The 10 Best Deep Pocket Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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These sheets are perfect if you have a tall mattress or cushioned mattress topper.
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.
When shopping for deep pocket sheets, know that “elastic banding makes a huge difference in your sleeping and bed making experience,” says Missy Tannen, Founder and Chief Designer of Boll & Branch. “Many elastic bands 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.”
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. For expert advice on how to shop for deep pocket sheets, we interviewed Tannen.
Best Overall Deep Pocket Sheets: Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Set
Who it’s for: People looking for super soft cooling sheets with a generous 18-inch pocket depth.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer the texture of cotton sheets.
These deep pocket sheets impressed us immediately and continued to exceed 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. They’re temperature-regulating and 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 can only sleep on cotton, you may be put off by its texture. But, if you’re a hot sleeper, the cooling properties of lyocell will definitely make it easier to stay comfortable while you sleep.
While these sheets shrunk slightly in the wash, no other signs of wear occurred 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 affordable price is just icing on the cake.
Price at time of publish: $160 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocell
Size Range: Twin-split king
Pocket Depth: 18 inches
Thread Count: 300
Real Simple /Dera Burreson
Best Budget Deep Pocket Sheets: California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set
Who it’s for: People looking for basic cotton sheets that come in some fun colors and patterns.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer the cooling feel of cotton percale.
The California Design Den Cotton Sheets are made entirely from cotton and feature a sateen weave that lends itself to soft, smooth sheets. 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, and we were also impressed at the quality of stitching. 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. However, if you’re in the market for a pair of well-made, inexpensive cotton sheets, these made a great pick.
Price at time of publish: $60 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Cotton sateen
Size Range: Twin-split king
Pocket Depth: 16 inches
Thread Count: 400
Real Simple / Henry Wortock
Best Cooling Deep Pocket Sheets: Sheex Arctic Aire Max Sheet Set
Who it’s for: People looking for a pair of silky smooth, temperature-regulating sheets.
Who it isn’t for: People shopping on a budget.
These sheets are silky, soft, and cool to the touch. They’re made with Tencel, the brand name of lyocell, which is a fabric made from processed wood fibers. It doesn’t sound like the most comfortable material, but we can assure you that these sheets are very silky and soft. Tencel also has moisture-wicking properties and prevents night sweats, and we can confirm that we didn’t wake up sweaty once while sleeping with these sheets.
Depending on the size you get, these sheets can fit on mattresses between 14 to 20 inches in depth. We liked how the fitted sheet has a reinforced edge that grips the mattress, yielding a better fit than other options. Additionally, these sheets are on the thicker side, but they’re still cool and lightweight to lay under, and they don’t wrinkle a lot.
Price-wise, these sheets are on the more expensive side, but the quality pays off. We used these sheets during intense heat waves and found that they still kept us cool. While we wish they came in some more color options, you can’t go wrong with these sheets if you’re looking for something seriously cooling.
Price at time of publish: $230 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocell
Size Range: Full-king
Pocket Depth: 14-18 inches
Thread Count: 300
Real Simple / Rachel Marek
Best Deep Pocket Percale Sheets: Threshold 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Solid Sheet Set
Who it’s for: People looking for an affordable set of basic, organic cotton sheets.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer heavier sheets.
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 percent GOTS and Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton, meaning that no harmful chemicals or pollutants were used at any point in the manufacturing process. While they’re made with a percale weave, which typically lends itself to a cool, crisp sheet, we found that they have a softness that’s more similar to a sateen weave. They also felt very 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 stand up to lots of tossing and turning. While these sheets may not have the same silkiness or heft as a luxury set, they offer great quality and longevity for the price.
Price at time of publish: $65 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Cotton percale
Size Range: Twin-Cal king
Pocket Depth: 18 inches
Thread Count: 300
Real Simple / Henry Wortock
Best Deep Pocket Sateen Sheets: Lands' End 400 Thread Count No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Set
Who it’s for: People looking for a luxurious sheet set that has a silky feel without being too heavy.
Who it isn’t for: People in search of wrinkle-free sheets.
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.
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 be prepared to dread getting out of bed each morning.
Price at time of publish: $210 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Cotton sateen
Size Range: Twin-split king
Pocket Depth: 18 inches
Thread Count: 400
Real Simple / Henry Wortock
Best Deep Pocket Linen Sheets: Quince European Linen Sheet Set
Who it’s for: People who want to try linen bedding without investing in very expensive sheets.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer pillowcases with an envelope closure.
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, which might point to a lack of durability.
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. Despite that, we still feel that this linen sheet set is a great choice for people who are linen-curious and want to try it out on their beds, especially since it feels very soft to begin with.
Price at time of publish: $110 for queen
Product Details:
Material: European flax
Size Range: Twin-Cal king
Pocket Depth: 16 inches
Thread Count: N/A
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Best Deep Pocket Bamboo Sheets: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Who it’s for: Hot sleepers looking for durable cooling sheets with an extra deep pocket.
Who it isn’t for: People shopping for sheets on a budget.
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.
We were enamored with how soft and silky these sheets are. 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 were 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.
Price at time of publish: $389 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Bamboo viscose
Size Range: Twin-split king
Pocket Depth: 20 inches
Thread Count: N/A
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Best Deep Pocket Eucalyptus Sheets: Brielle Home 300 Thread Count Tencel Lyocell Sateen Sheet Set
Who it’s for: Cold sleepers who want a silky smooth sheet set that won’t make them feel too chilly.
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a set of temperature-regulating sheets 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 found that we still 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.
Price at time of publish: $78 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocell
Size Range: Twin-Cal king
Pocket Depth: 18 inches
Thread Count: 300
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Best Deep Pocket Flannel Sheets: Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set
Who it’s for: People in search of thick, heavy flannel sheets.
Who it isn’t for: People who want more breathable flannel sheets.
This flannel sheet set from Peacock Alley is ideal for those seeking heavy, warming sheets. They’re made with 100 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton which has a buttery and luxurious feel, and the brushed flannel fabric makes them oh-so-cozy. These sheets can fit mattresses up to 17 inches in depth and feature strong elastic all around for a tight fit. We found that these flannel sheets were heavier in comparison to other options, and while that does yield warmer sheets, they aren’t as breathable as others.
After a couple of washes and two months of regular use, these sheets did pill, but that’s pretty common with flannel sheets in general. If anything, the texture of these sheets is noticeably soft; they don’t have that scratchy feeling that some flannel sheets have. Despite the pilling, these sheets excel at keeping you warm and toasty, making them a great choice for people who run cold at night or want a heavy, cozy sheet set for winter.
Price at time of publish: $250 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Egyptian cotton
Size Range: Twin-Cal king
Pocket Depth: 17 inches
Thread Count: N/A; 200 GSM
Real Simple / Grant Webster
Best Organic Deep Pocket Sheets: Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
Who it’s for: People looking for a set of thick, durable, and ultra soft cotton sheets made with sustainability in mind.
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer lightweight bedding.
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 for the environment and for 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. If the price tag doesn’t bother you, these durable, dense sheets will make an indulgent year-round addition to your bed.
Price at time of publish: $278 for queen
Product Details:
Material: Organic cotton
Size Range: Twin-split king
Pocket Depth: 17 inches
Thread Count: N/A
Real Simple / Henry Wortock
Final Verdict
Our top pick, the Olive + Crate Cooling Eucalyptus Sheets, have a generous pocket depth of 18 inches and are made with incredibly soft cooling Tencel lyocell. For an even more budget-friendly option, we recommend the California Design Den Cotton Sheets because they’re very durable and offer great quality for their price point.
Our Testing Process
To date, we’ve tested over 200 sheet sets both in our testing Lab and in the real world. 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, and then ran it through the washing machine two more times. Afterwards, 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 used a water test. Each sheet was placed in an embroidery hoop, and then we used a dropper to administer one drop of water to the taut section. We measured how quickly each drop expanded in a span of 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 fabric to see if any abrasion occurred. After the Lab tests were completed, we brought the sheets home to test in the real world over a span of several months. As future insights come in, we will update this article accordingly.
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 a 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,” says Missy Tannen, founder and Chief Designer at Boll & Branch. Cotton sheets are a classic for a reason, and 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,” says Tannen.
The weave of your sheet will also determine how it feels, so it’s important to consider 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 explains. 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 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 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. Another good tip is to get a fitted sheet with an elastic band, which will help keep it in place while you sleep.
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 explains that “thread count is simply a measure of fabric density—the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the denser the fabric.” However, denser sheets aren’t necessarily more comfortable or breathable. “Your sheets should feel both soft and breathable, and the way to achieve that is to prioritize thread quality, not thread count.”
Instead of focusing on thread count, "you’ll want to do a little research on how the fabric is made, under what conditions, and with what raw materials," says Tannen. "All of these factors are so much more important than thread count, and offer a superior experience in every way.”
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 the quality to be lacking a bit, with lots of loose threads right out of the box.
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 17 inches tall, but Tannen “[advises] against choosing sheets in the smaller range,” so your sheets can fit over your mattress and mattress topper. Before purchasing deep pocket sheets, it’s a good idea to measure the depth of your mattress and compare with the product measurements to ensure they’ll fit, and add a few inches for your mattress topper. If your mattress is greater than 17 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,” says Tannen. “I personally prefer a deep pocket sheet no matter what size the mattress is. 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?
Deep pocket sheets “are the best choice” if you have a mattress topper, says Tannen. “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. 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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