Best Bed Sheets in Canada

Before we compiled our list of recommendations, we spent weeks testing and re-testing different sheet sets. We compared them, put them through multiple types of tests, and had our testers compare notes on their experiences. Each of the sheet sets on this list was selected based on the following measures of their quality.

• Thread Count. We evaluated each sheet set based on the thread count. While this isn’t a measure of quality, it does determine how the sheets feel, how heavy they are, and how hot they sleep.
• Materials. What are the sheets made of? The materials can determine if the sheets will be soft, breathable, crisp, or scratchy. The materials can also determine other properties, such as how the sheets feel after washing, whether they are bacteria or odour-resistant, and more.
• Temperature. A large percentage of Canadians sleep warm. They need their sheets to be breathable, lightweight, and comfortable enough to keep them cool through the night. We looked at how each sheet set dealt with temperature control as we examined them.
• Feel. How do the sheets feel? For some people, this is the most important factor to consider. Multiple testers skin-tested each sheet set to arrive at the most accurate description possible.

Choosing Bed Sheets for Canadians

The following features and options can help you choose your new set of bedsheets. Keep these things in mind as you shop.

The Thread Count Debate

Thread Count used to be a measure of quality when it came to sheets. However, this method of determining luxury is now hotly debated.

Thread count is determined by counting threads and fibres in a small square of fabric. A sheet that is made properly will have the same consistent thread count throughout, meaning that this is a reliable way to measure what the overall thread count will be.

Sheets with a higher thread count are more durable, and can sometimes be softer. However, thread counts are often inflated in multiple ways (twisting multiple fibres together, for instance). This artificial inflation is meant to convey quality, but it usually has the opposite effect. Higher thread counts are also heavier and denser. As a result, they might feel better but be heavier and less breathable. A good high thread count is usually between 500 and 800. Thread counts higher than this are usually artificially inflated and don’t offer much benefit.

Lower thread counts can still be soft. The feel of the sheets depends more on the materials used than on thread count. Lower thread count sheets are usually more breathable, too. They might even drape better! For best results, choose a thread count between 200 and 400 if you’re looking for cool, comfortable sheets.

Materials

What your sheets are made of is extremely important when you consider how they feel, how they control temperature, and how comfortable they will be. Most of the sheets on our list are made of the following materials:

• Cotton isn’t too expensive. It’s easy to maintain and wicks away moisture, making it ideal for those who sleep hot. This cool fabric may not be as sustainable as other options, but you can also choose 100% organic cotton if you prefer the feel of these sheets.
• Tencel is a sustainably-produced fabric made from natural fibres. Usually, it’s made from wood fibres. Sheets that feature Tencel and Tencel Lyocell materials are cooler, softer, and more comfortable than cotton. They are lightweight but usually cost a little more. Additionally, Tencel sheets are usually not ideal for use during cold Canadian winters.
• Bamboo sheets are silky and soft, but they are also eco-conscious. These options are sometimes marketed as viscose or bamboo rayon. All if made from bamboo. They wash well and feel great on your skin.
• Activated Charcoal sheets usually use rayon from bamboo charcoal to create antimicrobial, odour-resistant, and antibacterial effects. This material is made from superheating bamboo fibres, giving you a ton of great benefits (but usually a hefty price tag).
• Linen sheets are usually made from flax. These days, sheets made with linen and flax are luxurious and rare. You’ll pay more for them, but the trade-off is a woven, textured sheet that feels lived-in and novel. If you have the money to spare, linen sheets can change your life.

Your sheets’ materials can determine how much they cost, how long they’ll last, and how much you’ll like them. Make sure to consider what your sheets are made of before deciding on a purchase.

If you are concerned with how your sheets feel, you should consider stopping by a local bedding retailer to feel each option available there. When you shop online, this can give you an idea of what to expect.

Care and Washing

It’s important to choose sheets that you won’t have trouble washing. It’s recommended that you wash your sheets once a week, so washing them is important. Some sheets require no maintenance at all – simply throw them in the washing machine and then move them to the dryer afterward. However, some sheets require special water temperatures, detergents, or manual drying to stay in good repair.

There’s no right or wrong way to care for your sheets. Following care instructions is the best way to get the most out of your sheet set, so make sure that you look at what those are before you buy. If you feel like you can’t consistently meet the care requirements of a sheet set, find a set with instructions you can meet. This is one of the only ways you can ensure that your sheets last as long as they’re supposed to.

In fact, some sheets require very stringent care requirements. If the sheets are made with special materials, you might need to take several extra steps to care for them. Failure to follow care instructions may void your warranty, so pay close attention to what the manufacturer has to say.

Size

Your sheets should match your mattress when it comes to size. Choosing a larger size may result in your sheets bunching or sliding off, while a smaller size may not fit at all. Most mattress sizes are universal, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding sheets to match. However, it’s worth checking out the dimensions of each sheet set to make sure they’ll fit.

There are six standard mattress sizes that most sheets offer. The dimensions for these mattress sizes are:

• Twin/Twin XL: 38” x 75”/80”
• Full/Double: 54” x 75”
• Queen: 60” x 80”
• King: 76” x 80”
• California King: 72” x 80”

Some companies offer sheets that fit RV mattresses, Split King mattresses, and some special sizes. If your mattress isn’t a standard size, you may have a harder time finding sheets that will fit.

Colour and Pattern Options

Colours and patterns are individual choices, but you should consider what each sheet set offers and what fits with the rest of your décor. Sheets are usually matched to your duvet and another bedroom décor. While white sheets are the most common options, most companies offer multiple colours for different designs, including patterns like stripes.

Look over all of your options in this area and choose wisely. You should love the colour and/or pattern of your sheets!

Set Contents

What comes with the set? Most of the time, a sheet set consists of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and 1-2 pillowcases depending on the size. The pillowcases are variable. Twin sheet sets usually come with a twin or standard-sized pillowcase. Pillowcases tend to get larger in larger sets, with some companies offering three or four different pillowcase sizes. Options may include Queen-sized pillowcases, King-sized Pillowcases, and even larger options where available. 

Pay close attention to the contents of the sheet set before making a final purchase. You want to have the right number of pillowcases for your sleeping arrangement. Note that some companies don’t offer pillowcases separately, so it’s worth looking into what exactly comes with the set.

Lately, more Canadian companies have offered each set piece sold separately. This means your flat sheet, fitted sheets, and pillowcases must be purchased independently if you want the complete set. Some sheet sets even come with a matching duvet cover or have the option to purchase one separately. Double-check to make sure that the bed sheets you want come with all of the pieces you need. 

Sustainability

Eco-conscious options are very popular right now and for good reason! Many Canadians want to protect the environment. Sustainable-sourced and eco-conscious materials are the best possible options for those Canadians.

Sustainable, eco-conscious materials like Tencel, bamboo and organic cotton in mattresses help reduce carbon in the environment, especially because they are not produced in the same way as other sheets. If you want to make a difference (and sleep a little easier), seek out sheets made with sustainable materials.

Certifications

OEKO-TEK is one of the leading certifications available for sheets. An OEKO-TEX certification comes from an independent lab. This lab tests fabrics, fibres, and materials for harmful substances like VOCs and carcinogens. Sometimes, these chemicals are used as part of the manufacturing process. OEKO-TEK determines how much of these substances are in the materials (if any) and rates them based on a set of tiered certification levels.

OEKO-TEK Standard 100 is the industry standard for sheets. It’s an honourable distinction to have this certification for a sheet set, as it means the sheets are made with few harmful substances – if any. Look for sheet sets with this certification to ensure you’re getting the best possible sheets.

On the other hand, you should be wary of companies claiming this certification, particularly if they are not well-known companies. Some may claim to have this certification to lend their product legitimacy. 

Thankfully, OEKO-TEX (like most certification companies) provides a list of all of the products they certify online. You can check the company or product against this list to ensure you are getting the best and most genuine certified bed sheets.

Temperature Control

Those that sleep hot may wake up sweating and uncomfortable. While your mattress and duvet also play a part in temperature control, your sheets can make all the difference. If you have issues with temperature, consider choosing a lightweight sheet set with a lower thread count.

As we mentioned above, a higher thread count often leads to a heavier, denser fabric. Higher counts can cause you to sleep warmer. Some sleepers may prefer this, but those that already sleep warm might not enjoy the added heat.

While sheets may not have dedicated cooling features as mattresses or pillows do, it’s easy to choose options that are geared toward breathability. If you sleep hot, avoid sheets with a higher thread count. Instead, opt for soft low-count options that allow heat to vent away.

Fit and Security

You want your sheets to fit well. It’s frustrating to have them constantly sliding off the sides of your mattress, especially when it happens in the middle of the night. If you have a taller mattress, you might find that your sheets don’t fit properly, leading to even more frustration.

Take the size of your mattress into consideration as you think about which set you want to purchase. It’s more than just the length and width; height plays a part in how well your sheets fit. Find an option that will work for your mattress without sliding off the sides or bunching up in the middle. With your fitted sheet, it’s especially important to look for some sort of security. You’ll sleep peacefully knowing that your sheet is going to stay put.