The best cotton duvet covers and sheets, tested for breathability and comfort
Bedding often gets overlooked in the quest for a good night’s sleep. But choosing quality basics, such as premium cotton bedding to go with your duvet, mattress or pillow can go a long way to helping you sleep better.
“Cotton bedding is a natural material, which means it’s breathable, an essential for bedding as it helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night,” explains Pippa Jameson, interior stylist, textile expert, and founder of The Sensory Home.
We’ve tested cotton bedding from a range of leading brands including Dunelm, Dusk and Silentnight, with prices ranging from £40 for a set to over £100. Below you’ll find our full reviews and some common frequently asked questions but, if you’re in a rush, here are our top five choices:
The best cotton bedding sets: At a glance
Best Buy cotton bedding: Dunelm Dorma 100pc Cotton Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
Best Value cotton bedding: Dusk Regent Embroidered 100pc Cotton 400 Thread Count Bedding
Best hotel style cotton bedding: Tielle Classic Hotel 300 Thread Count Bedlinen Set
Best organic cotton bedding: Bed Threads Organic Cotton Duvet Set and Fitted Sheet
Best sateen cotton bedding: Clarke & Clarke Willow Boughs William Morris 200 Thread Count Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
How to choose the best cotton bedding sets
It’s easy to be tempted by the colour or pattern of a product alone. But while important, there are other factors to consider when shopping for cotton bedding.
“In my opinion,” says Jameson, “the best quality cotton bedding combines natural materials, a high thread count and ethical production practices. Your bedding needs to work with your body and last over time. Choose what feels good against your skin, works with your temperature preferences and complements your bedroom style.”
Our top recommendation is to choose 100 per cent cotton, soft cotton, cotton with Tencel or cotton with linen. Avoid polyester blends as they’re unlikely to be as breathable. Good bedding should feel comfortable and aid with temperature regulation, as there’s little worse than waking up in the morning tangled up in a sweaty mess.
You’ll also come across thread count, which refers to the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch of your bed linen. The higher the thread count, the more threads there are within the fabric. In addition, there are different weaves, such as percale which feels crisper and silkier sateen.
And finally, make sure you always check the care instructions before purchasing, as some bedding, for example, can’t be tumble dried. In general, bedding can’t be returned for a refund unless it’s faulty either, so make sure you follow care instructions closely to help prolong the life of your new cotton bedding.
How we test duvet covers and sheets
I’ve been writing about all aspects of sleep for over five years, testing everything from bedding to pillows, toppers and mattresses. I slept on each set of bedding for two weeks, washing it three times to test durability. Each set was ironed immediately after it had dried, then folded and stored in my airing cupboard to analyse how creased it became.
I tested cotton bedding on five main metrics:
Design: I looked at the range of colours and patterns available, as well as checking that duvet covers, pillowcases and fitted sheets all fitted their intended size bedding well (in this case, a double bed). I also judged how easy the fastenings were to use and whether the bedding stayed in place overnight.
Comfort: Next, I considered what the bedding is like to sleep under and if it feels soft and inviting.
Breathability and temperature regulation: It’s vital that bedding doesn’t make you wake up feeling too hot or cold, so I analysed each set for how well it controls temperature.
Fabric: I looked at the quality of the fabric, noting the thread count where relevant and checking for any loose threads or stitches after washing.
Care: Lastly, I checked all the care instructions for the bedding and noted how well it washes and dries. I also noted whether there’s any trial period or guarantee.
After testing, each set is kept in my airing cupboard for future checks and I’m also currently in the process of testing more bedding that didn’t quite make the initial grade. For reference, I was sleeping on a pocket sprung mattress with pillows made of both ethically sourced down and foam.
The Best Cotton Bedding Sets of 2025
1. Best Buy Cotton Bedding: Dorma 100% Cotton Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, Dorma Smooth & Soft 300 Thread Count Cotton Sateen Fitted Sheet
£105 for a double set, Dunelm, £27 for a double fitted sheet, Dunelm
Score: 10/10
Pros:
· High quality fabrics
· Zip fastenings
· Beautiful designs
· Breathable
Cons
· The fitted sheet wasn’t quite as soft as the duvet cover
Dorma, now owned by Dunelm is a British heritage company that’s been producing bed linen since 1921. And it certainly showed in the quality of the duvet set and accompanying cotton sateen fitted sheet that I tested. There are 26 different prints available in the Dorma bedding range in this price bracket, but I went for the pretty Meadow Breeze set and an accompanying cotton sateen fitted sheet (of which there are 18 different colour choices). The duvet cover and pillowcases were incredibly soft and comfortable to sleep under with their 300-thread count, and my husband (a hot sleeper) found the set nicely breathable, doing a good job of regulating temperature.
As someone who hates ironing with a fiery passion, the Dorma bedding got my vote for staying relatively crease-free after washing and I also loved the easy zip fastenings on the duvet cover and pillowcases to speed up the process of changing your bed linen. I’m aware that some bedding purists may shy away from the zips, but they are neatly concealed once done up and do nothing to detract from the bedding itself.
There wasn’t anything to dislike about the Dorma bedding although, if I was being extraordinarily fussy, I’d point out that the fitted sheet wasn’t quite as soft as the duvet cover, although it was still perfectly comfortable to sleep on. The whole set washed well too, coping with the slightly terrifying spin cycle of my ancient washing machine without any pulls or loose threads appearing. It’s not the cheapest set, admittedly, but I think it’s well worth the price.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% cotton duvet cover and pillowcases, 100% cotton sateen fitted sheet
· Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: 32cm, 35cm, 38cm
· Thread count: 300
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, medium iron setting
2. Best Value Cotton Bedding: Dusk Regent Embroidered 100% Cotton Duvet Cover 400 Thread Count, Dusk Regent Embroidered 100% Cotton Pair of Oxford Pillowcases 400 Thread Count, 400 Thread Count Sateen Fitted Sheet
£45 for a double duvet cover, Dusk, £17 for a pair of Oxford pillowcases, Dusk, £19 for a double fitted sheet, Dusk
Score: 9.5/10
Pros:
· Soft and silky to sleep on
· High-end look for a bargain price
· Easy to iron
· Breathable
Cons
· The set and fitted sheet creased up a lot in storage
Dusk’s Regent duvet cover and matching pillowcases are Dusk’s bestselling set and it’s easy to see why. Despite being incredibly reasonably priced, with a double duvet cover coming in at £45, the quality of the Regent bedding is in line with that you’d expect from a high-end hotel. The whole set, including fitted sheet, felt smooth and slightly silky to the touch and this finish also made the sheets incredibly easy to iron. Having said that, they did unfortunately crease up a lot while folded up for storage.
Sleeping on the pillowcases was reminiscent of sleeping on silk pillowcases, with less friction than you’ll find on many cotton pillowcases. The set is also a great option for hot sleepers, with the finely woven 400-thread count ensuring a breathable and comfortable night’s sleep. I liked the finishing touches of contrasting piping around the edges of the duvet and pillowcases – I chose the navy piping, but the Regent duvet cover and pillowcases are also available with grey, natural and white piping, as well as an all-natural coloured set.
Everything washed well and there was no run off from the navy piping, although I would recommend taking care to wash this bedding only with other pure white products. It’s also worth noting that the trim around the edge of the duvet cover (to match the Oxford pillowcase style) does make it wider than a standard duvet, with more material to move around as you get in and out of bed. If you struggle with mobility, this could be a small issue but apart from this and a little creasing, this is a beautiful set that should rightfully retail for far more, especially when you consider that Dusk often has discounts on offer.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% cotton duvet cover and pillowcases, 100% cotton sateen fitted sheet
· Sizes available: Duvet: double, king, super king; Sheet: single, double, king, super king; Pillowcases: standard, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: 30cm, 34cm
· Thread count: 400
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on medium heat, medium iron setting
3. Best Hotel Style Cotton Bedding: Tielle Classic Hotel 300 Thread Count Bedlinen Set
£134 for a double duvet, fitted or flat sheet and four pillowcases at Tielle
Score: 9.5/10
Pros:
· Easiest to iron of all the bedding tested
· Hotel quality bed linen
· Well priced for a complete set of bedding
· Quick tie fastenings on the duvet
Cons
· Fitted sheet creased up after a week of sleeping on it
Used by The Pig and Firmdale hotels, this Tielle set is quite literally hotel style luxury at home. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I could feel the difference in quality with the Tielle bedding, with the linen feeling ‘weighty’ and of extremely high quality. That’s not to say that it isn’t breathable, with the set being one of the best I tested for keeping temperature regulated through the night.
If you want a classic white set of beautiful bedding, you’d be hard pressed to beat the Tielle. Yes, it’s simply designed with no particular bells and whistles, but it looks fantastic on the bed (more so if you put it on straight after ironing, which was a breeze with this set). I liked the simple ties on the duvet, which you’ll usually find on hotel bedding to speed up changes. But both the pillowcases and fitted sheet were easy to put on as well, with no struggles to stuff my larger down pillow into a case as I often find with cheaper bedding.
You also get a generous amount of bedding for the price, £134 for a double duvet cover also gets you the choice of a fitted or flat sheet along with four pillowcases. My only slight niggle was that the fitted sheet did get pretty creased after a week of sleeping on it. But apart from this, I thought the Tielle bedding was fantastic, with a similar feel to Egyptian cotton bedding.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% cotton sateen duvet cover, fitted / flat sheet and pillowcases
· Sizes available: Duvet and sheets: single, double, king, super king, emperor; Pillowcases: standard, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: Not specified
· Thread count: 300
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry, medium iron setting
4. Best Organic Cotton Bedding: Bed Threads Organic Cotton Duvet Set, Organic Cotton Fitted Sheet
£115 for a double set, Bed Threads, £50 for a fitted sheet, Bed Threads
Score: 9/10
Pros:
· High quality cotton percale
· GOTS certified organic
· Vibrant colour choices
· Good temperature regulation
Cons
· Stiff buttons on duvet cover
Bed Threads are better known for their linen bedding, but they’ve just branched out into some beautiful organic cotton bedding sets. With a choice of 10 vibrant colours, I tried the Aegean bedding set, a gorgeous petrol blue colour that hasn’t shown even the slightest sign of fading (and I’ve washed it multiple times now). With a 200-thread count and made from cotton percale, the bedding resists pilling as well.
It's got proper organic credentials as well, with all the bedding OEKO-TEX certified (meaning it’s free of chemicals along with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification (meaning the entire supply chain is environmentally and socially responsible). That also means it’s a great choice for allergy sufferers.
That organic cotton means it’s not the softest bedding I’ve slept on, although it was still highly comfortable and welcoming. Temperature regulation, as you might expect, was excellent and I also loved the idea of mixing and matching colours as you can buy all the elements of a bedding set separately if you prefer. One tiny criticism was the stiffness of the buttons on the duvet cover, although I am aware that this means you’ll get good longevity from the cover. There’s no getting away from the slightly higher price tag but again, the quality does speak for itself.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% organic cotton percale duvet cover, fitted sheet and pillowcases
· Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: 30cm
· Thread count: 200
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, medium iron setting
5. Best Sateen Cotton Bedding: Clarke & Clarke Willow Boughs William Morris 200 Thread Count Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
Score: 9/10
Pros:
· Reversible design
· Soft to the touch
· Iconic William Morris prints
· Stayed relatively crease-free when stored in airing cupboard
Cons
· No matching fitted sheet
Clarke & Clarke has designed a small range of bedding for Next, using four different iconic William Morris prints. I’m a bit of a sucker for William Morris prints and you get two for the price of one here with all four sets being reversible. The Willow Bough design that I slept on has a delicate beauty to it that will blend with a variety of bedroom colour schemes.
I should point out straight away that, slightly annoyingly, there aren’t any matching fitted sheets to go with these duvet and pillowcase sets and I did have a few issues finding one that matched up (go for a pale blue in my humble opinion). The set is made with 100% cotton sateen, although this wasn’t quite as soft as several other more expensive options I tested. However, for the price, I thought the Clarke & Clarke set was soft to the touch and comfortable to sleep under all night.
Bonus points as well for the fact that this bedding came out of my airing cupboard relatively crease-free in comparison to other sets tested. Creases also dropped out quickly after sleeping on the set. I also liked the fact that the duvet cover has a substantial seven buttons for fastening, keeping the duvet from poking through any gaps.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% cotton sateen duvet cover and pillowcases
· Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: Not available
· Thread count: 200
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, medium iron setting
6. Best Breathable Cotton Bedding: Soak & Sleep 300TC Easycare Cotton with Tencel Bedding
£52 for a double duvet cover, £30 for a fitted sheet, £18 for two pillowcases, Soak & Sleep
Score: 9/10
Pros:
· Temperature regulating Tencel
· Cool to the touch
· Slightly lustrous finish
· Simple tie closures on the duvet cover
Cons
· Quite slippery
If you’re a hot sleeper, as my husband is, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can be waking up in a muck sweat from bedding that’s simply not breathable enough. But Soak & Sleep’s bedding solves that problem – this is a set that not only keeps sleepers cool throughout the night but also feels cool to the touch.
The bedding is made from a combination of cotton sateen combined with 35% Tencel, which is well known for its ability to regulate temperature. I was slightly concerned that I, as someone with more of a reptilian nature, might find the Soak & Sleep set too cool but in the middle of summer, they were quite delightful. I do think, however, that I’d struggle with them in the depths of winter so do bear that in mind if you are of a cooler disposition.
There’s a slightly lustrous finish to the set which makes them look more expensive than they actually are and the pillowcases and duvet are finished off with a 5cm border and 3mm marrow stitch cording. As with the Dusk set above, I did find there was a lot of material to move about, and I also felt that the fabric was pretty slippery. It’s also worth noting that the fitted sheet is elasticated the whole way round. I’m not a fan of this myself, as I always find it harder to get this style onto the bed but I’m also aware that’s a personal preference. But for hot sleepers, this bed linen will be a welcome addition.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% cotton sateen with Tencel duvet cover, fitted sheet and pillowcases
· Sizes available: Duvet and sheet: single, double, king, super king; Pillowcases: standard, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: 40cm
· Thread count: 300
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, medium iron setting
7. Best Mid-Range Cotton Bedding: Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Spotty Jacquard Bedding Set
Score: 9/10
Pros:
· Simple but attractive design
· Reasonable price tag
· Stayed relatively crease-free
· Textured finish
Cons
· Bit of a nightmare to iron
This pretty textured set from the ever-reliable M&S comes in three colour choices – green, grey and blue. You’ll get a crisp white background with raised textured dobby spot weave in your chosen colour and a coloured floral trim around the pillowcases and duvet cover. It all adds up to an attractive design, with the dobby spot weave adding something a little different to many other duvet sets.
I was concerned that those spots would be uncomfortable to sleep on so was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn’t notice them at all when lying on the pillow. It’s something to be aware of though if you are sensitive to different textures. And as the underside of the pillows is a plain fabric, you could always just turn them over at night to sleep on. There are a generous amount of buttons to keep the duvet cover closed and the whole set looks classy and neat on the bed.
Although the bedding stayed relatively crease-free when folded and stored in the airing cupboard, it was somewhat of a nightmare to iron thanks to those raised dobby spots. However, any creases it did have from being folded up did drop out quickly so you could consider just not ironing this bedding at all.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% cotton duvet cover and pillowcases
· Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: Not available
· Thread count: Not specified
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, medium iron setting
8. Best Luxury Cotton Bedding: Ted Baker Magnolia Bedding in Blue
Score: 9/10
Pros:
· Elegant design
· Silky to the touch
· Easy to iron
· Luxurious look and feel
Cons
· Fabric isn’t quite as soft to sleep under as it feels to the touch
Ted Baker’s bedding is known for its colourful prints and silky-smooth feel, thanks to its construction from cotton sateen. The Magnolia bedding lived up to this, with its giant magnolia blooms in aqua blue spread over a crisp white base. It looks luxurious too, with a high-end feel that has a nice, quiet elegance.
Given how soft and silky the bedding felt to the touch, I was expecting the same when sleeping on it. But in fact the bed set did feel a little rougher when I slept on it. It was still comfortable though and I loved how light the fabric felt. It drapes well over the bed and sits neatly, with the duvet cover keeping the duvet neatly encased.
That smoother feel to the fabric also meant that the Ted Baker bedding was easy to iron, with the iron fairly zooming over everything. And the fabric was breathable too, which my husband appreciated when we tested this set in a particularly warm period of weather for the UK. This is a bedding set that looks suitably sophisticated and will work well with a number of colour schemes.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% cotton sateen duvet cover and pillowcases
· Sizes available: Double, king, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: Not available
· Thread count: 200
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, high iron setting
9. Best Percale Cotton Bedding: Habitat x Morris & Co. Sunflower & Rosehip Bedding – Double
Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
· Iconic William Morris prints
· Attractive turndown option
· Easy to iron
· Washes well
Cons
· Fabric is slightly rougher than some more expensive brands
Habitat has an impressive collection of 15 different bedding sets based on some of William Morris’ most iconic prints. The Sunflower & Rosehip design is pretty bold with a layered pattern of sunflowers and grapes on the vine, although the background colour is a more muted navy. The back of the duvet provides a contrasting turndown option, with a cream and leaf pattern.
I have to say that I did worry that the bedding might be a bit overwhelming, particularly as we don’t have the largest bedroom. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how attractive it looked on the bed, actually blending well with my far lighter floral curtains. It’s also impressively priced for cotton percale, with a double set costing under £50. I loved the vibrancy it added to my bedroom, without it being too overpowering.
Yes, the fabric wasn’t quite as soft as some of the more expensive brands but then the price tag was much lower. The bedding also washed well with no signs of any fading or shrinkage, which can sometimes be an issue with cheaper bedding. I did find one tiny loose thread on a pillowcase, but I think that was most probably down to my washing machine’s aforementioned ‘vigorous’ spin cycle. For William Morris fans, these bedding sets should be at the top of their shopping lists.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% cotton percale duvet cover and pillowcases
· Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king
· Fitted sheet depth: Not available
· Thread count: 180
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, medium iron setting
10. Best Brushed Cotton Bedding: Silentnight Brushed Cotton Fitted Sheet – White, Silentnight Brushed Cotton Pillowcase Pair – White
£24.99 for a fitted sheet, Sleepy People, £13.99 for a pillowcase pair, Sleepy People
Score: 8/10
Pros:
· Warm and cosy feel
· Simple, crisp design
· Easy to iron
Cons
· Could be too warm for hot sleepers
The Silentnight brushed cotton fitted sheet and pillowcase set are made for those colder winter nights where you just want to try not to lose a toe to frostbite overnight. For a reptilian like me, they were a dream to sleep on, keeping me cosy while I slept. I was concerned that my hot sleeping husband might find them too warm, but he found that the cotton kept things breathable. However, I don’t think they’d be a great choice on extremely hot summer nights as they are just so much thicker than cotton sateen and percale options.
The big drawback, of course, is that there’s no matching duvet cover. But the plain and crisp white colour of this sheet and pillowcase combination means that they will go with pretty much any existing duvet cover, which could be a great option for when you want a little more warmth. They reminded me a little of flannel sheets although I think that brushed cotton bedding is a little more breathable.
Both the fitted sheet and pillowcases stayed relatively crease-free when folded up and any creases dropped out quickly once on the bed. Everything washed well but I did notice a few small loose threads appearing on the fitted sheet. Apart from that though, these are well made bedding pieces that could come in useful in the British climate.
Key specifications
· Type: 100% brushed cotton fitted sheet and pillowcases
· Sizes available: Single, double and king
· Fitted sheet depth: 25cm
· Thread count: Not specified
· Care: Machine washable, tumble dry on low heat, medium iron setting
Cotton Bedding FAQ
Is 100% cotton better for bedding?
“Yes, for several reasons,” says Pippa Jameson. “It’s a natural material, which means it’s breathable, essential for bedding as it helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night. It can also be washed at high temperatures, making it a hygienic, hypoallergenic choice. It’s generally better for allergy sufferers and, best of all, it’s more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.”
What is the best type of cotton bedding?
“I love brushed cotton as it has the super-soft feel of aged linen, with a relaxed, lived-in quality that’s perfect for comfort,” explains Pippa Jameson. “For something a little smoother and more classic, Egyptian is beautiful too, it lasts well, improves with washing, and feels luxurious against the skin. If you like a gentle sheen, sateen cotton is another lovely option and often more accessible pricewise. Ultimately, it’s about what feels right against your skin.”
What is the best quality bedding?
“In my opinion, the best quality bedding combines natural materials, a high thread count (where relevant) and ethical production practices,” says Pippa Jameson. “For me, and it’s very much a personal choice, I always come back to a cotton-linen blend. I have several sets, and I love how they adjust to changing room and body temperatures throughout the year. They feel breathable in summer, cosy in winter, and get softer with every wash. Whether it’s linen blend, brushed or Egyptian cotton, your bedding needs to work with your body and last over time.”
What about the different weaves?
You’ll probably have noticed the terms percale, sateen and brushed in this guide. Percale cotton is crisp with a plain weave and often has a matt finish. Sateen, as the name suggests, has a slight sheen and a silky feel. As it’s woven with yarn that goes over three threads before being locked, it’s usually much smoother as well. Brushed cotton undergoes a mechanical process with metal brushes rubbing the fabric to create that distinctive softness to the surface.
What’s the best way to sleep when it’s hot?
“An obvious place for Brits to start is when it's hot in summer: ditch the duvet,” explains Ed Gorst, sleep coach and developer of Sluzzle. “No one else living in a hot country tries to sleep through the heat with a duvet, yet it's amazing how many Brits don't even consider this. Simply remove the duvet from your sheet and just use your sheet to sleep with - much cooler.”
© Jo Plumridge