Finding the right bed sheets can be the difference between a good and a poor night’s sleep. Not every type of fabric is suited to everyone, for example, allergy sufferers need sheets that are hypoallergenic and anti-microbial. However, some of the fabrics may seem a bit on the pricey side.
We’ve gone through many reviews and tests to find you the 15 best sheets under $50 to suit all types of sleepers, from hot to sensitive skin sufferers. We’ve also put together a buyer’s guide that goes over different fabrics and their benefits.
Let’s get started!
Best Bed Sheets Under $50
1. Best Overall: Threadmill Home Linen 300 TC Cotton Sheets Set
Made from 100% single-ply long-staple cotton, these 300 thread count sheets are soft, cool, and breathable. The long-staple fibers give these sheets added durability and make them less likely to pill. They are thermo-regulating, which means they can be used all year round.
The sheets have a sateen weave, giving them a silky and luxurious look and feel. They are eco-friendly Okeo-Tex certified, which means no harsh chemicals or toxins are used during processing and manufacturing, making them safe for sensitive skin. We particularly like the jacquard design set that gives these sheets a touch of class.
The fitted sheet is fully elasticated with 18-inch deep pockets, and they come in a range of soft neutral colors and patterns, and a range of sizes. They can be machine washed and dried, making them easy to care for. They come in a reusable cotton tote bag to save on the use of plastic packaging.
Pros: eco-friendly, temperature regulating, suitable for year-round use, Okeo-Tex certified, deep pockets, and come in a wide range of colors and sizes, can buy pillow cases separately
Cons: slightly thinner material than other brands
Buy Threadmill Home Linen on Amazon
2. Best Rated (Less Expensive ) Sheets: Auura Essential Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Made from 100% long-staple cotton, these sheets 200 thread count sheets have a percale weave that gives them a crisp, soft hotel luxury feel to them. The long-staple fibers make these sheets durable and resistant to pilling. They are lightweight and very breathable to help keep you feeling cool in warm weather and warm when it’s colder.
The fully elasticated fitted sheet has deep 16-inch pockets with extra strong elastic to keep the bottom sheet from losing shape, as well as keeping it firmly on your mattress. They are Oeko-Tex Certified with no harmful chemicals or toxins used, including high-quality dyes to keep them from fading. Come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, are wrinkle and shrink-resistant, and you get a 30-day return policy from the manufacturer.
Pros: deep pocket fitted sheet, hypoallergenic, wrinkle, fade, and shrink-resistant, breathable, affordable, and can be used all year round.
Cons: not the softest right out of the bag
Buy AURAA Essential 4-Piece Sheet Set on Amazon
3. Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers: California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheets
Made from 100% pure long-staple cotton, these 3-ply 400 thread count sheets have a sateen weave that makes them feel silky smooth and give them that touch of luxury with its nice sheen. They are durable, breathable, pill-resistant, and temperature regulating, so you can use them year-round.
The fully elasticated fitted sheet has deep 16-inch pockets, high-quality elastic, and “Smart Tags” so you know which ends are top and bottom. They are Oeko-Tex certified and eco-friendly, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The sheet sets come in a nice range of fade-resistant patterns and colors, and a range of sizes. They can be machine washed and dried, easy to care for, and strong enough for everyday use.
Pros: made with long-staple fibers for durability, pill-resistant, temperature regulating, suitable for sensitive skin and year-round use, smart tags, fade-resistant, and easy to care for.
Cons: not completely wrinkle-free
Buy California Design Den 4-piece sheet set on Amazon
4. Best Deep-Pocket Sheets: Poppy & Fritz
These 100% cotton sheets have a crisp percale weave and 200 thread count. The sheets are lightweight, soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable to help keep you feeling cool at night. Their temperature regulating feature also means you can use these sheets all year round. The sheets are soft and many buyers reported that they do get even softer with age.
The fully elasticated fitted sheet has 15-inch deep pockets (queen-size). You can also get these sheets in a nice range of other patterns, prints, and colors that coordinate with Poppy & Fritz bedding collections. They can be machine washed and dried without the color fading, making them easy to maintain and care for.
Pros: crisp, moisture-wicking, breathable, deep pockets, fade-resistant, suitable for year-round use, comes in other vibrant patterns, and easy to care for.
Cons: the fabric gets softer over time
Buy Poppy & Fritz 4-piece sheet set on Amazon
5. Best 300 TC 100% Cotton Sateen Sheets: Nish & Joe
Made from 300 thread count 100% extra-long staple cotton, these sateen weave sheets are durable, soft, and pill-resistant. The sateen weave gives them a luxurious sheen and soft feel and the sheets are very breathable and cooling, perfect for warm nights.
The fully elasticated fitted sheet has 15-inch deep pockets, and they come in 3 neutral colors and sizes that range from twin to king.
They also have a nice, classic look with their detailed hemstitching. The sheets are dyed with a fade-resistant dye. They can be machine washed and dried, require no special treatment, and are stain and shrink-resistant, making them easy to care for.
Pros: deep pockets, extra-long-staple fibers for added durability, non-pilling, fade, stain, and wrinkle-resistant, very soft, and easy to care for.
Cons: limited color choice, no patterns or prints
Buy Nish & Joe 4-piece cotton sheet set on Amazon
6. Best Novelty-Print Sheets: Eddie Bauer
Made from 100% single-ply cotton percale, these 200 thread count sheets have a crisp clean feel and very soft. The sheets are lightweight, breathable, have good airflow, and are cooling for those warm nights. They use high-grade cotton, which makes these sheets very durable and pill-resistant.
The fitted sheet is fully elasticated with a 15-inch deep pocket that will fit mattresses up to 18-inches thick. The sheets can be machine washed and dried, won’t experience color fading, and are very easy to care for. You can get this sheet set in several Eddie Bauer classic designs, like oars, fishing flies, and labradors, that also match their other bedding products. They come in four sizes; twin, full, queen, and king.
Pros: 100% cotton, deep-pockets, breathable, cooling, soft, pill-resistant non-fading patterns, and easy to care for.
Cons: no solid colors, prints may not appeal to everyone
Buy Eddie Bauer 4-piece percale cotton sheet set on Amazon
7. Best Hotel-Quality Sheets: Feather & Stitch
Made from 100% long-staple cotton, this 300 thread count percale weave sheet set is durable and has that crisp fresh feel you get with top quality hotel sheets. The sheets are combed to give it added softness and a nice matte finish.
The sheets are lightweight, breathable, and feel cool to the touch to help keep you feeling cool on warm nights. They have a nice 4-inch hem that gives them a classic look. The fully elasticized fitted sheet has 16-inch deep pockets and you can get them in a variety of patterns and designs. They can be machine washed and dried and are fade, stain, and pill-resistant, making them easy to care for.
Pros: cooling, breathability, pill and fade resistant, deep pockets, durable, and easy to care for.
Cons: they only come in 2 sizes (queen and king)
Buy Feather & Stitch 4-piece luxury cotton sheet on Amazon
8. Best Bamboo Sheets for Allergies: Hotel Sheets
Made from 100% viscose derived Bamboo, these 144gsm sheets are lightweight and soft to the touch. Bamboo is known for its durability and strength, and these sheets are pill and tear-resistant. Bamboo also has natural hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties, making these sheets perfect for people with allergies and sensitive skin. The sheets are Oeko-Tex certified so no harmful substances are used in the production and manufacturing of the sheets.
Another feature that many buyers liked was the pocket or tuck-in pillowcases that keep them from slipping off the pillow. The fitted sheet has 16-inch deep pockets and fully elasticated for a secure and snug fit on the mattress. The sheets are lightweight, moisture-wicking, thermoregulating, and breathable making them good for all year round.
They come in a wide variety of neutral and bold colors to choose from, as well as a nice range of size options. The manufacturer also provides a 90-day Sleep Challenge and will give a full refund if you aren’t satisfied.
Pros: hypoallergenic, suitable for people with allergies, lightweight, breathable, anti-pilling, deep pockets, range of colors and sizes, and suitable for all-year-round use.
Cons: wrinkle easily
Buy Hotel Sheets Direct Bamboo Bed Sheet Set on Amazon
9. Best Wrinkle-Resistant Sheets: The Big One Percale Sheet Set
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Made from a 60% Pima cotton and 40% polyester blend, these 275 thread count percale sheets feel light, crisp, and very cooling, making them suitable for those who are hot sleepers. Their breathability allows for airflow that doesn’t trap body heat. The sheets are Okeo-Tex Certified with no harmful chemicals or lingering toxins, making them good for sensitive skin types.
The fitted sheet is fully elasticated and has 16-inch deep pockets and is labeled at the top and bottom to make putting it on easy. They come in a selection of soft and neutral colors, and a range of sizes. They are can be machine washed and dried and require less ironing than cotton sheets, so are easier to care for.
Pros: wrinkle-resistant, crisp and cool feeling, suitable for hot sleepers, Okeo-Tex certified, 17″ deep pockets, and easy to care for.
Cons: crisp percale sheets may not appeal to everyone
Buy The Big One 4-piece percale sheet set on Amazon
10. Best Floral Print Sheets: Laura Ashley
Made from 100% cotton, these single-ply 300 thread count sheets have been brushed to give them added softness. They are made with a sateen weave, which gives the sheets a lovely sheen and makes them feel smooth and soft to the touch. The sheets are light, crisp, airy, and breathable to keep you feeling cool during the night.
The fitted sheet is fully elasticated with 15-inch deep pockets. The sheets are adorned with signature prints that Laura Ashley is known for and can be mixed and matched with other items in their bedding range. You can get them in several classic looking designs. They can be machine washed and dried
Pros: breathable, deep pockets, sateen weave, crisp feeling, easy to care for, brushed cotton, several classic looking floral patterns, and easy to care for.
Cons: slightly less soft than other brands
Buy the Laura Ashley Floral Print Cotton Sateen Sheet Set on Amazon
11. Best 300 TC 100% Combed Cotton (Extra-Soft): Purity Home
Made from 100% long-staple combed cotton, giving these sheets extra softness and durability. The 300 thread count percale weave gives you a crisp and cool sheet that is ideal for warm temperatures. It also provides good airflow and breathability, as well as moisture-wicking abilities to keep you dry.
Another great feature of this sheet set is the patented “True Grip” fitted sheet, which has a 1-inch thick elastic band around the entire fitted sheet, as well as corner elastic bands for an extra secure and snug fit. The sheets have 18-inch deep pockets.
The sheet set is Okeo-Tex Certified and uses no harmful chemicals of dies, making them ideal for sensitive skin. You can get the sheets in 4 neutral colors and in sizes that range from twin to king. The manufacturer provides a 1-year 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros: extra soft combed cotton, deep pockets, True Grip elastic, moisture-wicking, breathable, cooling, and you get a 1-year guarantee.
Cons: limited color options
Buy the Purity Home 4-piece sheet set on Amazon
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12. Best Gingham Sheets: Laurel & Mayfair
Made from 250 thread count 100% organic cotton, this lightweight fabric gives you a crisp yet soft feel and breathability that will keep you feeling cool and comfortable. Cotton is known for its moisture-wicking abilities, which draw sweat away from the body to keep you feeling dry, even on warm nights.
Organic cotton uses no chemicals in their manufacturing process, making these sheets safe for your skin and gentle enough for sensitive skin. The vintage-looking checked design is printed on the sheet with a fade-resistant dye.
The fully elasticated flat sheet has 15-inch deep pockets and you can get this set in 3 color choices; red, green, or blue gingham print, as well as several size options. They can be machine washed and dried, making them easy to care for.
Pros: lightweight, moisture-wicking, breathable, fade-resistant, deep pockets, and easy to care for.
Cons: limited color options, not everyone likes “crisp” feel of these sheets
Buy the Laurel & Mayfair Gingham Cotton Sheet Set on Amazon
13. Best Long-Lasting Sheets: Linen Home
Made from 100% long-staple cotton, the tight percale weave of these sheets gives you extra durability while still being able to keep you feeling cool on hot nights. They are lightweight, non-clinging, airy, and crisp feeling. They are also moisture-wicking and breathable to keep you feeling dry and cool.
The fully elasticated fitted sheet has deep 16-inch pockets that buyers have said stay put quite well, even over mattress toppers. They are Oeo-Tex certified to ensure no harsh toxins or chemicals are used, making them safe for sensitive skin. Allergy sufferers will love that they are hypoallergenic and repel allergens and dust mites.
The sheets come in a good range of soft and neutral colors and sizes that range from twin to California king. They are machine washable and dryable on gentle and warm cycles, making them easy to care for and maintain.
Pros: moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic, 6-inch deep pockets, repels mites and allergens, breathable, lightweight, and easy to care for.
Cons: no patterns or prints, slightly less soft than other brands
Buy Linen Home 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set on Amazon
14. Best “Crisp” Lightweight Sheets: Pinzon 300 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set
Made of 100% cotton, these 300 thread count percale woven sheets may seem a bit basic, but it has a lot to offer. The sheets are comfortable, crisp, and cool. They do feel a bit thicker than some percale weaves but they are very durable and will keep you cool on hot nights.
The sheets are pill-resistant and have a 6-inch hem on the flat sheet for added durability. They have Okeo-Tex certification, so you know that no harmful chemicals are hiding in the fibers, making these good for sensitive skin. The fully elasticated fitted sheet has 12-inch deep pockets and a generously sized top sheet. The sheets come in 5 neutral colors and sizes that range from twin to California king. They can be machine washed and dry, making them easy to care for.
Pros: crisp, breathable, oversized flat sheet, durable, pill-resistant, no harsh chemicals used, and are easy to care for.
Cons: limited color options
Buy Pinzon 300 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set on Amazon
15. Best Extra Deep Pocket Bed Sheets: CGK Unlimited
Made from double-brushed microfiber, these sheets feel super soft and have a close weave that repels dust mites, allergens, and bacteria. These hypoallergenic properties make these sheets suitable for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin. Microfiber is very breathable and these sheets can be used all year round. The sheets are soft and flexible, making them resistant to tears, wrinkle, and stain-resistant.
The fully elasticated fitted sheet has 18-inch deep pockets with a good bit of stretch to them. And the elastic band is doubled for added strength and grip. Microfiber has the ability to hold onto strong dye colors, so you won’t experience fading over time. They don’t require any special care either, so they are easy to clean and maintain.
Pros: extra-deep pockets, hypoallergenic, double elastic banding, breathable, can be used all year round, and easy to clean.
Cons: may be a bit roomy on thinner mattresses
Buy CGK Unlimited Extra Deep Pocket Microfiber 6-pce sheet set on Amazon
Sheets Buyer’s Guide
We have a good list of affordable sheets all under $50 that we have reviewed so far. Now let’s take a look at what you should consider when choosing the best sheet set for you.
How to choose the right set for your bed?
There are a few factors that you need to consider when you are shopping for those perfect bed sheets, such as measurements, colors, maintenance, and fabrics. The first thing to look at is sizing because if you get this wrong, it won’t matter how nice your sheets look or feel because they won’t fit.
Sizing
Before you head out to the shops or get online, grab a tape measure and measure the length (top to bottom across the mattress), width (side to side across the mattress), and the depth (top to bottom of the side of your mattress). Don’t include the box spring in your measurements, we only need the mattress dimensions.
The reason measurements are so important is that not all mattresses have standard dimensions, especially when it comes to memory foam, pillow-topped mattresses, or mattress toppers, which can add an extra few inches to the depth of the mattress.
Tip: For deep mattresses, add about 2-inches to the depth measurement of your mattress to get a good fit. For example, if your mattress is 16-inches deep, buy a fitted sheet that has 18-inch pockets. This will ensure you have enough material to tuck firmly under the mattress.
Knowing the mattress depth and size will save you a lot of time and money in the end. Your standard mattress is about 7-inches deep. Pillow-topped mattresses or mattress toppers can add depth up to 24-inches. A deep-pocket fitted sheet will have 5-inch deep pockets, and extra-deep fitted sheets will run from 16 to 24-inches in depth.
Make sure you measure the length and width of your bed properly as well.
White Sheets vs. Colored Sheets
How much maintenance a sheet requires is another important consideration. If you are pressed for time, you don’t want sheets that take ages to wash. Otherwise, you’ll get frustrated and end up never using them. If you want sheets that are easier to maintain, white and other very light colors are a good option.
If you don’t mind the extra time needed to maintain your sheets, then, by all means, go for those bold colors. Just keep in mind that why will need a bit of extra care to keep them looking vibrant and stop them from fading. You could take the middle ground and go for a lighter or subtler shade that isn’t as high maintenance.
Debate: Sheet Sets vs. Individual Sheet
Most people buy their sheets as a set because it is easier and cost-effective for the most part. This works well if you have a mattress with standard measurements, use both the top and bottom sheets, and don’t want the hassle of trying to mix and match designs and colors.
However, many people are now opting to forego using the top sheet, just using a duvet instead. So, buying a sheet set suddenly becomes less cost-effective because they are paying for a sheet they won’t use. This is where buying sheets on an individual basis works well. It also gives you the freedom to be creative, to mix and match colors and patterns that you can’t find in a sheet set.
Also, consider that the fitted sheet sees more wear and tear than the top sheet as a result of our body weight and constant friction. This means your top sheet will outlast the bottom sheet. It doesn’t make sense to buy a whole new sheet set though. So buying a single fitted sheet to replace the old one would be more cost-effective in this case.
Weave Types: Which are Best?
- Are you looking for a texture that’s silky, crisp, or simply soft?
The weave of the fabric is another thing to take into consideration. There are 4 popular weaves used for sheets, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Sateen
Sateen tends to be the weave that most people prefer. It uses a three-over-one-under weave, giving the fabric a luxurious sheen, smoothness, and softness. It has a lighter drape that won’t feel heavy or cumbersome, and sateen tends to be less prone to wrinkling, so it can be easier to care for.
The drawback is that sateen is less breathable than percale and tends to pill over time, which weakens the fibers and makes the fabric less durable.
Percale
Percale is the next popular weave that many go for. It uses a simple one-over-one-under weave, giving you a fabric that is lightweight and a nice matte finish to it. It’s the most breathable weave and quite well suited for hot sleepers. A percale weave is also tighter, which gives it more durability.
The drawback with percale is that some find it too crisp and crinkly for their tastes.
Jersey
Jersey isn’t a weave, it’s a knit, and it’s this fact that makes the fabric so flexible. It’s created by knitting verticle rows of looped thread. This allows the fabric to stretch without losing its shape, making it great for fitted mattresses. Jersey also has a worn-in T-shirt softness that many people love.
The downside with Jersey is that it can be prone to shrinking.
Satin
A satin weave uses a similar one to sateen, but instead of 3 threads over, it uses several to create a slippery smooth texture. Satin fabrics are light and breathable and suited for warmer weather.
The downside with a satin weave is that it is less durable and can be prone to tearing.
Really, the best weave is down to what you prefer. We find percale and sateen are at the top of the list, with sateen being a favorite choice for its luxurious look and feel.
Choosing the Best Thread Count
Mention thread count and you will suddenly find yourself in a huge debate regarding its accuracy. This is because there has been a lot of controversy in the past regarding thread counts. In order to push up sales on more inferior fibers, a lot of manufacturers where claiming super-high thread counts on fabrics that were just using cheap threads to fit more in per square yard. So thread count became unreliable for a while.
Today, things seem to have balanced back out, and thread count tends to be a bit more accurate with trusted manufacturers.
Overall, the best range should be between 300 to 500 for most sheets.
Choosing the Best Fabric
- Are you looking for breathable, lightweight sheets, or heavier, warm sheets?
Fabric is another consideration that will help you find the best bed sheets for yourself.
Different fabrics have different advantages.
Cotton: Cotton tends to be the “go-to” fabric for sheets because it can be used for all seasons, is great at wicking away moisture, is soft, breathable, and very durable. It can range in price depending on what type of cotton you are getting (ie., organic, plain, Egyptian, Pima, or Supima).
Linen: Linen is a traditional favorite as well and is more durable than cotton. This gives it more longevity and durability. It’s also a highly breathable fabric that won’t cling to you, is perfect for all year round use, has a smooth crisp texture, and is hypoallergenic due to the tightness of its weave.
Silk: Silk is a luxury fabric and can be a bit expensive. But many love it for its hypoallergenic properties and luxuriously soft feel. Silk can regulate body temperature, making it a good choice for all year round.
Flannel: Flannel is more for colder weather use. It’s super soft and cozy, traps body heat but is still breathable, and it’s easy to care for because it won’t wrinkle.
Microfiber: Microfiber is a good choice for those with allergies because it is hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and very breathable. It’s also easy to care for if you are after an easy maintenance fabric. While it can be used all year round, some may find it too warm in really hot weather.
Polyester: This synthetic fiber that is easy maintenance. However, it traps heat and isn’t as breathable as other fabrics, making it more suitable for colder temperatures.
Bamboo Rayon: Bamboo is an organic fabric that is very durable. It’s well suited for those with allergies and sensitive skin and is perfect for all seasons.
Tencel: Another organic fabric, Tencel is durable, cooling, suited for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin, and can be used year-round.
So, Which Sheets do You Prefer?
So, it is possible to get the best of both; a good quality AND luxurious looking sheet under $50. The sheets you choose will depend on your needs, such as whether you’re a hot sleeper or prone to allergies.
Hopefully, the 15 reviews we’ve covered will help you find a good balance in the sheet you choose. We like Threadmill Home Linen’s sheet set for just that reason. It ticks many of the boxes people look for when buying sheets. There really is no “wrong” choice when it comes down to it though. It’s all about your own preferences, and our guide gives you a good place to start.
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