The Differences Between Bamboo Blend Sheets
Bamboo, Bamboo Blends, and Cotton Sheets
When it comes to bedding, there are many types of bamboo sheets, bamboo blends, and cotton sheets available. Many people don’t know the differences between these options and often reach for the cheapest package on the shelf. So, how does one choose between bamboo vs. cotton sheets?
Cariloha is here to break down the differences so people can choose bamboo, bamboo blends, or cotton sheets for their sleeping needs.
What Does Bamboo Blend Mean?
As the name suggests, bamboo blend sheets are made from the process of bamboo fibers being blended with other materials, usually cotton. To still be considered bamboo bedding, the ratio of bamboo must be higher than the added materials. The splits are generally 60/40 or 70/30.
Does 100% Pure Bamboo Exist in Bedding?
Yes, 100% pure bamboo sheets exist. If you compare bamboo bedding and see “100% viscose from bamboo,” you can trust that the products are made from pure bamboo and not blended materials.
Types of Bamboo Blends
There are different kinds of bamboo blend sheets, including bamboo cotton blend, bamboo polyester blend, and more. Let’s look at each type and its pros and cons.
Bamboo Viscose/Rayon Sheets
Bamboo rayon and bamboo viscose sheets are essentially the same, as the names are used interchangeably to describe the fabric made from bamboo fibers.
Pros
- Durable — Bamboo viscose sheets use long bamboo fibers stretched across the entire sheet, making them less likely to pill or tear.
- Moisture-wicking — The fibers in bamboo are naturally hygroscopic. This means they absorb moisture and move it away from the body.
- Comfortable — The bamboo sheet material is exceptionally soft and breathable. It stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep every time.
- Generally environmentally friendly — The bamboo plant is easy and fast to grow, making it environmentally friendly when raw. If bamboo fibers are processed mechanically instead of chemically, they remain eco-friendly when turned into soft textiles.
Cons
- More expensive — Due to their production process, bamboo blend sheets are often more costly than other options.
- Can wrinkle — Bamboo bedding can easily wrinkle, especially right out of the laundry. Though the wrinkles can fall out if the sheets are hung out to dry, it is still time-consuming and tedious to ensure sheets are eventually wrinkle-free.
- Chemical processing — If bamboo is not mechanically processed, it will be processed with harsh chemicals, which are not environmentally friendly.
- Shrinkage — When bamboo sheets are exposed to high heat, the fibers can shrink. That’s why following all care instructions is essential to ensure the sheets stay in excellent condition.
Cotton Blend Sheets
Like a bamboo blend, cotton blend sheets are primarily cotton fibers mixed with other materials like rayon, polyester, and linen. Cotton blend ratios are usually 80/20 or 60/40, depending on how the fabric will be used and the desired quality.
Pros
- Durable — Cotton is a strong fiber on its own, but when combined with other materials, like a bamboo cotton blend, the fabric can be long-lasting.
- Generally cost-effective — Most cotton blends are made to decrease the cost of the fabric, making many of them less expensive.
- Easy to clean — Cotton blend sheets can be easily washed and dried when following the care instructions.
- Comfortable — Like bamboo sheets material, cotton blend sheets are breathable and moisture-wicking, making them comfortable to sleep on. Additionally, cotton blends usually get softer with continued use.
Cons
- Can be expensive — When too many fibers are blended with the cotton, it increases the cost.
- Prone to shrinkage — 100% cotton can shrink significantly when washed. This means that cotton blends can also shrink slightly over time.
- Can wear out quickly — Some cotton blends use fibers that aren’t as durable, meaning those fibers will wear out quickly and ruin the fabric.
- Some blends will wrinkle — While most cotton blends are easy to wash and care for, some blends wrinkle easily and need to be ironed or hung to dry.
Polyester Blend Sheets
Polyester fabrics are made from synthetic fibers. 100% polyester is made from synthetics, while polyester blends use other fibers like cotton or nylon.
Pros
- Affordable — Since polyester blends are made with primarily synthetic fibers, they are more affordable than other options.
- Low-maintenance — Polyester is machine-washable and does not require much maintenance.
- Wrinkle-resistant — These sheets won’t wrinkle since the fibers are made to lay flat and straight.
Cons
- Holds heat — Synthetic fibers are known to hold heat, making them too hot for some sleepers.
- Prone to pilling — If the synthetic blends use low-quality fibers, polyester blend sheets can start pilling and wear out sooner than other options.
- Traps static electricity — When the synthetic fibers rub against each other, it can create a small electrical charge, making the fabric staticky. Use a dryer sheet when laundering these sheets to avoid this issue.
Microfiber Blend Sheets
Microfiber blend sheets are a type of polyester sheets, though they are a mix of woven fibers made from wood pulp and polyester or nylon.
Pros
- Easy to maintain — Like polyester blends, microfiber blends have minimal care instructions and are easy to care for.
- Durable — Microfiber fibers are woven together tightly, which makes them stronger and more durable.
- Soft and lightweight — Microfiber feels soft and almost slippery — similar to silk or satin — and is exceptionally soft to the touch.
Cons
- Retains moisture — Microfiber blends are not as absorbent as other options, meaning moisture stays on the fabric's surface until it evaporates. This is highly uncomfortable for those with night sweats as the sheets won’t pull the sweat away from the body.
- Stains easily — The tight weave of the fibers that make microfiber strong also makes it harder to remove stains.
- Traps heat — Microfiber holds onto heat since it can’t easily flow through the woven fibers. This is good for colder locations but can be uncomfortable in warmer or humid climates.
Linen Blend Sheets
Linen fibers are made naturally from the stalk of a flax plant. They can be used on their own for 100% pure linen fabrics or combined with other fibers like cotton or bamboo-derived rayon to create blends.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic — Linen is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dirt, making it a good option for those with allergies.
- Eco-friendly — Flax plants are easy and quick to grow, which means they are a renewable resource that doesn’t harm the environment.
- Durable — The flax fibers used to create linen are strong and long-lasting.
- Breathable — Linen is a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture and doesn’t retain heat.
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable — Linen sheets are typically stiff and scratchy right out of the package. The sheets take a while to soften up, and most people don’t like using them in their original state.
- Prone to wrinkling — Linen will wrinkle during the laundry process regardless of if it goes through the dryer or is hung out to dry, meaning it will likely need to be ironed.
- More care instructions — These sheets can’t be washed too often and can’t tolerate fabric softener, or the fibers will get ruined. Linen sheets need extra care to keep them durable and looking good.
- Expensive — Pure linen will always be more costly than other fabrics. While linen blends cost less than 100% linen, they are still expensive compared to cheaper blends.
Viscose Bamboo vs. Cotton Sheets vs. Bamboo Cotton Blend Sheets
When choosing between cotton sheets, bamboo viscose sheets, or bamboo cotton blend sheets, consider these factors for each.
- Durability
- Comfort
- Feel
- Price
- Temperature regulation
- Maintenance
Shoppers should compare all of these aspects of the sheets they are looking at to determine which option best suits their needs.
Final Thoughts
Are bamboo blend sheets good? Are they the right option for you? We think so! At Cariloha, we are passionate about creating the softest, most sustainable bamboo sheets on the market. If you’re looking for comfortable sheets that enhance the way you sleep, shop our sheets now.
