I test bedding for a living — 5 budget-friendly twin XL bed sheets I’d buy for under $51

Bedsure cooling twin XL sheet set on a dorm room bed
(Image credit: Bedsure)

Back-to-school season is here, which means the hunt is on for dorm-friendly twin XL sheets. As a bedding tester, I've pulled together a list of five bed sheet sets I recommend for buyers on a budget, with one twin XL organic cotton option costing as little as $26.99 at Amazon.

I know what you're thinking. For that ultra low price point they must be scratchy and uncomfortable. But the reality is you don’t have to spend a fortune on a classic soft and breathable cotton sheet (always my number one recommendation for all seasons.) If you’d rather prefer low-maintenance microfiber, I’ve got that covered too. Hot sleeper? I’ve added cooling and lightweight bamboo sheets in the mix.

Still a bit confused about what to look for when buying dorm bedding? Here is my quick three-step guide to break it down. But first, the five twin XL bed sheets I recommend buying to spruce up your dorm room...

1. Lane Linen 100% Organic Cotton sheets: twin XL from $35.99from $26.99 at Amazon

1. Lane Linen 100% Organic Cotton sheets: twin XL from $35.99 from $26.99 at Amazon
Top of the list is this organic set from Lane Linen made with OEKO-TEX certified cotton. This means it's soft, breathable and durable. Plus it comes in a reusable fabric bag thanks to the brand's commitment to sustainability, so you can store it away when not in use. A twin XL sheet set is available in over 15 colors and prints, includes a fitted sheet (15" inches deep), a flat sheet and a standard pillowcase. Right now it's up to 26% off which brings the price of a pure white bundle down to $26.99 from $35.99.

2. CGK 3-piece sheet set: twin XL from $32.99 from $27.99 at Amazon

2. CGK 3-piece sheet set: twin XL from $32.99 from $27.99 at Amazon
This is one of Amazon's most popular bedding brands with over 390K reviews and an average rating of 4.4. The CGK sheet set is crafted from polyester and can fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep. It's wrinkle resistant, pill-proof and stain-proof so you'll have yourself a low-maintenance set that will last through the school year and beyond. However, if you have a tendency to sleep hot, the CGK sheet set might not match up to the more cooling options here. A twin XL sheet set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a standard pillowcase, all available in over 20 vibrant colors. Get a bundle now at $27.99 (was $32.99).

3. Mayfair 100% bamboo-derived viscose sheet set: twin XLfrom $31.31 from $29 at Amazon

3. Mayfair 100% bamboo-derived viscose sheet set: twin XL from $31.31 from $29 at Amazon
Hot sleeper? Consider this 100% bamboo-derived viscose set from Mayfair Linen with a 300 thread count and smooth sateen weave, which translates to silk-like supreme softness and breathability. A twin XL set comes in 7 solid colors and includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet with 16" deep pockets and a standard pillowcase. Grab yours now at 7% off which drops the price to $29 from $31.31.

4. Mellanni 3-piece sheet set: twin XLfrom $63.97from $34.97 at Amazon

4. Mellanni 3-piece sheet set: twin XL from $63.97 from $34.97 at Amazon
Made from brushed microfiber polyester, this bed sheet set has over 340,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.3. The Mellanni sheets are lightweight, quick-drying, stain and rwrinkle resistant, soft and durable. A twin XL 3 piece set is available in over 25 chic colors and consists of the standard elements: a fitted sheet (16" deep), a flat sheet and a standard pillowcase. You can now find it at 45% off dropping the MSRP from $56.97 to $34.97.

5. Bedsure Cooling Sheets: twin Xlfrom $60.99 from $50.99 at Amazon

5. Bedsure Cooling Sheets: twin Xl from $60.99 from $50.99 at Amazon
The Bedsure Cooling sheets are another option for hot sleepers or those prone to nightsweats Unlike the viscose Mayfair Linen set above, this one from Bedsure is made from OEKO-TEX certified 100% bamboo-derived rayon promising similar benefits such as moisture wicking properties and breathability. This, however, has a slightly higher rating (4.4) with over 60K reviews from Amazon customers. A twin XL sheet set is available in over 20 colors and includes a fitted sheet (with 16" deep pockets), a flat sheet and a standard pillowcase. Note that price discounts vary based on the color you pick. A twin XL Mineral Blue Bedsure bamboo sheet set is now 25% off which drops the MSRP from $62.99 to $46.99.

Becky George
Sleep Staff Writer

Becky is a Sleep Staff Writer at Tom’s Guide covering all things sleep-related including product reviews, research studies, news and explainers. She works on specialist bedding content and is responsible for buyer’s guides like the best pillows for all sleepers and best mattress protectors focusing on popular brands such as Tempur-Pedic, Avocado, Coop Home Goods and more. Becky is a PPA accredited journalist who is keen to explore the intricacies of sleep, its effects on skincare, mental wellbeing and work performance. While not thinking of sleep, she can be seen reading in cosy bookshops or learning about global food culture. 

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