These $60 Target cotton sheets are the best affordable sheets we've tested

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Comfortable bedding and a restful night's sleep go hand in hand. Take it from someone who is sensitive to textures and has previously tossed and turned all night due to scratchy fabrics and pilling. I used to think splurging on sheets was the only way to avoid this — until I discovered Threshold's Solid Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set.

Aside from being Business Insider's top pick for budget sheets, I'd seen a few positive recommendations for Target sheets on social media and was curious to find out if they lived up to the hype. In addition to its OEKO-TEX cotton construction and affordable price point, one of the things that drew me to these sheets was their extensive color range. While I was skeptical of the affordable price tag, which range from $30 to $60 depending on size, these sheets ended up feeling just as high-quality as the more expensive set I was replacing. 

Design

The Threshold Sheet Set have a sateen weave and are 100% cotton with a 400 thread count, which may sound familiar if you've studied the makeup of more expensive options before. While experts say a high thread isn't always necessary, cotton offers the best comfort and durability. Sateen is known to be a thicker-feeling cotton than percale, which can be luxurious if you're not a hot sleeper.

The set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases and is available for beds from twin to California king. The fitted sheet is labeled with 'short' and 'long' sides, so it's easy to line up with your mattress and fits up to 18 inches deep. The silky performance-quality fabric is resistant to pilling and shrinking. 

The Performance Sheet Set is available in 12 solid color options, ranging from blush to metallic blue, and a printed version with 13 different patterns, including a ditsy floral I'm eyeing. 

Our review of the Threshold Performance Sheets

Comfort and durability

The Threshold sheets originally caught my eye because I noticed they have a similar fabric makeup as the more expensive options I've tried. I purchased the full size for $40 and was pleasantly surprised by how luxurious they felt to me right away.

These sheets offer just the right amount of softness and thickness to ensure I get a restful night of sleep. I live in a New York City apartment that runs hot, but I don't like it when my sheets are too thin. They feel substantial, so you feel supported without overheating. The Threshold sheets feel soft to my skin while I'm dozing off and I've found myself sleeping throughout the night better since getting them. 

I've had these sheets for about six months now, and they get more comfortable with every wash. Plus, I share my bed with a small dog who is prone to digging, and the sheets have held up to her claws so far. I'm thinking of ordering another set of sheets to use as a spare or for when I have guests over.  

Care 

This sheet set can be machine-washed and tumble-dried. While I aim to be as careful with my bedding as possible, I unfortunately live in a building with communal laundry machines with limited settings. Still, after countless washes, the Threshold sheets are as high-quality as when I first brought them home. They have not pilled, shrunk, or faded. 

Value

For $60 and under, I'd argue that this sheet set is the ultimate value option. While the set is not warranted, Target is known for having a generous return policy. You can return the sheet set for up to 365 days after purchase, meaning you'll have a good amount of time to decide if it's right for you. 

Cons to consider

While I've only had a positive experience with this sheet set so far, during Insider's review process, where 25 sheet sets were tested to determine the best picks overall, our tester noted that the sheets came with a chemical smell when she first took them out of their packaging. "The smell lingers even after the sheets are aired out for a couple of days, so you'll definitely want to wash them first," she says. I personally didn't have this issue and wonder if it has since been solved or if the sheets differ by color. 

This sheet set has performance-level fabric, and while I've found them to be resistant to pilling and shrinking, they do wrinkle. This isn't something I've minded, but if you prefer a crisp look, it can easily be fixed by ironing or steaming them. Our tester also noted that this sheet set traps body oils and feels greasier than other options. As someone with dry skin, this has not been a concern for me, but our tester recommends washing the sheets more often if needed.

What are your alternatives? 

Before switching to Threshold sheets, I used Brooklinen Sateen Sheets for about seven years. The Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Sheet set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases, and costs anywhere from $159 to $229, depending on size. The sheets, which are made up of 100% cotton with a 480 thread count, feel soft to the touch with a slight sheen. Over the years, my Brooklinen sheets ended up getting thinner, fading in color, and ultimately ripping. I believe this was a normal lifespan for a product like this, but my dog likely added to the wear and tear in the last year since I got her. 

I originally considered replacing my Brooklinen sheets, only to realize I had a limited-edition colorway that wasn't available anymore. Brooklinen offers its Luxe Sateen Sheets in 10 classic colorways and introduces seasonal options as well. However, in my search for new sheets, Brooklinen did not have an option that matched my bedding. I chose to go with the Target sheets for their blush colorway, but more than anything, because my budget and lifestyle had changed. Now that I have a dog, I expect to replace my sheets more often. 

Threshold also offers a 250-Thread Count Organic Percale Sheet Set, which could be more comfortable for hot sleepers and is GOTS-certified. The Threshold 800-Thread Count Solid Sheet Set is an elevated version of the sheet set I have, made out of 100% cotton sateen with a higher thread count. However, it comes in a less extensive color range with only 5 options. At $60 to $110 depending on size, it might not offer as much value. 

At a similar price point to Threshold, Amazon bestseller Mellanni makes its microfiber Iconic Collection Sheet Set; it's available in a massive range of colors, deep-pocket options, and among the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers, though not as soft or made of natural materials. 

The bottom line

Target's Threshold Performance Sheets are of great value, especially with its buttery soft and durable fabric available in a range of colors. If you're shopping for new bedding on a budget but don't want to sacrifice quality, this could be the best option for you. I'd also recommend these sheets to anyone else who shares their bed with a dog. Plus, Target's flexible return policy means you don't have much to lose.