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The 10 Best Deep Pocket Sheets, Tested and Reviewed

Perfect picks for tall mattresses and cushioned mattress toppers.

brielle-home-300-thread-count-tencel-lyocell-sateen-sheet-set

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

If you struggle with putting a fitted sheet over your mattress, or you wake up after tossing and turning to find its corners have popped off your bed, a deep pocket sheet might help you solve your sleeping woes. Simply put, a deep pocket sheet is designed to fit over mattresses between 13 and 18 inches in depth, so it'll stay snug and help you get a better night’s rest. 

To find the best deep pocket sheets, we tested a wide variety of sheets made from all kinds of materials and weaves, evaluating their quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value to make our top picks. We also tapped Missy Tannen, founder and chief designer at Boll & Branch, for her expert advice on how to shop for the perfect set.

Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Tencel Fiber Sheet Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • These sheets have a soft, silky feel and temperature-regulating properties that make them ideal for hot sleepers.

What Could Be Improved
  • The texture may be too slippery for some.

These deep pocket sheets impressed us immediately and continued to exceed our expectations throughout long-term usage. Right out of the box, these sheets were noticeably soft, silky, and cooling, and sleeping on them felt even better. Their temperature-regulating properties make them perfect for hot sleepers, and they have a very generous 18-inch pocket depth that will fit most mattresses. 

These sheets are made from eucalyptus-derived lyocell, which explains their cooling properties. Lyocell is a smooth, strong fabric that comes from processed wood pulp. We found that this sheet set has an almost slippery feel that's similar to silk, so if you prefer sleeping on cotton, you may be put off by its texture. But, if you’re a hot sleeper, the cooling properties of the lyocell will definitely keep you comfortable throughout the night.

While these sheets shrunk slightly in the wash, we observed no other signs of wear during the testing process. They also come with tags that tell you where the top of the sheet is, which makes it easier to put them on your bed. The fabric quality and construction of these sheets alone make them worthy of being our top pick, and their inexpensive price is just the icing on the cake.

Material: Tencel lyocell | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 300

Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Real Simple /Dera Burreson

Amazon California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    3.8/5
What Stands Out
  • They have strong corner elastics to ensure they won’t pop off and come in plenty of color and pattern options to match your decor style. 

What Could Be Improved
  • The denser weight isn’t very breathable.

If you’re in search of an affordable yet cozy sheet set to enhance your bedding, look no further. Crafted from cotton with a sateen weave, the California Design Den Cotton Sheets set is a luxurious yet budget-friendly pick. The sheets can fit mattresses up to 16 inches in depth and have strong corner elastics to ensure they won’t pop off. Plus, they come in plenty of color and pattern options to match your decor style. 

We found these sheets to be surprisingly well-made, with no snagging, pilling, or loose threads at any point in the testing process. We were also impressed by the quality of the stitching, which remained perfectly intact post-wash. Stains were effortless to remove—we could even get rid of jojoba oil stains completely with a quick wash. While these sheets weren’t as smooth as other options, we like that they have a denser weight compared to similar sheets. 

While these sheets are comfortable, they aren’t exactly cooling. So, if you’re looking for cooling sheets to help you stay at a good temperature during the summer, you may want to consider other options. They did get a bit wrinkly after washing, too. However, if you’re in the market for a pair of well-made, inexpensive cotton sheets, these made a great pick. 

Material: Cotton sateen | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: 400

Threshold 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Solid Sheet Set

Target

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    4.3/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • Although the set has a light and airy feel, it's also durable and easy to remove stains from.

What Could Be Improved
  • The sheets may seem a bit too light for those used to sheets with more heft.

If you’re looking for a basic, inexpensive sheet set to throw on your deep mattress, this option from Threshold makes a great choice. The fitted sheet can cover mattresses up to 18 inches in depth and features reinforced elastic to create a secure hold on your bed corners. We did spot a few loose threads on the pillowcase, but overall felt that the seams were sturdy and well-constructed.

This sheet set is made from 100% GOTS and Oeko-Tex-certified organic cotton, meaning that no harmful chemicals or pollutants were used at any point in the manufacturing process. Crafted with a percale weave, which typically lends itself to a cool, crisp sheet, these sheets surprised us with their softness, which was more similar to that of a sateen weave. What’s more, after six months of use, the sheets somehow became even softer than they were at the start of our testing. While they didn’t necessarily keep us cool, we found the material to be light and airy rather than dense and heavy. 

In addition to being soft, these sheets are also durable. We spilled jojoba oil, coffee, and foundation on these sheets, and were able to remove virtually all evidence of stains in the wash. During our abrasion test, where we rubbed sheets with sandpaper, there was no noticeable difference between the abraded and unabraded areas aside from a few small pills, indicating that these sheets can withstand lots of tossing and turning. Despite not having the same silkiness or heft as a luxury set, they offer great quality and longevity for the price.

Material: Cotton percale | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 300

Nordstrom Sijo Home Organic Percale Cotton CrispCool Cotton Sheet Set

Nordstrom

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • They are incredibly breathable, and stains come out easily.

What Could Be Improved
  • They may endure pilling or discoloration after frequent use.

True to its name, this deep pocket sheet set is one of the crispest, coolest sheet sets we've tried. Crafted from percale cotton, they have a luxurious, hotel-quality appeal. They proved extremely breathable in our testing: Our water droplet expanded within just five seconds, a testament to their moisture-wicking properties. We remained comfortably cool after lying beneath the sheets for five minutes, too. In fact, the sheets left us so cool that we almost wish they were a bit warmer. That said, we believe this pick is ideal for hot, sweaty sleepers.

In addition to their cooling properties, these sheets also boast impressive stain resistance. After enduring foundation, coffee, and oil stains, they came out clean in the wash. With the ease of stain removal, you won't have to worry about pets or mess-prone children ruining them. The 16-inch pocket fitted sheet fit taut on our mattress, thanks to the surprisingly stretchy elastic band, and we were pleased to find that it remained secure on the bed's corners, even as we tossed and turned.

These sheets fell short in terms of durability. We noticed five loose threads along the seam, though they didn't unravel any further. We observed no thinning during our abrasion test, but we did find a bit of discoloration and pilling. Given their performance during the abrasion test, these sheets may not be as long-lasting as other options. Still, if you're seeking a luxurious sheet set to combat night sweats, this one is a great choice.

Material: Organic cotton | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: 400

Lands' End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set

Lands' End

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • The luxurious sheet set has a silky feel without being too heavy.

What Could Be Improved
  • It may be a bit wrinkly immediately post-wash.

You may not expect buttery smooth, luxurious sheets from Lands’ End, but make no mistake: The brand’s sateen sheet set is the real deal. We absolutely loved the luxe feel of these sheets, which felt lightweight and silky yet still impressively sturdy. In fact, we think they’re among the highest quality sheets we’ve tested. 

So what makes these sheets so good? For starters, they’re made with American-grown Supima cotton, which is a long-staple cotton variety known for making silky, lustrous sheets—it's one of the most luxurious cotton varieties in the world. Because these sheets are made with a sateen weave, they have a silk-like sheen and a slight crispness that feels great against the skin. They also have good airflow and breathability, which isn’t always the case with sateen; we found that they were cozy and comfortable to sleep in without getting stifling. Even after six months of use, the sheets retained their luxurious quality. 

The flat and fitted sheets offer a generous amount of fabric, accommodating mattresses up to 18 inches in depth. However, we did find that they wrinkle more easily than other sheets, so just be sure to remove them promptly from the dryer. Otherwise, enjoy the luxe look and feel of your new sateen sheets and prepare to dread getting out of bed each morning.

Material: Cotton sateen | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 400

Best Linen Sheets

Quince Linen Sheet Set

Quince European Linen Sheet Set

Quince

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3.8/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    3.9/5
  • Value
    4.9/5
  • Breathability
    4.3/5
What Stands Out
  • The temperature-regulating material is suitable for all-season use.

What Could Be Improved
  • The pillowcases don’t have an envelope closure, so they may fall off frequently.

Made from luxurious European flax, this sheet set from Quince will help you sleep in comfort all year round. Linen is a temperature-regulating material, so it’ll keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and it has a rumpled look that brings a lived-in vibe to your bed. The fitted sheet in this set has a generous amount of fabric that can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches in depth. 

Linen softens the more you use and wash it, which is something we can attest to. We found that these sheets became incredibly soft after just a few washes and have a barely there feel, so they’re a good option for linen newbies. However, in addition to getting softer, they also became noticeably thinner after six months of use, which might point to a lack of durability. With their impressive airiness, we think these sheets are ideal for the summer months. 

Another thing to note is that the pillowcases included in this sheet set are quite large—and because they don’t have an envelope closure, they routinely came off our pillows in the night. Nevertheless, we still think this sheet set is perfect for linen-curious individuals eager to try out the material without committing to long-term use, especially since it feels soft right from the start, requiring no break-in period.

Material: European flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: N/A

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Cozy Earth

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • These durable, cooling sheets have an extra deep pocket, making them suitable for even the thickest mattresses.

What Could Be Improved
  • They are one of the more expensive sheet sets we’ve tested.

Hot sleepers will love the cooling, silky, and luxurious sleeping experience this sheet set provides. Made with bamboo viscose, which is similar to lyocell, these sheets regulate your temperature throughout the night and wick away moisture to prevent night sweats. They also stay remarkably cool to the touch, even after sleeping under them for a while.

In our testing, we were enamored with how soft and silky these sheets were. Making the bed with this sheet set was also pretty easy—we put on the fitted sheet without issue and were impressed that the fitted sheet can stretch for mattresses up to 20 inches in depth. They also didn't get wrinkly, even after washing. 

We found these sheets to be quite durable, too. After sleeping with them for six months straight and washing them at least every two weeks, the only signs of wear that occurred were a few loose threads, but otherwise, there was no piling or rips. This sheet set is pretty pricey, but treating yourself to hotel-quality bed linens is a worthy investment, especially since they can improve your sleep quality. 

Material: Bamboo viscose | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 20 inches | Thread Count: N/A

Brielle Home Tencel Lyocell Sateen Sheet Set

Overstock

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • These eucalyptus sheets stay silky-smooth, even after washing.

What Could Be Improved
  • They are surprisingly warm overnight, making them less suitable for hot nights.

These sheets are very soft, silky, and cool to the touch. The fitted sheet can fit mattresses up to 18 inches in depth, and the sateen weave brings a luxe vibe to any bed. The flat sheet also has decorative stitching on the outside, a small touch that nevertheless impressed us. 

These sheets are made with eucalyptus-derived Tencel, which is a smooth, cooling material that’s also hypoallergenic. They retained their silky touch after multiple washes, and we felt that their luxe feel was a step above other sheets—which is impressive considering their low price. We also didn’t notice any loose threads or signs of wear that occurred with use, making this sheet set a durable pick. 

While eucalyptus is a temperature-regulating material, we actually preferred using these sheets in the winter instead of summer. We used these sheets for six months and found that, though we felt warm sleeping on these sheets in the summer, but once temperatures dropped, we noticed that we stayed at a perfect temperature all night. So while these may not be the sheets that keep you cool during a heat wave, they would make a great choice for people who sleep hot all year round and need winter sheets that aren’t too warm. 

Material: Tencel lyocell | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches | Thread Count: 300

Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set

Boll & Branch

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • The durable, ultra-soft cotton is thick yet breathable.

What Could Be Improved
  • These sheets may be too heavy for those used to lighter ones.

These Boll & Branch sheets may be on the expensive side, but the top-tier quality of the materials and craftsmanship will pay off in the long run. They’re GOTS-certified organic, which means they meet rigorous ecological and labor standards throughout the entire production process, so you can be confident that they’re better both for the environment and you. 

These sheets are made of super soft cotton and have a slightly heavier weight, which speaks to the quality of the fabric. Despite being heavier than similar options, we found that they were still quite breathable and comfortable to sleep under throughout both summer and winter. 

The fitted sheet can fit mattresses up to 17 inches in depth, and they fit well on our beds. After months of washing and tossing and turning in these sheets, they remained in pristine condition with no pilling or loose threads and only got softer after two months of use. If the price tag doesn’t bother you, these durable, dense sheets will make an indulgent year-round addition to your bed.

Material: Organic cotton | Size Range: Twin-split king | Pocket Depth: 17 inches | Thread Count: N/A

The Vermont Country Store Open-Stock Portuguese Cotton Flannel Sheets

The Vermont Country Store

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What Stands Out
  • The sheets are comfortably warm and cozy without causing overheating.

What Could Be Improved
  • They may shrink post-wash.

Flannel sheets are renowned for their warmth and coziness, and this set from The Vermont Country Store is one of the softest we've ever experienced. Made from triple-brushed Portuguese cotton, these sheets are extra snuggly. That said, we were pleasantly surprised by their breathability. Despite their comfortable thickness, they didn't cause us overheat at all, making them ideal for hot and cold sleepers alike. In fact, we became so obsessed with these sheets that we didn't even want to remove them from the bed for washing.

After two months of use, the sheet set maintained its soft, cozy texture. There was some minor pilling post-wash, though that's to be expected of flannel sheets. Our main issue, however, was the shrinkage. Following the manufacturer's instructions to wash with warm water, we observed noticeable shrinking, making it more challenging to fit the sheets on the bed. Although the added effort required to get them on the bed was a bit frustrating, the snugger fit did help them stay securely on our mattress without slipping off the corners.

Material: 100% cotton flannel | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Thread Count: N/A

Final Verdict

Our top pick, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets set, has a generous pocket depth of 18 inches and is made with incredibly soft cooling Tencel lyocell. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the California Design Den Cotton Sheets for their durability and high quality for their price point. 

Our Testing Process

To date, we’ve tested over 200 sheet sets both in our Des Moines lab and in our own homes. All of the sheets we’ve tested have been put through rigorous testing to evaluate their quality, feel, breathability, fit, and durability. In our lab tests, we first measured each sheet set and inspected the quality right out of the box before washing it for the first time. We then stained each sheet with coffee, oil, and foundation before running it through the washing machine two more times. Afterward, we inspected each sheet carefully for loose threads, snags, discolorations, and other imperfections. We also measured each sheet again to see if any shrinkage occurred. 

To measure breathability, we conducted a water test. Placing each sheet set in an embroidery hoop, we used a dropper to administer one drop of water to the taut section. We measured how quickly each drop expanded in 10 seconds, noting that a drop of water that expands quickly and becomes larger means the fabric is good at moisture management.

Next, we made a bed with each sheet set, taking note of how difficult the process was. Finally, we used sandpaper to evaluate durability. Keeping the sheet held taut, we swiped the sandpaper back and forth 25 times over about a 5-inch area of the fabric to see if any abrasion occurred.

After the lab tests were completed, we brought the sheets home to test in the real world, evaluating their durability throughout six months of use. Analyzing both our lab results and our long-term insights, we compiled a list of the best deep pocket sheets

How to Shop for Deep Pocket Sheets Like a Pro

Material

When it comes to deep pocket sheets, material doesn’t matter as much, since there’s not one fabric that is inherently stretchier than another. So, it’s all up to personal preference. “Different sheets offer different experiences, and it comes down to two main factors—raw material and weave,” Tannen says. Cotton sheets are a classic for a reason, as they offer good breathability and comfort. Organic cotton sheets are even better, as they tend to be more durable than non-organic fibers and are made with sustainability in mind. There’s also linen, which is growing more popular for its temperature-regulating abilities. “Flax [which is used to make linen] is unique in that it doesn’t require synthetic pesticides to grow and produce high-quality fibers, and it has natural cooling properties,” Tannen says. 

The weave of your sheets also determines how they feel, so it’s important to consider it alongside your material. “If you’re shopping for sheets, you’ll see terms like sateen, percale, and flannel—each made with a distinct weave,” Tannen says. Sateen offers lightweight warmth that feels incredible year-round, and effortlessly pairs with both warmer and cooler top layers, while percale weaves are tighter and more structured than sateen, creating a fabric that’s light, crisp, and cool-to-the-touch—the perfect option for hot sleepers. If you’re a cold sleeper, you may prefer flannel sheets, which offer a cozier sleeping experience.

Aside from cotton or linen, another popular material for sheets is Tencel, which is the brand name for lyocell. Tencel comes from wood chips that get pulverized, strained, and processed to create a silky-smooth fabric. It has cooling properties, making it great for hot sleepers, and is moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. While Tencel sheets are durable and resistant to pilling, they do tend to be more expensive. 

Pocket Depth 

Typically, a deep pocket sheet will be able to fit mattresses between 13 and 17 inches tall, and an extra deep pocket sheet can fit mattresses over 18 inches in height. Before purchasing deep pocket sheets, it’s a good idea to measure the depth of your mattress and compare it with the product measurements to ensure they’ll fit. Also, keep in mind that a mattress topper can add a few extra inches of height to your mattress. 

When shopping for deep pocket sheets, Tannen says elastic banding makes a huge difference in your sleeping and bed-making experience. Many will feel strong to start but stretch out and lose their shape over time. This causes your fitted sheet to slip off while you sleep, or not secure to your mattress in the first place. Make sure that your deep pocket sheets use high-quality elastic before purchasing for a secure fit.

Thread Count

Tannen lets us in on a bedding secret: “Thread count is actually a myth. In fact, it’s the biggest myth in the bedding industry and has been perpetuated for decades.” She says that thread count is simply a measure of fabric density—the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch of fabric. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the thread count, the denser the fabric.

However, denser sheets aren’t necessarily more comfortable or breathable. Instead of focusing on thread count, she recommends doing some research on how the fabric is made, under what conditions, and with what raw materials. “Your sheets should feel both soft and breathable, and the way to achieve that is to prioritize thread quality, not thread count,” she says.  

More Deep Pocket Sheets to Consider

Looma Signature Organic Sheet Set: This lightweight sheet set is super soft and has a nice drape without being too limp. We found the quality to be lacking when inspecting the seams of the fitted sheet, however. Given the price, we expected the fabric to have a heavier weight and some more luxurious features.

Dreamcare Eucalyptus Sheets: We were impressed with the buttery soft texture and heftiness of these sheets. Plus, they felt quite breathable while lying underneath them. Still, we found it to be lower quality than expected, with lots of loose threads right out of the box.

Dreamcare Eucalyptus Sheets

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Questions You Might Ask 

What is considered a deep pocket fitted sheet?

Typically, a deep pocket sheet will be able to fit on mattresses between 13 and 18 inches tall, but Tannen advises against choosing sheets in the smaller range, so your sheets can fit on your mattress and mattress topper. Before purchasing deep pocket sheets, it’s a good idea to measure the depth of your mattress and compare it with the product measurements to ensure they’ll fit, and add a few inches for your mattress topper. If your mattress is greater than 18 inches in depth, you may have to search for extra-deep pocket sheets instead. 

Can you put deep pocket sheets on a regular mattress?

Absolutely. “I personally prefer a deep pocket sheet no matter what size the mattress is," Tannen says. "It’s a small detail that makes changing your sheets so much easier.” If you’re worried about the sheets being too big or rumpled, Tannen assures that with secure elastic banding, the fitted sheet will stay in place and have a neat, tailored look regardless of mattress size.

Do you need deep pocket sheets if you have a mattress topper?

For those with a mattress topper, Tannen says deep pocket sheets are the best choice. This is because you won’t have to pull and stretch the fabric to make the mattress topper fit underneath, which can impact the way they feel and make them more prone to tearing.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To come up with this list, we tested deep pocket sheets of all different brands and materials in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and overall value. For expert advice on how to shop for deep pocket sheets, Jen spoke to Missy Tannen, founder and chief designer at Boll & Branch

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

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Sources
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  1. https://global-standard.org/the-standard

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