mattress? Make sure the sheet is designed for mattress depth or it will be sloppy or too tight.

Pocket depth refers to how deep of a mattress the fitted sheet can accommodate. Standard-pocket sheets typically fit up to 12-inch-high mattresses. Deep-pocket sheets can fit mattresses up t 15 inches high. Extra-deep-pocket sheets can accommodate mattresses from 16 to 22 inches high.

Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch in fabric. Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet. Thread counts usually vary from about 200 to 800, though some sheets come in 1,000 or more. Thread count usually applies to cotton sheets but not microfiber ones since they are made with synthetic fibers.

Full Elastic

Some fitted sheets have elastic only at the corners, but many brands are fully elastic, meaning they have elastic all around the perimeter of the sheet. This helps the fitted sheet stay in place.

Size

Most fitted sheets come in standard sizes to fit Twin-, Twin X-L, Full-, Queen-, King-, and California King-sized mattresses. If you’re not sure what size mattress you have, measure it and purchase sheets based on the size.

Care Instructions

Don’t take for granted that all sheets are machine wash and dry. Although a minority, there are still sheets that need to be line dried or hand washed. Consider the amount of work involved with the sheets you are contemplating.

Summary

Compare our top-rated fitted sheets below:

Product	Material	Best for
Saatva Lofton Organic Sheets	Sateen	Overall
Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set	Percale	Affordability
Eli & Elm Winchester Bamboo Sheet Set	Bamboo	Eco-Friendliness
Brooklinen Classic Percale Collection	Percale	Cooling

Our picks for the best fitted sheets profiles high-end microfiber and cotton. There are chemical-free sheets, environmentally friendly sheets, and sheets that come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Check the pocket depth you need, find your color and fabric, and make sure the sheets are easy-care. Then enjoy your new fitted bottom sheet for a better night’s sleep.

The Best Fitted Sheets that Stay Put

Are you in the market for just a bottom sheet? Sold separately, fitted sheets can be purchased in a fabric and color to meet your needs. Check out our favorites below.

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