The Best Sheets on Amazon for Hotel-Quality Sleep

There's nothing quite like climbing into bed after a long day, right? That is, if your sheets are cozy. No one wants to sleep in sheets that feel like sandpaper or keep you up sweating all night. Our sleep is vital to our health, so sleeping comfortably and peacefully is top priority.

The problem: sheets can be expensive. Especially when you take into consideration that you should have two sets of sheets for your bed and you will probably need to replace them in six months to three years depending on your wear and tear. Fortunately, our favorite retailer is once again saving the day with high-quality sheets on a budget. Amazon carries some of the best sheets on the market for competitive prices, and includes a variety of different types, from percale to satin to microfiber and everything in between. Here's a peak at what hit the top of our list:

But before hitting the "buy now" button, you may want to consider what sheets are right for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping.

Material

Depending on how you sleep, you're going to want to consider sheets made of different materials. For example, if you're a hot sleeper, you'll want a heat-wicking or cooling material such as percale, bamboo, or satin. If you have a pet sleep with you or you're buying sheets for a young child, you should consider a durable material like microfiber or cotton. Here's a breakdown of the different types:

• Cotton—the most common material for bed sheets thanks to its versatility, durability, and breathability. Cotton sheets come in a variety of types from high-end Egyptian cotton to lower budget jersey. Because the material is so versatile, we're going to go a bit more in-depth here:
• Egyptian cotton—the most luxurious and high-end of cotton fabrics, but also comes with a hefty price tag. Egyptian cotton is incredibly silky feeling and also extremely breathable and durable. A nice set of Egyptian cotton sheets can last you for years, which makes them worth the splurge for many people.
• Jersey—have a similar feeling to your favorite worn-out old t-shirt. Many people aren't huge fans of jersey sheets because they aren't the best for hot sleepers; they typically hold in heat instead of releasing it. But many people swear by jersey, especially for children. They're low budget but aren't considered the most durable—expect pilling to occur within the first year if you wash regularly.
• Upland—if cotton sheets are vaguely labeled without any type, it's most likely upland cotton. Upland cotton isn't as soft and luxurious as Egyptian, but still holds up well over time and is extremely breathable. In fact, they really grow better after every wash, with the fibers stretching more and more.
• Pima—an American cotton that's a great in-between for Egyptian and upland. Pima cotton isn't as silky and smooth as Egyptian cotton, but it's close enough that many people can't tell the difference. It's slightly more expensive than upland, but worth the up-charge if you ask people.
• Bamboo—a climate-friendly and cozy equivalent option to cotton. Bamboo is incredibly durable and releases heat well, making it the perfect sheet set for just about anyone. Thanks to bamboos quick growing time, it also makes for a very budget-friendly material.
• Linen—a material that gets better with every wash. Linen sheets are cooling and cozy, with an heirloom or vintage style texture that's hard to find in contemporary sheets. They can be pricey, but many people find them worth the investment.
• Microfiber—one of the most durable sheet materials. Microfiber is great for kids, people who snack in their beds, or sleep with their dogs, or anyone who's looking for a sheet set that will last them for years for a great price. It's not as breathable as other fabrics, but if you're not a hot sleeper, you most likely won't be bothered by this.

Thread Count

Many people think thread count is the most important factor in determining a sheet's level of luxury, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. To put it simply, thread count is just the number of threads woven in one square inch of fabric. Many shoppers fall into the trap of thinking that a higher thread count equals more luxurious fabric but don't realize that different fabrics naturally have different thread counts. For example, bamboo sheets should have a high thread count for maximum softness, but linen sheets average around 100 thread count, much lower than cotton or bamboo. In fact, microfiber sheets don't even include thread count, but GSM or grams per square meter. The density of the weave factors into thread count, as well. A percale weave is a cross-hatch pattern that allows for plenty of space between threads, meaning you'll have a lower thread count, whereas a twill weave is tightly woven, meaning a high thread count. Essentially, the fabric used matters far more than thread count. If you're starting off with low-quality fabric, no amount of tight weaving can make your sheets comfortable.

Now that you have an idea of what to look for, let's get shopping!