“Top 10 Cooling Sheets That Actually Keep You Cool All Night (Even in Summer!)”
These Are, Without a Doubt, the Coolest Sheets You’ll Ever Sleep On
Tossing. Turning. Kicking off the covers at 2 a.m.? If your bed becomes a furnace by midnight, you’re far from alone. Countless hot sleepers have faced the same restless nights enough, in fact, to spark a wave of innovation. From high-tech textiles to naturally breathable fibers, today’s bedding brands are crafting cooling sheets designed to help regulate your temperature and deliver the uninterrupted sleep you deserve.
Before we dive into fabric rankings, let’s break down the science behind a sheet that stays cool and keeps you comfortable till sunrise:
🔹 Thermal Effusivity, Conductivity & Specific Heat
- Thermal effusivity determines how “cool” a material feels to the touch. Picture this: it’s winter, and you touch a metal pole—it feels icier than wood. That’s because metal has higher thermal effusivity. The higher it is, the cooler the fabric will feel against your skin.
- Thermal conductivity reflects how well a material can carry heat away from your body. A fabric with strong conductivity pulls warmth from your skin and disperses it quickly—exactly what you want when battling night sweats.
- Specific heat measures a fabric’s ability to store heat. In cooling sheets, a higher specific heat means the material can absorb more body warmth without heating up fast—keeping you cooler for longer stretches.
🔹 Breathability
Airflow is king. A breathable fabric promotes ventilation, helping body heat escape and reducing the dreaded overheating effect. However, this often comes at a tradeoff: the more breathable a fabric, the less buttery-soft it might feel. Think linen versus silk—linen breathes beautifully but feels rougher to the touch. Still, that’s why it reigns supreme in hot summer wardrobes and, by extension, summer bedding.
🔹 Moisture Management
Ever worn a lightweight workout tee that stays dry despite a killer session? That’s moisture-wicking in action. The best cooling sheets mimic that performance:
- They draw sweat away from your skin.
- They dry fast so your sheets don’t feel soggy by morning.
Unlike moisture-absorbing fabrics (hello, cotton), wicking materials help water evaporate efficiently. That evaporation cools your body naturally giving you one more reason to ditch the sweat-drenched sheets for something smarter.
Now that you understand the elements that shape a truly cooling sheet set, let’s explore the materials that get it right and how they measure up for comfort, cooling power, and long-term usability.
🛏️ Cooling Fabric Roundup: Pros, Cons & Performance
A wide variety of textiles bring their own advantages to the table. Among the most popular materials in the cooling sheets world are:
- TENCEL™
- Linen
- Polyester blends
- Cotton
- Bamboo viscose
Each offers different strengths, but the goal remains the same: increase airflow, banish trapped heat, and whisk away moisture. Some rely on natural breathability, others on engineered performance weaves.
In our experience, TENCEL™ consistently delivers the most noticeable “cool-to-the-touch” sensation. Its silky texture and plant-based fibers make it a luxurious yet practical option. But if you lean toward a crisp, airy aesthetic, linen is another front-runner. Widely adored in summer apparel, linen’s ability to breathe translates beautifully to the bedroom.
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some prefer the plush softness of cotton, others go for the sleek coolness of bamboo blends. What matters most is choosing a sheet set that suits your personal preferences and performs when the night heats up.
🥇 Our Official Ranking of Cooling Sheet Materials
Let’s break down the leading contenders and what sets each apart. Keep reading for our full review of the best cooling sheets, ranked by material, comfort, moisture-wicking capability, and real-world performance.
Your Guide to the Coolest Sheet Fabrics for Hot Sleepers
If you’re waking up in a sweat, tangled in sheets that feel like a sauna wrap, you’re not alone. Overheating in bed is a common problem—and fortunately, one that science and innovation have worked hard to solve. With advances in materials and design, cooling sheets now exist to help regulate body temperature and restore peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
Before diving into our top fabric picks, let’s break down the science behind what makes a sheet truly “cooling.”
🌡️ The Cooling Criteria: What to Look For
- Thermal Effusivity: This is the sensation of coolness when you touch a fabric. For instance, on a cold day, metal feels icier than wood due to its higher thermal effusivity. Fabrics with high effusivity feel cooler against your skin.
- Thermal Conductivity: This tells us how quickly a material draws heat away from the body. The greater the conductivity, the faster it pulls warmth from you—ideal for hot sleepers.
- Specific Heat: A fabric with high specific heat can absorb more heat from your body without becoming noticeably warmer. The higher this is, the longer you stay cool.
- Breathability: Airflow is essential for cooling. Breathable fabrics let heat escape, though they may feel a bit rougher (like linen). Softer fabrics, such as silk, often trap heat more easily.
- Moisture Management: Think of your best workout clothes moisture-wicking materials don’t just absorb sweat, they move it away from your body and dry fast. This process helps prevent damp discomfort and contributes to a cooling effect. Fabrics like cotton absorb moisture but don’t always dry quickly, while performance materials like TENCEL™ or athletic wear fabrics like those from Lululemon excel in moisture control.
🧵 Fabric Showdown: What’s Best for Cool Sleep?
When it comes to cooling properties, not all materials are created equal. Some fabrics naturally regulate temperature better, while others rely on innovative weaves and finishes to mimic that effect. Let’s examine how the top contenders compare:
🥇 TENCEL™
A frontrunner in cooling performance, TENCEL™ checks all the boxes. Silky smooth to the touch, these plant-derived fibers are highly absorbent and efficient at wicking away moisture. TENCEL™ sheets feel cool immediately and remain breathable throughout the night, making them a top choice for warm climates or hot sleepers.
🥈 Linen
Crisp, lightweight, and made for airflow, linen reigns as the most breathable fabric on the market. Its open weave allows maximum ventilation, keeping you dry and cool. The tradeoff? Linen isn’t the softest and can feel a bit rough at first. It also doesn’t manage moisture quite as well as newer synthetic blends.
🥉 Bamboo Viscose
Bamboo-derived fabrics offer a compelling balance between softness and breathability. They’re comparable to cotton in texture but often boast better moisture-wicking and cooling abilities. Some argue cotton breathes better, but bamboo tends to outperform in longevity and sweat control.
🏅 Cotton
The tried-and-true classic. Cotton is soft, familiar, and moderately breathable. While it’s a solid choice for comfort, it lacks the advanced cooling technology or moisture-wicking capabilities found in modern blends like TENCEL™ or bamboo. It’s cozy—but not always the coolest option.
🔍 Beyond Fabric: Weave & Thread Count Matter Too
Fabric type is just one part of the equation. The weave and thread count can make or break your cooling experience:
- Percale weave: Lightweight, matte, and crisp perfect for keeping things breezy.
- Sateen weave: Smooth and luxurious, but denser and warmer.
- Thread count: Contrary to popular belief, higher isn’t always better. Anything above 400 tends to restrict airflow and trap heat. In fact, many high thread count claims are inflated and misleading.
Whether you’re a sweaty sleeper or just someone chasing that crisp, cool hotel-bed feeling, the right fabric makes all the difference. Focus on breathability, moisture control, and temperature regulation and skip the fluff about thread count hype. Your best night’s sleep might just be a set of smartly chosen cooling sheets away.
Cooling technology
The bedding industry has evolved into a precise science of thermal regulation. Sleep experts agree the optimal sleeping temperature hovers near 65°F, and the goal is to maintain that consistent climate beneath your sheets from dusk till dawn. Achieving this delicate balance requires more than guesswork. Among the many materials available, advanced polyester blends engineered for climate control consistently deliver top-tier performance.
All listed prices refer to queen-sized sheet sets, each including one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two standard pillowcases.
#1 Best Overall Cooling Sheets: Vegan Silk Ultra-Cooling Bamboo Sheets for Night Sweats
Vegan Silk Bamboo Sheets: The Ultimate Choice for Cool, Restful Sleep
The Vegan Silk Bamboo Sheets claim the top spot on our list—and for good reason. These sheets deliver a trifecta of excellence: superior fit, remarkable durability, and steadfast temperature regulation. Thanks to their stay-put corner design, they hug the mattress snugly and never bunch or slip. Crafted from a high-performance weave of proprietary SoftBamboo™ fibers, they’re engineered to maintain a steady, cool sleep environment from dusk till dawn.
When put to the test, this fabric impressed across all metrics. It boasts elevated thermal effusivity, offering that coveted cool-to-the-touch feel. It scores high in thermal conductivity, efficiently drawing body heat away. And it possesses greater specific heat than cotton, allowing it to absorb warmth without ever feeling hot. The result? Sheets that don’t just promise coolness—they deliver it.
What sets SoftBamboo™ apart is its remarkable breathability and unmatched moisture-wicking ability—both scientifically validated. It excels at moving sweat away from the skin and drying fast, creating an ideal climate for uninterrupted rest. And the texture? Luxuriously smooth with a silken luster that elevates the sleep experience.
For those who flip their pillows searching for the “cool side,” there’s more good news. The included pillowcases are made from the same temperature-regulating fabric—so every side stays refreshingly cool.
Pros:
- Exceptional moisture-wicking capabilities
- Advanced temperature regulation
- Incredibly soft and smooth texture
- Elegant, silky sheen
- Long-lasting durability
- Hypoallergenic and anti-microbial
- Eco-conscious and sustainably produced
Cons:
- May cause serious neglect of every other sheet set you own.
#2 Best Percale Cotton Sheets: Parachute Percale Sheets for Crisp, Cool Comfort
Crafted from certified, premium-grade Egyptian cotton, these percale sheets strike a perfect balance between refined luxury and everyday practicality ideal for restless sleepers and warm-weather nights alike. The breathable weave keeps air circulating, while the tailored corners prevent shifting or bunching, ensuring your bed stays smooth and inviting all night long.
Pros:
- Certified Egyptian cotton for unmatched softness
- Crisp percale weave enhances airflow
- Naturally regulates temperature
- Resilient and long-lasting
- Featherlight feel for breathable comfort
Cons:
- May feel too airy for cold winter nights
#3 Best Stretchy Sheets: True Temp Sheets Adaptive Comfort That Moves With You
Crafted for both comfort and innovation, these premium sheets are infused with advanced 37.5® technology—engineered to maintain a consistent, optimal sleep temperature from the moment you lie down to the second you wake. Adding to their functionality, the fitted sheet includes elastic corner straps that anchor it firmly in place, ensuring a smooth, shift-free night’s rest.
Pros:
- Temperature-regulating 37.5® technology
- Reinforced corner straps for a secure fit
- Stretch fabric contours easily to your mattress
Cons:
- May be too deep for low-profile mattresses
- Texture may feel less plush than traditional cotton
#4 Best TENCEL™ Sheets: Molecule Percale Performance Sheets
Cool, Clean, and Engineered for Deep Sleep
Molecule’s Percale Performance Sheets take TENCEL™ to the next level, combining cutting-edge fabric science with sleep-optimized comfort. Woven from a blend of ultra-breathable TENCEL™ lyocell and crisp percale cotton, these sheets are built for hot sleepers and recovery-focused rest.
The fabric naturally wicks away moisture, regulates temperature, and feels refreshingly cool to the touch. Plus, its antimicrobial properties help keep your bed fresher for longer. With a lightweight feel and a breathable weave, these sheets are ideal for those who want that crisp hotel-bed vibe—without the night sweats.
Pros:
- Cooling blend of TENCEL™ and cotton
- Lightweight percale weave for maximum breathability
- Naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking
- Designed to support sleep recovery
Cons:
- Crisper feel may not suit those who prefer silky-soft textures
#7 Best Linen Cooling Sheets: Brooklinen Linen Core Sheets
Effortlessly Breezy, Naturally Cool
Brooklinen’s Linen Core Sheets earn their spot as the best in linen cooling comfort. Made from premium European flax and stonewashed for softness, these sheets offer that perfectly undone, lived-in feel while delivering exceptional breathability all night long.
Linen’s naturally open weave allows heat to escape with ease, making it the ultimate choice for warm sleepers and summer nights. Over time, the fabric softens without losing its signature texture, giving you a relaxed, airy sleep experience that only gets better with age.
Pros:
- Crafted from 100% European flax
- Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking
- Stonewashed for enhanced softness
- Durable and long-lasting
- Perfect for hot climates and summer seasons
Cons:
- Textured feel may not appeal to fans of ultra-smooth fabrics
#8 Best Moisture-Wicking Sheets: Wicked Sheets Original Sheets Stay Dry, Sleep Cool
Designed with sweat-prone sleepers in mind, Wicked Sheets Original Sheets are the go-to solution for moisture management. Engineered from advanced performance fabric, these sheets pull perspiration away from your skin and dry in record time—keeping you cool, dry, and undisturbed all night.
With a silky-smooth texture and lightweight feel, they mimic athletic wear for your bed, making them ideal for hot sleepers, those experiencing night sweats, or anyone living in humid climates. Sleep no longer has to come with discomfort these sheets work as hard as you do.
Pros:
- Superior moisture-wicking performance fabric
- Quick-drying and ultra-breathable
- Soft, lightweight, and smooth to the touch
- Great for night sweats and humid environments
Cons:
- Not as plush as natural fiber alternatives like cotton or bamboo
#9 Best Eco-Friendly Cooling Sheets: Linoto Organic Linen Sheets – Sustainable Luxury with a Breathable Touch
Linoto Organic Linen Sheets combine eco-conscious craftsmanship with naturally cool comfort. Made from 100% organic, heirloom-quality flax, these sheets offer a crisp, breathable sleep experience while honoring sustainable living from seed to stitch.
Linen’s loose weave promotes airflow, making it a perfect choice for hot sleepers or warm climates. Grown and woven without harmful chemicals, these sheets soften over time, developing a relaxed texture that feels as good as it is green. If you’re looking to cool down without compromising your environmental values, this set checks every box.
Pros:
- Made from certified organic European flax
- Naturally cooling and breathable
- Chemical-free and sustainably produced
- Durable and softens with age
- Ideal for hot sleepers and eco-conscious buyers
Cons:
- Has a coarser texture compared to silkier fabrics at first use
#10 Best Lightweight Cooling Sheets: Slumber Cloud Stratus Sheets Airy Comfort with Advanced Temperature Control
Slumber Cloud’s Stratus Sheets are the perfect blend of featherlight comfort and high-tech cooling. Engineered with NASA-inspired Outlast® technology, these sheets actively absorb, store, and release heat to maintain a balanced sleeping temperature ideal for those who sleep hot but want a barely-there feel.
The fabric is soft, breathable, and responsive, adapting to your body’s needs throughout the night. If you’re after lightweight sheets that deliver serious climate control without sacrificing comfort, the Stratus set is your dream upgrade.
Pros:
- Outlast® technology for proactive temperature regulation
- Lightweight and breathable for a barely-there feel
- Smooth, soft texture with a crisp finish
- Excellent for year-round use
Cons:
- May be too thin for those who prefer a denser, cozier sheet feel
Sources: Good Housekeeping Sleep Foundation Women’s Health Mag NY Mag
