Another category that usually costs more is good cooling sheets. This isn’t a requirement to stay cool; I’d say the Buffy percale sheets in the cotton section of this story are an excellent cooling sheet since percale is such a breathable weave. But if you’re looking for something with cooling technology—better known as PCM, or phase change material that promises to change heat into cool—then there’s nothing better than SlumberCloud’s Performance Tencel Sheet Set. It uses Tencel, a brand of lyocell fabric, plus Slumber Cloud’s patented Outlast fiber, which uses phase change material gel to absorb heat. It’s both soft and lightweight, and I found myself downright chilly when sleeping on these, which is an impressive feat for hot sleepers like myself.

Honorable Mentions

Here are more sets I loved that cost a little more. If budget isn’t an issue for you, these are worth exploring.

I loved Coyuchi’s Cloud Soft Sateen Sheet Set ($278) not just because it lives up to the soft name (which it does!), but also because it’s still breathable for summertime sleeping. Not only that, but these sheets are organic, too, with a GOTS certification. Coyuchi also uses a USDA-certified bio-based softener on these sheets, and it gives them a cozy, lived-in softness compared to the silky softness I find on other sateen sheets. I also like that there are undyed options if you’re looking to avoid fabric dye—I tested the undyed set, and found it a lovely neutral color.

Ettitude’s Signature Sateen Sheet Set ($359) feels super lightweight to the touch and doesn’t warm up as much as heavier bamboo I’ve tried. The sheets are still soft, too, retaining that silky, cool feel bamboo is known for. This set is worth the splurge if you want something that’s super soft and breathable, and won’t leave you sweating at 3 in the morning. Not only that, but it’s the most lauded set of sheets I’ve tried, with certifications for Oeko-Tex, FSC, Bcorp, Eco-Cert, and Change Climate.

The Citizenry’s Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set ($359) is my Goldilocks of linen bedding. These sheets are lightweight and breathable but still have a nice drape and softness you don’t often find in brand-new linen. It usually takes a little breaking in to get to this stage, but the Citizenry’s sheets feel like you’ve already washed them and softened them up. Thanks to great airflow, these sheets are cool enough for warm nights but not so cool that I wouldn’t use them year-round. They’re also Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances and have been deemed harmless. (They aren’t GOTS certified, though, so we can’t call these sheets fully organic.) If only they were a little cheaper; these sheets used to be the same price as Pottery Barn’s, but are now more expensive.