The Best Editor-Tested Jersey Sheets You Can Shop Right Now

Part of the foundation for a good night’s sleep is a great set of sheets, which is exactly why it’s so important to select materials that feel downright amazing. Luckily, there’s no shortage of options out there to find the one that best suits you. Lightweight linen may be great for hot summer days and crisp percale can give your bed a hotel-like quality — but if you’re looking for a material that offers peak comfort by getting better with each wash, jersey is definitely one worth exploring. What’s more, it falls right between breezy summer materials and heavy winter ones, so you can use a jersey set all year long.

Known for taking comfort to the next level, jersey sheets make you feel like you’re “cozying up on a cloud,” as one of our editors put it. That’s because jersey has quite a bit of stretch to it, both sides feel smooth, and it tends to be less dense overall, especially when compared to its brushed cotton cousin, flannel. Given the vast array of jersey options out there, it can be difficult to suss out the good from the bad and find which ones are truly worth purchasing. Fortunately, we’re here to help with our list of editor-approved jersey sheets, which we’re touting as the best on the market right now from brands like West Elm and Pottery Barn.

• Best Overall: Bare Home Organic Jersey Cotton Sheets
• Best Budget-Friendly: Mainstays Extra Soft Jersey Sheets
• Best Luxury: West Elm Silky Tencel Modal Sheets
• Best All-Season: The Company Store Company Cotton Jersey Knit Sheets
• Best Organic: Pottery Barn Teen Favorite Tee Organic Sheets

When it comes to shopping for the right jersey sheets for your needs, there are a handful of details worth taking into consideration. From what “jersey” even means to the materials it can be made from, who the sheets can benefit, and how to take care of them, here’s everything you need to know.

In plain terms, “jersey” refers to the method in which a piece of fabric is constructed. While conventional cotton sheets (percale, sateen, etc.) are woven from multiple fibers, jersey is a product of a loose-knit pattern, derived from a single loop. As a result, the material takes on a unique elastic quality — which could otherwise only be achieved through the use of synthetics such as spandex — and a stretchy character, very much like a broken-in T-shirt. Unlike many of its cotton or linen counterparts, jersey is less likely to wrinkle and can feel exponentially softer, even from the very first use. 

While most jersey sheets are made from 100 percent cotton, you may find alternatives that feature a blend of synthetic and man-made materials. These can include:

• Microfiber: A common material for jersey, especially when it comes to apparel and sportswear, microfiber is a synthetic fiber that yields a durable, breathable, and soft fabric.
• Polyester: Similar to microfiber, polyester jersey is a synthetic material that’s durable, wrinkle-free, and commonly used for sportswear. It’s cooler to the touch but less breathable than microfiber.
• Lyocell: One of the most sustainable fabric materials out there, lyocell is a cellulose fiber, similar to rayon, derived from the dissolved pulps and chips of the eucalyptus. It’s breathable and cooling, resistant to (but not free from) wrinkling, and good for those with sensitive skin. If blended with synthetics, however, lyocell is no longer sustainable or especially safe on sensitive skin.
• Modal: Crafted in a method similar to lyocell, modal is procured from the beech tree and is added to cotton to provide more strength and cooling properties. It’s a fine knit, which can yield a super smooth surface and even a bit of sheen. When cared for in alignment with product-specific instructions, modal is resistant to shrinking and built to last.

It goes without saying that for those who run cool at night, jersey sheets are both a winter and year-round essential. For warmer sleepers in the past, jersey sheets — especially those blended with synthetics — have too often felt too warm up front or ended up being too insulating throughout the night. These days, however, jersey sheets are being crafted with hot sleepers in mind and for use all year-round.

The loose knit of jersey definitely helps promote airflow, so when jersey sheets are made with the right materials, they can be the perfect solution for those who run hot at night but love a super-soft sheet. Cotton blends (regardless if it’s polyester, rayon, or modal) will always run warmer versus 100 percent cotton, which is naturally more breathable. If you’re committed to the cause, ditch your top sheet and just stick with a jersey fitted sheet and duvet-covered comforter on top. Less fabric equals less heat. 

Maintaining the integrity and longevity of your sheets means giving them the proper attention and care. Luckily, one of the major advantages of jersey sheets is how easy they are to care for. When it comes to washing bedding, experts recommend using hot water to effectively rid them of dust mites and germs, as well as any other unwelcome lingering bacteria.

The caveat here is that if your sheets contain polyester or other synthetic materials, the repeated exposure to hot water will cause them to pill significantly more. To avoid this, wash jersey sheets in primarily cold or warm water and use the hot cycle more sporadically. Then, tumble dry on low heat and refrain from ironing to avoid damaging the elasticity of the sheets — because jersey isn’t prone to wrinkling, they should be just fine after a quick spin in the dryer.

Certifications can be telling of the quality of a particular brand of sheets, especially if you’re in the market for sustainably sourced or organic options. They can also be a helpful reference when weeding out varieties that include any sort of harmful chemicals or toxins. The primary labels you’ll encounter are:

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Certifies that a product is organic, free of harmful chemicals, includes certain sustainability and pollution standards, and fair worker protections and practices. 
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Ensures that the bedding is free of toxic chemicals, harmful synthetics, and dyes. 
• MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX: Products are tested for harmful substances and made in safer workplaces with reduced environmental impacts.

We tested a variety of jersey sheets across a range of materials, judging them on the following criteria:

• Feel: How do the sheets feel out of the box vs. during use and after washing? Are they lightweight? Are they soft? Are they comfortable to sleep on?
• Temperature: Do they feel warm right when you get into bed? Do they cause overheating? Are they breathable or able to promote airflow? Do they feel stuffy?
• Durability: Do the sheets pill? Do they get softer after repeated washing?

Made with 100 percent organic cotton, the Bare Home Organic Jersey Sheets make you feel like you’re wrapped in your favorite tee. They’re durable, breathable, stretchy, and oh-so-soft to the touch. “The sheets are really comfortable and feel super soft, very much like I’m on a cloud,” says AT programmatic operations & yield analyst Jasper. “Having used them now in the summer and fall, they’ve held up great and don’t feel sticky or cheap.”

They also get softer with every wash, so you can enjoy buttery-soft sheets all year long. Plus, Bare Home’s Organic Jersey Sheets are sturdier than the average jersey sheet set since they’re constructed with a heavier weight of fabric. But don’t worry, they aren’t as thick as flannel. In addition to their stretch from ring-spun cotton, the fitted sheet is also fully elasticized, so it’ll stay put as you clock in eight glorious hours of sleep.

Specifications:

• 100% organic cotton with organic dye
• Fits mattresses up to 16″
• Includes flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase for Twin/Twin XL sets)
• Available in 6 sizes and 9 colors
• Machine wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble dry low
• GOTS-certified

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep cold; those who want affordable sheets for fall and winter.

Good to Know: To keep your sheets ultra-soft, wash this set in cold water and dry on a low temperature every time — but especially before their first use.

Admittedly, finding an affordable set of high-quality jersey sheets seems like a shopping catch-22. You can either spend a small fortune on a great set or opt for a budget-friendly alternative that will wear and tear quickly — but both? It seemed virtually impossible. Well, at least until Walmart came through with an impressive option. This jersey set from Mainstays, crafted from 100 percent cotton, is made for cooler nights and is unapologetically cozy.

Another thing to love? At 150 GSM (grams per square meter), these sheets have the weight of a flannel button-down and the softness of your favorite tee. They’re also available in 12 colors, so you’re bound to find a set (or two) that work for your bedroom aesthetic. “I really like the color, it’s a perfect oatmeal and looks really nice in our white/gray traditional bedroom,” says principal product manager Anna. “The price is great, and the sheets are great quality so overall I definitely recommend.”

Specifications:

• 100% cotton
• 150 thread count
• Fits mattresses up to 15″
• Includes flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase for Twin XL set)
• Available in 4 sizes and 12 colors
• Machine wash warm; tumble dry low

Who It’s Best For: Those who get cold while they sleep; those shopping for winter bedding; those working with a budget.

Good to Know: Mainstays sheets tend to sell out quickly, especially in certain colors, so don’t sleep on (as it were) buying this jersey set ASAP.

From improving your mood to your overall health, a good night’s sleep is a pillar of a healthy lifestyle. If you want to enhance your snooze sesh, you may be willing to spend a little more on a set of high-quality, built-to-last, and beautiful (why not?) jersey sheets. Enter: West Elm’s Silky Tencel Modal Sheets. Commerce SEO editor Sarah thought she would never love a bedding material more than bamboo, but the ultra-soft feel of this Tencel set proved her wrong. Even though it’s extremely cozy, it’s also breathable and moisture-wicking.

Historically, Sarah says jersey hasn’t kept her cool at night, but this set did the job and then some. “Well, reader, I’m more than happy to say that with this set I slept soundly and cool all night long,” her review says. “I think it’s safe to say that I’ve found a new favorite fabric.” What’s more, the material drapes in a way that looks totally luxe, and it’s eco-friendly, too, using a closed-loop production process that recycles more than 99% of water and materials.

Read our full review of the West Elm Silky Tencel Modal Sheets.

Specifications:

• 100% TENCEL Modal
• Fits mattresses up to 16″
• Includes flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase for Twin/Twin XL set)
• Available in 4 sizes and 5 colors
• Machine wash separately in warm water; tumble dry on medium
• Fair Trade-certified

Who It’s Best For: Those that run hot while sleeping; those that want a set that looks as gorgeous as it feels.

Good to Know: According to the brand, TENCEL is “more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk, and cooler than linen,” which is why it’s especially great for hot sleepers.

If you’re short on storage space, you’re likely after a set of sheets that you can use year-round, instead of keeping a different set for every season on hand. For the perfect mix between form and function, The Company Store’s Company Cotton Jersey Knit Sheet Set has you taken care of. Made with 100 percent cotton, this option has the lived-in feeling of a beloved bathrobe. They’re equal parts soft and breathable, making them a winner for all seasons. As if the cozy factor didn’t have you sold, this set is available in a dozen colors.

“I could tell at first touch that these were some seriously cozy sheets. They’re not too hot in the summer, and, as the weather has just started getting colder, they provide just the right amount of warmth, too,” says AT commerce assistant editor Morgan. “Even though they impressed me right away, they’ve gotten even softer with every wash, and they stay secure and smooth on my mattress, no matter how much I toss and turn. Bonus: The pink color is so vibrant and fun!”

Specifications:

• 100% cotton
• Fits mattresses up to 16″
• Includes flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase for Twin/Twin XL sets)
• Available in 5 sizes and 12 colors
• Machine wash on gentle cycle; tumble dry low
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified

Who It’s Best For: Those who love bright colors; those who match their sheets to their decor; those who prefer sheets with a slightly weightier feel.

Good to Know: You can personalize your sheets with a monogram of custom initials, words, or names in a range of styles and even wider range of colors for just $18 more.

If sustainability is at the forefront of your mind whenever you need to grab a new piece of bedding, then you’ll appreciate Pottery Barn Teen’s Favorite Tee set, which definitely lives up to its name. You’ll find yourself hurrying to wash it and put it back on your bed, watching as it gets softer and softer over time. However, right away, it has a “lived-in, thicker, marshmallow-like feel to it,” according to Morgan.

“Its weight is the perfect middle ground, not as breezy as my summer sheets and not as heavy as my winter flannel ones,” she wrote in her review. “The loose-knit pattern of the jersey gives it a stretchy quality that makes getting it on my bed completely painless; it also doesn’t bunch up, which is my eternal peeve with other sheets. The jersey also looks as gorgeous as it feels; if you go with one of the colored or striped options, the material’s heathered effect looks just like a well-worn T-shirt.”

Read our full review of the Pottery Barn Teen Favorite Tee Organic Sheet Set.

Specifications:

• 100% organic cotton jersey
• Fits mattresses up to 16″
• Includes flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases (1 pillowcase for Twin/Twin XL set)
• Available in 4 sizes and 10 colors
• Machine wash warm; tumble dry on medium
• GOTS-certified and Fair Trade-certified

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer their bedding to be eco-friendly; those who like their bed to have a relaxed look; those who want a set that works for all seasons.

Good to Know: Pottery Barn also sells a Favorite Tee comforter and shams, if you want your entire bed to be covered in the material.