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It’s time to confess: I’m a sheets snob. Ever since I joined the cult of linen bedding users a year ago, I’ve never gone back—it’s expensive, yes, but between the fabric’s cool crispness and the subtle wrinkles that make me feel like I’m vacationing in a Tuscan villa, the splurge is worth it. So suffice to say, when I first heard about a set of $30 Mellanni sheets with 73 percent of its reviews five star, I was skeptical.
The sheets in question have almost 60,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars—and they are consistently the number-one best-selling home product on Amazon. (Yes, they beat out the velvet hangers and even the Instant Pot.) They’re made from 100 percent brushed microfiber (it’s hypoallergenic), but the synthetic material doesn’t seem to bother most reviewers. In the case of one enraptured fan, the sheets have even inspired poetry.
I ordered a set of the yellow ones—with such a low price, you can afford to take a risk on a bolder color—washed them, and got to testing. This just involved sleeping. Right off the bat, I noticed how soft they were; they’re thin but don’t feel papery.
On the flip side, my trial period just so happened to be smack in the middle of the hottest month of New York’s summer so far. I’m the kind of sleeper who must be covered at all times during the night, but my tiny air conditioner is on its last legs, and these sheets weren’t any help. If you tend to get hot at night, take note: They’re not super-breathable.
The verdict? You get what you pay for. With every color of the rainbow to pick from and the über-cozy fabric, $30 is a pretty unbeatable price point. But if you’re willing to spend just a little bit extra, we have some ideas for linens that will take your relationship with sleep to the next level:
Spend $50 more…
H&M rivals Mellanni in the sheer number of dreamy hues its bedding comes in, but unlike the Amazon find, these affordable sheets are available in almost every material, too. At this price, go for the linen.
Spend $100 more…
Perfect for hot sleepers, Brooklinen’s cotton sheet set is ultra-breathable and perfect for summer (or winter when the radiator is on blast). Psst: The brand just came out with gorgeous new colors and patterns.
Spend $150 more…
Made in Portugal from European flax, Parachute’s linen bedding played a major part in the rekindling of our obsession with the material. The casual style only gets softer with each wash.
Spend $200 more…
Go classic with a percale set. Coyuchi’s organic cotton is sustainably produced and made to last—it will withstand years of washes and wears, making the hefty price tag well worth it.
See more bedding stories: I Never Knew Luxury Until I Slept on These Sheets Why You Should Switch to Custom Colored Bedding Bored With White Bedding? This Sunny Hue Is Having a Major Moment