While choosing a color is perhaps the most fun part of shopping for bedsheets, we would argue that the most important thing to pay attention to is the material.
The material will determine the breathability, softness, quality, durability, and even the health-factor of the sheets that you are in contact with every night.
Not all sheets are the same. We will define the various sheets options, from microfiber sheets to cotton sheets, linen sheets to bamboo sheets.
So, which sheets should you buy? We have the answer.
What are Microfiber Sheets Made Of?
Microfiber sheets are typically made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. They can be very soft and light as a feather but unfortunately not as breathable as natural fibers like linen or cotton, meaning they are typically not ideal for people who sleep hot.
Because microfiber sheets are not made of natural materials, they are usually less expensive, so they are a budget-friendly sheets option. They also don’t wrinkle as much as linen, making it a more appealing option for those who like crisp-looking sheets.
Microfiber Pros
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Budget-friendly
- Soft
- Lightweight
Microfiber Cons
- Not breathable and can cause you to “sleep hot”
- Made of synthetic materials
- Could contain harsh dyes and chemicals
- Typically doesn’t last as long as cotton sheets
Cotton vs Microfiber Sheets
Cotton sheets, unlike microfiber, are a natural bedding option. However, you want to look at the make-up to confirm that the sheets are 100% cotton and not a cotton-blend.
Cotton sheets are more breathable when compared to synthetic materials, so they are an excellent option for those who are looking for a cool sleep.
However, cotton sheets can sometimes be more expensive than microfiber, especially if the sheets are GOTS-certified organic. Organic cotton sheets are free from harmful chemicals and dyes. Traditional cotton sheets may be treated with chemicals (the cotton industry is a significant pollutant due to pesticides used) so this is why we always recommend organic cotton sheets for sustainability and health. Organic cotton is never treated with pesticides, making it the more eco-friendly option.
Cotton Pros
- Natural material
- Sleeps cooler
- Sustainable option (if organic)
- Various price points
Cotton Cons
- Can be more expensive
- Wrinkles more than microfiber
- Can shrink in the dryer more than microfiber sheets
Bamboo vs Cotton Sheets: Which is Better?
When shopping for sheets, you’ll be sure to stumble upon bamboo sheets, a popular item in the non-toxic living space, but is it actually better than cotton? Our answer is: No, bamboo is not a more eco-friendly option than cotton if you are actually purchasing organic cotton sheets.
Bamboo itself is an incredible resource. Bamboo grows rapidly and is used for toothbrushes (an alternative to plastic), flooring in homes, and wooden furniture. However, when it comes to bedding and clothing, it is not as sustainable as one may think.
In order to take bamboo and turn it into a soft material, there is a very heavy chemical process involved that includes carbon disulfide. Research has shown that exposure to carbon disulfide can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, thyroid issues, endocrine disruption, fertility issues, and more. Bamboo is broken down into wood pulp which is then put through a chemical process to eventually create the rayon or viscose yarn that is woven and potentially dyed with even more chemicals.
While bamboo itself as a resource is incredibly sustainable, it’s important to note the process the bamboo must go through in order to become sheets, and what implications it has in terms of the impact on the environment. For this reason, we prefer cotton sheets, but stress the importance of choosing organic cotton over standard cotton.
While this article focuses on bamboo pillows, it is still a helpful overview into the various reasons why bamboo sheets are not our top choice.
Bamboo Pros
- Viscose or rayon yarn is soft
- Bamboo is a sustainable material
- Typically sleep cooler than microfiber
Bamboo Cons
- Chemical processes in manufacturing
- Not as cool as cotton
- Semi-synthetic
Linen Sheets vs Cotton
So, we’ve established that we prefer organic cotton sheets over bamboo sheets and microfiber sheets, but what about linen vs cotton sheets?
Linen, which derives from the flax plant, is another popular material as a low tox bedding option and is considered quite luxurious. Linen is biodegradable and breathable, making it especially popular in the summer months.
We recommend choosing organic linen if you have decided on linen sheets since an organic certification will ensure more robust vetting when it comes to the manufacturing process and environmental impact.
Typically linen sheets can be more expensive than cotton sheets so if you are looking for an option that is a bit more budget friendly, we recommend cotton.
Linen Pros
- Breathable
- Luxurious
- Biodegradable
Linen Cons
- Expensive
- Wrinkles easily
- Sometimes scratchy depending on quality
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Ready for an upgrade? We hope you consider Savvy Rest for your bedding needs. Shop organic bedding now.