Between the cramped, shared living quarters and old-school décor, dorm living can pose quite a challenge for any college student. Thankfully, there is a straightforward way to make the experience far more comfortable: By investing in one of the best Twin XL sheets for college.
Dorm beds come with size Twin XL mattresses and frames, so you’ll want your sheets to fit the mattress, meaning you’ll likely have to buy a new set. You’ll also want them to fit their sleeping style: If they run hot, you’ll want to invest in cooling and breathable sheets in silky, sateen materials. If they prefer softer materials to help lull them to sleep before a big day of classes and exams, buttery materials like bamboo, flannel, and cotton are in order.
Some students also prefer to buy just a fitted sheet and pillowcase and use a comforter instead of a top sheet. In that case, look for a two-piece or a bedding set with a comforter.
As experts in all things dorm living, we looked to our existing bedding recommendations and what the parents in the Grown and Flown community have previously purchased for dorms to determine the best Twin XL sheets. You can shop them all here to help make the most of their nightly shut-eye.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Pottery Barn Teen Classic Organic Sheet Set – $79 at Pottery Barn Teen
- Best Value: Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set – $28 at Target
- Best Microfiber: CGK Unlimited Twin XL Sheet Set – $27.99 at Amazon
- Best Splurge: Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set – $159 at Brooklinen
Also Great:
- Best Extra Deep Pockets: Mellanni Extra Deep Pocket Twin XL Sheet Set – $44.97 at Amazon
- Best Bamboo: LuxClub Twin XL Sheets Set – $27.95 at Amazon
- Best Flannel: Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set – $44.99 at Amazon
Reviews of the Best Twin XL Sheets
1. Best Overall: Pottery Barn Teen Classic Organic Sheet Set
Look no further than one of our all-time favorites from Pottery Barn Teen for a super soft Twin XL sheet set. These sheets are made of 100% organic cotton without any unsafe chemicals for the sweetest dreams. They feature a percale weave denser than standard cotton and hold up well to extended wear, meaning they will last beyond a semester.
The set fits mattresses up to 12 inches deep and has one pillowcase (though you can purchase extras in pairs). They come in 7 different mix-and-match colors, and you can opt for free personalization on the flat sheet or pillowcase in your choice of color and font.
The Specs:
- Material: Organic cotton
- Pillowcases: 1
- Thread count: 200
- Color choices: 7
The Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to wash
- Sustainable
The Cons:
- Not cooling
What Others are Saying:
The Classic Organic Sheet set is a Pottery Barn best-seller. It’s named one of the best Twin XL sheets by Apartment Therapy, and Teen Vogue lists it as one of the best sheets for back-to-school.
Buy the Pottery Barn Teen Classic Organic Sheet Set:
2. Best Value: Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set
If you’re searching for an affordable set of Twin XL sheets that still delivers comfort, you can’t go wrong with these classic Twin XL sheets from Target that we’ve been recommending for years. They are made from a luxurious 400-thread count cotton material and feature deep pockets that fit mattresses up to 18 inches so that they will work with a mattress topper.
They also come with short and long labels to help your student make their bed and feature a wrinkle, pill, and shrink-resistant material that’ll withstand numerous washes and nights of tossing and turning. The fitted sheet also has elastic surrounding the entire perimeter of the sheets so that it won’t budge.
The Specs:
- Material: Cotton
- Pillowcases: 2
- Thread count: 400
- Color choices: 12
The Pros:
- Oeko-Tex standard certified
- Fits 18-inch mattresses
- Easy to clean
- Sateen finish
The Cons:
- Some reviews say they feel scratchy
- Sewn crookedly in some places
What Others are Saying:
These Twin XL sheets have over 10,700 reviews at Target and a 4.1-star rating. Wirecutter named them their budget pick in their best cotton sheets roundup, and The Strategist called them the best less expensive sateen sheets.
Buy the Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set:
3. Best Microfiber: CGK Unlimited Twin XL Sheet Set
Microfiber is one of the best fabrics for sheets because it’s incredibly soft, absorbs moisture (and night sweats) while you sleep, and is reasonably priced. If you want to get in on the nighttime goodness, these double-brushed microfiber Twin XL sheets from CGK Unlimited do the trick. They fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep, are incredibly soft, and come in 45 fabulous colors from coral to denim blue that’ll jazz up any dorm room.
The Specs:
- Material: Double-brushed microfiber
- Pillowcases: 1
- Thread count: 90 GSM
- Color choices: 45 colors
The Pros:
- Shrink and wrinkle-resistant
- Incredibly soft
- Cooling
- Fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep
The Cons:
- The fitted sheet can move
- No orientation tags
What Others are Saying:
These sheets have a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with more than 257,000 reviews. The Sleep Foundation named them the most comfortable affordable sheets, and Cosmopolitan called them the best Amazon Twin XL sheet set.
Buy the CGK Unlimited Twin XL Sheet Set:
4. Best Splurge: Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Grab this luxurious set from trusted and on-trend direct-to-consumer brand Brooklinen for a set of Twin XL sheets that’ll make them feel like they’ve checked into a boutique hotel. The sheets are made with a 480-thread-count long-staple cotton material with a sateen finish that boasts cooling and breathable properties. There are even labels to help your student put the fitted sheet on properly, and it fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep.
Unlike most Twin XL sheets, this set comes with two pillowcases, perfect for the sleeper who prefers two pillows or wants an extra case on rotation during laundry day. Certified by the Oeko-Tex standard, this set is free from harmful chemicals and has stunning essential and limited edition colors.
The Specs:
- Material: Long staple cotton
- Pillowcases: 2
- Thread count: 480 thread count
- Color choices: 12
The Pros:
- Cooling
- Labels on both sides
- Two pillowcases
- Durable
The Cons:
- Sells out quickly
- Fitted sheet has a weak elastic
What Others are Saying:
The Brooklinen Twin XL sheets have nearly 22,000 reviews on Brooklinen. Good Housekeeping named them their best overall bed sheets pick, and The Strategist and Forbes named them the best overall sateen sheets.
Buy the Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set:
Also Great
5. Best Extra Deep Pockets: Mellanni Extra Deep Pocket Twin XL Sheet Set
If you plan on using a thick mattress topper or are just looking for a great deal on a soft set of Twin XL sheets, this Mellanni set is the perfect addition to any dorm shopping list. It fits mattresses as deep as 21 inches, features a durable elastic on the fitted sheet to keep it in place, and is made of a buttery-soft brushed microfiber that’ll keep them cool and comfortable. The included pillowcase has delightful embroidering as a chic finishing touch.
With 40 color offerings from chevron gray to emerald green, there’s bound to be a perfect Mellanni Twin XL sheet set for your student’s dorm bed.
The Specs:
- Material: Brushed microfiber
- Pillowcases: 1
- Thread count: 90 GSM
- Color choices: 40
The Pros:
- Cooling and quick drying
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Fits 21-inch mattresses
The Cons:
- Very thin
What Others are Saying:
This Mellani Twin XL sheet set has 343,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating. Reviewed named them the best microfiber Twin XL sheets, Good Housekeeping calls them the best value sheets, and Architectural Digest says they’re among the best sheets on Amazon.
Buy the Mellanni Twin XL Sheet Set:
6. Best Bamboo: LuxClub Twin XL Sheets Set
Bamboo is one of the coziest yet most cooling fabrics you can treat yourself to. Not only is it a sustainable material that’s kind to the planet, but it’s also moisture-wicking and breathable for hot sleepers. This set fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep, is available in 45 fabulous colors, and is blended with microfiber to add to its plush properties. The bamboo viscose material is also hypoallergenic and wrinkle-resistant, and the set comes with two pillowcases with a sleek envelope closure.
The Specs:
- Material: Bamboo viscose blend
- Pillowcases: 2
- Thread count: 90 GSM
- Color choices: 45
The Pros:
- Moisture-wicking
- Oeko-Tex standard certified
- Hypoallergenic
- Fits mattresses 18 inches deep
The Cons:
- Tends to pill
- See-through in some colors
What Others are Saying:
This set has more than 186,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star rating. Women’s Health named them “the prettiest Amazon bed sheets,” PureWow calls them the best bamboo sheets under $30.
Buy the LuxClub Twin XL Sheets Set:
7. Best Flannel: Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set
Flannel is often a fabric we associate with chilly nights by the fire, but these top-selling sheets also show that the material is perfect for cold dorm rooms. The velvety brushed flannel material is made of durable, soft, woven Turkish cotton while standing up well to numerous washes. The 360-degree elasticized fitted sheet also suits mattresses up to 15 inches deep.
Each of the rich 17 colors is fade-resistant, gets softer, and even more plush with wear.
The Specs:
- Material: Brushed flannel
- Pillowcases: 1
- Thread count: 300
- Color choices: 17
The Pros:
- Incredibly warm
- Suitable for 15-inch mattresses
- Fade-resistant
- Washes well
The Cons:
- Non-cooling
- Some static reported by reviews
What Others are Saying:
The Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set has more than 17,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating. HGTV, GQ, and Men’s Health named them the best budget flannel sheets.
Buy the Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set:
Other Twin XL Sheets Toppers to Consider
Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set
These Bare Home Twin XL sheets made of microfiber are a solid bet for their cooling and cozy properties. They come in many colors, including ones with a cool pebbled texture. However, some reports say that they are very thin and can tear over time but they should be fine if they’re only needed for the first year of school. The Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set is available at Amazon for $27.99.
Amazon Basics Lightweight Sheet Set Twin XL
These Amazon Basics Twin XL sheets are just that — basic. While they aptly serve to separate you from that questionable dorm mattress and come at an affordable price, numerous reviews suggest they’re too thin and that some darker tones can bleed onto mattresses and duvets. If your student can be trusted to care for them, they should be okay. The Amazon Basics Lightweight Sheet Set Twin XL is available at Amazon for $28.10.
Parachute Organic Cotton Sheet Set
Trendy home goods brand Parachute is beloved for its buttery-soft bedding, and this organic cotton sheet set is no exception. It’s GOTS-certified, so you can be sure it’s free of any toxic chemicals known to harm human health. However, they’re expensive, and it’s an extra $70 for the flat top sheet, making this set too pricey for the year or two they will be used. The Parachute Organic Cotton Sheet Set is available a Parachute starting at $139.
Why You Can Trust Us
I’m Marissa Miller, a shopping writer and editor with several years of experience testing and researching the best products. I’m a contributing editor at CNN Underscored, CNN’s product review department. I’ve written about products for numerous outlets, including USA Today’s Reviewed, Good Housekeeping, Teen Vogue, Vogue, Women’s Health, and more. I cut through the marketing buzz to source tried-and-true products for my readers — including yourself! — can genuinely benefit from.
When selecting the top Twin XL sheets, I relied on Grown and Flown’s previous recommendations on top brands for dorm essentials, researched what to look for in the best sheets and dorm bedding, and read reviews from verified shoppers. Once I nailed down specific brands, I focused on essential features shoppers should look for in the best Twin XL sheets, including materials, size, and overall quality.
Everything to Know Before Buying Twin XL Sheets
What to Consider Before Buying Twin XL Sheets
Twin XL bed sheets will be used every night, so you must ensure they’re up for the job and fit your student’s sleeping preference. When buying Twin XL sheets, tick off Twin XL instead of regular twin when checking out — those extra five inches in length can make all the difference in helping those sheets fit over your dorm mattress or mattress topper. Here are things to keep in mind before buying.
Material: First, determine your material preference. If you are sleeping in humid quarters, look for cooling materials like bamboo, percale, lyocell, sateen, and linen that are a bit more breathable. Opt for warmer flannel sheets if you prefer to cozy up at night.
Pockets: Before buying, see how thick each mattress is in your student’s dorm room to make sure your sheets will fit over it. You might need deep fitted sheet pockets if you plan to use a Twin XL mattress topper for added comfort, as it will make your mattress thicker.
Labels: Some fitted sheets come with labels indicating how to attach the fitted sheet to the bed properly. Otherwise, you may have a perplexed (and frustrated) young adult making their bed after the first wash.
Some pillowcases: Most Twin XL sheet sets come with one pillowcase, but certain brands we highlight bless sleepers with two. Double-check and assess if you’ll need more than one or not.
Will Twin Sheets Fit Twin XL Beds?
It will be a tight fit, if it fits at all. Twin fitted sheets measure 39 by 76 inches, while Twin XL mattresses measure 38 by 80 inches, so they will be too short for a Twin XL mattress. That’s why buying Twin XL sheets that will fit in the dorm room is essential.
What Size Are Twin XL Sheets?
A Twin XL sheet typically measures 39 by 80 inches for the fitted sheet and 71 by 108 inches for the flat sheet. Purchasing correctly sized sheets for your Twin XL mattress will make the bed-making experience much easier for college students.
Where Can You Buy Twin XL Sheets?
You can buy Twin XL sheets anywhere you purchase bedding, dorm essentials, or home goods. We particularly love retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Pottery Barn Teen for their vast inventory of budget-friendly options and good quality sheets that’ll last semester after semester and wash after wash.
How Can You Save on Twin XL Sheets?
We all love a good deal — especially when it comes to dorm shopping. To save on Twin XL sheets, look for price drops on the sheets you’re eyeing and consider more affordable options like the Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set. Often, deals on Twin XL sheets are right there for the taking. Check out your favorite retailers’ sales or clearance sections for any current price drops, paying close attention to unusual or bright colors (as opposed to white) that tend to go on sale first or are cheaper in general.
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
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