Top Sateen Sheets We Tested and Recommend

Best Overall

The Lands’ End Sateen Bed Sheet Set eliminates the need for ironing. Made from Supima cotton, a premium American cotton variety, these sheets undergo a wrinkle-resistant treatment that proved to be more than just a marketing claim during our testing. 

After washing and drying, these sateen sheets remained wrinkle-free and retained their luxurious, buttery-soft texture with a subtle crispness that hot sleepers will appreciate. While there was little to fault, the higher price point might not appeal to all buyers.

Material: Supima sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King | Certifications: None

Best Budget

While sateen sheets often come with a hefty price tag, the California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set offers exceptional value, starting at just under $50 for a twin set. Despite the affordable price, these sheets maintain high quality, featuring durable construction with no loose threads or snags, and their texture stays consistent even after washing. 

Although they lack the silky smoothness of other sateen sheets due to their cotton composition, which provides a crisper feel, we found them to be quite comfortable. The stitching quality at this price point was particularly impressive.

Material: Cotton sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Best Cooling

The Parachute Sateen Sheet Set offers a soft, silky feel without the heaviness that can lead to overheating during sleep. We appreciated their elegant drape, which allows them to rest comfortably on the body, making it easy to move around without tangling or bunching. 

While these sateen sheets are relatively thin, this feature can be a plus for those who sleep hot and prefer lighter bedding. They provided excellent breathability while still offering enough warmth to keep us comfortable throughout the night.

Material: Egyptian cotton sateen | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, and California King | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Softest

Higher thread counts often enhance the softness of sateen, and the 800-thread count Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets are a prime example. We were impressed by their luxurious, skin-friendly texture, especially the pillowcase, and their cooling properties ensured a comfortable night's sleep. 

These sheets strike a perfect balance with their medium weight and elegant drape, providing a cozy yet breathable feel. While the top sheet did shrink slightly in length after laundering, it didn’t affect the overall fit or functionality.

Material: Egyptian cotton sateen | Thread Count: 800 | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Best All Season

The Crane & Canopy Soft White 400 Thread Count Sheet Set is an excellent choice for those living in regions with fluctuating seasonal temperatures. These sateen sheets boast impeccable construction, free from loose threads or stitching, and maintain a consistent dye color. 

Their smooth yet crisp texture is perfect for warmer days, while their moderate weight provides comfort during cooler nights. Although stains wash out effortlessly, the sheets are prone to wrinkling, which might detract from the appearance of a neatly made bed.

Material: Cotton sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King | Certifications: None

Best Heavy

The Quince Luxury Organic Sateen Sheet Set is designed with a heavier weight, making it perfect for colder climates or those who feel the chill at night. Despite their density, they remain breathable to avoid overheating. Their ease of movement is a plus for restless sleepers who frequently change positions during the night. 

The sheets feature consistent, durable stitching, though the fabric exhibits minor wrinkles throughout. However, if this small flaw doesn’t bother you, we found the comfort provided by these substantial sheets to be exceptional.

Material: Cotton sateen | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, and California King | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Best Tencel

Tencel, a cooling and breathable fabric, is often crafted with a silky-smooth sateen weave. For hot sleepers or those needing bedding for a taller mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets are an excellent choice. These lightweight sheets offer a silky drape and a cool, smooth feel. 

Their shiny, lustrous finish gives them a luxurious, hotel-like appearance. We were impressed by how easily these sheets fit onto the mattress, thanks to their deep pockets and sturdy elastic that kept the fitted sheet firmly in place. While the overall construction is high-quality, we did notice a few loose threads after washing.

Material: Tencel lyocell | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Best Organic

Environmentally conscious buyers will value the Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, crafted from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, ensuring sustainable sourcing practices. These sateen sheets boast a classic silky texture and a medium weight, offering comfort without feeling too heavy. 

Though they lack the high shine of other sateen sheets we tested, they feature consistent stitching, durable construction, and minimal wrinkling after washing. Additionally, their deep design ensures compatibility with taller mattresses.

Material: Organic cotton sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, and Split King | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and GOTS Certified Organic Cotton

Best Patterned

The Threshold Printed Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set features vibrant patterns such as floral and polka dot, adding a striking touch to any bedroom. These sheets have a unique texture, resembling soft flannel, and their medium weight makes them versatile for all seasons.

We appreciated the inclusion of labels on these sheets, making it easy to position them correctly. The extra elastic also ensures they stay firmly in place on the mattress. While the edges showed slight fraying, this was a minor issue considering the affordable price.

Material: Cotton sateen | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Final Verdict

The Lands’ End Sateen Bed Sheet Set claimed the top spot due to its wrinkle-resistant finish, luxurious softness, and slight crispness ideal for hot sleepers. For those seeking a budget-friendly option, we recommend the California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, which offers excellent stitching, durability, and a balanced texture that appeals to those undecided between sateen and percale.

Our Testing Process

We evaluated numerous sateen sheets in our lab and at home, focusing on texture, quality, breathability, and design. We inspected the construction, including seams and threads, and assessed how easily the bedding could be fitted onto pillows and mattresses. 

We measured the sheets before and after washing to check for shrinkage, which could affect fit, and observed their durability through washing and drying. Did they wrinkle, fade, or lose their sheen? Additionally, we tested each set for comfort to determine if they were a worthwhile investment for better sleep and bedroom aesthetics.

How to Shop for Sateen Sheets Like a Pro

Material

Most sateen sheets, including all our top picks except for the best Tencel option, are crafted from cotton. This material strikes a balance, offering the crisp, cool feel of percale while retaining the soft, silky texture of sateen, making it ideal for those who want the best of both worlds.

We also suggest looking for long-staple or extra-long-staple cotton, such as our best cooling pick, as longer fibers tend to be softer and more durable. “The longer the cotton fiber, the less lint, pilling, and overall, the more durable the yarn will be,” Delp explains.

Sizes

Most brands on our list provide sheet sets in all sizes, including less common options like twin XL and split king. However, it’s wise to research thoroughly if you’re shopping for sizes beyond the standard queen or king.

Don’t forget to account for your mattress height. For taller mattresses or those with thick toppers, opt for sheet sets with deep pockets to ensure a snug fit and avoid nighttime adjustments, like our best Tencel or organic picks.

Certifications

Many brands featured in our best sateen sheets guide hold certifications that guarantee sustainable sourcing and production. While certifications aren’t mandatory, they can offer reassurance if you’re mindful of the materials used or the manufacturing process.

“At the very least, look for sheets with an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification,” Delp advises (all but two of our selections meet this standard). “This ensures the fabric was made without harmful chemicals. For a higher standard, consider sheets with a Made In Green certification, which confirms environmentally friendly and ethical production in certified facilities.”

More Sateen Sheets to Consider

Nest Bedding Sateen Organic Cotton Sheet + Pillowcases: These high-quality sheets include “top” or “bottom” labels, simplifying bed-making. They experienced minor shrinkage after washing, but it didn’t impact the fit or appearance.

Brooklinen Luxury Core Sateen Sheet Set: Ideal for hot sleepers, this set offers breathability and airflow to reduce heat buildup. However, given the premium price, it’s best to purchase them during a sale.

Questions You Might Ask

What is the best thread count for sateen sheets?

Thread count is largely a matter of personal preference, so there’s no need to prioritize sateen sheets with the highest thread count (and price). Sateen sheets with a thread count between 300 and 600 are generally higher in quality, but note that higher thread counts often result in heavier sheets, which may not suit hot sleepers.

If you tend to sleep hot, consider sateen sheets with a lower thread count, as they are lighter and more likely to keep you cool and comfortable.

Are sateen sheets better than percale?

Choosing between sateen and percale sheets comes down to personal preference. The best option depends on your sleep habits and comfort needs. “Sateen sheets offer a soft, silky texture due to their uniform weave,” Delp explains. “If you prefer a less silky or drier feel, percale is the better choice.”

Are sateen sheets cooling?

While sateen weaves are generally less breathable than percale or plain weaves, Delp notes that sateen sheets can be made with cooling fibers to help regulate body temperature. “Fibers like modal, lyocell, and linen are excellent for this, as they feel cooler and retain less heat,” he suggests.

Take Our Word for It

This article was authored by Ashley Zlatopolsky, a bedding and bath expert at Mytour and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. To identify the top sateen sheets, we rigorously tested multiple sheet sets both at home and in our lab, assessing comfort, breathability, texture, quality, and design. For expert guidance, Ashley consulted Brian Delp, an adjunct fashion instructor and president of sales and global licensing at Himatsingka Group, a leading home textiles manufacturer.