When it comes to quality bed sheets, there’s no question that Sateen sheets are among the best. Sateen is a technical term that defines the type of weave used in the fabric, which is a three or four yarn over, one yarn under pattern and creates a silky smooth, crisp feel and a shiny finish. Typically made with 100 percent cotton, Sateen is the closest thing you can get to satin without breaking the bank. To make Sateen, various types of cotton fibers are combed to make them longer. These fibers are then mercerized, a process that both makes them more durable than untreated cotton by sealing the fibers and creates them the sheen that Sateen is known for.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best Sateen sheets available, the benefits of sleeping on Sateen sheets, how to care for them, and when to look for as you shop.
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These sheets come in all sizes for under $50, and 20 colors with pattern choices. They’re 100 percent cotton, Oeko-Tex certified, and have a 400 thread count. California Design Den also believes in the ethical treatment of its workers and the environment, for which the company has received many certifications.
With a 480 thread count, Brooklinen sheets are certified free from harmful chemicals. The sides of each sheet is labeled (“short” and “long”) for easy bed-making, and they’re temperature neutral, so they’ll keep you cool or warm depending on your preference. They’re sold on the Brooklinen website and on Amazon.
These sheets have a heavier texture than other sateen sheets, which means they’ll sleep slightly warmer. They’re wrinkle-resistant, are soft, and feel twice as luxurious as they’re priced. 94% of the more than 2,800 reviewers on JCPenney’s website recommend these sheets.
Sateen is known for being an all-season fabric, but this set is particularly great for hot sleepers. Cotton is woven with Outlast viscose in a 300 thread count, which increases the breathability of the fabric and helps you maintain a crisp, cool body temperature all night long.
These sheets have a hotel feel and are Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they’re free from harmful levels of a long list of substances. With more than 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, these are only $51.99 for a queen set. The fitted sheet has 18” pockets, making them excellent for pillow-top and larger (king, California king) mattresses.
These sheets retain their smooth appearance after laundering. There’s no need to iron them, thanks to the wrinkle-resistant finish. Cuddledown sheets are Oeko-Tex certified, generously sized, and can be monogrammed.
These sheets are “almost like flannel, but very lightweight, so they’re not as warm,” according to the interior designer who created them, Shielda Bridges. They’re soft and comfortable to the touch, wash well, and wear well.
If you like buttery soft sheets, you’ll love Sateen, but this type of sheet has many benefits beyond the silky feel. Sateen sheets draw from the best of both cotton and silk. The fibers used are cotton but they’re woven in a silk-like pattern, so the result is a shiny, ultra-soft sheet that’s as durable as a traditional cotton sheet.
Not only is Sateen less fragile than silk, but it’s also much less expensive. Additionally, the Sateen cotton weave pattern gives the fabric a drape that’s both pleasing to the eye and makes it naturally wrinkle-resistant. Sateen is also heavier in weight than other sheets, like percale sheeting, making the fabric ideal for year-round use. Finally, the mercerization process used to create Sateen gives it a water-repellent quality, meaning these sheets are naturally mildew-resistant.
We recommend buyers beware when shopping, as there are many fake Sateen sheets on the market. Low-quality sateen sheets have a sheen that will fade after the first few washes, so it’s important to read the details from the manufacturer to ensure you’re putting your money toward a high-quality product. Look for sheets from companies that have a good reputation. Check to see whether the sheets have been treated with alkalis, which can sometimes indicate that the sheen was produced artificially rather than through the weaving pattern. Aim for a minimum thread count of 400, which, when created using premium materials, can feel as soft as sheets with a high thread count.
Sateen sheets can dirty easier than other types, but you don’t need expensive cleaning materials or solutions if they’re soiled. Treat stains with liquid hand soap, using a dish rag or your fingers to apply it. Add a few drops of water to dilute the soap, then use the dry end of a towel to blot the stain.
Sateen should be washed with mild detergent on a gentle cycle with cold water. To dry the sheets, select a cool dry cycle and set the dryer on an air-dry setting. Once dry, iron on a mild setting on the reverse side if necessary.
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