Consumers are more environmentally-conscious than ever before, and with the rising demand for chemical- and pesticide-free foods, home goods have begun to follow suit. While many people prefer to buy organic food, is there really a benefit to buying organic sheets, too? As it turns out, cotton, like other conventional crops, is sprayed with pesticides. Further, dyes and treated sheets—like those that are “wrinkle-resistant”—contain added chemicals, some which won’t wash out in the laundry. Knowing this, it makes sense that eco-conscious consumers might prefer organic linens. Magnolia Organics is a family-owned company with a commitment to sustainability and fair labor practices. To see if their sheets were as feel-good as their mission, we tested a king-size set—which came with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two standard pillowcases—in Moroccan Blue. Read on for our assessment of the sheet’s comfort, quality, and aesthetics.
Material: 100 percent organic cotton and GOTS certified
Magnolia Organics’ sheets are woven with organic cotton that’s GOTS certified. The Global Organic Textile Standard seal ensures that the product upholds a set of thorough and specific production standards. It puts an emphasis on socially and environmentally conscious production practices, from the harvesting of the raw materials to the manufacturing processes. The designation is also bestowed on textiles made with at least 95 percent organic fibers, whereas the legal criteria for products labeled “organic” only need to contain 70 percent organic fibers. Magnolia Organics’ dyes uphold these standards, as well. They’re free of heavy metals, AZOs, and formaldehyde. White sheets are brightened with GOTS-approved hydrogen peroxide, and the “natural” color contains no dyes or brighteners at all. Despite being treated with clean dyes, the brand’s colored sheets are no less saturated. We tested a Moroccan blue set and were pleasantly surprised by the bold gem tone. Now for the negative: Because of the deep color and sheen of this set, small oil splotches presented themselves on the sheets and pillowcases after just our second washing. We apply lotion before going to bed, so we assume that’s the culprit. Anyone who uses products before bed—particularly facial moisturizers or serums—should be aware that stains could show up on the satin-like sheets, especially if you choose a deep color.
Features: Touches that help fitted sheets stay put
With deep, 15-inch pockets and elastic in all four corners, Magnolia Organics’ fitted sheet is designed to fit snugly over mattresses and stay in place. We found that this feature was indeed effective, with the fitted sheet remaining snug over the mattress corners even after several nights of sleep.
Texture: Smooth and satiny
Given their subtle sheen, it’s no surprise that the Magnolia Organics Dream Sheets are also satiny to the touch. With a 300 thread count, these sheets feel densely woven and a bit heavy, making them ideal for those who like thicker linens—especially as the weather gets cooler. We can attest that these do tend to hold in heat, especially when layered with a heavy blanket or comforter. They’re definitely not as warm as flannel sheets, though. If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll want to check out a more breathable sheet set. Further, these chemically untreated sheets wrinkle very easily, which may be an annoyance to those looking for a picture-perfect bed. We tried ironing them and they smoothed out quite nicely, though it didn’t last long. One sleep later, and the crinkles were back.
Care: Held up after two washes, but showed some stains
The washing instructions for this bedding are simple and straightforward: Machine wash warm with like colors and tumble dry. While the sheets maintained their size, color, and softness after coming out of the wash, we did notice some oil-based stains. As mentioned above, we think our body lotion was to blame. If you like to apply a bunch of face products before you go to sleep or you have little ones who like to snack in bed, these probably aren’t the best sheets for you.
Price: Middle of the road
When it comes to organic cotton sheets, Magnolia Organics’ $85 king-size set is pretty par for the course. You can, of course, always find a budget option for $20 to $30 less, but the brand’s beautiful saturated colors and subtle sheen really set them apart. Further, eco-conscious consumers may prefer to bypass cheaper brands in favor of a product that adheres to the extensive GOTS guidelines.
Magnolia Organics Dream Collection 300-Count Sheets vs. Threshold Organic Cotton 300-Count Sheets
Although Target’s Threshold Organic Cotton Sheets are also made from organic cotton with a 300 thread count, there are some key differences between these and Magnolia Organics’. These sheets have a slightly softer, more cotton feel and come in four patterns in neutral color palettes. They’re more breathable for hot nights or those who get warm while they sleep. They also uphold a set of quality standards; they’re OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, ensuring that all materials are free from chemicals of concern. Fair labor and sustainable manufacturing practices do not seem to be evaluated under this certification, however. Finally, their price point is lower, with a king set coming in at $55. If you’re looking for luxe organic sheets and you don’t mind some added weight, you’ll love Magnolia Organics’ Dream Collection Sheet Set. Since they’re prone to stains, you’ll just want to make sure you give them a little extra care (or try buying a lighter color).
