The 7 best twin XL sheets for outfitting college dorm beds (2024)

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If you're moving to college for the first time, your dorm will almost certainly be outfitted with an extra-long twin mattress. These mattresses are a staple of college dorms and measure 80 inches long, five inches longer than a standard twin. Width dimensions remain the same, but you will need specific sheets to accommodate the additional length, namely the best twin XL sheets.

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 $30 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 flannel: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Fitted Flannel Sheet - See at L.L.Bean

Best linen: Brooklinen Washed Linen Core Sheet Set - See at Brooklinen

Best bamboo: Quince Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Quince

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

Best overall

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

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.

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 fullThreshold Performance Sheet Set review.

Best sateen

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 hot.

Read our full Brooklinen Luxe sateen sheet review.

Best flannel

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.

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.

Best linen

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. 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.

The Brooklinen Washed Linen sheets took the top spot in our best linen sheets guide because they were soft right out of the packaging, which isn't common for new linen sheet sets. They offer impressive breathability and a light, thin texture without feeling flimsy.

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 145 GSM, Brooklinen's Washed Linen is on the light to medium side compared to most linen sheets.

Choose from six standard colors or the rotating seasonal hues. You can also pick the typical sheet set pieces you want. For instance, if you don't use a top sheet, get the set without one. Putting on your fitted sheet is a breeze, thanks to the labels on the short and long sides of the sheet.

At about $90 less, the Quince linen set is available in more colors and is quite breathable, though it sleeps a little warmer and has a heavier drape.

Read our full Brooklinen Washed Linen Sheets review.

Best bamboo

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 11 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.

The only negative we found was the sheets produced significant lint in the dryer, but you should clean your lint trap after every use to avoid a fire hazard.

Best cooling

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.

The trial-period language is just plain confusing. You can use the sheets for up to seven days and return them if they aren't for you. The 30-day return period only applies to new, unused items. We also wish the sheets had top and bottom tags for faster bed-making.

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,

Pieces: Some of our picks only come with a fitted sheet, and you have to buy pillowcases and a flat sheet 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.