Bedding Material 101 - Bamboo
amboo bedding has gained its popularity in recent years owing to its luxuriously soft and smooth texture and temperature-regulating feature. Softer than the finest cotton sheets, the texture is only comparable to silk, while at a fraction of silk's price and requires far less maintenance.
Properties of Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo sheets are cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking, ideal for hot sleepers and climates. Research comparing cotton and bamboo performance in warm environments shows that "100% regenerated bamboo has a better isolation performance in hot environment. The heat storage rate in the human body can significantly be reduced by using 100% regenerated bamboo." (Solorio-Ferrales, 2017)
Bamboo sheets are cooling because of the hollow morphological structure of its yarns, which helps absorb excessive moisture. Moisture regain is a metric that measures the amount of moisture that a material can absorb when dry. For bamboo, this is around 11%, compared to 7% for cotton and 0.4% for polyester. Here are some pros and cons of bamboo bedding:
Pros:
- Silky soft and buttery smooth.
- Moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating.
- Hypoallergenic, mildew-resistant, and antibacterial.
- Deodorizing properties.
Cons:
- Pricier than cotton.
- Gentle care is required.
- Cannot be bleached, not suitable for hospitality uses.
- There are fake bamboo products.
Production Process of Bamboo Fabrics
Bamboo is an eco-friendly, fast-growing, and water-efficient plant. Unlike cotton, it naturally repels pests, so no pesticides are needed. Bamboo sheets are made from regenerated cellulose, commonly known as rayon. The pulp is dissolved in a chemical or organic solvent and then reconverted into bamboo fiber yarns. Any remaining solvent is washed off before weaving.
Some raise concerns about sustainability due to chemical use. Responsible production facilities use closed-loop processes, recycling solvents, and ensuring no toxic waste is released.
Choosing Bamboo Bedding
High-quality bamboo bedding depends on several factors:
1. Fibre length and fineness
Longer and thinner fibers correspond to a softer and smoother texture.
2. Weaving method and thread count
The most common weaving methods for bamboo fabrics are sateen and twill. Sateen gives a buttery smooth surface, while twill is more durable. Most bamboo sheets are 300–400 thread count; those claiming over 1000 thread count usually simulate the feel of higher counts.
3. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certificate
This independent certification ensures fabrics are free of harmful substances. Check the label to verify safety for close-contact bedding.
4. Avoid fake bamboo products
Some low-cost sheets are actually microfiber marketed as bamboo. Microfiber traps heat and feels different. For tips on identifying fake bamboo sheets, see our blog: Are You Getting Real Bamboo Sheets?
