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Jersey sheets may conjure memories of college dorm-room living, but according to Havenly lead designer Heather Goerzen, “They are genuinely a wonderful option for anyone who prioritizes comfort and coziness while sleeping.” That’s because the best jersey sheets feel like sleeping in your favorite T-shirt: warm, comfortable, and broken in. Because the fabric is knit, it has more stretch to it, so you’ll never wake up to your fitted sheet falling off the corner. They’re also “luxuriously soft and stretchy, giving your bed scene a lived-in and loved-well appeal,” Goerzen says. Plus they’re low maintenance and will never wrinkle, unlike crisper cotton percale sheets or even linen ones, making them great for the busiest among us. If you’re finally starting to see that these are anything but a juvenile choice reserved for undergrads, read on for the best jersey sheets recommended by interior designers and jersey sheet enthusiasts.
What we’re looking for:
Material
“Jersey is knit — rather than woven like most fabrics — meaning that the threads are continuously looped to provide a soft fabric,” explains David Rubin, a certified sleep science coach and director of product testing at the Sleep Doctor. It’s usually made from cotton, with polyester or spandex added in for extra stretch, but it can also be made from synthetics as well as wool. The tight knit can make the sheets warmer, so if you’re worried about overheating, opt for a 100 percent cotton makeup, which tends to be breathable regardless of the knitting process. Rubin notes that because of how it’s made, “jersey can deteriorate more quickly than other fabrics,” so he recommends spending “a little extra to get more life out of your sheets.”
Breathability
Our experts went back and forth on how breathable jersey sheets can be. Most mentioned that compared to other materials — namely, linen and woven cotton — jersey will feel much warmer. “I’m a ‘hot’ sleeper and they make me sweat,” candidly says interior designer Elizabeth Strianese of her namesake design studio. Malik Logan, principal designer for the Tailored Interiors, adds that they work well for those in colder climates because “they are much more comfortable when it comes to keeping you warm,” almost like flannel, he says. Rubin thinks jersey sheets will benefit sleepers who tend to sleep cool. “Just like a jersey t-shirt, they can also cling to you more, which will make them feel cozier in cool temperatures, but could be uncomfortable in a warm environment,” says Rubin. But Logan thinks that just because they’re warm doesn’t mean they can’t be breathable. We note which ones were mentioned as being particularly breathable to save you the trial and error process.
Size range
Because jersey sheets are a popular option for college students, many sets come in twin XL, meaning they are 4-5 inches longer than a standard twin size. But the key word there is “many” because not all do. We made sure to note those that offer twin XL, so you won’t fall in love with a set that won’t fit.
Best overall jersey sheets
Material: Organic cotton | Breathability: Yes | Size range: Twin/Twin XL to King
Coyuchi, which makes some of the Strategist’s favorite linen sheets, bath towels, and robes, also makes a fantastic set of jersey sheets that are expert-recommended, too. Goerzen loves that the sheets are made from GOTS- and Made Safe-certified (i.e., nontoxic) organic cotton: “It’s all the coziness and comfort of jersey sheets, but with a higher quality construction that makes them more breathable.” Nancy Davilman of ND Interiors, who calls them “incredibly soft,” agrees that they are “very breathable,” allowing you to “keep your temperature very balanced.” You won’t overheat in them, even if you tend to be a sweaty sleeper. They are on the pricey side, but the high-quality material ensures that they will hold up well over time, even through many washes, are resistant to pilling, and are guaranteed to be comfortable right away. Coyuchi sizes start at twin and include twin XL, both priced at $168.
Best organic jersey sheets
Material: Organic cotton | Breathability: Yes | Size range: Full to Cal. King
The Coyuchi sheets are organic cotton too, but for a smidge less money, you could opt for this West Elm set that Logan calls “amazing quality.” They’re Fair Trade and OEKO-TEX Certified, which means they’re tested (and clear of) over 350 potentially harmful substances. Logan thinks they “truly feel like you’re sleeping on cloud nine — so supple and soft to the touch.” Sizes start at full.
Best heathered jersey sheets
Material: Organic cotton | Breathability: Yes | Size range: Twin/Twin XL to King
Heathered jersey truly gives you that broken-in T-shirt look and feel. Yes, a few other sets feature heathered gray options, but few come in blues and greens, like this set from Pottery Barn Teen. Nancy Charbonneau, the principal designer at Charbonneau Interiors, bought her daughter jersey sheets when she went to college because that way, “the maintenance and upkeep of her bed could be one thing she didn’t have to worry about,” she says. They will make a less than comfortable mattress in a dorm room feel much more cozy. Charbonneau also appreciates that the sheets are sustainably made — they’re both GOTS- and Fair Trade- certified — and free from any harmful chemicals.
Best jersey sheets for college students
Material: Cotton and polyester blend | Breathability: No | Size range: Twin/Twin XL to Cal. King
And if you happen to actually be a college student looking for inexpensive jersey sheets, former Strategist writer Chloe Anello told us that “most everyone I knew in college owned these sheets from Target (including me).” The ubiquitous set comes in twin XL size and plenty of colors to match your (most likely) Pottery Barn Teen comforter. “For the price, they didn’t pill quite as quickly as one would expect, and they’re easy to maintain — basically, any bargain detergent and outdated washing machines and dryers in your dorm won’t destroy them,” she says. Plus, they actually have a stamp of approval from Logan, who calls them “super soft.” The blend of cotton and recycled polyester makes them stretchy, allowing you to quickly make your bed. While Anello admits they aren’t necessarily breathable because of the added polyester, “I went to school in Syracuse, New York, so that was a pro for me,” she says.
More jersey sheets we like
A commenter alerted us to the Company Store’s jersey sheets, writing, “I’ve been getting them for years and really love them.” They’re made of 100 percent cotton and come in 12 bright, festive colors that I think would look equally as nice in a dorm room as in a post-college apartment. They’re a Company Store favorite as well, with over 300 positive reviews that rave about how soft, cozy, and comfortable they are — even in the summer.
Some more bedsheets we’ve written about
Our experts
• Chloe Anello, former Strategist writer
• Nancy Charbonneau, principal designer at Charbonneau Interiors
• Nancy Davilman, principal designer of ND Interiors
• Heather Goerzen, Havenly lead designer
• Malik Logan, principal designer for The Tailored Interiors
• David Rubin, director of product testing at the Sleep Doctor
• Elizabeth Strianese, principal designer at Elizabeth Strianese Interiors
Additional reporting by Chloe Anello.
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