Are bamboo sheets good? 13 things to know before you decide
Picture this: you slide under the sheets and snuggle up in silken bamboo. It’s hot, but you feel cool under the lightest touch of your new sheets.
Not the start of your summer novel, nope. Just another night in your new favourite sheets.
Are bamboo sheets good? Yes – they’re light as a feather, long lasting and silky smooth. But in this article, we’ll show you why they’re so good. You’ll learn a bit about what bamboo is (you might be surprised!), how it affects your skin, what happens when it’s hot or cold, and we briefly compare it to our other great love: cotton sheets. Let’s get started.
What are bamboo sheets?
Bamboo sheets are woven from fibres derived from the bamboo plant. They’re strong and are one of the more eco-friendly options on the market. They’re also deliciously soft and draw moisture away from your skin to help you stay clean and cool.
Sounds good so far. They’re also great if you have allergies because they’re hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. And for the home run – they don’t pill as they age.
How are they made?
This one’s interesting! It’s more complex than some materials. It starts with natural bamboo pulp, which goes through chemical processing. The chemical processing dissolves the bamboo pulp and creates fibres that can be woven into your favourite sheets. Rayon, modal and lyocell are the three main types of bamboo fabric.
With materials like bamboo and cotton, look for an OEKO-TEX label to be sure that your sheets have been scientifically tested and are free from harmful substances.
So, are bamboo sheets good for the environment? Yes, despite the chemicals used, bamboo sheets are a sustainable option that doesn’t leave a large ecological footprint. The bamboo plant regenerates incredibly fast and doesn’t need pesticides, fertilisers or irrigation.
Types of bamboo bed sheets
Bamboo sheets can come in three different weaves – percale, sateen, and twill. Your choice of weave affects how they feel and how cool or warm they are.
Now, we’ve talked a lot about how breathable your sheets are. But how does bamboo work for your skin?
Bamboo sheets and your skin
Bamboo sheets are antibacterial
Your skin will love your bamboo sheets. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and antibacterial. By wicking moisture away from your skin as you sleep, you and your sheets stay clean and dry. Bamboo also repels bugs and dust mites. While this all makes for excellent sheets all round, they’re especially good for people with sensitive skin.
Bamboo sheets and hot weather
Are bamboo sheets breathable?
We get asked this often: are bamboo bed sheets good for hot weather?
Yes – bamboo sheets are breathable. As a fibre, bamboo’s natural properties allow for good air circulation. So when you sleep in bamboo sheets, they help to regulate your body temperature and keep you cool. Don’t forget they’ll draw moisture away from your skin, too. Perfect for the hot weather.
Bamboo sheets and kids
Are bamboo sheets any good for kids and babies? Absolutely. Being hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and antibacterial, they're like a gentle hug for sensitive skin. If your kids are like ours, they can overheat easily. Your bamboo sheets will wick the moisture away from their skin, keeping your little ones comfy (and sleepy) all night long.
Just make sure you choose good quality sheets, follow the care instructions and maintain a good room temp to help everyone snooze.
Bamboo sheets clearly have some pretty great qualities. But how do they stack up against cotton sheets?
How do bamboo sheets compare to cotton?
If you’re like us, you have a favourite set of sheets as soft as your oldest t-shirt. And they’re probably cotton. So, how do you choose between cotton and bamboo for your newest sheets?
The two materials have some important differences but also some similarities. Let’s break it down quickly.
Are bamboo sheets good? Yes, they are. Are cotton sheets good? Yes! You need to find what works best for you. Bamboo is silky soft, breathable and will last you for years to come. Cotton is famously cosy, crisp and delightfully familiar.
Recap: Are bamboo sheets good? Pros and cons
We’re seriously proud of our new bamboo sheets. A few of us here at Sheet Society HQ have even crowned them as new all-time faves. And coming from people who love sleep like we do – that says something. Mix and match our fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases and quilts for your dreamy new bed. Make the bed – better.