The age-old debate of bamboo vs cotton sheets is a tough one. After all, Egyptian cotton is the traditional luxury bedding material, and bamboo is famed for being the environmentally friendly alternative. So, when it really comes down to the nitty-gritty elements of each, which option comes out on top?

Cotton and bamboo sheets both have their distinct merits in terms of luxury, reputation, overall comfort and cost to purchase. However, considering the average spends an astonishing one-third of their life in bed, it makes sense to really get all of the facts for which sheets are better for you. So, we’re going to take a deep dive into the specifics of bamboo vs cotton sheets, to determine which option is better and why.

Let’s start with the basics.

Bamboo sheets are a type of bedding made from the organic bamboo plant’s shoots. Due to the sheer length of bamboo fibres, long and thin threads allow for the fibres to be woven together, essentially increasing the ‘thread count’. Bamboo sheets generally have two distinctive weaving patterns – twill and sateen. Bamboo sheets have recently gained popularity due to their environmental impact and organic manufacturing processes. To learn more about the cooling properties of bamboo sheets, read our article on bamboo sheets cooler than cotton.

Cotton Sheets are the traditional bedding material that you will find in your parent’s, sister’s, friend’s and grandmother’s homes. Everybody owns a set of cotton sheets, as they are the primary material used for Manchester and bedding textiles. Cotton sheets have long been used by multiple generations and will vary in quality depending on their thread count.

Bamboo bed sheets have a silky, luxurious feel to them that doesn’t slip like satin or silk. Naturally light and breathable, the long organic fibres of bamboo plants mean that bamboo sheets are naturally exquisitely soft to touch. Bamboo sheets retain their softness after every single wash and do not require any additional softening aid. When manufactured correctly, bamboo sheets are often compared to and are softer than the highest quality cotton and linen sheets. For more information on the softness of bamboo sheets, check out our article on what are the softest bed sheets.

The softness of cotton sheets can vary enormously. When it comes to Egyptian cotton sheets, thread count is often used to determine the quality and how soft the sheets are. Egyptian cotton sheets, especially with a higher thread count, are remarkably smooth and will continue to provide soft comfort for years to come. However, lower thread count, low quality cotton sheets can easily become scratchy, uncomfortable and worn.

When it comes to softness and bamboo vs cotton sheets, it really comes down to quality. Bamboo sheets are said to be softer or equivocal to Egyptian cotton – In our opinion, due to the sheer range of the quality of cotton sheets, we believe bamboo is the better option. For a comparison between bamboo and silk sheets, you can read our article on bamboo vs silk.

Bamboo is entirely regenerative, sustainable, and requires no human or chemical intervention to grow. Bamboo grows rapidly without the need for any pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. The bamboo plant itself has been proven to reduce carbon emissions.

On the contrary, the manufacturing of cotton sheets is notoriously harsh on the environment. Cotton harvesting requires a lot of water, chemical intervention, and sacrifice of the land. Bamboo is a clear winner in environmental impact for bamboo vs cotton sheets.

Bamboo bedding is not necessarily the cheapest bedding option. The quality of the manufacturing, harvesting, and chemical-free process means that bamboo sheets are often much more expensive than cotton sheets. Cotton sheets can either be really cheap, or rather expensive for higher quality sheets. It depends on the quality of the cotton – Egyptian cotton is notoriously expensive when compared to low quality, low thread count sheets.

Bamboo sheets may be more expensive initially but will provide a better long-term investment as they come with a longer lifespan. In the case of bamboo vs cotton sheets, if initial costs are your only concern, then cotton wins. But if you’re in the market for a long-term investment, bamboo sheets are what you’re looking for.

Cotton sheets are notoriously low maintenance. They can be washed and cleaned at home, without the need for any particular detergents or specific water temperatures. You can throw cotton sheets through both the machine on any cycle and the tumble dryer if you desire.

Bamboo sheets require a little bit more love. It is recommended that you wash bamboo sheets on a gentle cycle, in cold water, with a mild eco-friendly detergent before hanging them out on the line. When it comes to bamboo vs cotton sheets, cotton sheets are far easier to care for and require very little maintenance when compared to bamboo sheets.

Durability is a huge factor when purchasing new sheets. Both cotton and bamboo are famed for their durable, strong properties, but which one comes out on top?

The durability of cotton sheets largely depends on the thread count of the sheets. Lower thread count cotton textiles are not very durable, will pill and tear. If you want cotton sheets that will stand the test of time, you need to go for higher thread count for longer threads that will not ruin immediately. Bamboo, on the other hand, provides astonishingly durable sheet materials because of the naturally long fibres. Bamboo sheets are very durable, are less likely to tear or pill than cotton sheets, and can last up to 15 years.

When it comes to durability for bamboo vs cotton sheets, we believe bamboo offers the most reliable, consistently durable and long-lasting bedding textile. 

A critical aspect of the bedding that you choose is how it affects your health. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, temperature regulating, and moisture-wicking. The antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties of bamboo sheets mean that they are perfect for those with sensitive skin and allergies. The moisture-wicking abilities also prevent the growth of bacteria on the bed, which in turn, prevents odour or nasties from clinging to sheets.

When it comes to health benefits, cotton sheets aren’t known to provide any. While Egyptian cotton can be gentle on reactive skin, cotton just does not compare to bamboo sheets for health benefits.

If you’re after environmentally friendly, long-lasting, silky-soft and healthy sheets, bamboo sheets are what you’re looking for. While they may be compared to others when it comes to texture, the benefits of bamboo far outweigh all other factors of cotton sheets.

From the temperature regulating properties to the health and sanitation factors, bamboo sheets are an investment that will undoubtedly provide long-lasting value. Check out our full range of bamboo sheets today at Linenly.