Whether you’re shopping for a dorm room revamp or your the twin XL-sized bed in your studio apartment, a quality set of bed sheets is an undeniable staple.
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You know the struggle if you’ve tried hunting them down a sheet set that’s actually comfortable, even for smaller bed sizes. Some aren’t soft, others are in drab colors you don’t want, and most tend to be out of stock quite often, much ado to the influx of college shoppers who sleep on the standard twin XL.
That’s where the Post Wanted team comes in.
RELATED: Best Target bed sheets
To pair well with your duvet cover and throw pillows, we rounded up the very best twin XL sheet sets to buy so you don’t have to.
To make your shopping experience easier, we put in the research from some of the top retailers, from Amazon to Target and Walmart.
Oh, and while you’re on your online shopping spree, check out our guide to the best Amazon mattresses so you can save some hard-earned coin on one of the top models our team of sleep experts recommended.
If you want to feel like you’re falling into hotel-style luxury sheets each night, you want Brooklinen sheets like these. They have a 250 thread count, and are ultra breathable. Made from 100% cotton, you won’t want to snooze on anything else once you try them. They’re available in a variety of classic colors, as well as several prints. However, the latter is selling fast, so grab while you can!
There are many reasons to go with cotton bedding. Along with being naturally cooling, it’s great for those with sensitive skin and easy to care for. This sheet set from California Design is one of our favorite finds. It’s less than $75, is simple to wash and dry and has a fitted sheet that fits the mattress 16 inches deep. Available in various prints, as well as a plethora of solid hues, go wild and grab two sets.
Wouldn’t you sleep better knowing your bedding was responsibly sourced? This sheet set are made from soft flax linen and meet the OEKO-TEX standard. In plainer English, they’re made without dangerous chemicals! Linen is more durable than cotton, so expect these to last for years. Available in more than a dozen dreamy colors, plus a few prints! Simply add your best duvet into the mix and you’ll be set for dreamland.
These best-selling sheets are a favorite of Oprah’s, feature an oversized fit and are temperature regulating. And, they’re not only a favorite of the celeb’s — they’re ranked as Post Wanted’s best bamboo sheets we tested.
If that wasn’t reason enough to add them to your cart, they also come with the benefit of becoming softer with each wash. They’ll make any mattress feel brand new! Extraordinarily luxe and worth every penny.
Imagine getting cozy with your favorite book, a blanket throw and a cup of tea in these flannel sheets. Available in more than 20 different styles, you’re sure to find one that fits your room’s vibe. Three sheets come in a set, including one with deep pockets.
The Pottery Barn Essential Fitted Sateen Sheet Set is what we call a luxury buy — but without the luxury price tag. Namely, the set comes in three light neutrals, boasts a 100% cotton design and has a silky texture. Plus, it fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep.
Yes, L.L.Bean sells far more than hiking boots — and we’re over the moon. Its 28-Thread Count Pima Cotton Sheet Set is one of the best we found for the money (less than $60!) and come in a boatload of colors to choose from. Plus, they’re some of the softest, thanks to its supreme cotton make.
Looking for satin-like indulgence, especially if you’re a hot sleeper? Rest assured that the Linenwalas 100% Cooling Bamboo Sheet Set will keep you sleeping without a sweat, thanks to its well-made and breathable design. Plus, the bundle is pilling-resistant, so it’s sure to last you for years of catching those ZZZs.
Available in an array of colors to suit your dorm, Lane Linen’s 100% Organic Cotton Twin XL Sheets have a super-soft feel. With more than 17,000 gleaming reviews on Amazon, they’re the sheets with long cotton fibers — which help them from tearing over time.
These Egyptian sheets are soft, a little silky and just what you need come bedtime. Clad with a high 1000 Thread Count, the set has a silky smooth feel so you’ll be your most comfortable thorough out the night. Not to mention, the set is less than $100, a surefire steal for the stellar quality.
Urban Outfitters has a wide selection of extra large twin sheet sets. However, these happen to be one of our favorites. It meets the OEKO-TEX standard, so it’s eco-friendly. It’s also made from a blend of cotton and polyester, so you won’t overheat. Add your best throw pillow on top and your bed will be the most stylish in the dorm.
As one of Target’s best sheets, the Threshold 400 Count Solid Performance Sheet Set is a middle-of-the-road option if you want high quality without the high price tag. They’re 100% cotton, have top and bottom labels (so you know how to put them on after using your laundry detergent) and are shrink-resistant. The fun patterns are a nice touch, too.
This trendy twin XL sheet set is less than $40 and instantly brightens any bedscape. Best of all, whenever you’re bored of it, flip it over for a new look.
As sheets that have a rich color variety, the Clara Clark Twin XL Size Bed Sheets are also one of the most affordable options you can snag for less than $30. We love this teal color, but the comfortable, cool sheets come in hues to match any dorm aesthetic.
The Bare Home Sandwashed Twin XL Sheet Set is one of this list’s most lightweight and breathable sets. For less than $35, you’ll enjoy all the pretty pastels, incredible softness and years-lasting durability they have to offer.
OK, we must turn you on to Mellanni’s sheets. The acclaimed brand is responsible for a whopping 340,000+ reviews on Amazon (yeah, they’re that good) and come in an incredible size and color variety. If you want luxury without a high price tag, these are it. Oh, and if you tend to sleep hot, you’ll love that the microfiber material is moisture-wicking!
Bold red color aside, Bedsure’s 100% Bamboo Sheet Set is a great purchase if you’re looking for a proper bamboo set. They have a 16-inch deep pocket to keep them in place on your mattress and are easy to care for when washing (just detergent and dry like normal).
What’s the difference between twin sheets and twin XL sheets?
While shopping for twin XL sheet sets you may have noticed not every retailer offers the size. Naturally, you may wonder if you can stick with twin size sheets for your mattress.
It may seem like there’s not much difference between twin sheets and twin XL sheets. However, the latter is 5 inches longer. This means if you want to avoid pulling, tugging and waking up with sheets creeping off the bed, getting the right size for your bed is key.
Here are some of our favorite online stores that carry twin XL sheet sets:
Will full sheets work for twin XL?
Unfortunately, no.
Full mattresses are 15 inches wider than a twin XL. Because of this, the cover won’t fit the full surface of the bed and the fitted sheet won’t properly cover the mattress.
What the Post Wanted team looks for
When shopping for twin XL sheets, here’s what we keep in mind for each product recommendation that made our curated list:
- Material: Whether it’s bamboo, cotton, microfiber, linen or another, each one differs in terms of warmth, breathability, softness and durability.
- Thread count: The thread count depends on the material, and a good rule of thumb is to look for 200 to 400 if looking for twin XL sheets in the cotton family.
- Fit: Of course, you want to ensure your twin XL sheet set will securely fit onto your mattress. You’ll want to search for 39″ x 80″ dimensions. Deep pockets are also a plus.
- Care instructions: Be sure to note if the twin XL sheet set is machine washable, because you’ll surely want to toss them in your washer dryer combo every two weeks or so.
- Durability: We did the research for you, so all of these options are top quality, regardless of price point.
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