The Best Pima Cotton Sheets of 2021 – Simple Luxury

If you like the idea of cotton bed sheets, you should only consider getting the best quality cotton sheets there are. And, the best is called Pima cotton, which is identified by their extra-long staple fibers. This ensures you bedding that won’t fade, fray or wrinkle. Instead, you get smooth, plush bedding that will make you feel as if you’re sleeping on a cloud. 

90 percent of all cotton bedding is the typical cotton you find in your clothing, but the best Pima cotton sheets are incredibly soft on your skin and can withstand the washer’s agitator and the pressure put upon by it.   

Now, when you go looking for Pima cotton sheets, you’re going to see two distinct words – percale and sateen. What do they mean? Are they any different from each other? Do they affect the quality of cotton?

• Percale – People who run hot while sleeping, live in a warmer climate or want cool sheets during the summer, percale Pima cotton sheets will give you the feeling of luxury. 
• Sateen – This type of Pima cotton is ideal for people who want softness, and wants a glossy and glide look. This cotton type is warmer than percale, which makes it better for people who want to stay warm at night or who live in colder climates.

No matter which style you like, the best Pima cotton sheets are ones that are durable, strong and reasonably priced. Which type is right for you?

The Best Pima Cotton Sheets of 2020

Peru Pima Percale Bed Sheet Set Review

The Peru Pima Percale Bed Sheet Set comprises of extra-long-staple 100% Peruvian Pima cotton with a 415-thread count. This type of cotton is well-known for being super soft, bright, and resistant to damage. The tight percale weave also ensures the sheets are durable and long-lasting. Still, they feel super cool and crisp, with the fibers allowing for plenty of airflow. If you own a memory foam mattress, this is the kind of sheet set you want.

The product is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning there are no harmful chemicals or synthetics involved in the manufacturing process. Best of all, the Peru Pima Percale Bed Sheet Set is hypoallergenic, which makes it an ideal choice for people who have allergies or sensitive skin.

Peru Pima also ensured their sheets were both classic and elegant, using a four-inch hem with tight stitching to create a durable product that is intended to last users for years. The fitted sheet is entirely elasticized. You can find these in various colors, with sizes ranging from twin to California King. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not happy with your purchase.

Stone & Beam Supima Cotton Sheet Set Review

The Stone & Beam Supima Cotton Sheet Set is made of extra-long cotton fibers and a 700-thread count. It is durable and soft, with a sateen weave and hemstitched to produce a classic look. Though the sheets are thick, they still allow air to flow through and wick moisture away, ensuring you stay cool and dry throughout the night while also keeping you warm on those cold nights.

The fitted sheet is completely elasticized and has 17-inch deep pockets, making them ideal for people who have deep mattresses equipped with pillow toppers. You can find the Stone & Beam Supima Cotton Sheet Set in various designs and colors, with sizes that range from twin to California King. The sheets are easy to care for – just through them in the washer and dryer for cleaning.

Tuft & Needle Percale Sheets Review

The Tuft & Needle Percale Sheets contain extra-long-staple 100% Supima cotton with a 215-thread count percale weave. The fibers allow for plenty of airflow and wick moisture away, ensuring you stay warm and cool any time of the year you use them. Due to the percale weave, you get a freshly-washed feel and extra durability, and after every wash, the sheets get softer.

This is an eco-friendly product, which means no toxic chemicals, softeners, or wrinkle guards went into the manufacturing process. The fitted sheet is completely elasticized and contains 14-inch deep pockets. The pillowcases have an “envelope-enclosure,” which ensures the pillows won’t fall out of them.

You can find the Tuft & Needle Percale Sheets in five colors, with sizes ranging from twin to California King. You can machine wash and dry them for quick, easy care. And, if you feel it necessary, you can iron them too. Best of all, the price you pay is reasonably expensive, especially since they are of such high quality.

Peru Pima Cotton Sheets Review

If you want a sheet set that is durable and extremely soft, the Peru Pima Cotton Sheets with a 600-thread count is a good choice. A sateen weave has a luxurious looking sheen. The sheets can feel crisp initially but, over time, soften up. Thanks to their temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties, you can use them all year round.

Pima cotton can absorb colors, which means the Peru Pima Cotton Sheets won’t easily fade, and with longer fibers, they are pill-resistant too. Made of eco-friendly materials, the product is OKEO-TEX certified, which means no dangerous chemicals were used in the manufacturing process from start to finish.

A set of these sheets can be found in twin, full, Queen, King and California King, and can be purchased in four classic colors. The fitted sheet is completely elasticized and has 15-inch deep pockets. You can wash and dry them with your washer and dryer, and they won’t come out as wrinkly as other cotton sheets. Best of all, the manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with your purchase for any reason.

Casper Sleep Supima Cotton Sheets Review

The Casper Sleep Supima Cotton Sheets are made of 100% extra-long-staple Supima cotton, making them extremely durable and lightweight. Their 400 two-ply thread count and percale weave allow for plenty of airflow, can wick moisture away and keep you cool even on the hottest nights. They are extremely soft, with nice detailing on the seams and edges.

The fitted sheet is completely elasticized and equipped with the extra-grippy elastic band Casper came up with. It also offers 14-inch deep pockets. Casper included a blue tag at the top so that you always known which end is up.

You can rest assured with the OEKO-TEX certified designations that the product has not been produced with dangerous toxins or chemicals. There are six colors to choose from, with four of them consisting of a nice contrasting stripe. You can find the sizes ranging from twin to California King.

You can easily throw the Casper Sleep Supima Cotton Sheets into your washer and dryer, and since they made of Supima cotton, which is four times stronger than other cotton fibers, they’ll only get softer after each wash. If you are a hot sleeper looking for some truly breathable and lightweight sheets, you’ll find comfort in this sheet set from Casper Sleep.

Gryphon Washed Sheet Set Review

The Gryphon Washed Sheet Set are made of 100% Supima cotton. They come pre-washed to give you a soft, luxurious feel right off the bat. The 300-thread count percale weave allows for airflow and lightness. The sheets have a “lived-in” look – similar to what you’d see with your favorite T-shirt after you’ve worn and washed it a few times.

The Gryphon Washed Sheet Set are eco-friendly with certification from ISO and OEKO-Tex with Better Cotton Initiative giving its approval as well. What does it all mean? The manufacturer did not use any dangerous chemicals in the production process – from start to finish.

What are some other great aspects of these sheets?

Come with a cotton drawstring bag
Include top tag (you’ll always know which side is up)
15-inch deep pockets on a fully-elasticized fitted sheet
Come in 5 neutral colors and an array of sizes from twin to California King
Machine washable and dryable

If you prefer super-soft percale sheets that are lightweight and cooling, you’ll love this set from Gryphon.

GhostBed Supima Cotton and Tencel Sheets Review

The GhostBed Supima Cotton and Tencel Sheets are a mix of Supima cotton and Tencel (a 60/40 blend), which makes them not only durable but also soft to the skin. It’s been noted the blended fibers are 50 percent more absorbent than actual cotton thanks to their breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities. The sheets can regulate temperature, which means you can use them all year round.

They are hypoallergenic, resistant to bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens. If you have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies, these are the sheets for you. No chemicals or toxins went into the manufacturing process, and Tencel is regarded as an eco-friendly fiber.

The GhostBed Supima Cotton and Tencel Sheets include the unique GhostGrip elastic, which ensures that they will fit snuggly around your mattress. They come with deep pockets as well that can fit mattresses up to 18 inches. And, with an extra-large flat sheet, you’ll have plenty of sheet to wrap up in.

You can wash and dry these in your own home, making them super easy to maintain. You can find them in various sizes that range from twin to split king, in white or gray color. If you have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies, the GhostBed will have you sleeping like a baby.

Isabella Cromwell Pima Cotton Sheet Set Review

The Isabella Cromwell Pima Cotton Sheet Set is made of 100% Pima cotton, with a 500-thread count sateen weave that improves their durability and softness. You can use it any time of the year thanks to its breathable, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking properties. The sateen weave produces a nice sheen that creates an elegant look. The manufacturer also puts the sheets through an ultra-softening finish process to create that sleek look. 

The fitted sheet comes with elastic bands at the corners and will fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep, thanks to its extra-deep pockets. The Isabella Cromwell Pima Cotton Sheet Set are hypoallergenic, and Oeko-Tex certified, which means they were not exposed to any chemicals or toxins during the manufacturing process. This makes them ideal for people who have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies. 

While sizing runs from twin to California king, you can find these in 13 fade-resistant colors. You have your choice of solid colors or damask stripe designs. Best of all, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee that the manufacturer offers their customers. 

Aaura Royale Supima Cotton Sheets Review

Aaura Royale came up with a 1000 thread count, 100% long-staple Supima cotton sheet set, giving their customers a super soft, lavish feel. With extra-long fibers, the sheets are strong and durable and can withstand piling. These fine yarns help in producing the extra soft feel while also proving plenty of breathability and airflow.

The Aaura Royale Supima Cotton Sheets are finished off with a silky sateen weave. They are also hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.

These sheets have deep pockets to fit mattresses up to 16-inch in depth. Since the fitted sheet is entirely elasticized, it will fit tightly on your mattress. The manufacturer produces an extensive collection of colors and sizes, ensuring you find a set that you’ll fall in love with. Since Supima cotton is able to absorb dyes very well, the Aaura Royale Supima Cotton Sheets will keep their brightness and color for much longer than other brands. You can even wash and dry them with your home washer and dryer.

The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked if you are not happy with your purchase. If you want high-quality sheets with deep pockets for a deep mattress, there’s no reason to look anywhere else.

A Closer Look At Pima Cotton and Its Rich History

There are all kinds of soft, luxurious sheets on the market, but Pima cotton ranks one of the highest. After all, Pima cotton produces a high-quality sheet due to the longer strands of fiber that you won’t see in your typical sheets. About 90 percent of the cotton made comprises of Upload cotton with the other 10 percent made up of Pima or Egyptian cottons. 

Pima is regarded as being one of the best kinds of cotton with a deep history in the U.S. While Egyptian cotton is known to be the most luxurious and best, Pima cotton fabric came from it. 

Cross-pollination of the Egyptian cotton crop took place during the height of the U.S. cotton industry, which led to a cotton strand that was longer, more durable and robust. It was known as the American-Egyptian cotton. 

In Peru, the Pima tribe grew a similar cotton. And, during the 1900s, the Department of Agriculture started to work on harnessing and creating the best possible American-Egyptian cotton when it discovered the Pima cotton. When it did, the agency reached out to the Pima tribe to get hold of the seed that produces the Pima cotton and make it even better. 

The advances you see in today’s market were made during the 1950s, and improvements are still continuing today. 

Why Are Pima Cotton Sheets So Much Better Than Others

There are all kinds of comfortable fabrics, which is why it may lead some to question why Pima cotton is so special. Cotton that comprises of longer cotton crops are usually softer and stronger than short-fiber cotton. Pima cotton came about due to cross-pollination, which produces a long fiber that was strong and extremely durable. 

How much longer are the fibers of Pima cotton compared to standard cottons? It’s one inch, but that one inch makes all the difference. Its shelf life is 50 percent longer than the usual cotton brands, which means your sheets are going to last for you a much longer period of time.

Fiber length also impacts the durability and softness, but also the maintenance. Pima cotton is less prone to wrinkling, which means you won’t have to iron your sheets the more Pima cotton in your linen.  

How To Know If It’s Pima Cotton or Another Type?

Bedding manufacturers want your business and will use unique marketing gimmicks and language that lead you to believe that what you’re buying is the best of the best. Sadly, this isn’t the truth. 

Make the label your best friend, as it’s going to tell you what your sheets are made of. That doesn’t negate your responsibility to research the companies you’re considering buying from to ensure that you get what you pay for. 

So, if a label claims the product is 100 percent cotton, chances are its Upload cotton. This is the typical kind of cotton used by the industry. Manufacturers who use Pima or Egyptian cotton will clearly identify that on their label. The key to remember is the phrasing of the label. How it’s phrased gives you a clear idea of what you’re going to get from the product.

If you notice a label that reads Pima cotton blend, look closely at it. You should get a breakdown of what the blend is. You’ll know what the Pima cotton is blended with and how much of each it consists of. If there clearly defined percentages, then chances are the amount of Pima cotton in the cotton is probably low and the company wants to make sales based on the name.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission believes 90 percent of the Pima and Egyptian cotton sheets on the market are mostly, if not entirely, fake. This is why you need to read labels before buying a product from a less than reputable manufacturer.  

And, if you have experience with fabric texture, you can feel to determine if a sheet has Pima cotton in it or not. Pima cotton is very soft compared to the typical cotton. If you’re buying in-person, and not online, consider feeling the material before you buy it. 

A Look At Supima Cotton

Supima cotton is a combination of two words – supreme and Pima. It’s a trademarked name that must meet certain standards, such as quality specs in branding. It’s also the kind of cotton that the Supima Association keeps track on. To ensure purity, the association will put it through a DNA coding test. 

Supima comes from an ELS designation of fibers that have a minimum between one and three-eighths long. How the yarn is spun from the long fiber produces a durable fabric. Supima cotton is 45 percent stronger than the other cotton fibers, which creates high-quality bed sheets that are both comfortable and durable. 

The Supima company first began as an agriculture research facility in 1948 in El Paso, Texas. However, in the late 1970s, the company partnered with the Arizona Cotton Planting Seed Distributors, which was tasked to watch the manufacturing and delivery of certified American Pima seeds.  

Should You Go With A Percale or Sateen Weave For Your Sheets?

Percale and sateen are in reference to a sheet’s weave. Percale makes use of the one-over-one-under weave, which produces an airy light fabric. Sateen, on the other hand, makes use of the three-over-one-under weave, which creates a shiny, smooth fabric. What are their other differences?

Percale 

Percale is a simple weave that produces a crisp, matte finish product. It’s cooler, breathable and lightweight. They are intended more for people who sleep hotter or who live in a warmer climate (such as the tropics). They are also very durable but are not wrinkle-resistant. You can eliminate the wrinkles by tossing them in the dryer for a short bit.

Some people are annoyed with percale sheets because of the crinkle noise they can make when moving around. If you’re not a heavy sleeper, this could be an issue for you.’

Sateen

Sateen is a weave that produces a smooth sheen that is synonymous with luxury. Many people tend to prefer it over percale for that very reason. They have a silky feel with a nice drape over the body but something a little heavier than percale as well. 

They are not as breathable as the percale weave, and suitable more for cooler environment and cool sleepers. 

With its three-over-one-under weave, sateen sheets are less likely to wrinkle. 

Percale sheets will wrinkle while sateen sheets have a swishing noise to them. They are also easy to take care of, but the more they are washed, the less sheen the sheets will have. They will also pile more than percale, which decreases their durability. 

Which one is best for you? That really depends on what you want. Perhaps the best way to tell which one is best is to use both types to see which one does better.

What To Look For When Trying To Find The Best Pima Cotton Sheets

When it comes to finding the perfect sheet set for the bedroom, you need to look beyond the fabric to give you an idea. What are some other factors to take into consideration?

Thread Count 

This is in reference to the number of threads per square inch of the fabric. The higher this count, the better quality, strength and comfortability. A lower thread count on cottons means minute balls of cotton fibers will build upon the sheets (called a pill). You will need to replace low thread count sheets sooner than the higher counts because of their low durability. 

Linens comprised of 100 percent cotton and thread count of 250 to 300 (or more) tend to be soft and extremely luxurious. However, they also cost more. If price isn’t a major concern and softness is, this is the go-to consideration for your bedsheets.

Size

Always look at what sizes a manufacturer offers. Some companies do not produce the less common sizes, such as California King or Twin XL, and other companies may only produce King and Queen sizes. If your bed size isn’t common, be sure you look at the sizes offered before you buy a sheet set that isn’t provided by the manufacturer. 

Colors, Patterns

Brand new sheets can bring life to a room. It’s much easier to take care of white sheets than it is print, novelty and bright colored sheets. You can use bleach or other whitening products on white sheets to get rid of pet and human stains, sweat and spills, but can’t do this on colored or patterned sheets. 

White sheets can be washed on high heat, whereas colors need to be washed in colder temperatures to reduce the risk of fading. White sheets are also less expensive compared to colored or patterned sheets. White and even off-white sheets can be matched with anything. It can produce a hotel-feel and look and look timeless. Colored or patterned sheets tend to get old quickly.  

The right kind of sheets for your home is dependent on the timeframe for your bedding maintenance. If you don’t mind spending more time on caring for bedsheets, you can find colored or patterned sheets that match the décor of your room. For some people, white is boring and doesn’t fit in with the décor. If you want to go with a colored or patterned look for your sheets, you’ll need to take some extra time to keep them looking their best. 

Fit

When you’re in the market for sheets, you really need to get your mattress’ measurements to get the right sheet size. If you have a queen size mattress, you may be surprised to learn that the standard queen size sheets won’t fit. That’s because many mattresses don’t fall in line with standard sizing. 

You also need to consider any foam pads or toppers you may be using. This adds additional height to a mattress. Measure the length of your mattress (top to bottom), width (side to side) and height (from the top edge to the bottom edge). 

The pocket-size also needs to be considered. Some sheet sets provide you with a pocket depth instead of a mattress height recommendation. Unfortunately, people will purchase a pocket depth that’s the same as their mattress’ height. They find that the sheet is too small. When trying to find the perfect fitted sheet for your mattress, you need the pocket depth and subtract two inches from it. If a package says it’s ideal for 16-inch deep pockets, it’s going to fit mattresses that are 14 inches or less inches in height. 

It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to list their depths as standard, deep and extra-deep, leaving out the actual measurements people need. Here’s a good rule of thumb to help you out:

• Standard Sheet – fits mattresses up to 12 inches high
• Deep Sheets – fits mattresses up to 15 inches high
• Extra-Deep Sheets – fits mattresses up to 22 inches high (usually get this measurement when you have a topper on your bed) 

Price

Most people think Pima cotton is really expensive, but you may be surprised that most have a price range of $50 to $200. You can find high-quality sheets in this price range. As with anything else on the market, the more expensive something is doesn’t make it better. If money is an issue, go with one of the better budget sheet sets on the market. 

Return Policies and Warranties

Sometimes, things don’t work out as you thought. So, what if the sheets you bought are not what you expected and wanted? Returning a product can be a hassle and a half, but this is why you should always look at the return policy before you buy any product, including bedding. Do they offer a warranty on their product? 

You may need to do some in-depth research into this, but it’s always good to know before you’re stuck with a product you don’t want, need or use. Many companies offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, but some may offer deals for longer. With the right warranty and guarantee, you can rest assured that you’ll get your money back if you’re not happy with a product. 

Environmentally-Friendly

Another thing you may want to consider is how eco-friendly the manufacturer was in producing the end product. It begins with the materials used, how they were grown and harvested; then, it goes through how they are processed and manufactured. If you want eco-friendly sheets for your mattress, consider if the manufacturer is using ethical means to create the products (fair-working conditions, no chemicals, etc.) Read up on each company as much as you can to get a sense of who they are. 

Certifications

When it comes to the best Pima cotton sheets, you have to know a little bit about the different certifications out there. And, there are plenty of them – OKEO-TEX, GOTS, Vegan, Fair Trade, Climate Beneficial, etc. If you have a preference for a certain kind of linen production, worker treatment or whatever, be sure to look at the certifications to determine which sheets are best for you.

Should You Buy A Sheet Set or Individual Sheets?

When it comes to buying sheets, you have the option of going with a complete sheet set or buying individual sheets. Now, the choice will depend on a few things. 

People who have a standard size mattress may want to go with a sheet set because it’ll be cheaper. However, not everybody has a standard mattress. If you have a queen-size bed with a topper on it, your standard size queen fitted sheet may not fit over it. 

Yes, the top sheet will do, but then you’ll need to purchase another bottom sheet, which means wasted money. 

When you buy sheets and pillowcases separately, you are going to pay money in the short run, but save money in the grand scheme of things. How so? Your bottom sheet is subjected more to abuse than the top sheet. Therefore, it’ll need replacing long before your top sheet. Since it’s not cost-effective to purchase a whole new sheet set, buying a separate replacement sheet will save you money. 

You can also have a little fun with your sheets when you buy individually. You can mix the patterns and colors. On top of that, some people never use the top/flat sheet, which means a sheet set is money down the drain. 

Which one is best for you? It’s going to depend on your preference and if you’re going to need everything in the sheet set. 

Something else you may want to consider – pillowcases. Does the seller or manufacturer sell pillowcases separately? Many king-size bedding sheet sets include two pillowcases. Most people tend to use more than two pillows on their king-size bed. If you’re buying a sheet set, see if the pillowcases are included and if they can be bought individually. Why would you buy a sheet set that only has two pillowcases and there are no individual sets to buy?

How To Properly Care For Your Pima Cotton Sheets

You must take great care of your Pima cotton sheets when it’s time to wash them. Although they are durable, you still want to wash it right to ensure it remains soft and luxurious. 

Like other cotton types, it can shrink if washed in hot water. Therefore, only wash the sheets in cold or warm water. The washing cycle you use for your sheets will depend on the recommended washing instructions the manufacturer puts forth as well as your machine. 

Most people tend to air dry their Pima cotton sheets, but you can always throw them in the dryer if you’re pressed for time. If you go that route, do so on the lowest temperature possible to ensure no damage occurs to the materials. 

Keep in mind that air-drying reduces the need to iron your sheets, but if you do decide to iron them, use the steam liberally in the entire process. Pina sheets do best in the iron process when they are still a little wet and with the machine on high heat. The sheets’ dampness keep it from damaging or burning the cotton.

With a bit of extra care of your Pima cotton sheets, you’ll have sheets that will feel great and comfortable all the time. Be sure you read the manufacturer’s recommended instructions to wash and dry your sheets properly so they’ll always look and feel their best. 

3 Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Pima Cotton?

It’s the kind of cotton with longer staples, which means stable cotton fibers in your sheets. The more stable these fibers are, the softer the sheets are going to be. And, with longer, smoother fibers, the sheets are going to be soft, light and airy.

What Is Supima Cotton?

This is a variation of Pima cotton, which is grown in the U.S. only. This cotton goes through stringent assessments before being designated as Supima cotton. 

How Is Pima Cotton Different From Other Types Of Cotton?

Pima cotton creates sheets that are better at wicking moisture away and has a soft feel to the touch. This is due to the cotton’s extra-long staple length. The sheets are smoother and more delicate and, thanks to the thread weave, they maintain their high-quality status for much longer.

What To Keep In Mind

Are you in the market for new sheets for your bed? If so, then consider Pima sheets as an option. These sheets took time to get to where they are today, and even though they are a hybrid, they are extremely durable, soft and comfortable. They are grown in certain parts of the world. In the U.S., Supima cotton is grown and shipped to other areas of the world. Pima cotton sheets have a thread count range of 280 to 700 but are still very soft to the touch.

Some sheets have the percale weave, while others have the sateen weave, but no matter what the weave is, it’s always 100 percent Pima cotton.