Since its founding in 2014, Brooklinen—the Brooklyn-based, direct-to-consumer bedding company—has generated lots of buzz offering luxury, hotel-quality bedding at still-accessible prices. To see if the company’s sheets lived up to their winning reputation, we recently tested the Luxe Core Sheet Set for ourselves. We slept on these 480-thread count sateen sheets every night for weeks on end and evaluated factors like their durability, breathability, and comfort. So are the popular sheets worth their slightly more expensive price tag? Read on to find out.
Material and Weave: Comfortable, smooth cotton
These sheets are made of 100 percent long-staple cotton. Long-staple refers to the length of the cotton fibers; longer fibers mean more durable fabrics. Generally, cotton sheets are known for being comfortable and breathable, and these were no exception. The benefits of long-staple cotton combined with a sateen weave give these sheets their luxurious feel and slightly higher price point. What’s so special about sateen? This weave—in which horizontal, or weft threads are woven over several vertical, or warp threads—creates an especially smooth texture with a slight sheen. These particular sheets felt silky, cool to the touch, and crisp—including after being washed. Brooklinen also offers sheet sets in other weaves (crisp percale and ultra-soft twill) and made from other materials (like linen).
Thread Count: In the right range
It’s often said that a higher thread count—or how many threads compose one square inch of fabric—automatically translates to higher-quality sheets. That’s not always true. In fact, most weavers consider 500 to 600 threads per inch to be the maximum count—and that anything over that is a marketing tool rather than a marker of luxury. (It’s possible for manufacturers to inflate thread count by twisting multiple fibers into one thread and then including each of those fibers in the final count.) The bottom line? Do consider thread count when buying sheets, but also realize it’s not the only way to assess quality. For sateen sheets, we recommend a thread count range of between 300 and 600 for a perfect combo of strength and softness. These 480-thread count sheets fall right in the middle of that range and don’t skimp on either quality.
Texture: Smooth and soft
Brooklinen claims that these sheets are “buttery smooth.” In our experience, this holds true, including after the first wash. These sheets felt like a cozy, soft cocoon when we crawled into bed. Also, even though they’re made with breathable cotton, they still feel sturdy—which makes them more versatile during colder months.
Washing: Cozier after the first wash
Some sheets feel different when you compare them right out of the package and after the first few washes. We washed these sheets once at the recommended settings (machine-wash cold then tumble-dry on low) and observed that they didn’t fray, pill, or wrinkle—they came out crisp and smooth. We continued using these sheets over several months and found that they were durable but also continued to get softer and more comfortable with every wash.
Color: Great selection, but patterns could come in more color combinations
The Luxe Core Sheet Set comes in a variety of muted colors (shades of white, cream, blue, and grey) and patterns (grid, dash, and stripe). However, we thought that the solid colors could be combined in more ways to enhance the pattern options. For example, there are no patterns with even a hint of blue. Overall, it took us some extra time to decide what to buy because we didn’t immediately gravitate to a single choice.
Helpful Features: Offering you a great night’s sleep—with a lifetime guarantee
Brooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set comes with a few user-friendly features that make this set easier to use and longer-lasting. Each side of the fitted sheets is labeled “short” or “long” so you don’t make your bed the wrong way; the two included pillowcases have envelope closures for a neater look; the sheets fit mattresses up to 15 inches deep; they’re OEKO-TEX™-certified, which means they’re free of harmful chemicals and synthetics; and lastly, they have a lifetime warranty. If the sheets ever pill, fray, or tear, Brooklinen will repair or replace them free of charge.
Price: Worth the investment
These sheets are more expensive than your average set, ranging from $129 for a twin to $169 for a California king; we tested the full set, which is $150. However, this higher price tag is worth it for these sheets’ high-quality look and feel. Plus, the lifetime warranty guarantees a good night’s sleep for years to come.
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set vs. Parachute Sateen Sheet Set
Parachute, another buzzed-about, direct-to-consumer soft goods company, also offers a sateen sheet set starting at $129. Both sets are OEKO-TEX™-certified and made from 100 percent long-staple cotton (Parachute touts that theirs is made with Egyptian cotton). Our Brooklinen set has a 480-thread count, while Parachute doesn’t list thread counts in its product descriptions. Also, Parachute’s set is made in a family-owned factory in Portugal, while Brooklinen’s tag notes that the sheets are designed in Brooklyn, New York, and crafted in Israel. A few key differences: You can order Parachute’s sateen sheet set with or without a top sheet; the cost is the same regardless. Additionally, Parachute’s set comes in only four solid shades (White, Sand, Light Grey, and Slate), while Brooklinen offers many more colors and patterns.
Update from Our Reviewer
I’ve been using these sheets for approximately a year and a half now and am happy to report they’ve held up really nicely. They’ve definitely continued to get softer but haven’t faded at all—a real testament to their quality, especially considering that I often have my laundry done at NYC wash-and-fold spots (which tend to be less than gentle on fabric). I still think they’re worth the money, and I’d buy another pair in a heartbeat If you’re in the market for a new sheet set and have a bit more to spend, these beautiful, high-quality sheets are absolutely worth the money—and you’ll have them for life.
