The Best Organic Sheets: All Natural Comfort

Often, allergies, health concerns or even lifestyle choices can dictate whether a more natural approach to your creature comforts is needed. The sleep industry offers an incredibly large array of fabrics, materials and support products to help you sleep well each night, and at times it can become difficult to find exactly what you need and want.

Organic sheets may not be as common as others, but if you prefer the clean, chemical free choices organic products offer, this is the article for you. The following organic sheet reviews highlight the organic sheet sets that are best for your needs. Whether you’re looking to support your health or your lifestyle, these options are some of the best to consider.

Best Organic Sheets

Organic Defined

The term organic is many times loosely used to define the way natural fibers are grown, harvested and used within materials. For the most part, organic is the term that describes a natural fiber, such as cotton, grown unmodified without the use of synthetic fertilizer or pesticides. It is harvested and then processed by machinery that is free from contamination. The term can be applied without any sort of certification. However, in order to market it as certified organic, it needs to undergo rigorous testing.

Certification for textiles is applied through the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) which also recognizes the GOTS certification process.

This stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard and explains the steps and processes required to meet the highest standards of organic labeling for consumer sales throughout the world. USDA is specific for made in USA product labels also, although GOTS may very well be combined.

– USDA Certification

To be USDA certified, you can either be a producer of organic substances, or a seller of these products. You must first meet the requirements concerning which synthetic and non-synthetic substances can be used in the organic process. Once you’ve met this criteria, you can begin to apply a process that could take years to complete. It’s also an ongoing process that requires inspection and dedication to both producing and procuring organic products.

– Application

You must first become a certified NOP (National Organic Program) through a NOP agent. These agents can help you comply with regulations and standards. Once this is taken care of, you can fill out and provide your agent with the application in order to be inspected, and this also includes a fee.

– Inspection

Onsite inspection helps determine if the application is valid, and that no prohibited substances are in contact with the organic products. This inspection includes an exit interview in which their concerns may be discussed, along with asking any questions you may have.

– Certification

If there are no concerns and all fees are paid, you’ll get your certification after another review of the process. In some cases, minor concerns may be allowed to be addressed. As long as these concerns are fixed within a certain time frame, you might also still receive the certification. Other, more serious issues may need to be addressed again before certification is allowed.

– GOTS Certification

GOTS is similar to USDA certification and requires an application process and inspection prior to certification. GOTS defines organic materials as being 95% organic in any product, and ‘made with organic materials’ labels a minimum of 70%. This means a GOTS label may not be 100% organic but usually is defined by something minimal, such as fabric being cut by scissors that first cut a synthetic fabric.

Unlike USDA certification, which is valid forever unless criteria are no longer being met, GOTS requires annual recertification with a small fee attached. GOTS is accepted throughout the US and Canada, as well as major South America,  European and Asian countries.

Types of Materials Used in Organic Sheets

Textiles are somewhat limited in scope pertaining to organic labeling, since the fibers used must be grown and harvested without any use of synthetic feeds or pesticides. It must also be created, woven, cut and assembled with machinery that has had no contamination with synthetics. The most popular materials used in organic sheets include:

– Cotton

Cotton is by far one of the most popular fibers used in a wide variety of fabrics. Cotton is often found in its pure form, as well as in blends to offer breathable properties. It’s also very popular to use in the specialized weave, sateen, which feels much like silk.

– Wool

Wool is another fiber with a long history and is a well-regulated industry. Wool is the natural hair grown by sheep who are bred specifically to provide this durable material. Wool has many positive attributes, such as insulating for both cold and heat, as well as the ability to maintain its properties even when wet.

– Silk

Silk consists of highly luxurious, durable threads spun by the mulberry silkworm. When unraveled, these threads are among the strongest in the world and are popular for bed sheets due to their cooling, smooth surface that has many health properties.

Why Use Organic Sheets?

Many conventional fabrics are made with chemicals to mimic natural products, and even those made of natural fibers are often treated with chemicals for colorfastness, flame retardants and harsh cleaners. For those who have sensitive skin, this can create allergic reactions. Organic sheets may be an important choice for those with infants and young children who may have sensitivities to harsh chemicals that exist in non-organic materials.

Organic materials are also more breathable overall. They allow heat to escape to provide a cooler night’s rest. These materials also have a tendency to last longer, since chemicals weaken the fiber structure of many materials, which can make these less durable over time.

Conclusion

Organic cotton sheets may be growing in popularity, but there are people who have been using them for quite some time now. One should never underestimate how important it is to invest in the home items that provide the best comfort possible. While some might argue about their price, cotton bed sheets actually have something in store for every budget.

If this is your first time purchasing organic cotton sheets, there are three things to remember: they could take a while to break in, they’re not usually wrinkle-resistant (which means they require ironing after washing), and cheaper options can easily deteriorate over time.

Recent Updates

January 14, 2022: Three new products have been added to our list due to increased consumer popularity: the Pinzon 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Bed Sheet Set, California Design Den Organic Cotton Bed Sheet Set and Peru Pima Percale Cotton Sheets. All other products have been verified for availability.