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
Our favorite sheets in any size, L.L.Bean's percale sheets are soft yet crisp, so they feel great against your skin.
- High-quality construction
- Most comfortable we tested
- Accessible price
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Lack of prints and patterns
- Fitted sheet may be loose on thinner mattresses
- 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.
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
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.
- Great fit
- Oeko-Tex certified
- High thread count
- May show body oils more easily
- 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.
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
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.
- Very comfortable
- Labeled short and long sides
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Year long return period
- Several colors and patterns to choose from
- May sleep hot
- 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.
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
For those wanting to bring the trends to your bedroom, Urban Outfitters' patterned sheets have fun designs that you can’t find anywhere else.
- The most fun designs
- Affordable
- Lightweight and breathable
- Sheets are thin
- Fitted sheets come off edges of bed
- 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.
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
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.
- Phenomenal cooling capabilities
- Even softer after washing
- Available in 13 colors
- Multiple health and sustainability certifications
- Available with our without flat sheet
- Returns accepted, but no trial period
- 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.
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
Made from 100% European flax, this soft and cozy Twin XL sheet set comes in under $150, a fraction of competitors.
- Super soft
- Top and bottom tags included
- Tons of colors, plus stripes and gingham print
- No pilling
- Slept warmer than other linen sheet sets
- 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.
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
The Quince Bamboo Sheet Set fits mattresses well, feels durable enough to last for years, and it's incredibly comfortable.
- Super soft
- Sleeps cool
- 16 colors to choose from
- Bed-making tags included
- Thin
- 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.
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
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.
- Comfortable, velvety feel
- Not too heavy
- Doesn't pill or color-fade over time
- Several color and pattern options
- Oeko-Tex certified
- May not be warm enough for extreme cold
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
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