Best Bamboo Sheets [Review] in 2021

Features to Look For in Bamboo Sheets

1. Material

The material you desire is completely up to your own preference, but it’s important that you are aware of the different kinds and what to expect from them. Naturally, as we are looking at bamboo sheets today, we will only be comparing materials that contain bamboo elements.

2. Bamboo Lyocell

Pure bamboo fiber sheets made from bamboo lyocell are the best options if you have the budget for them and want the full benefits of bamboo sheets.

They are made through the process of dissolving bamboo in non-toxic solvents through the use of closed-loop systems. They are durable, very eco-friendly, and usually very soft and strong, and they’re naturally anti-bacterial thanks to bacteriostatic properties.

3. Bamboo Rayon

Most bamboo sheets you’ll find will be made from bamboo rayon or viscose, which puts this sheet squarely in the middle of synthetic and natural, forming a balance between them.

This is because of the chemical process used to create the rayon blend, and it’s not one for the environmentally conscious, as the process negatively impacts the world around us. However, some companies do perform better practices with bamboo rayon, so you still have eco-friendly options.

4. Bamboo and Cotton Blends

Other very common varieties include bamboo and cotton fabric blends. Usually, the ratio is 60-70% bamboo and 30-40% cotton.

While this can reduce the overall softness of the sheets, it does further boost strength and durability and is not necessarily a bad compromise to make if you want more bang for your buck. Do bear in mind that the production process of this fabric involves harmful chemicals and water wastage.

5. Bamboo Linen

Bamboo linen is essentially made in the same was normal linen is made. It’s highly sustainable and pretty eco-friendly, but in terms of comfort and convenience, it dwindles. Not only does it wrinkle very easily, but it also lacks in softness.

6. Weave

Even sheets made with the same fabric blends are likely to still have differences in texture and sensation, and this is all thanks to their individual weaves.

Weave patterns are the structures used in putting fabric threads together, and they determine the overall look and feel of the resulting sheet. There are two main varieties of weave found for bamboo sheets: twill and sateen.

Sateen is usually the preferred pattern. It is essentially made from elongated fibers which are treated in a non-toxic acid lye, then woven into a satin style, using 3 yarns over and 1 yarn under format.

This gives the fabric a silken and luxurious feeling, which leads to its slightly higher price point, and the necessity of careful keeping and care.

Twill, while lacking in softness, is more durable and is easier to care for. It has a fine, short diagonal pattern that is tightly knit together. Do note that many twill sheets shrink in the first few washes, though few will do so to the point of no longer fitting the bed they are made for.

7. Thread Count

Many make the mistake of assuming that thread count is the most important part of choosing sheets, but this is far from true.

While it is a part of the process involved, it is certainly not the main area of focus, as thread counts do not guarantee durability or quality. Still, it’s a good idea to be aware of what different thread counts mean.

Essentially, a thread count is the total number of threads per square inch of the sheet. Higher thread counts mean a softer feel overall, and more high-quality sheets run from a thread count of 150 all the way up to the impressive number of 1,000.

Still, be wary of the fact that some manufacturers double their thread counts by using double yarn weaves, which will not produce the same soft effect.

While thread counts aren’t everything, they are still something to keep in mind when choosing sheets regardless, alongside other factors.

8. Size

Size is, naturally, something you should take note of when purchasing sheets, as there is no point buying sheets for your bed if they won’t fit.

Most bedding manufacturers will produce industry standard sizes, so it’s easy to pick one that matches the mattress you own. Take note of the thickness of your mattress, too, and make sure to choose sheets with the correct deep pocket depths.

9. Durability and Color Hold

The performance of a sheet is vital to ensure that you’re receiving the due amount of value for your money.

No one wants to purchase a sheet set, only to have it rip, tear, or thin within months or find the color fading after a mere few washes – nor does anyone want sheets that shrink to an unrecognizable size after being in a machine!

Good sheets will not wrinkle too much, nor will they show signs of tearing or fraying, even after several cycles in the washer and dryer.

Color should also hold, especially with brightly colored sheets, which may shed some color but should not lose their overall hue. If you plan to machine wash and dry your sheets, try to ensure that the sheets you purchase have a shrinkage factor of no higher than 4%.

Loose threads are not necessarily a sign of an aged sheet, and neither is one or two cases of double or uneven stitching. However, these should not be present in high priced, luxurious sheets.

10. Convenience

Care instructions vary across different sheets. Some require hand-washing, others need tedious dry-cleaning, and the simplest can be machine washed and dried.

While more luxurious sheets often need more careful cleaning procedures, you may want to choose products that are easier to look after based on the amount of free time you often have and the budget you can allocate for cleaning.

11. Health and Environmental Friendliness

A vast majority of bamboo sheets are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly, but not all of them are created equal.

If you’re looking for truly green sheets, try to opt for ones that have not been treated by harmful chemicals; most rayon and bamboo blends will have gone through chemical procedures that actually hurt the environment.

In addition, if you have sensitive skin or have allergies, you will want to ensure that the sheet specifies that it is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and other similar contaminants.