If the mere thought of cocooning in heavy sheets makes you sweat, but sleeping on top of them isn’t an option (you’re not an animal), then it might be time to upgrade with cooling bedding items that are specifically designed to regulate your body temperature. Of course, if you have the budget, you’ll want to splurge on a temperature-regulating mattress, moisture-wicking topper and NASA-approved cooling comforter. But the easiest, most affordable way to lower your bed temp during warmer months? A really crisp set of sheets. Not only are these designed with thermoregulating, sweat-proof threads, but thanks to new weaving tech, they’re also able to increase ventilation and breathability throughout the night. Still skeptical (how could these sheets actually cool you)? This editor spent hours of research, sifting through studies that scientifically proved: bamboo viscose, percale cotton, eucalyptus lyocell and French flax linen keep you cooler throughout the night. Below, find 10 of our favorites. (And see the bottom of this article for an expert, research-backed guide on what truly makes a sheet set cool.)

I chose the best cooling sheets in the most scientific way possible: I researched how the textiles work. This translated into 16+ hours of deep-diving into temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking textiles, particularly with a focus on bamboo, eucalyptus, cotton and linen sheets. From there, we made sure each set had the following: a) a loose, flexible weave that allows air to pass through, b) a thread count under or equal to 350 yarns and c) a crisp or silky cooling surface that’s smooth on the skin. 

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First, some textile101: Bamboo becomes a sheet set when the pulp of the plant (cellulose) is extracted, milled and compressed into yarns. Not only is this cellulose filled with micro-holes that make it incredibly breathable, according to a study featured in Science Direct, but it’s also highly absorbent for sweaty sleepers (plus antistatic, so it won’t cling to your skin). To that end, the feel of bamboo sheets has more to do with the ‘viscose’ term you see tacked on to the description. It’s a new form of rayon, where it was designed to mimic the feel of silk—without the price tag—and help regulate temperature. In fact, viscose is one of the primary fibers in NASA’s Outlast material (see: number three on this list), which has been rigorously tested to ensure thermoregulation. 

It’s worth mentioning, however, that the addition of viscose in the blend means most bamboo sheets are semi-synthetic—despite the fact that many brands tout them as 100 percent natural. Still, if you’re less concerned with skin-friendly materials (or sustainability), rayon-blended fabric has also been proven to reduce humidity with a lower heat insulation rate than cotton blends. (More on that below.)

Another history lesson? Flax is the oldest fiber known to have been used by humans (since at least 8,000 BCE) and it’s the plant that’s transformed into linen sheets that offer lasting durability. “Flax linen fibers are hollow, so air and water can easily circulate… while linen can hold up to 20 percent of its weight in water, it also has natural water-wicking qualities, which means it draws water (or sweat) out of the skin and dries quickly,” says Diane von Furstenberg in her Masterclass. In fact, according to some studies, a person wearing linen clothes perspires 1.5 times less than when dressed in cotton clothes (and twice less than when dressed in viscose clothes).

Furstenberg explains, “Linen is much more rigid than cotton but lasts longer because the cellulose fibers in linen yarn are slightly longer and wrapped tighter than those in cotton yarn.” Translate: Flax not only provides breathability but it also increases sheets’ strength and longevity. “While cotton sheets are very soft right out of the box and can last around five years, linen sheets become very soft after several washes and last longer—up to 30 years.” It’s important to note, however, that linen has a stiffer, more inherently crinkled fabric and it can take a while to soften. Still, in terms of bedding, it has antimicrobial features and is ideal for those with sensitive skin. “Both cotton and linen are hypoallergenic; however, linen is slightly better for people with allergies as the lower thread count and the loose weave is less likely to trap dust and particles,” Furstenberg adds. 

Without getting too technical into cotton fabric as a whole (we could be here all day), you’ll want to focus on one particular weave for cooling: Percale. This is because tightly woven fabrics (like sateen) with higher thread counts (400+) have low air permeability. The yarns are so close together—and there are so many of them—that there’s nowhere for warm air to pass through. Percale, on the other hand, has a flexible weave that’s loose enough to draw heat away. The thread count is also important, and you’ll want to cap it at 300 threads max (but no less than 185, which will sacrifice quality in the long run). 

To that end, also be mindful of recycled polyester synthetics that are sometimes used in cotton blends. “Materials composed of recycled polyester fibers had the lowest effusivity and would therefore feel the warmest next to your skin on a hot day. The winner and the material with the highest effusivity in our study was a fabric made of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex. If you want something to feel cool on your skin on a hot day, this is the best choice,” Susan Sokolowski, founder of the Sports Product Design program at the University of Oregon explains.

Similar to bamboo, eucalyptus sheets are manufactured through a pulping process where wood is compressed into a liquid mixture. Once this mixture is spun, however, little white fibers emerge called ‘lyocell’—later branded by Lenzing as Tencel® (this is the keyword you want to pay attention to in descriptions). Per a scientific review, “The outstanding features of Tencel textiles are found in water [uptake], humidity buffering and the reduction of microbial growth.” Translation? It’s ultra-absorbent, heat-fighting and antimicrobial. The review also mentions that it’s ideal for anyone with sensitive skin, thanks to the smooth surface and nearly 100 percent organic materials. 

In terms of sustainability, it’s also the most eco-friendly option you can go with. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) backs that Tencel lyocell is produced with a minimal carbon footprint—and the Pan-European Forest Council (PEFC) verifies that its production process is entirely ethical. Add to that the fact that Tencel uses amine oxide, a non-toxic solvent, as its only inorganic chemical. Everything else is from recycled fibers—also helping to conserve energy and water.

Silk sheets are a splurge for a reason: The material is harvested from silkworm larvae that have been fed Mulberry leaves (hence, where ‘Mulberry silk’ comes from)—and it takes more than 2,000 silkworms to produce one pound of silk. If you can stomach the price, however, genuine silk is scientifically backed to be “breathable and good for temperature regulation,” according to ICU Nurse Breann Kakacek. “It is especially good for people who live in hot climates or experience hot flashes. This feature prevents your skin from overheating or becoming ove­rly sweaty.” She also adds, “Silk is a fabric that naturally absorbs moisture from the air, making it hygroscopic. This quality helps to keep your skin hydrated and prevents dryness. Additionally, silk is breathable, allowing air to circulate freely.”

Aside from the fact that it also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and keeps hair moisturized, it can also “help reduce irritation and itching, especially in sensitive areas. Its breathability and softness help maintain a dry environment—and it’s is more resistant to allergens like dust mites, mold, and fungus compared to other materials,” per Kakacek. “This makes silk a good choice for people with allergies—the cocoon of the silkworm is naturally antimicrobial.” The only drawback, however, is that the fibers are delicate in nature and require special care when it comes to washing.

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