12 Best Organic Cotton Sheets for a More Comfortable Sleep
Updated: Sep. 01, 2023We found the most comfortable and eco-friendly organic cotton sheets for every budget.
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Whether you’re a fan of cooling bed sheets or the coziest warm flannel sheets in the world, there’s a cuddle-worthy set of organic cotton sheets for you—and at every budget. “Opting for organic cotton bedding has real benefits that stretch beyond just being trendy,” explains Marissa Ryan, a textiles expert who focuses on organic fibers. “Organic cotton is far eco-friendlier and may be even healthier for the body.”
Benefits of organic cotton sheets
Natural fibers like cotton are considered better for the environment because they’re sustainable and easily break down if they’re discarded. However, cotton is most often grown using pesticides and fertilizers that are known to contaminate local water sources, and often have a host of negative side effects for local ecosystems, farmers, and the workers who handle the cotton. Those pesticide-treated fibers then make their way to processing plants that continue to treat them with additional chemicals (which are known to come with their own risks). Organic cotton, on the other hand, skips synthetic processes and man-made chemical additives and requires significantly less water to grow.
Overall, if you’re concerned about environments near and far, research from Cambridge University Press shows that organic cotton is a better choice. Proponents of organic cotton also report significantly less skin irritation. A 2018 study from the journal Minerva Ginecologica found that skin irritation was notably reduced on even the most sensitive skin from simply switching to organic cotton. Sleeping on a non-toxic mattress is another sleep strategy that’s a better choice for the environment and wellness.
What to consider
While the FDA has strong regulations governing the “organic” label on food, there are none in place for textiles and bedding. There are voluntary certifications that many of the best organic cotton sheets carry though, including GOTS, the Global Organic Textile Standard, and OEKO-TEX grading. The latter is a report card for the exposure particular textiles have to harmful and potentially dangerous chemicals.
“Organic bedding may be pricier in the short term,” says Ryan. “But the long term value of a higher quality, more sustainable fabric choice can’t be beat.” Speaking of long term value, if you have back problems, this Helix mattress can help.
The best organic cotton sheets
We chose the best organic cotton bedding options and ranked them based on reviews, organic certifications, size options, and price.
You might also appreciate this mattress lifter, a tool that helps make beds faster than ever. Or you could also opt for the Sleep Number Sheets, which stay in place come morning and reduce bed-making time altogether.
Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Set
Best overall
This Boll & Branch sheet set is the soft, reliable bundle you’ll reach for over and over again thanks to 100 percent organic cotton that is durable, easy to wash, and ultra-soft. These are also Fair Trade Certified, have the sophistication of a five-star hotel, and boast a bit of extra fabric that stands up to deeper mattresses and the inevitable washing machine shrinkage from washing bed sheets for the first time. And if you’re worried about them getting tangled in the wash, try using a tool like Wad-Free for Bed Sheets in your washer.
Pros:
- Luxurious feel and finishes
- Fair Trade Certified
- GOTS-certified organic cotton
- Multiple color offerings including white, natural, dune, pewter, stone, shore, mineral, and spruce
Cons:
- Set only comes with one pillowcase
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King
Nest Bedding Organic Cotton Luxury Bed Sets
Deepest pockets
With 16 inches on each corner, these organic cotton sheets from Nest are sure to fit even the deepest of mattresses. The pillowcases will fit snugly, too, with an internal sleeve to keep your favorite pillow in place. They come already feeling silky smooth, but they’ll continue to soften the more you wash them. In four sophisticated colors, these sheets look and feel expensive, but their price tag is up to 50 percent less than competitors.
Pros:
- GOTS Certified Organic
- Fair Trade Certified
- Eco-friendly
- Softens over time
- More affordable than competitors
Cons:
- Rich colors fade over time
Essentia Organic Sheets
Softest organic bedding
Even if you typically don’t use a top sheet, this Essentia set is so buttery soft that you’ll want to rethink that plan just to have these organic luxury sheets against your skin. Each sateen-finish set comes with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. The best part? The sheets are made with low-impact organic dyes that are free of heavy metals.
Pros:
- Buttery texture
- GOTS-certified organic
- Sateen finish
Cons:
- Popular sizes tend to sell out quickly
Available sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, California King, and Split King
Made Trade Organic Cotton Sheet Set
Easiest organic sheets to maintain
Made Trade sheet sets are made from 100 percent organic long-staple cotton that is GOTS-certified and guaranteed to lull you into a soft, dreamy sleep. They’re also easy to care for thanks to wrinkle-resistant, temperature-regulation cotton that keeps you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. The best part? They’re made in fair trade certified factories where workers are paid living wages. Plus, the rich colors make any bedroom pop.
Pros:
- Long-staple organic Himalayan cotton resists wrinkling
- Easy maintenance and comes with a forever warranty
- GOTS-certified
- Fair, living wages for workers
Cons:
- Limited stock in some colors
Available sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set
Best range of size offerings
These organic cotton sheets are made from fibers spun to a silky-soft finish that almost magically gets softer with each wash. They’re definitely made of organic cotton, but the smooth finish has a silk-like feel that will appeal to hot sleepers and those who also like bamboo-based bedding. You can also choose from a handful of modern neutral color offerings. Dry them with dryer balls to reduce time in the dryer.
Pros:
- GOTS-certified
- Machine washable
- Hotel quality
Cons:
- If you prefer a crisp cotton sheet, these aren’t the sheets for you
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Queen Upper Flex, and King Upper Flex
Pact Favorite Tee Sheet Set
Best organic jersey sheet set
This soft jersey sheet set is made of the same casual-knit fabric that Pact’s popular fashion line is known for. If you already love their matching loungewear sets, you’ll fall hard for this cozy bedding that is easy to wash and keep on repeat in the bedroom. It’s slightly more affordable than some of the sateen finish organic bedding options out there, but jersey is prone to a bit more shrinkage than other materials, so you’ll want to stay away from this option if you have an extra-deep mattress.
Pros:
- GOTS-certified
- Soft, t-shirt feeling
- Moderate price point
- On-trend color offerings
Cons:
- Jersey is prone to shrinkage
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King
Sleep Mantra Organic Cotton Sheets
Most affordable set
If you’re looking for an affordable organic cotton sheet set that stands up to frequent use and machine washing, this Sleep Mantra set will delight you. At under $50 for a queen-size set, this Amazon bestseller is made for budgets of all sizes. Available in nine shades of GOTS-certified cotton, reviewers just can’t get enough.
“These are everything a sheet geek like me is looking for in a cool, crisp sheet,” writes verified Amazon purchaser, B. Maxwell. “These summer-crisp sheets are remarkable because crispness usually sacrifices softness until the sheets have been washed a few times.”
Pros:
- GOTS-certified
- Under $50 for a queen set
- Breathable percale weave
Cons:
- Some complaints about color matching
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King
Fabdreams Organic Cotton Sheet Set
Best climate-committed brand
If you’re looking for comfortable sheets that are made of durable organic cotton and boast a stronger-than-average climate pledge, this Fabdreams set is ideal. They’re GOTS-certified and boast a light percale weave in a cool, crisp finish that makes them ideal for warm nights (hot sleepers, you’ll also like these cooling bed sheets). They’re also ideal for deep mattresses thanks to the fitted sheets accommodating mattresses up to 17-inches deep.
The brand is committed to lowering its carbon footprint and producing high-quality organic bedding at reasonable prices, and it’s something Amazon reviewers love enough to award a nearly-perfect rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros:
- GOTS-certified
- 100 percent recyclable packaging
- Multiple colors
Cons:
- Some users don’t think these are soft enough
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King
Casper Organic Cotton Flannel Sheets
Best flannel organic cotton sheets
Made from 100 percent brushed organic cotton, these ultra-cozy Casper flannel sheets take your snuggle game to the next level. They’re lightweight and breathable enough for warmer days. The set include a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, two pillowcases, and a duvet cover in each set. The brushed organic cotton fibers boast no chemical additives, making this set an excellent choice for those with particularly sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Pros:
- GOTS-certified
- Breathable
- Warm, brushed cotton flannel texture
- No chemical additives
- Available in an extended color range
Cons:
- Higher price range
Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Organic Cotton Sheets
Best organic sheets from Target
This subtly striped organic cotton bedding set offers a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and one or two pillowcases depending on the size you buy. It’s made from 100 percent organic cotton in a breathable, lightweight weave that’s ideal for year-round use. The fitted sheet also boasts all-around elastic that fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep. The best part is the affordable price, though. Since it’s a Target exclusive, most sizes are below $60.
Pros:
- Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certified
- All-around elastic on the fitted sheet
- High-end textured percale style
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Limited color options
Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, and King
American Blossom Linens Organic Colored Dye-Free Cotton Sheets
Best dye-free organic cotton sheets
While finding organic cotton sheets on the market has certainly become easier in the last few years, finding dye-free options that suit the most sensitive and allergy-prone skin types is still difficult. American Blossom Linens sells this gorgeous sheet set that rivals designer showpieces and boasts a linen-style finish made with West Texas organic cotton.
The set is also fully American-made, which means you can feel good about supporting local businesses and tradespeople. Since these sheets are made from natural brown heirloom cotton, their color will never fade with washings like dyed sheets might. If your sheets get tangled in the wash, consider adding Wad-Free.
Pros:
- Dye-free
- Foxfibre certification based on American-grown and handled cotton
- Rich, latte-like color
- Linen finish
Cons:
- Linen finish needs to soften over time
Available sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King
Drumi Sheet Set
Most hotel-like organic sheet set
If you’re looking for a set of organic sheets that rivals the ones you’ve slept on at top boutique hotels, this Drumi bundle is just the ticket. It comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases made of breathable 400-thread count organic cotton that washes and wears like a dream. The company’s pledge to manufacture without pesticides or harsh chemicals safeguards the planet and you.
Pros:
- GOTS-certified
- Fair Trade
- One year warranty
- Free 30-night sleep trial
Cons:
- Limited color options
Available sizes: Full, Queen, King, and California King
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Sources:
- Marissa Ryan, textiles expert at Textile Exchange
- Cambridge University Press, on the environmental impacts of organic cotton
- Minerva Ginecologica, on the skin tolerability of organic cotton
