Cotton: This is the most popular fiber in bedding as cotton is known for its soft feel, durable nature and "natural" texture. Long-staple cotton varieties, including Egyptian and Pima, are known for being smoother and more durable but can be mislabeled by brands, which is why we always try to verify brand claims. Polyester: Sheets made from this fiber are often more affordable, shrink-resistant and wrinkle-resistant, but they have a synthetic feel.

Microfiber: These synthetic polyester fibers have a buttery soft texture. While they're easy to care for and inexpensive, they can feel a bit thin or flimsy. Linen: With a unique, airy texture, these sheets are popular for the summer. They have a crisp feel and relaxed look.Jersey: Similar to your favorite t-shirt, this knit fabric is stretchy and soft but not as durable as woven material. Jersey sheets are typically made using cotton or polyester but often use blends of multiple fibers. Flannel: Fabric with a brushed surface for added warmth that's ideal for colder temperatures. Flannel is often made with cotton or polyester.

Percale: A simple weave, typically using cotton, with a lightweight and crisp feel. Percale is also known for its breathability. Mattresses are made deeper than they used to be. Added to which, the increasing popularity of mattress toppers has meant that fitted sheets need to be deep enough to cope. In our Lab, we evaluate sheets via hands-on testing, using specialized equipment along with industry-standard testing protocols to assess properties such as fabric strength, pilling resistance, washability, wrinkle resistance and shrinkage from laundering. We also enlist the help of consumer testers, who feel and rate the sheets in a blind comparison on softness and how much they like the feel. Plus, we have sleep testers try them out at home for more insight into their everyday performance. We've collected more than 13,000 data points to help us determine the best sheets, from the best cotton sheets and best linen sheets to the best cooling sheets and best organic sheets.Construction refers to the structure of the fabric and is just as important as fiber content. Here are a few of the most popular you'll find: Sateen: A satin-like weave, typically using cotton, with a smooth and substantial feel. Some sateen fabrics have a silky or slippery texture. Fiber content tells you what material the sheets are made of. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones you'll see: Regenerated Cellulose: Also known as rayon, viscose or lyocell, these fibers are made using plants (like bamboo or eucalyptus trees) that are chemically processed and spun. They have a super-soft and slippery texture but can be falsely labeled as bamboo or eucalyptus without any trace of the original plant left.