The best twin XL sheets of 2026, tested and reviewed

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When you're shopping for dorm essentials or have a split-king bed, you'll need twin XL sheets. The best twin XL sheets are comfortable, breathable, and fit the bed impeccably. Twin XL beds are five inches longer than a typical twin mattress, so a set of twin sheets just won't do. Thankfully, we've gathered plenty of options, from classic cotton to cooling bamboo.

We've tested dozens of sheet sets over the years in making our best sheets guide, and many of our favorites are available in twin XL sizing. The L.L. Bean Percale Fitted Sheet is our best overall pick, with a crisp, cool feel thanks to the extra-long staple cotton construction. At only $35 for a set, we also recommend the Threshold Performance Sheet Set for anyone a budget. It's silky, smooth, and features deep pockets for thick mattresses or beds with a mattress topper.

Our top picks for the best twin XL sheets

Best overall: L.L.Bean Percale Fitted Sheet - See at L.L.Bean

Best budget: Threshold Performance Sheet Set - See at Target

Best cooling: Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set - See at Sijo

Best bamboo: Quince Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Quince

Best sateen: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set - See at Brooklinen

Best linen: Quince European Linen Sheet Set - See at Quince

Best patterned: Urban Outfitters Patterned Sheets - See at Urban Outfitters

Best flannel: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Fitted Flannel Sheet - See at L.L.Bean

Best overall

These are our favorite sheets of all time. L.L.Bean's percale sheets are the top pick in our guide to the best sheets. We were impressed with almost everything about them: They're lightweight and breathable, very soft yet still crisp, and they still look great after multiple washes.

The cotton is premium and durable. While a 280-thread count may sound low, a higher thread count doesn't guarantee a better sheet. The type of cotton is also important for luxurious-feeling sheets. Made from Pima cotton, a high-quality, extra-long-staple cotton, L.L.Bean's percale sheets are extremely soft and very durable. 

You'll have to buy the pieces separately. If you like soft hues that fit in with almost any decor, the L.L.Bean sheets are a great choice. One drawback of L.L.Bean's twin XL sheets is that the flat sheets and pillowcases are sold separately as opposed to the ease of a set. 

Best budget

These sheets feel as good as options twice the price. Target's Threshold sheets are smooth, soft, and silky, made from materials that usually match the specs of sheets four times the price. You might be disappointed to find they're not actually wrinkle-resistant, as advertised, but they're great otherwise — both comfortable and durable. In addition to solid colors, the set also comes in a variety of patterns, like florals, stripes and modern geometrics.

One of their most notable features is the deep fitted sheet. Extra stretch is built into the corners of the sheet, helping it cling to any twin XL mattress and reduce fabric bunching. The deep pockets are especially great if you want to add one of the best mattress toppers to your bed. There are also labels for "top" and "bottom" to further speed up the process of making your bed.

You'll need to wash them regularly. Compared to other sheets we've tested, the Threshold set readily traps body oils and can develop a greasy feel if you don't wash it often. This drawback provides a lesson in a good bed-keeping habit you should keep for life: Wash your sheets every week. If you are unsure how to do that, check out our guide on how to wash sheets.

They hold up to wear. Luckily, you shouldn't have any pilling or durability issues after many washes. Just make sure to wash them before your first use since they have an initial odor.

Read our full Threshold Performance Sheet Set review.

Best cooling

Eucalyptus is the best material for cooling bedding. The right sheet set can keep hot sleepers cool as a cucumber, even on the warmest nights. When testing options for our best cooling sheets guide, we looked at the moisture-wicking of linen sheets and the breathability of cotton. Yet, the top pick was eucalyptus, specifically the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus sheets. It combines durability, softness, affordability, coolness, and comfort.

Sijo's set is a favorite for hot sleepers. Air flowed freely through the sheets as they wicked away moisture and heat. We also liked how cool-to-the-touch they were. Sets come in 13 colors, with or without top sheets. We wish the sheets had top and bottom tags for faster bed-making, but we're glad Sijo recently introduced a 30-day trial for its sheets, so you can try them out before deciding if they're for you.

Best bamboo

Bamboo sheets are simply the best. The Reviews team loves bamboo bedding because it's breathable, environmentally friendly, and remarkably soft. After thoroughly testing several options, the Quince Bamboo Sheet Set earned the top spot in our best bamboo sheets guide due to its affordable price, color selection, breathability, and luxurious softness with a crisp, silky sateen weave. The sheets are Oeko-Tex certified and made of viscose from organic bamboo. Pick from 15 color options, and whether or not you want a flat sheet bundled in.

Making the bed is a breeze, but they aren't the most durable. We loved how easily the fitted sheet goes on the mattress. And, the bottom and top labels saved time when making the bed. You have a one-year trial period to decide if the Quince bamboo sheets suit you. Like Quince's linen sheets, the bamboo sheets aren't the most durable. We noticed torn threads and pilling after washing. They stain easily, too.

Read our Quince Bamboo Sheet Set Review.

Best sateen

Brooklinen's sateen sheets are iconic. In contrast with the cool, matte feel of percale, sateen cotton has a more buttery, silky texture. It's similar to the difference between a button-up shirt (percale) and a soft t-shirt (sateen). Brooklinen's Luxe Sateen Sheet Set is our favorite if you like a hotel-like experience and the smooth, luxurious feel of sateen.

This set is backed by a year-long trial period. Sleeping between Brooklinen's sateen sheets is a comfy experience, and several features make this a smart choice. Making the bed is easy, thanks to labels on the long and short sides of the sheets. Plus, you have a full year to return the set if you don't like it.

We stand behind these sheets. A Business Insider Reviews editor has used the same Brooklinen sateen sheet set for nearly a decade, and despite years of use and cleaning, the set has held up well. Yet, like most sateen sheets we've tested, these sheets sleep warmer.

Read our full Brooklinen Luxe sateen sheet review.

Best linen

Some love linen, some don't. Even on hot, humid nights, linen stays dry and promotes airflow, thanks to its hollow flax fibers that let air through and absorb moisture. Plus, when you follow the care instructions, it will last you for many years. However, linen isn't for everyone. It's expensive, feels rough, and wrinkles easily. Yet, it gets softer with use and time, and you may appreciate its casual, lived-in appearance.

Quince is one of few brands with affordable twin XL linen sheets. Twin XL linen sheets are a little harder to come by, most likely due to being a niche product that's typically more expensive than what people want to spend on twin-sized sheets. Quince fills a gap in the twin XL market with its sheet set, offering 25 colors and 10 patterns. They're one of the most affordable options among the best linen sheets, costing under $140 for a Twin XL set. Plus, they have a lovely soft texture right out of the package.

They have a middle-of-the-road weight. While thread count is used to describe sateen and percale, linen sheets go by grams per square meter (GSM), measuring the textile's weight. A higher GSM indicates a denser fabric. At 150 GSM, Quince's Linen Sheet Set is on the medium side compared to most linen sheets.

But they sleep warm and rip easily. Quince's linen sheets did sleep warmer than others we tested, and they're not the most durable we tried, our tester's flat sheet ripped after about a year of frequent use. But, if you're looking for linen Twin XL sheets to use during your time in the dorms, these are the best option.

Best patterned

Urban Outfitters makes the cutest, trendiest prints. When you're looking to decorate your dorm with some patterned sheets, Urban Outfitters has you covered. We recommend Urban Outfitters for a range of Twin XL sheets in trendy styles and designs in our best patterned sheets guide. Urban Outfitters patterned sheets are the most unique you can find, with designs like beautiful bows, classic florals, and mermaid toile. If you're looking for an eclectic look in your dorm room, these are a must-have.

They're affordable, lightweight, and breathable. At $49 for a Twin XL set, they're affordable, too. They aren't the most comfortable sheets we've tried — they're a little thin and loose on the mattress — but they're very lightweight and breathable.

Best flannel

Flannel sheets are warm and cozy. L.L.Bean also is our top pick when it comes to the best flannel sheets. Though flannel sheets are a winter staple, L.L.Bean says you can use its Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel year-round. We tried them in the summer, and they were surprisingly comfy and breathable. The top sheet isn't overly heavy, so you won't overheat. On the flip side, these might not be the sheets for you if your dorm is excessively frigid, or you may want a thick comforter for maximum coziness.

The sheets stay soft and vivid after washing. As you might expect, L.L.Bean's flannel sheds a lot in the dryer. However, we noticed significantly less lint after a couple of initial washes. After several washings, the flannel was as soft and unpilled as ever. The sage green color stayed true too.

Twin XL sizing has limited colors and patterns. Sadly, L.L.Bean doesn't offer quite the variety of patterns and colors for its twin XL flannel sheets as it does for its other sizes. You can still get them in eight different hues, though. As with the L.L.Bean's percale sheets, the twin XL fitted sheet is sold separately from the flat sheet and pillowcases.

What to look for when shopping for twin XL sheets

Bed sheets are made of natural fibers, including linen and cotton, and synthetic materials, like polyester. We have a strong preference for the breathability of natural fibers.  While cotton is the most popular option, there are vast differences in cost, look, and feel based on the type of cotton used. In this section, we will specifically focus on what to look for in a twin XL sheet set, but if you want more info about what to look for, see our main best sheets guide.

Size: An ill-fitting fitted sheet is frustrating and can even disturb your sleep. Most fitted sheets fit mattresses up to 15 inches thick, but if you think you might add a mattress topper or have an extra-thick bed, ensure you choose sheets with deep enough pockets to accommodate your setup. Twin size sheets will not fit on a twin XL bed, but twin XL sheets can fit on a twin, just with extra fabric.

Pieces: Some of our picks are sold individually as opposed to a set, so you'll need to buy the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases separately (though you don't need a flat sheet). So, pay attention to what pieces come with the sheet set to ensure you get what you want.

Appearance: Sheets come in a broad range of colors and patterns, so there's no reason to settle for a look that doesn't fit your aesthetic. See what options are available, and pick a color that matches your style.

How we test sheets

Our picks for the best twin XL sheets are all taken from our guides to the best sheets. Each set undergoes a rigorous testing process.

Here's how we tested: 

1. We wash and dry each set according to the instructions at least five times. That usually means washing the sheets in a cold cycle with gentle detergent and drying them on low. 
2. We sleep on each set for at least one week and note texture, comfort, breathability, and coolness.

Twin XL sheet FAQs

How long is a twin XL mattress?

Twin XL mattresses are 80 inches long and 39 inches wide, comfortably fitting a sleeper standing six and a half feet tall. They're the same length as queen-size and king-size mattresses.

Do twin sheets fit a twin XL bed?

No, twin fitted sheets won't fit on a twin XL bed, since twin XL beds are five inches longer than a traditional king. That said, you can use a standard twin-size flat sheet on a twin XL mattress, though it will be a bit short.

What's the best material for a twin XL sheet? 

It's hard to go wrong with cotton sheets. They're soft, durable, and easy to clean. 

If you like a lighter, crisper feel, look for percale weaves. For denser sheets with a sheen, you may prefer sateen. Flannel sheets are made of cotton and are cozy and warm. 

For other fabric options, we love linen sheets in warm weather. But they are pricey and wrinkle easily.

Does thread count matter?

Thread count technically matters, but it shouldn't be the only thing you're looking for when buying a set of sheets. The experts we spoke to recommend 300-400 thread count sheets. Our top pick only has a thread count of 280, but it's made with extra-long staple cotton — further proof to consider materials and weave alongside thread count. High thread counts — like 500 or above — are usually used as marketing claims and don't actually affect the feel of sheets.

What twin XL sheets are best for dorms?

The best twin XL sheets for dorms depend on your personal preference, and you'll be happy with any option in our guide. If you won't be spending much time in the dorms, we recommend our budget option, the Threshold Performance Sheets, which combine comfort with affordability.