The Best Bamboo Sheets

It used to be that you only had one choice when it came to sheets: cotton. And then the world of textiles changed with polyester. Suddenly, we had durable, soft sheets that were affordable and easy to find. But it still had issues, like lack of breathability. On the rise is a surprising fabric that’s made of bamboo. Yes, the reedy stuff that pandas eat.

This fiber is magically transformed into an incredibly silky thread, which is then woven into some of the softest, coolest sheets you’ve probably ever felt. But what makes the best bamboo sheets? Aside from how they feel, you should look for the sheets that are the most durable and easy to care for. Keep reading for more information on these sheets that are becoming more popular. But first, check out our picks for the best bamboo sheets that are currently on the market!

The Best Bamboo Sheets

Wait, You Can Make Sheets Out of Bamboo?

You may see bamboo sheets as being made of bamboo or bamboo viscose. Both terms are correct. Bamboo, which is a grass, is harvested and then transformed into a fabric that’s also known as rayon. Some companies use chemicals to manufacture rayon, while others use a salt-based process. After the harvest, bamboo is turned into a fiber and then pulp. The pulp goes through the processing part, and then it’s dried. Once dried, it’s turned into threads, and then woven. It’s a similar process to the whole cotton process. The differences, though, are huge.

Types of Bamboo Sheets

Bamboo sheets come in a few different fabric types. The most common is bamboo viscose (rayon). The process of dissolving the bamboo cellulose in solvents such as chlorine bleach, sulfuric acid, carbon disulfide, or lye. This is how you get the pulp, which is then made into a rayon fabric. It’s one of the more affordable types. Then there’s Lyocell made from bamboo. The process to make these sheets is less harsh, as it uses hydrogen peroxide. It’s an eco-friendly process, and the sheets are super soft and durable.

Natural bamboo is harder to find and much more expensive, but it’s made with a gentle process that uses natural enzymes to break down the pulp. This type of bamboo sheet retains its anti-microbial properties.

You’ll also find bamboo blends out there. Some sheets are made of a combination of bamboo and cotton, or bamboo and polyester. This creates a sheet that’s much more durable and soft, but they might be questionable on the eco-friendly front.

The Feel

Regardless of the type of bamboo sheets you get, they’re all extremely soft and silky to the touch. For other fabrics such as microfiber, that could translate to hot and sweaty, but not in the case of bamboo. Bamboo is breathable in the same way as cotton, but it’s even more lightweight and absorbs heat, rather than trapping it. Bamboo has a silky smooth feel as though you’re sleeping on the softest, high thread count sheets – like luxurious Egyptian cotton.

Durability

Durability is something to seriously consider when you’re buying sheets as they’re used every day, and therefore need to stand up to constant use. Bamboo is as durable as cotton, as long as you care for them properly.

Healthy Properties

Bamboo is known for having anti-microbial properties, but it’s not necessarily the case for every type of bamboo fabric. Look for natural bamboo sheets to ensure they have this feature if it’s important to you. Bamboo fabrics are also known for wicking away moisture, so they can keep you dry as you sleep, which is a big part of keeping you cool during the night. Perfect for those who are hot sleepers or deal with night sweats.

Weaves

You’ll find most bamboo sheets are made with a sateen weave. This weave allows for more of the top thread exposed, which is how you get such a soft fabric. It has a bit of a sheen to it, as well.

The Eco-Friendly Conundrum

On the one hand, bamboo products such as sheets are quite sustainable and eco-friendly. Bamboo grows rapidly, and it’s easy to harvest as it’ll keep growing back with no chemicals necessary. However, the process of turning that bamboo into fabric can be harmful because of the chemicals used in the process. And then there’s the question of what happens to the chemical waste. You can keep an eye out for natural bamboo products if you’re sensitive to chemicals, and look into the company’s practices when it comes to disposal of the waste and by-products of bamboo.

Conclusion

The different types of bamboo sheets on this roundup is quite varied. You can find 100 percent bamboo sheets, or blends with cotton or polyester. There’s no one right answer, as each set will appeal to different sleepers with unique needs. The best bamboo sheets are the ones that work for you. Some people prefer the cooling properties bamboo can have, while others need their sheets to not wrinkle, and they’re fine with polyester added to the blend. But there’s one set of sheets here that should meet many customer needs and the pros outweigh all of the cons.

The Royal Hotel Silky Soft Bamboo Queen Cotton Sheet Set combines the best of both worlds that bamboo and cotton offers. These sheets are incredibly soft and cool to the touch. They’re also lightweight and ideal for warmer climates. While they may wrinkle a little – which can be common for bamboo bedding – if you’re not a stickler for perfectly smooth sheets, this drawback likely won’t bother you at all. Best of all, they’re super affordable compared to many other bamboo sheets you’ll find elsewhere.

Recent Updates

September 28, 2021: The Layla Bamboo Sheets have been added to this roundup due to increased popularity. Additional FAQs have also been included to address recurring customer queries.