Sweet sleep has always been important, and in the modern world, it's not just about which sheets give you the most comfort; it's also important to sleep with a clean conscience. There has been a rise in eco-friendly bedding options and sustainable sleeping goods as more and more people want to stock up on good rest while also letting Mother Earth get her rest. Bamboo and Tencel are two leading materials in the green bedding market. While bamboo bed sheets and Tencel bed sheets share similar properties, there are also marked differences when it comes to comfort and sustainability. We take a closer look at Tencel vs. Bamboo sheets to help you decide which is the best material for dressing your oasis of slumber.
Understanding Tencel and Bamboo
Origins and Production:
Tencel: Tencel is made from the wood pulp of the eucalyptus tree. Tencel lyocell is made in a closed-loop process, considered a highly sustainable method as it recycles almost all the chemicals it uses and the water. Lyocell is made from cellulose wood pulp in a similar production process used to create viscose, but the difference is that Lyocell doesn't use carbon disulfide, which also adds to its green status.
Bamboo: Bamboo is also made from cellulose fibers - but it's the cellulose of the bamboo plant. There are several methods for turning the raw materials of bamboo cellulose into bamboo fabric; some are more eco-friendly than others. When the bamboo is manufactured mechanically, it's a more eco-friendly method, but when it's manufactured chemically, this can slightly compromise its eco-conscious approach. It's more common for bamboo to be chemically processed as bamboo can be a coarse fiber, and breaking it down mechanically can be more labor-intensive and, therefore, more expensive.
Environmental Impact
Tencel: Both materials are strong contenders when it comes to their low environmental impact, which is important in the world of fast fashion and when trying to swerve synthetic materials. Tencel's closed-loop manufacturing process ups the ante when it comes to its sustainable practice. A closed-loop process keeps any chemical runoff away from the environment and minimizes waste. Eucalyptus wood also requires less water and fewer pesticides than other crops.
Bamboo: The bamboo plant is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, which earns it big brownie points when it comes to sustainable status. Bamboo also requires low maintenance care regarding its water usage (especially when you compare bamboo vs cotton) and doesn't need pesticides. It also gives back to the earth as it sequesters C02 and doesn't strip the soil of nutrients. It is also a less fussy plant when it comes to being grown in differing environments and landscapes. In terms of its manufacturing process, it depends on the method. Chemically produced bamboo rayon and viscose are less green than bamboo lyocell.
Features and Benefits
Comfort and Feel:
Tencel: Tencel is known for being a luxury-style material as it has a super smooth, soft, and heavenly feel. The fact that it uses long fibers adds to that comfort appeal. Tencel is also known for its excellent moisture-wicking properties and for being a highly breathable material. This is good news for hot sleepers as Tencel can absorb and release moisture throughout the night, ensuring you wake up dry and well-rested.
Bamboo: Bamboo sheets are famed for their super comfortable and silky feel. Bamboo bedding is an excellent choice for sweaty sleepers as this material is moisture-wicking and also temperature-regulating, meaning that for warm sleepers, it won't let you overheat. Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin can also benefit from bamboo sheets and bamboo clothing, as bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic. Bamboo also offers outstanding breathability, which helps regulate body temperature and ensures a comfortable sleep experience with a silky finish.
Durability and Care:
Tencel: Tencel sheets are known for their smooth finish, high durability, and resistance to wear and tear. Buying Tencel bedding is an investment, as it will stand the test of time. This material is also known for not fading, thinning, or piling. Tencel can be easily washed and dried without too much fuss, which is important for those who love clean and fresh bedding. Like cotton, Tencel sheets also tend to get softer over time.
Bamboo: Bamboo sheets have a slightly crisper feel than Tencel, which most people love for their bedding which is what made traditional cotton such a popular choice throughout history. Bamboo fibers are also highly durable and retain luxurious softness and high quality over time. When you buy quality bamboo sheets, you invest in bedding that will last years, especially when you give it the proper care.
Health and Hypoallergenic Properties:
Tencel: Tencel has high moisture-wicking properties, making it a great choice for those sleeping in humid climates, hot weather, or simply warm sleepers. It's also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria. This means Tencel sheets create a healthy space for getting that good shut-eye.
Bamboo: Bamboo as a bed sheet material is super breathable and has highly valued moisture-wicking properties, bringing many sleep benefits to those who run hot at night or those who experience night sweats. Bamboo is also naturally hypoallergenic, which means that anyone prone to skin sensitivity or allergic reactions may find these sheets a dream. Being a naturally antimicrobial fabric inhibits bacteria growth and can even repel bed bugs and dust mites.
Cost and Value
Price Comparison
Tencel: Tencel bedding brands tend to be on the pricier side. Of course, the variety in cost will vary between thread count, brand reputation, and organic certification but overall, Tencel sheets run a little higher than other material options. This is mainly due to the fact that Tencel is a luxurious material, and the manufacturing methods tend to be more labor intensive, which leads to higher costs in the production process.
Bamboo: Bamboo sheets are also considered luxurious, but you can find more affordable options in comparison to Tencel. Again, brand reputation, thread count, certification, and whether or not the bamboo is processed with chemical treatments or is fully organic will also play a role.
Long-Term Value
Tencel: Tencel is a solid investment for those seeking bed sheets that will stand the test of time. The fact that Tencel material doesn't fade, pile, or heavily degrade earns it bonus points. It also becomes softer over time and has fibers that are stronger than cotton.
Bamboo: Bamboo is also a long-term investment for those wanting an eco-friendly option of bedding with a silky texture . Bamboo fibers are highly durable and not prone to piling, which adds to their long-term appeal. Its moisture-wicking qualities also mean it needs less washing, which prevents the material from wearing and tearing.
Making the Right Choice
Lifestyle Considerations:
Whether you ultimately choose to go with Tencel or Bamboo bedding depends on a series of personal preferences and your specific needs and budget. Those who want a more affordable option that still brings all the benefits of being an eco-friendlier option with moisture-wicking properties and longevity can turn to bamboo. Both sheets have strong temperature-regulating properties, but bamboo may be a better option for those more prone to skin irritations and those wanting health-related benefits beyond sleep comfort. Tencel also has a more drapey, silky feel, whereas bamboo can be crisper and closer to more traditional cotton sheets if that's the feel you like.
Ethical and Environmental Priorities:
Both Bamboo and Tencel are a much more sustainable choice than conventional fabrics. Bamboo is truly a marvel as an eco-friendly plant with a ton of standout characteristics. However, Tencel lyocell fabric can be considered a better choice when it comes to sustainable bedding as it uses a closed-loop process, which reduces chemical waste.
Conclusion
Bamboo and Tencel offer an excellent choice for sleepers who want sustainability without compromising comfort. Their shared quality when it comes to fabric feel, moisture-wicking properties, hypoallergenic health considerations, and long-term durability ensure that you get great bedding that will last for years. Bamboo could be the winner for those who want a more affordable option with a comfortable and breathable feel. However, if you want to splurge and choose the more sustainable option or prefer drapey material choices - Tencel is tried and tested. Whichever bedding material you choose, it's always a good idea to select sheets that align with both your needs and values so you can snuggle down without compromising your good conscience. Explore our bamboo selection, yak wool delights, and shawls and scarves.
FAQs
Is Tencel fabric better than bamboo?
Both Tencel fabric and Bamboo fabric bring their own set of strengths. Both fabrics have a luxurious feel, strong moisture-wicking properties, and are hypoallergic, making them a good choice for sweaty sleepers or sensitive skin. Tencel tends to be more expensive but has the added benefit of being a more eco-friendly option because it is manufactured in a closed-loop system.
Is Tencel natural or synthetic?
Tencel is both natural and synthetic. Tencel is derived from the wood pulp of Eucalyptus trees, meaning it comes from a natural plant fibre origin. However, turning it from plant matter to the final product relies on a man-made system.
What is the difference between bamboo and bamboo lyocell?
Bamboo and bamboo lyocell is made from bamboo fibres; the only difference is when it comes to the manufacturing process of turning the raw material into usable textiles. Bamboo rayon or bamboo viscose goes through a chemical process. Bamboo lyocell also uses chemicals but is created in a closed-loop production process and doesn't use such heavy chemicals, making it more sustainable.
Which is better Tencel or lyocell?
Tencel and Lyocell are the same - Lyocell is a brand name, but both Tencel and Lyocell share the same manufacturing process and the same high-quality and sustainable finish.
