ConsFirst / Bed sheets / Compare
L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set vs Threshold (Target) Target Threshold Solid Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on feel & softness, breathability, holds up in the wash. Threshold (Target) Target Threshold Solid Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set wins on fit (deep pockets).
The biggest complaint about the L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set is stiff and textured at first; for the Threshold (Target) Target Threshold Solid Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set it's recent batches feel less silky. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set | Threshold (Target) Target Threshold Solid Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in bed sheets | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $ |
| Type | Cotton percale | Cotton sateen |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | — | — |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.7 |
| Feel & softness | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Breathability | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Fit (deep pockets) | 3.0 | 4.5 |
| Holds up in the wash | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Wrinkles & pilling | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $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).
Threshold (Target) Target Threshold Solid Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set
- Recent batches feel less silky
Wirecutter says the most recent sets it tested feel less silky and the stitching is messier, though it still rates the quality best for the price.
- Can sleep warm
Some Wirecutter testers found these hotter to sleep on than its other sateen picks.
- Lint and pet hair cling
Wirecutter notes pet hair, lint and other fibers tend to stick to the fabric, though it cleans up nicely.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), best sheets
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 Threshold (Target) Target Threshold Solid Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set if
Cotton sheets on a budget
Deep mattresses up to 18 inches
Prints and many colors
Skip it if: You sleep hot; You have shedding pets; You want a crisp feel
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.