It’s difficult to judge which bedding solution is the best for you with so many selections available. Bamboo and Tencel materials are two of the most popular bedding trends right now, and they have a lot in common. If you’re wondering which is the superior option, you’re in the right place! In this article, we have discussed bamboo vs. Tencel sheets in detail and compared them thoroughly to help you see the bigger picture.
What Is Bamboo?
Although the plant’s fibers are more wood-like, bamboo is botanically classified as grass rather than a tree. There are two methods for turning the plant into the fabric: mechanically or chemically.
The mechanical method manually crushes the bamboo into a mush before using natural enzymes to break it further. After that, the fibers are combed out and spun. Another name for mechanically treated bamboo is bamboo linen. On the other hand, the chemical treatment of bamboo begins with a multi-step process of “cooking” the bamboo in caustic soda or lye. It is faster but has a more detrimental environmental impact due to the harsh chemicals used during processing.
What Is Tencel?
Tencel is made from wood pulp, most commonly from eucalyptus trees, and its manufacturing process distinguishes it as a material. It’s made of regenerated fibers, which means that a manufacturer dissolves a plant’s cellulose fibers in chemicals and then regenerates them into more easily woven fibers. Tencel is produced using environmentally-friendly and non-toxic solvents, making it a particularly “green” product. Check out our post for more information on eucalyptus sheets.
Bamboo vs. Tencel Sheets: What’s The Difference?
Here, we will break down the bamboo vs. Tencel sheets’ crucial differences to help you make a well-informed decision before the purchase. Each one is explained adequately but briefly, so you’ll know what is the right choice in just a minute!
1. Plant
Tencel comes from Eucalyptus wood harvested from sustainable tree farms and natural forests.
The term “bamboo fabric” refers to a wide range of textiles that come from the bamboo plant, such as viscose and rayon.
2. Cost
Tencel is generally more expensive than cotton due to higher production costs. However, the overall cost difference is difficult to quantify because of the time and money saved on care and maintenance.
Bamboo sheets are slightly lower in price than Tencel sheets; the cost differs based on the type of bamboo fabric and manufacturing process.
3. Environmental Friendliness
Tencel sheets use less energy and water to manufacture than most other products. Because of the closed-loop process, there is also less waste. Furthermore, it is made from wood pulp that has been sourced sustainably.
Because of their plant origin, sellers market bamboo sheets as “green” and “sustainable,” but this is not always the case. The degree of eco-friendliness varies depending on the manufacturing process—before the purchase, be sure that the process is mechanical and not chemical.
How These Sheets Stack Up for a Restful Night’s Sleep
A lot of factors decide the quality of your sleep and sleep environment. Here, we will discuss some of those elements to help you differentiate between Bamboo and Tencel and discover which one is easier to care for.
1. Touch and Feel
Tencel sheets are luxuriously soft and silky to the touch, similar to a cross between silk and cotton. These sheets have the fineness of silk with an ever-so-slight sheen to the fabric but are slightly crisper, making them ideal for bedclothes. They’re also slightly cooling to the touch, so you can feel the difference between sleeping on Tencel eucalyptus sheets right away.
Bamboo Rayon, like Tencel eucalyptus, is soft and comfortable. The textures of the two are very similar and drape well in bed. People who prefer crisp, stiff sheets should avoid Tencel eucalyptus and bamboo rayon sheets.
2. Wrinkling
Tencel sheets have the lowest chance of becoming wrinkled. Tencel eucalyptus sheets feature a glossy sheen and are less prone to wrinkling. Tencel eucalyptus sheets are considerably softer than bamboo and have a drapey appearance.
Bamboo sheets, in general, are prone to wrinkling and have a less crisp feel to them. Although not as wrinkle-prone as cotton, they do wrinkle more than Tencel.
3. Washing & Longevity
Tencel eucalyptus sheets are recognized to be easy to maintain and endure for a long time, and they are less likely to shrink or get distorted in the washing machine. These sheets become softer with each wash, making them excellent long-term linens.
Bamboo sheets must be washed and treated similarly to Tencel sheets. However, bamboo sheets have disclaimers that they cannot withstand rigorous washing or heated drying, which is why they should always be washed cold and dried on delicate. If subjected to a harsh wash or heated drying, the fibers can break down and deteriorate over time.
4. Moisture Wicking & Breathability
Unlike cotton, Tencel and bamboo sheets are incredibly breathable and capable of wicking moisture away from the body, making them perfect for hot sleepers. Tencel sheets are 3x more breathable than cotton and absorb moisture 70% better, making them an excellent choice for anyone who suffers from night sweats. Bamboo bedding is just as good, so there’s not much difference here.
Which One is Better?
Overall, Tencel is one of the best options if you’re searching for ultra-soft, superb-quality sheets that are good for both you and the environment. Not only is the manufacturing method incredibly eco-friendly, but it also has considerable sleep advantages. You are making the better option for your life, sleep, and the environment by choosing Tencel. Bamboo bedding is an excellent option if you find a reliable manufacturer that mechanically processes the plants.
Conclusion
It is time to start investing in your bedding if you want to spend every night in a pure, toxin-free sleep environment. Organic products are the best way to achieve this, and Yes, It’s Organic is here to provide all the info you need! We hope you’ve found our Bamboo vs. Tencel Sheets post informative, and our team offers a glimpse into other products as well. Look us up if you wish to learn more about organic comforters, organic towels, bamboo baby clothing, and more!
