The Best Organic Sheets You Can Buy Right Now
Good bedding is meant to stay with you for years, which is why it’s important to consider not only the quality of your bedding but also how it’s made. Believe it or not, some sheets have to go through chemical treatments in the production process to achieve their texture and feel, but those aren’t the only options you have. It’s possible to get a great piece of bedding without the treatments, and certified organic sheets are, without a doubt, one of the best ways to achieve it — both for the health of our skin and the environment. But navigating the wide, somewhat convoluted world of organic textiles can make finding the right set daunting. Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you, found out what matters when it comes to organic bedding, and tested a wide range of brands and sheets. Here are our picks of the best of the best. Looking for a more comprehensive guide to buying sheets? We’ve got one here.
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The Best Organic Sheets
- Best Overall: Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set
- Best Budget-Friendly: Under the Canopy Organic Jersey Sheet Set
- Best Luxury: Avocado Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets
- Best Cooling: Quince Bamboo Sheet Set
- Best Cotton: Company Essentials Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set
- Best Bamboo: DOZ Organic Bamboo Sheet Set
- Best Flannel: Under the Canopy Organic Flannel Sheet Set
What to Consider When Buying Organic Sheets
In the western world, we hear “organic” and are somewhat conditioned to feel better about a purchase, even if we’re not entirely sure what the term means in relation to what we’re buying. Not all bedding with “organic” in the name is the best option or even completely trustworthy. There are a few things to consider when you’re shopping for organic sheets, from what they’re worth to why and how their value is certified.
Thread Count
The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. However, sheets with a thread count above 430, according to the pros, may require more of your attention. In fact, Brooklinen co-founder Vicki Fulop says “a multi-ply construction is often used to strengthen lower-grade cotton; a super high thread count can actually indicate the presence of a lower-quality sheet.” But this doesn’t actually complicate things as much as it may seem. Thread count is still an important factor; just keep in mind that “as the thread count rises, the fabric becomes softer, denser and warmer,” says Fulop. “So that you know you’re getting an accurate and not misrepresented thread count, you want to be in the 200-500 range. In the lower range you’ll have a crisper, cooler sheet and on the higher end you’ll have a smoother and warmer sheet.” Hot sleepers may actually prefer a percale or sateen sheet with a count closer to 200, while hot sleepers could enjoy the density of a 500 thread count set.
Cost
Even though the production of organic textiles, as opposed to non-organic textiles, involves fewer (if any) chemical treatments, they are usually still more expensive than the alternative. This is because the quality of the raw material itself — cotton, for example — has to be quite high to surpass the need for chemical softeners or other processing and finishing treatments. For the same reason, the material then has to be artfully woven into fabric and naturally dyed in order to yield a desirable look and feel without chemical aids. In short, quality organic sheets cost a pretty penny but are more than worth it when you consider the benefits and amount of use you’ll get out of them.
Benefits
Dermal exposure to the chemicals that so much non-organic bedding is treated with — flame retardants, quinoline, bisphenols, benzothiazoles, phthalates, formaldehyde, metal nanoparticles, and other scary stuff we can barely pronounce — takes a toll on our largest organ over time. But it can also have an immediate effect on our skin, causing rashes and other allergic reactions after just a night’s sleep. And, no, washing your sheets when you first unbox them won’t get rid of all those chemicals, and maybe not any, depending on the production process. Now that you’re as scared straight as we are, think about a world where your bedding is guaranteed to not cause a chemically induced rash or emit so many harmful chemicals into the environment — globally or at home. Organic sheets, depending on their certifications, are non-toxic and safe.
Certifications
There are a number material and textile certifications to consider when shopping for organic bedding.
- GREENGUARD certified: Ensures the materials have low chemical emissions.
- Fair Trade certified: Meets rigorous standards of environmental protection, sustainability, safe working conditions, and social and economic betterment.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified: Confirms the ecological and social responsibility with which textile products are made.
- Made Safe certified: Ensures everyday products are non-toxic, made with safe ingredients and materials, and are family safe.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified: Ensures every component of a product has been tested and is free of harmful chemicals.
- OEKO-TEX Made In Green certified: Ensures textiles and leather products have been manufactured in environmentally friendly facilities under safe and socially responsible working conditions and tested for harmful substances.
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified: Ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
What We Look For in Organic Sheets
We tested a range of organic sheets, from cotton to linen and bamboo, judging them on the following criteria. Though not one of our most important criterium, we also considered the aesthetics of the sheets.
- Feel: Are they soft? Do they have texture or are they smooth? Do they get softer after washing?
- Certifications: Are they certified organic? How much of the production process is ecologically conscious?
- Functionality: Are they cooling? Warm? What’s the quality of the material? Are they easy to care for?
The Best Organic Sheets
Best Overall: Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set
Boll & Branch, an editor-favorite bedding brand, impressed us with its organic Percale Hemmed Sheet Set that’s OEKO-TEX 100, GOTS, and Fair Trade certified. Smooth and crisp, these 100-percent long-staple organic cotton sheets have a cooling weave that’s ideal for hot sleepers. “I LOVE these sheets!” says tester Hernetta. “I originally put them on my bed as a stand-in for my usual sheets that were being washed, but ever since sleeping on Boll & Branch’s percale sheets, I’ve been washing them and putting them right back on my bed!”
The Percale Hemmed Sheet Set comes with pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet that can accommodate mattresses up to 17 inches thick. They’re available in a range of neutrals and eight sizes, so whether you have a Twin or a Split King, you’ll be able to dress your bed beautifully. “They’re soft and I don’t get too hot sleeping under them, which has been good for the quickly changing spring weather in Louisiana, but I could easily use them all year round, too,” Hernetta adds. “They wash well, haven’t shed, and look great!”
Read our full review of the Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set.
Specifications:
- 100% organic long-staple cotton
- 7″ hemline on flat sheet, 17″ pocket on fitted sheet
- Available in 8 sizes and 6 colors
- Includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcases
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS, and Fair Trade certified
- Machine wash cold; tumble dry medium
Who It’s Best For: Those who want cooling sheets; those who want sheets to use all year round; those who want something that will soften with each wash and last a long time.
Good to Know: Boll & Branch offers free shipping and returns, but you can also try these sheets risk-free for 30 nights.
Best Budget-Friendly: Under the Canopy Organic Jersey Sheet Set
While they’re not cheap, the Jersey Sheet Set from Under the Canopy achieves one of the lower price points among our best picks without sacrificing quality. The thing that really gives these sheets such value and makes them stand out, though, is their material. They’re made of jersey cotton, which gives them notable stretch and makes them as delightfully comfy as a well-loved shirt. “These organic jersey sheets are incredibly soft and cozy. The quality is so good, too,” says AT cleaning and organizing editor Stephanie. “I lean more toward being a hot sleeper while my husband is definitely a cold sleeper, and these sheets are a perfect compromise.”
Aside from their feel, these Under the Canopy’s jersey sheets are breathable while still providing warmth that makes them a good fit whether you’re a hot sleeper, cold sleeper, or somewhere in between. “I love a cold room to fall asleep in and these sheets provide warmth to balance my temperature,” says Stephanie. “They’ve held up great thus far and work well in my bedroom.” She also notes that the sheets are easy to care for. “The instructions are as follows: machine wash warm, normal cycle, with like colors. Tumble dry low and warm iron when needed. Do not dry clean. And an important thing to note, because organic cotton blooms after every wash, you can expect your sheets to get even softer each time!”
Specifications:
- 100% organic cotton
- 150 GSM jersey knit
- 4″ hemline on flat sheet, 16″ pocket on fitted sheet
- Available in 6 sizes and 4 colors
- Includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcases
- OEKO-TEX Made In Green and GOTS certified
- Machine wash warm; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who love to shop sales; those who want the best sheets at the lowest price; those who want sheets that are suited for any type of sleeper.
Good to Know: Under the Canopy has sales often, so it’s likely you won’t spend the full price on your own set.
Best Luxury: Avocado Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets
While Avocado’s Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets achieve the price point expected of our best luxury pick, they also undeniably achieve everything a dream sheet set should be —from the certifications to the quality, feel, overnight performance, and durability over time. On how these compare to non-organic sheets she’s tried, our executive lifestyle director Charli says, “They are noticeably better and I’m officially converted!” Made from one of the rarest varieties of extra-long staple cotton, these soft sheets have a shiny sateen finish and provide year-round comfort that’s optimally breathable for hot sleepers. They’re also available with deep pockets for those with thicker mattresses, such as the editor-favorite Avocado Green Mattress.
“These sheets are truly amazing and worth the money,” notes Charli, who gave the GOTS-certified Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets high praise for their quality and comfort. Available as a 600 thread count or 1,000 thread count per inch, the complete sheet set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases.
Specifications:
- 100% organic Indian Suvin cotton
- Available in 600- or 1,000-thread count
- Available in 7 sizes and up to 3 colors, depending on thread count
- Includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcases
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS, Made Safe, and Climate Neutral certified
- Machine wash warm; tumble dry low or line dry
- 1-year limited warranty
Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who want sheets that stand the test of time.
Good to Know: Both 600 and 1,000 thread count sheets will be on the softer side, but if you prefer the softest version of these sheets, then opt for the higher thread count.
*Honorable Mention: “I LOVE these sheets,” says contributor Amy about the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Organic Linen Sheet Set. “They feel like a whole new level of luxury bedding. They’re not soft and buttery, which I usually wouldn’t like, but the feel is actually perfect. Not too soft, not too stiff, with a weight that feels significant but breathable. I am often cold when I get into bed and then get sweaty in the night, but I didn’t have any such issues with these.”
Best Cooling: Quince Bamboo Sheet Set
Outside of sheets with more ventilated, open weaves like linen, organic ones don’t usually have the same cooling factors as those treated with chemicals that laminate materials or otherwise smooth and add shine. While turning to cooler weaves is always an option, a material like bamboo viscose will not only give you cool sheets but also a luxe appeal. Editor-favorite brand Quince has earned a spot as Best Cooling for their Organic Bamboo Sheet Set that can fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick and has a wide range of colors to pick from. The sheets are hypoallergenic, OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified, and cool to the touch all night long. “I was impressed by how cooling these sheets are, especially since my A/C is only in my living room,” says associate social media director Rachel. “They almost have a silk or satin feel to them, which just also feels like a little luxury to me!”
Specifications:
- 100% viscose from organic bamboo
- 16″ pocket on fitted sheet
- Available in 5 sizes and 8 colors
- Includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcases
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine wash cold on delicate; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those with allergies; those who prefer smooth, silky sheets.
Good to Know: To avoid pilling, do not use fabric softener or dryer balls with these sheets.
Best Cotton: Company Essentials Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set
The Company Store, another editor-favorite brand, has impressed again with the Company Essentials Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set, our best classic percale set option in the organic textile world. The cool and crisp 200 thread count sheets are made from 100 percent organic cotton that’s been combed to make the fibers soft and smooth for a cozy night’s rest. “I most loved the crispness of these sheets,” says commerce SEO writer Nic, who’s taken strides to incorporate more organic materials into his home. “They reminded me of sleeping in a big comfy bed at a really nice hotel. They’re soft but don’t get wrinkly like linen or lyocell sheets, which is important to me because I want my bed to always look neat after I’ve made it in the morning.”
Available in six colors, including neutrals, and five sizes, this organic cotton percale sheet set is great for all-year use, especially for those who sleep hot. “The organic cotton fabric is also wonderfully breathable and cool to the touch, which has been lovely as the weather has started to warm,” Nic adds. “These are the kind of bed sheets I would recommend to anyone who prefers cotton bedding and is looking to upgrade to the best of the best.”
Specifications:
- 100% organic combed cotton percale
- 200 thread count
- 14″ pocket on fitted sheet
- Available in 5 sizes and 6 colors
- Includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcases
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GOTS certified
- Machine wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who enjoy classic crisp cotton sheets; those who’d like to introduce more organic items into their household without breaking the bank.
Good to Know: These sheets are part of a larger collection that includes a duvet cover and pillow shams that are both sold separately.
*Honorable Mention: “I have two existing sets of Saatva’s signature sateen sheets, and these are basically the same in every way except for the way in which the cotton is grown and treated before being woven into threads — which is to say that I love ’em,” says our shopping director Jada about the Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set. “Saatva already promises that its signature sheets are OEKO-TEX-certified to be free of harmful chemicals, and after almost two months of nightly use and bi-weekly washing and drying, the organic set has held up nicely — there’s minimal lint in the dryer, the elastic hasn’t stretched out, and the color hasn’t faded.”
Best Bamboo: DOZ Organic Bamboo Sheet Set
If you’re a fan of buttery soft sheets, bamboo is certainly one way to get them. They’re smooth, cooling, and silky soft, and that’s why the DOZ Organic Bamboo Sheet Set has earned its spot as our Best Bamboo pick. They’re perfect to sleep in all year round, and if you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll love snuggling into this set. “They are SURPRISINGLY on par with some of the higher end picks I’ve tried,” says commerce SEO editor Sarah, who adds that their price point makes them especially lovely. The sheets are made from 100 percent viscose from sustainably farmed bamboo and come in an impressive seven colors. A fitted sheet and two pillowcases come in the set, and a flat sheet is an optional add-on. They’re breathable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
Specifications:
- 100% bamboo viscose
- Available in 6 sizes and 7 colors
- Includes fitted sheet and 2 pillowcases (flat sheet is optional)
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
- Machine wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble dry low and remove promptly
Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot; those who enjoy silky sheets without the hefty price
Good to Know: At this time, these bamboo sheets cannot be shipped outside of the U.S.
Best Flannel: Under the Canopy Organic Flannel Sheet Set
It’s never too early to shop for winter bedding, especially if you want to score it for a steal. Also, if you sleep cold year-round or enjoy sheets with an extra touch of thickness, these Under the Canopy Organic Flannel Sheets are for you. The fluffy brushed flannel makes them extra soft and cozy for cool spring nights, and they achieve everything a flannel lover could want while also being affordable, sustainable, and certified organic. “They’re the softest sheets I’ve ever slept on and have kept me warm during cooler nights.” says commerce editorial assistant Nikol. “The moss green color is also a nice departure from my other bedding, which is all beige.”
Under the Canopy’s Organic Flannel Sheet Set is available in both solids and patterns, from a charming windowpane style to a regal spiced apple. We love these for warmth, softness, and staying cozy all year-round, but especially for their skin- and environment-friendly production. They’re the definition of a “feel good” product.
Specifications:
- 100% organic cotton
- 160 GSM flannel
- Available in up to 6 sizes and 7 colors
- Includes fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcases
- OEKO-TEX Made In Green and GOTS certified
- Machine wash warm; tumble dry low
Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep cold; those who live in cooler climates; those who like softness and plush texture.
Good to Know: If you tend to toss and turn in your sleep, you may experience some pilling with these sheets. Fortunately, a fabric shaver should take care of that in a heartbeat.