Bamboo Sheets vs Cotton Sheets: A Comparison

Introduction to Bamboo and Cotton Sheets

Bamboo

Bamboo is a versatile and prolific plant that can grow in various climates and regions but is native to and most common in Asia and South America. Bamboo characteristics include being rapidly regenerative and naturally antibacterial. In addition, bamboo does not require huge quantities of water to grow. This means it is naturally resistant to pests and disease and can be grown organically without chemicals or pesticides. Bamboo is a water-friendly plant to grow, making bamboo fabric a sustainable and eco-friendly option. 

Cotton

Cotton is native to the Americas, Africa, India, and Australia, and it has a thousand-year history of propagation. The earliest evidence of cotton use is from 5500 BC. Cotton fabric scraps were discovered at the Indus Valley Civilization sites from the Bronze Age!  Cotton characteristics differ from bamboo in that conventionally grown cotton requires a lot of water to grow. Growing cotton organically dramatically reduces the amount of water needed to grow it.  Cotton naturally grows as a perennial, but because it is not naturally resistant to pests like bamboo, farmers have adapted to grow it like an annual to mitigate pest damage.  

Comfort and Feel

Bamboo

Bamboo sheets are beloved for their incredible softness and silky, smooth feel against the skin, which alone converts people to bamboo sheets daily! In addition, bamboo sheets boast three natural properties that directly affect the user's comfort: breathability, moisture-wicking, and temperature regulation. 

These characteristics help people sleep cooler and dryer in hot and humid climates. Hot sleepers and women experiencing hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause often find relief in bamboo sheets, which naturally run three degrees cooler than cotton and respond to the body's temperature. 

Cotton

As a natural fiber, cotton sheets are also more breathable than synthetic sheets. The softness of cotton sheets varies greatly; Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton can be pretty soft, but cotton sheets of a lower quality and thread count cannot compete with the softness of bamboo in a side-by-side comparison. Cotton sheets naturally run three degrees warmer than bamboo sheets. 

Durability and Maintenance

When comparing bamboo and cotton sheets, it is essential to consider their durability and longevity. This is an area where bamboo sheets and cotton sheets differ significantly.

Bamboo

Bamboo fiber creates a fine, dense, thick thread that often provides people a decade of use! Well-cared-for bamboo sheets have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years! When shopping for bamboo sheets, avoid fabric 'blends,' stick with 100% bamboo, and follow care tips for the most extended life possible. 

Cotton

100% cotton sheets are less durable overall, with a 2-3 year lifespan. That can be extended some with a higher quality weave type, including linen, sateen, and percale, but only by another year or two. 

Care Tips

Bamboo and cotton sheets are easy to wash and care for. Both fabrics can be washed and dried repeatedly. To preserve the integrity and extend the life of bamboo and cotton sheets, use a natural or mild detergent, tumble dry low or line dry, and avoid bleach. Never wash them in a mixed load with heavy, rough fabrics like denim, which will speed up piling and wear.

Bamboo

Bamboo sheets do not pile and will soften with every wash! Please note-they will feel stiff when they are wet but fear not, that all comes out in the drying process.

Cotton

Cotton sheets are prone to piling, which causes them to wear down faster than bamboo.

Environmental Impact

Bamboo

As mentioned, bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that uses less water than cotton and other fabrics to grow. Impressively, the bamboo that YALA harvests grows in a region requiring ZERO irrigation to cultivate and harvest! Our bamboo is regeneratively hand-harvested, which leaves the stocks in the soil, preventing erosion and infusing the soil with nitrogen. It is grown in forested areas that do not compete with agricultural land for food production. Bamboo absorbs 5 times more greenhouse gases than other plants and produces 35% more oxygen!

Bamboo does require some chemicals in the manufacturing process, but there are closed-loop systems that, when utilized, contain, break down, and flush the chemicals within a contained system, where the water is 98% reusable. This reduces water use in the manufacturing process and protects waterways. YALA utilizes a closed-loop system, and our finished fabrics are certified chemical-free. Other eco-friendly manufacturing choices we make are using AZO-Free dyes and skipping chemical finishes like anti-stain and anti-wrinkle agents. 

Cotton

Conventional cotton farming is vastly different in that it takes a substantial amount of water, pesticides, and chemicals to get a usable harvest. The numbers available on water usage for growing cotton vary greatly, as the region, environment, and farming methods all impact how much water is needed. However, it is generally agreed that one cotton t-shirt requires over 100 gallons of water, and a pair of cotton denim jeans takes more than 1,000 gallons of water.  

Conventional cotton farming is also the world's largest consumer of pesticides, which can harm pollinators. These pesticides and fertilizers end up in the soil and waterways, polluting the environments in which the fiber grows. 

Growing cotton organically with regenerative practices in place substantially reduces the amount of water it requires by up to 90% and protects the soil, water, and pollinators in the areas it grows. It minimizes the CO2 released to half of what conventional cotton produces. 

Health Benefits

If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or experience eczema symptoms, both bamboo and cotton sheets are better options than synthetics like nylon, rayon, polyester, and microfibers because they are more breathable and less sweat-producing. Determining which sheets will be most soothing and least irritating to your skin largely depends on their quality and your personal preference. 

Bamboo

Cotton fibers are shorter and rougher than bamboo fibers, hence the overall softer feel of bamboo sheets and fabrics over cotton. YALA's ecological choice to skip chemical dyes and finishes creates a healthier product for the user. We often hear that YALA's organically grown bamboo bedding is the most soothing bedding they've found for their sensitive skin and allergy symptoms.

Cotton

Cotton ranks among the most hypoallergenic fabrics available. That said, a cotton sheet made from conventionally grown cotton might irritate sensitive skin due to the pesticides used to produce it or the chemical dyes used to color it. In contrast, a high-quality organic cotton sheet may not.

Price and Value

Comparing the cost of bamboo and cotton sheets is another area that introduces many variables. Cotton is generally a bit less expensive—but not always!    

Bamboo

Bargain hunters might find a twin bamboo sheet set for under $100, but ensure it is 100% bamboo and read the reviews before 'adding to cart.' A more typical range is $150 - $280, with an average cost of $189.

Cotton

Conventionally grown, non-organic cotton sheets are the cheapest, but given the environmental and safety implications, the savings may not be worth it.

An organic cotton twin-sheet set costs between $60 and $229, with an average cost of $140, so it is less expensive on the low end if you don't mind sacrificing quality. 

Savvy shoppers know that the value for money (what they are getting for what they are spending) is more important than the price tag alone. Bamboo sheets are more durable and have a much longer life than cotton sheets, meaning they won't need to be replaced as often.

Spending more on bamboo sheets can save you time and money in the long run. And remember to consider your comfort and what that is worth. We spend 30% of our lives in bed; isn't it worth spending a little more to get your best night's sleep possible?

Making the Right Choice

Let's acknowledge the elephant in the room, shall we? YALA is a sustainable bamboo sleepwear and bedding company, so we prefer what we are most familiar with: bamboo sheets! Compiling your perfect bedding is a personal journey, and choosing the best sheets for your needs can transform your sleep experience. 

Do you gravitate to the luxurious feel of bamboo or the classic comfort of cotton? Considering your unique sleep preferences, comfort needs, skin sensitivities, environmental concerns, and budget will help. If you are curious about bamboo, YALA makes bamboo sheet sets in two different weaves, a classic Twill and a premium Sateen Luxe. Explore our collection today and contact us with any questions; we're happy to help!