Shopping for new bedding is a simple task in theory. In reality, there are more sizes, colors, materials, weaves and prices for bed sheets than ever before. Don’t know what to look for in bamboo sheets? It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Bamboo sheets have become increasingly popular because of their soft and lightweight feel. Bamboo plants are also extremely eco-friendly and easily grown.
If you’re in the market for a set of super soft bamboo bed sheets we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve put together a list of all the factors to consider before deciding if bamboo sheets are for you.
Read on!
What to Look for in Bamboo Sheets
Material
All bamboo sheets may come from the same source but different manufacturing processes will yield different types of bamboo sheets.
It is very common to see bamboo sheets labeled as 100% Rayon (or Viscose) from Bamboo. This means the sheets are a rayon fabric that is derived from the bamboo plant (other rayon fabric can come from cotton or other plants).
RELATED: Rayon vs Viscose
There are also Tencel (Lyocell) Bamboo sheets that are produced with more environmentally friendly chemicals and processes.
There is also Bamboo Linen which is not as soft as its other counterparts. It’s processed the same way Cotton Linen is made and is prone to just as many wrinkles.
There are also Bamboo/Cotton blends so be sure to read the packaging label clearly to ensure you’re getting 100% Bamboo bed sheets.
RELATED: How Bamboo Is Made Into Bed Sheets
Weave
Just like cotton, bamboo fibers can be woven in different ways that affect the final feel and performance of your sheets.
I have seen bamboo sheets in Twill and Sateen weave. Twill weave is a very standard type of weave that you will find in many products, while sateen weave leaves materials feeling silkier and often more luxurious.
Colors
It’s always good to have color options, and while most bamboo sheets come in your standard white, off white and cream, you can also find them in a range of colors from spa-like blues to stone grays and browns.
Care
Although bamboo sheets are considered pretty durable, you want yours to stay in good shape by caring for them correctly. Always follow the specific care instructions on your set of sheets.
More often than not, bamboo sheets can be machine washed and dried. In general, wash on a low warm or cold setting and a low tumble dry.
To reduce wrinkling, it is best to remove the sheets as soon as they are done in the dryer and get them straight on your bed. You should also consider getting a good mattress protector for a variety of reasons.
RELATED: How to Care for Your Bamboo Bed Sheets
Reviews
If people are not sure about the quality of the sheets from feeling them, they should definitely them up! Reading reviews is a great way to figure out if a set of sheets are going to be the best fit for you.
Keep in mind that some reviewers may not have followed the care instructions on their sheets carefully, which could affect the performance of their sheets.
Warranty
These days it’s common to see a satisfaction guarantee or limited warranty on bed sheets, including bamboo sheets.
If you are truly skeptical about bamboo sheets, check out the warranty or guarantee to see if it’s worth a trial run. Some warranties can be easily voided, so make sure to read that fine print!
Price
Compared to their cotton counterparts, bamboo sheets tend to be more expensive. You may be able to find sheets for under $100 for a Queen set, but many brands will price them higher.
Pros & Cons of Bamboo Bed Sheets
We’ve laid out all the pros and cons of bamboo sheets to help you decide if it’s time to make the switch tonight.
Pros
- Silky soft
- Lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisture wicking
- Antibacterial properties
- Deodorizing properties
- Thermo-regulating
- Durable
- Absorbs dye easily
- Bamboo is a sustainable plant
Cons
- Not as affordable as cotton
- Gentle care required
- Wrinkles easily
- Manufacturing processes may hurt environment*
*There are environmentally friendly ways to manufacture bamboo bed sheets. However, one cheap and frequently used method to produce bamboo sheets is the same one used to make other rayon fabrics. This process involves harsh and sometimes toxic chemical solvents. As a result, it is up for debate as to whether bamboo bed sheets are really as eco-friendly as promised.
It is also worth noting that the Federal Trade Commission does not believe that many of the natural properties found in bamboo – from antibacterial to moisture wicking qualities – are transferred to the bamboo fabric after the manufacturing process.
Bottom Line
Bamboo bed sheets can be a great (and comfy) addition to most bedrooms. They offer the same luxurious feel as high-end Egyptian Cotton sheets but derive from an organic and sustainable plant source.
If you’re making decisions based off of environmental factors, play close attention to the type of bamboo bed sheets that you are considering. Bamboo sheets that are 100% rayon or viscose from bamboo are very common but also one of the least eco-friendly ways to produce bamboo sheets.
