ConsFirst / Bed sheets / Compare
L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set vs Mellanni Iconic Collection Microfiber Sheet Set
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on breathability, holds up in the wash. Mellanni Iconic Collection Microfiber Sheet Set wins on feel & softness, fit (deep pockets), wrinkles & pilling.
The biggest complaint about the L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set is stiff and textured at first; for the Mellanni Iconic Collection Microfiber Sheet Set it's fitted sheet may not stay on. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set | Mellanni Iconic Collection Microfiber Sheet Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in bed sheets | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $ |
| Type | Cotton percale | Microfiber |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | 7% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.8 |
| Feel & softness | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Breathability | 4.5 | 2.0 |
| Fit (deep pockets) | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Holds up in the wash | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Wrinkles & pilling | 4.0 | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–200 · $$$ over $200 (queen set). Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
- Stiff and textured at first
Wirecutter says some people find it rough and that it comes out of the package more taut than other percales, softening only over time. Good Housekeeping notes percale isn't as smooth as sateen.
- Can fit loosely
One Wirecutter editor found the sheets huge on her regular foam mattress: baggy, billowy, too loud and slippery.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), best sheets - Shallower pocket than some rivals
The fitted sheet is 15 inches deep, versus 18 inches for Target's Threshold sets (Wirecutter's measurements).
Mellanni Iconic Collection Microfiber Sheet Set
- Fitted sheet may not stay on
Amazon's summary says fit is mixed: some say the sheets stay in place, others say they don't stay on the bed.
- Thin and synthetic
Good Housekeeping says the polyester doesn't feel crisp or substantial, and some testers found it thinner than other fabrics.
- Less breathable than cotton; sheds fibers
Good Housekeeping says it may not be as breathable as cotton. Wirecutter calls microfiber hot to sleep on and avoids it because washing sheds synthetic fibers into waterways.
Who should pick which
Pick the L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set if
Hot sleepers who like a crisp, cool feel
Sheets meant to last for years
A generous one-year return window
Skip it if: You want silky, smooth sateen; Your mattress is deeper than about 15 inches; You want lots of prints and colors
Pick the Mellanni Iconic Collection Microfiber Sheet Set if
The lowest-cost soft sheets
Easy care with few wrinkles
Odd sizes (RV/short queen, split king, extra-deep)
Skip it if: You sleep hot; You prefer natural fibers; You want a crisp, substantial feel
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