Bamboo, Cotton, Wool, Flanel, Polyester & Blends: What's the difference?
Naturally soft, stretchy and breathable, more and more Australians are opting for a bamboo fitted sheet on their bed. Does bamboo really live up to the hype? Below, the team at Bamboo Haus compares different bedding materials and explains why bamboo sheets are fast becoming the material of choice in Australia.
Cotton
Cotton is the most commonly used material for bed sheets and comes in a wide variety of knits. Jersey cotton is among the softest available and feels similar to a comfortable t-shirt. While quite breathable and soft, cotton stretches over time and doesn’t match up to the comfort of pure organic bamboo sheets. Cotton also has a significant impact on the environment, with 2700 litres of water required just to make a single cotton t-shirt.
Cotton production also requires the substantial use of fertilisers and pesticides. The runoff from these chemicals and minerals from cotton fields contaminate rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater in the surrounding area. At the same time, cotton cultivation drastically degrades soil quality. The cotton production process affects biodiversity by polluting and destroying local habitats.
Flannel
Flannel is a brushed thick weave fabric typically made using wool, cotton and other synthetic materials. This durable and insulating fabric makes it ideal for cold weather, however, it can be too hot in warmer climates or for people who get too warm in bed.
While flannel is moisture wicking, it doesn’t offer any anti-microbial properties like bamboo fabric does. Fabric pilling will also occur as you wash and dry these sheets, leading to the build up of small cloth balls all over your bed. This can be irritating and unappealing aesthetically.
Wool
Wool bed sheets are softer, warmer and more durable than cotton, making them another popular option in cold climates. Wool can be a bit too warm for bed sheets, however, as it traps air inside the fibres. Bamboo sheets, on the other hand, contain micro-gaps that aid in ventilation while still insulating your body, helping you maintain a comfortable temperature, keeping you both cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s the ideal sheet set all year round, in all areas of Australia!
Linen
Made from flax fibres, linen sheets are commonly compared to bamboo sheets as both are soft, lightweight, breathable and natural materials. While they get softer over time, linen sheets are quite coarse when you first get them and wrinkle very easily. For those reasons, bamboo is the superior option for those looking for a soft, aesthetically pleasing, natural bedding fabric.
Bamboo
Organic bamboo sheets are the gold standard for good reason. The material is softer than cotton and linen while being naturally hypoallergenic, thermoregulating, breathable and moisture-wicking. This makes a bamboo sheet set the perfect choice for getting a good night’s sleep all year round.
What About Blended Bamboo Sheets?
Bamboo blends can include a variety of different materials including cotton and polyester. It’s common to see bamboo blend sheets promoted as a cost-effective alternative to pure organic bamboo sheets. While offering some of the benefits of bamboo sheets, once blended the material becomes less effective in every department, especially softness. Bamboo blend sheets are cheaper, but 100% bamboo is always far superior.
Get the Perfect Bamboo Sheet Set from Bamboo Haus
Whether you’re looking for a bamboo fitted sheet or luxurious bamboo pillows, get the perfect night’s sleep with the Bamboo Haus range of products. Explore our dreamy bedding or contact us online for more information.