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Between the cramped, shared living quarters and old-school décor, dorm living can pose quite a challenge for any college student. Most dorm beds come with size Twin XL mattresses and frames, so your teen will need their sheets to fit the mattress, meaning they’ll likely have to buy a new set or two. They’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 Twin XL fitted sheet with a pillow case and comforter or blanket.
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Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: California Design Den Soft 100% Cotton Twin XL Sheet Set, 400 Thread Count Good Housekeeping Award Winner $42.99 at Amazon
- Best Budget Pick: Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Breathable Wrinkle-Free Microfiber 3-Piece Bed Sheet Set Twin XL, Bright White $14.39 at Amazon
- Best Microfiber: CGK Unlimited Twin XL Sheet Set $27. 99 at Amazon
- Best Splurge: Brooklinen Luxury Sateen Sheet Set $149 at Amazon
Also Great
- Best Extra Deep Pockets: Mellanni Extra Deep Pocket Twin XL Sheet Set $34.97 at Amazon
- Best Bamboo: LuxClub Twin XL Sheets Set $27.39 at Amazon
- Best Flannel: Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set $49.95 at Amazon
- Best Bundles : dormify has great-looking sheet and comforter sets they sell in bundles with 13 color-coordinated bath and bedding pieces $374 at dormify
Reviews of the Best Twin XL Sheets
1. Best Overall: California Design Den Soft 100% Cotton Twin XL Sheet Set, 400 Thread Count (Amazon)
This set is very close to what Good Housekeeping praised in similar cotton sateen sets with 100% cotton these sheets are breathable and comfortable year-round. They are an Amazon Choice and a Good Housekeeping Award Winner (the same sheets but with a deeper pocket) with 88% 4 and 5 star ratings. They are sateen weave giving them a softer, slightly luxe feel. They are durable and easy care which is a priority. They come in 34 different mix-and-match colors.
The Specs:
- Material: Organic cotton
- Pillowcases: 1
- Thread count: 400
- Color choices: 34
The Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to wash
- Sustainable
What Others are Saying:
They have the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. And Amazon buyers give it 4.5 stars, mostly 5 star reviews.
Buy this California Design Den
2. Best Budget Pick: Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Breathable Wrinkle-Free Microfiber 3-Piece Bed Sheet Set (Amazon)
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. Soft, lightweight microfiber (100% polyester) sheets designed for year-round comfort. They have a classic look, are easy to care for (machine washable, wrinkle- and shrink-resistant), and are made in an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified facility for safety and quality.
The Specs:
- Material: Polyester
- Pillowcases: 1
- Color choices: 22
The Pros:
- Oeko-Tex standard certified
- Easy to clean
What Others are Saying:
These Twin XL sheets have 4.6-star rating from almost half a million reviews.
Buy the Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Breathable Wrinkle-Free Microfiber 3-Piece Set
3. Best Microfiber: CGK Unlimited Twin XL Sheet Set (Amazon)
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
What Others are Saying:
These sheets have a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with more than 390,000 reviews. Cosmopolitan called them the best Amazon Twin XL sheet set. Women’s Health named them “best overall sheets” from Amazon.
Buy the CGK Unlimited Twin XL Sheet Set
4. Best Splurge: Brooklinen Luxury Sateen Core Sheet Set (Amazon)
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
What Others are Saying:
Good Housekeeping named them their best overall bed sheets pick, and Forbes named them the best overall sateen sheets. The Sleep Foundation named them the most comfortable sheets
Buy the Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Also Great
5. Best Extra Deep Pockets: Mellanni Extra Deep Pocket Twin XL Sheet Set (Amazon)
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
What Others are Saying:
This Mellanni Twin XL sheet set has 340,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star rating. Reviewed named them the best microfiber Twin XL sheets.
Buy the Mellanni Twin XL Sheet Set
6. Best Bamboo: LuxClub Twin XL Sheets Set (Amazon)
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. The bamboo viscose material is 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
What Others are Saying:
This set has more than 157,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star rating. Women’s Health named them “the prettiest Amazon bed sheets.”
Buy the LuxClub Twin XL Sheets Set
7. Best Flannel: Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set (Amazon)
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.
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
What Others are Saying:
The Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set has more than 23,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.3-star rating. Men’s Health named them the best budget flannel sheets.
Buy the Bare Home Flannel Sheet Set
8. Best Bundles: Breezy Gauze Comforter Twin XL 13-Piece Dorm Bundle (dormify)
dormify has long been a trend-setting company in the dorm space and now, they are part of the Williams-Sonoma family of companies which means there are even higher quality standards and great services that go along with being part of that company.
If you and your college student are looking for a one-stop shop for all their dorm bedding and bath needs, dormify has wonderful options in many great colors, including pink, green, navy etc. with solids and patterns.
Here’s what is Included in the 13-piece bundles: 1 Twin/Twin XL Comforter, 1 Sham, 1 Twin/Twin XL Sheet Set (1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 1 pillowcase), Set of 6 Towels (2 Bath Towels, 2 Hand Towels, 2 Washcloths), 1 Laundry Backpack, and 1 Shower Caddy.
Specs:
- Material: comforter, sham, sheets, towels are all 100% cotton
- Pillowcases: 1
- Color Choices: 7
- Care: Machine Washable
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: tested against 1000+ harmful substances to keep students safe. 14.HUS.42449 Hohenstein
Buy the dormify bedding and bath bundle
Other Twin XL Sheets Toppers to Consider
Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set (Amazon)
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 Amazon for $32.28.
Amazon Basics Lightweight Sheet Set Twin XL (A little lighter/thinner than the basics set above) (amazon)
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. With 14-inch deep pockets.
The Amazon Basics Lightweight Sheet Set Twin XL is available at Amazon for $17.29.
Why You Can Trust Us
When selecting the top Twin XL sheets, we 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. We focused on essential features shoppers should look for in Twin XL sheets, including material, 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 preferences. When buying sheets, tick off Twin XL rather than regular twin. Those extra five inches in length can make all the difference in helping the sheets fit over a dorm mattress or mattress topper. Here are things to keep in mind before buying.
Material: First, what is your student’s material preference. If they are sleeping in humid quarters, look for cooling materials like cotton, bamboo, percale, lyocell, sateen, and linen that are a bit more breathable. Opt for warmer flannel sheets if they prefer to cozy up at night.
Pockets: Before buying, see how thick each mattress is in your student’s dorm room to make sure the sheets will fit over it. You might need deep fitted sheet pockets if they plan to use a Twin XL mattress topper for added comfort, as it will make your mattress thicker.
Some pillowcases: Most Twin XL sheet sets come with one pillowcase, but certain brands we highlight bless sleepers with two. Do you need more than one?
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 easier for your college student.
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 and dormify 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 Amazon Basic Set. 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.
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
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Dorm Room Essentials: Twelve Things All Freshmen Need for College
