The $55 Target Sheets I Prefer to My Fancy $300 Ones

As someone who has chronic hives and eczema, my skin is incredibly sensitive to fabric content, which means that I need high-quality bedding. For me, a good pair of sheets can make the difference between restful sleep and a night of tossing and turning. But it’s also important that my sheets look just as good as they feel.

Over the years, I’ve tried numerous brands of sheets at a wide range of price points. Parachute’s Percale Sheet Set was my go-to for the past four years. These sheets are definitely a splurge — a queen-size set will set you back $269 before shipping — but you’re paying for ultrasoft, 100% cotton. They wash well, and Parachute’s color options are right up my alley.

I’ve sworn by them for years, until I found Threshold’s Printed Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set. At my partner’s suggestion, I gave these bargain sheets a try for the first time in 2024. I was shocked not only at how good they looked, but also how kind they were to my sensitive skin. Now, this budget-friendly Target bedding is the set I always reach for over my pricey sheets.

The qualities that drew me to this luxury sheet set from Parachute were its chic look and high-quality materials. I have two sets: one in light gray and one in sage. Each one comes with a top sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. You can even choose what style of pillow you want (an envelope or side opening). I love the muted, earth-toned colorways and simple patterns Parachute offers, which may or may not be your cup of tea (though they do complement most quilts or duvet covers). 

Since they’re made of breathable cotton, these sheets help with temperature regulation at night, even in hot summer weather, and don’t trigger any of my skin issues. They can get a little wrinkly with use, but that’s not the end of the world.

My Parachute sheet sets have held up incredibly well in the wash over the years and seem to be fairly resistant to staining. Their crispness is unmatched, even by the Target sheets — but, if I’m being honest, both sets are on the same level when it comes to softness. And with such a drastic discrepancy in price, it’s become increasingly difficult for me to justify splurging on sheets from Parachute.

Also made of 100% cotton, these Target Threshold sheets are supersoft and sensitive skin-friendly (I can attest!). It costs $55 for a queen-size set, which is a total steal for such solid materials. Like Parachute, each set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. They also have handy “top” and “bottom” labels for ease of use. They’re wrinkle-resistant and wash decently well. However, over the past year, I have noticed some fraying at the ends of my Threshold pillowcases. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, just something to note.

While I do love earth tones, I’m also a sucker for bold colors and punchy patterns on sheets, which Parachute’s Percale Sheet Sets don’t offer. Right now, my favorites are the blue cross set, which isn’t available on Target’s website, sadly, and the Ditsy Floral set. Since they’re so affordable, you can purchase two or three sets from Threshold, and it will still be a fraction of the cost of one set from Parachute. That’s pretty hard to beat!

If you’re on the market for high-quality cotton sheets, and you happen to have $250 burning a hole in your wallet, then the Parachute set is a good option. Ditto if you prefer solid, earth-toned bedding over bright colors and patterns. 

But if you’re looking to save some money? Target’s Threshold set is a lovely alternative that’s comparable in quality at a significantly lower price tag. And you can swing by your local Target to pick it up, which isn’t an option for Parachute unless you live near one of their showrooms in California, New York, or Washington state.