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The 8 best twin XL sheets for college dorms, tested and reviewed

A stack of pillowcases in various colors are stacked on top of each other and sit on a bed with a gray sheet covering it.
We sleep on every set of sheets we test, and our picks for the best twin XL sheets are based on months of real use. Jenny McGrath/Business Insider
Updated

When you're shopping to move into dorms, the best twin XL sheets should be at the top of your essentials list. Most dorm rooms come ready with an extra-long twin mattress, which is 80 inches long, five inches longer than a basic twin mattress. Like any of the best sheets, twin XL sheets should be breathable, soft, and comfortable.

We've slept on dozens of sheet sets and put them through fit and comfort tests for our best sheets guide. Though very popular, twin XL is considered a specialty size that not all brands make. To minimize the confusion and take out any guesswork, this guide features the best sheets available in twin XL size. The L.L.Bean Percale Fitted Sheet is our top pick because it's soft yet crisp, feeling great against your skin. At only $35 for a set, the Threshold Performance Sheet Set is our budget pick. It's durable and silky and features deep pockets to fit thick mattresses.

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

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

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

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

Best bamboo: Quince Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Quince

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


Best overall

The L.L. Bean Percale Fitted Sheet.
L.L. Bean Percale Fitted Sheet (Twin XL)

Our favorite sheets in any size, L.L.Bean's percale sheets are soft yet crisp, so they feel great against your skin.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High-quality construction
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Most comfortable we tested
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Accessible price
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Oeko-Tex certified
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lack of prints and patterns
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Fitted sheet may be loose on thinner mattresses
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Flat sheet and pillowcases sold separately

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.

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. 

A light blue L.L. bean pima cotton sheet and pillows on a bed.
L.L.Bean's percale sheet set stood out for its ultra-softness and comfort with lightweight, breathable, and cool feel. Connie Chen/Business Insider

If you like soft hues that fit in with almost any decor, the L.L.Bean sheets are a great choice. For bolder prints and patterns, try Brooklinen's sheets. 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

Threshold XL Sheets
Threshold Performance Sheet Set (Twin XL)

Also our top pick for the best budget sheets, the Threshold Performance sheets are silky smooth, with deep pockets that fit well on a twin XL bed and durable construction to last many washes. 

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great fit
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Oeko-Tex certified
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High thread count
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May show body oils more easily
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Smells bad out of the package

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. 

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.

Threshold pink target sheets on a bed next to a nightstand.
The Threshold Solid Performance Sheet Set combine quality and affordability. They're available in a range of colors and have convenient top and bottom label to make making the bed easier. Connie Chen/Business Insider

The Threshold Performance Sheet Set also comes in a variety of patterns, like florals, stripes and modern geometrics.

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.

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 sateen

brooklinen sheets
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set (Twin XL)

The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheets are buttery-soft, luxurious, and fairly priced, even though they're the most expensive of our picks for twin XL sheets.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Very comfortable
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Labeled short and long sides
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Oeko-Tex certified
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Year long return period
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Several colors and patterns to choose from
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May sleep hot
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited edition colors sell out

Brooklinen is known for its sateen sheets. 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). Most people prefer the cool-sleeping percale sheets, but if you like a hotel-like experience, you may prefer the smooth, luxurious feel of sateen.

A hand touches orange and white brooklinen sateen sheets.
No one does sateen sheets better than Brooklinen, with a buttery feel that gets softer with use. Choose from various colors and limited edition prints. Connie Chen/Business Insider

Sleeping between Brooklinen's sateen sheets is a comfy experience, and several features make this a smart choice. For instance, if you don't sleep with a flat sheet, you can buy your set without one. This saves you money and cuts down on waste. 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.

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 patterned

Urban Outfitters Patterned Sheets
Urban Outfitters Patterned Sheets

For those wanting to bring the trends to your bedroom, Urban Outfitters' patterned sheets have fun designs that you can’t find anywhere else.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. The most fun designs
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Lightweight and breathable
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Sheets are thin
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Fitted sheets come off edges of bed
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No California King

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 has the most unique patterned sheets, 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.

The Urban Outfitters Mariana Tile sheets on a bed. The design features tiles with floral and icon designs.
Urban Outfitters is always adding new designs to the patterned sheets line-up. Kinsley Searles/Business Insider

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 cooling

Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set (Twin XL)

Made of soft Tencel lyocell, the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is the best cooling sheet set because it keeps you cool and dry for a comfy sleep.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Phenomenal cooling capabilities
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Even softer after washing
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in 13 colors
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Multiple health and sustainability certifications
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available with our without flat sheet
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Returns accepted, but no trial period
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No top/bottom tags

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 sheets on a bed
If you want comfy sheets that sleep cool, the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus sheets are your best bet. Alex Temblador/Business Insider

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.

Only unused items are eligible for 60-day returns, so you won't be able to try these sheets before deciding if they're a good fit for you. We also wish the sheets had top and bottom tags for faster bed-making.


Best linen

Quince Linen Sheet Set
Quince Linen Sheet Set (Twin XL)

Made from 100% European flax, this soft and cozy Twin XL sheet set comes in under $150, a fraction of competitors.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Super soft
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Top and bottom tags included
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Tons of colors, plus stripes and gingham print
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No pilling
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Slept warmer than other linen sheet sets
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Flat sheet ripped after a year of regular use

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.

Twin XL- sized 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, offering 27 colors and 6 patterns, and 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.

An orange linen sheet set on a bed with a gray duvet.
Linen sheets are airy and breathable, so they're perfect for hot sleepers. Quince's version is a great pick for dorm rooms, since the sheet set is much cheaper than other linen options. Shannon Ullman/Business Insider

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.

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 bamboo

Quince Bamboo Sheet Set
Quince Bamboo Sheet Set (Twin XL)

The Quince Bamboo Sheet Set fits mattresses well, feels durable enough to last for years, and it's incredibly comfortable.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Super soft
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Sleeps cool
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 16 colors to choose from
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Bed-making tags included
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Thin
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prone to pilling and torn threads

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 16 color options, and whether or not you want a flat sheet bundled in.

green quince bamboo sheets on a bed with a metal headboard
The Quince Bamboo Sheet Set is made of organic materials, soft, affordable, and breathable. Kayla Kitts/Business Insider

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 flannel

L.L. Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheets
L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet (Twin XL)

Prepare for chilly winters and arm yourself with a second set of flannel sheets. The L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet brings the coziness of home to your cold room.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Comfortable, velvety feel
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Not too heavy
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't pill or color-fade over time
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Several color and pattern options
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Oeko-Tex certified
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May not be warm enough for extreme cold
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Flat sheet and pillowcases sold separately

L.L.Bean also is our top pick when it comes to the best best flannel sheets. Though flannel sheets are a winter staple, L.L.Bean says you can use its version 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.

A bed made with sage green L.L. Bean flannel sheets and matching pillowcases.
L.L.Bean is known for its flannel, from shirts to slipper lining, and its sheets don't disappoint. Connie Chen/Business Insider

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.

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 bed 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. Sometimes retailers, like our Threshold pick, bundle

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

We haven't specifically tried the twin XL sizes of the sheets in our guide, but they're all taken from our guides to the best sheets and are sheets that we've tested in other sizes.

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.

Note: We also test for fit in our other sheet guides, but because the dimensions of the best twin XL sheet are different, the results don't apply. 


Twin XL sheet FAQs

How long is a twin XL mattress?

Twin XL mattresses are 80 inches long and 39 inches wide. Twin XL mattresses comfortably fit a single sleeper up to six and a half feet tall. They are the same length as queen and king size mattresses. Many college dorms will use twin XL beds; they are also popular options for couples who want to create a split-king size bed. 

You'll want to double-check the measurements of your dorm bed, but most twin XL sheets are 80 by 39 inches, but the pocket depth can vary. If you bring a mattress topper, you'll want to get sheets with roomier pockets to accommodate it.


Do twin sheets fit a twin XL bed?

No, twin XL beds are 5 inches longer than twin beds (80 inches versus 75). You won't be able to stretch twin sheets over the extra-long mattress. 

Both twin and twin XL beds have the same width, 39 inches. While you could theoretically fit the best twin XL sheets on a regular twin bed, you'd have a lot of excess fabric to tuck under the mattress.


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.


What about jersey sheets? 

We haven't included jersey in our guide because we haven't thoroughly tested any. Because of the way it's knit, jersey tends to be less breathable. 

If you have your heart set on the T-shirt-like feel of jersey, we recommend looking for ones made of cotton, as that will give you a bit more airflow.


Does thread count matter?

Thread count matters for cotton sheets, but you need to consider other factors, like the type of cotton. Think twice before simply buying the highest thread-count sheets.  

The experts we spoke with said a good thread count is between 300 and 400. However, you'll note that our top pick, the L.L.Bean percale sheet, has a 280 thread count. These sheets are still fantastic because they're made with high-quality, extra-long-staple cotton.


What's Oeko-Tex certification?

All of our top picks have a Standard 100 by Oeko Tex certification. The sheets have been independently tested for over 100 harmful chemical substances and are safe for human use.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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