Buying a bamboo bed sheet that’s right for you can be challenging because the bamboo textile market is littered with hype to the point where the FTC has actually charged some companies with false advertising (the linked sources are cited later in this post).
For example, the chemical processing that’s used to make the huge majority of bamboo sheets on the market is NOT organic or eco friendly and actually destroys the bamboo plant’s natural antimicrobial qualities – which is often contrary to the claims that are thrown about by many manufacturers.
The best bamboo bed sheets to buy in 2022 are from the Wooflinen, Sheets & Giggles, Royal Tradition, Bampure, Egyptian Bedding, Hotel Sheets Direct, Zenlusso, and Zen Bamboo brands because they offer a range of benefits including wrinkle resistance and cooling capabilities.
The rest of this article reviews the best bamboo bed sheets from these brands in more detail and provides an in depth buying guide to help you find the right bamboo bed sheet set for you.
9 Best Rated Bamboo Bed Sheets – 2022
It’s taken me a really long time to write this list.
Because I had to conduct a massive amount of research to cut through the marketing spiel to identify the manufacturers that are producing quality bamboo sheets and not making exaggerated claims.
The result is this list of the best rated bamboo bed sheets that you can buy online in 2022.
I’ve ordered them by their key qualities such as the best ‘luxury’, ‘deep pocket’, and ‘cooling’ bamboo sheets so that you can find the right sheet for you as fast as possible.
Simply click the red ‘check price now’ button below each review to purchase that sheet set right away.
1: Wooflinen – Best Luxury Bamboo Duvet + Sheet Set
If luxurious softness is your priority and you’re also looking for a bamboo duvet cover instead of a flat sheet then this 6 piece set from Wooflinen is an excellent choice.
Because you’ll get 1 duvet cover, 1 fitted sheet, and 4 pillowcases that are made from 100% bamboo viscose.
Viscose is actually a synthetic fiber that’s derived from the bamboo plant and is normally subject to harsh chemicals during manufacturing but this sheet set from Wooflinen is made to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – meaning that no harmful chemicals are present in the final product.
The final result is a bamboo sheet that’s very soft, highly durable, and excellent at regulating your temperature and wicking away moisture to help you sleep comfortably in both summer and winter.
Benefits
- Luxuriously soft.
- Highly breathable to help keep you cool in summer and warm in winter by regulating heat flow.
- Wicks away moisture to improve hygiene.
- Derived from a renewable resource that does not require pesticides and chemicals to grow.
- Can be machine washed.
Cons
- The supposed ‘antimicrobial’ qualities are likely to come from the sheet’s ability to wick away sweat that may otherwise encourage germs – since to the best of my understanding, the process of creating bamboo viscose (rayon) destroys the natural antimicrobial qualities of the bamboo plant (see sources in the FAQ section for more details and references).
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer says that you can wash these sheets in the machine on a normal to warm setting on no more than a medium spin – although a hot temperature ‘may be attempted’ for difficult stains.
It’s advised that you set your dryer to a low or medium setting and dry the duvet cover separately to the pillowcases and sheets.
Best Bamboo Sheet Set For Softness
I think that this is the best bamboo fitted sheet, pillow case, and duvet set if luxurious softness is your number one priority.
Because these sheets are indeed soft, comfortable, and elegant.
They should also help you to sleep comfortably year-round because the sheets can regulate your temperature and wick away moisture.
Click the button below to buy this bamboo sheet set now.
2: Sheets & Giggles – Best Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet Set
Ok, so this sheet set is actually made from eucalyptus trees rather than the bamboo plant.
But if you’re after a deep pocket fitted sheet set that’s more eco friendly than bamboo viscose then I recommend this 4 piece selection from Sheets & Giggles.
Because in addition to a deep pocket fitted sheet that can accomodate mattresses up to 20 inches thick, you’ll also get 1 flat sheet and 2 pillow cases that are made from 100% eucalyptus lyocell.
The lyocell process typically uses chemicals that are less harsh than those used to make bamboo viscose sheets, and the manufacturers says that ‘…our eucalyptus trees are grown on sustainably managed and biodiverse plantations…’ where for every tree harvested, 2 more are planted.
Overall, this is a very soft sheet set that’s manufactured in a way that’s better for the environment than many other types of bed sheets.
Benefits
- Highly breathable to help regulate your temperature year-round.
- Wicks away moisture to help you stay dry.
- Zero static.
- Extra deep pocket fitted sheet for mattresses up to 20 inches thick.
- 400 thread count for softness and breathability.
- Excellent if you sleep hot and have night sweats.
- No pesticides or insecticides used during the manufacturing process.
- Full refund + shipping costs policy available.
Cons
- Although the lyocell process is a lot more eco friendly than the viscose process, to the best of my understanding it’s still not totally green/organic because chemicals are still used – unlike the mechanical/enzyme production technique for bamboo.
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer recommends that you wash your sheets on a delicate cycle in cold water to avoid damaging the rather delicate eucalyptus fiber.
Hot washing apparently won’t impact the feel of the sheets overall but it may cause them to look fuzzy/frayed.
Tumble drying is best done on no/low heat.
Best Eco Friendly Deep Pocket Fitted Sheet Set
Although I believe that the lyocell process isn’t 100% organic, the process used by this manufacturer looks to be a lot better when compared to those using the viscose process.
Therefore, I think that this is a great option if you’re looking for a more eco friendly sheet set that also includes a deep pocket fitted sheet for mattresses up to 20 inches thick.
Click the button below to buy this eucalyptus lyocell bed sheet set now.
3: Royal Tradition – Best Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set
If the top selection on this list isn’t right for you then another bamboo viscose option is this selection from Royal Tradition.
I’ve picked out this 4 piece set that includes 1 flat sheet, 2 pillow cases, and 1 fitted sheet that can stretch to fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick.
The sheets themselves are super soft, cool to the touch, and can help regulate your body temperature at night.
Benefits
- Regulates your temperature.
- Very soft.
- 300 thread count.
- Deep pocket fitted sheet.
- Moisture wicking to keep you dry.
Cons
- Take care when washing – hand washing may be best.
- May wrinkle significantly after washing.
Washing Guidelines
I couldn’t find any explicit instructions from the manufacturer on how to wash these sheets so be sure to check the label before you wash them.
Best For Size and Color Selection
If you’re looking for a high quality 100% bamboo viscose bed sheet set then I’d recommend this selection from Royal Tradition.
Click the button below to order this bamboo viscose sheet set now.
4: Bampure – Best Organic Bamboo Bed Sheet
I wasn’t able to successfully track down a true 100% organic bamboo bed sheet from a manufacturer that explicitly stated that the sheets were processed using the organic mechanical/enzyme process rather than the non-organic rayon/viscose and lyocell chemical processes.
The best that I could find other than the eucalyptus lyocell set listed above is this 4 piece set from Bampure.
Because these sheets are OEKO-TEX® approved, incredibly soft, and able to regulate your temperature year-round.
Benefits
- Made to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to ensure that the final product doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
- Grown without pesticides.
- Highly breathable and cozy to keep you both warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Uses a sateen weave to increase softness.
- Deep pocket fitted sheet for mattresses up to 16 inches thick.
- No synthetic fabrics.
- Rip-resistant.
- 400 thread count.
- 100% money back guarantee.
Cons
- Unlikely to be truly 100% organic because bamboo viscose is typically made using a non-organic chemical process.
- Likely to wrinkle out of the wash.
- The sateen finish may mean that more careful washing is required.
Washing Guidelines
I couldn’t see any explicit instructions from the manufacturer for caring for these sheets so be sure to check the label before washing.
I suspect that you’ll have to wash in cold/cool water and either hang-dry or tumble dry on low.
Best Almost Organic Bamboo Sheet
Although I highly doubt that this bed sheet is 100% organic due to the type of chemicals that are typically used in the viscose manufacturing process, the bamboo is apparently grown in a chemical-free environment and the final product is approved by OEKO-TEX®.
Details aside, this is a good bamboo sheet in my opinion.
Click the button below to order your bamboo bed sheet set now.
5: Bampure – Best Rated Bamboo Bed Sheet
If you’re looking for a top rated bamboo bed sheet then this 4 piece set from Bampure looks like a solid choice.
Because these sheets are incredibly soft and feel very luxurious.
Benefits
- Made to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to ensure that the final product doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
- Grown in a chemical free environment.
- Odor resistant.
- Made with a sateen weave for extra softness.
- Designed to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Comfortable yet durable.
- Softens with washing.
- Deep pocket fitted sheet for mattresses up to 16 inches thick.
- 100% money back guarantee.
Cons
- Likely to wrinkle out of the wash.
- The sateen finish may mean that more careful washing is required.
Washing Guidelines
I couldn’t find any instructions from the manufacturer so be sure to check the label before washing for guidance.
Best For California King and King Beds
If you’re struggling to find a high quality bamboo sheet set for your California king or king bed then I recommend this selection from Bampure.
Click the button below to order your sheets now.
6: Egyptian Bedding – Best Bamboo-Cotton Blend
So far we’ve only looked at 100% bamboo and eucalyptus bed sheets.
But if you’re looking for a sheet that’s stronger and more durable than bamboo but doesn’t sacrifice on softness then check out this 60:40 bamboo-cotton blend.
Benefits
- 60% rayon derived from bamboo mixed with 40% cotton for increased strength and durability.
- Still very soft.
- Fitted sheet for mattresses up to 20 inches thick.
- Keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Cons
- Likely to wrinkle out of the wash.
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer recommends that you machine wash these sheets in cold water with similar colours and tumble dry on low.
Avoid bleach.
Best Blend For Durability Whilst Retaining Softness
Normally, once you start blending bamboo with other materials the softness starts to suffer.
But this 60:40 bamboo-cotton blend appears to retain its softness whilst also adding strength and durability to the sheet.
Click the button below to buy these sheets now.
7: Hotel Sheets Direct – Best Cooling Bamboo Sheet
If you’re a hot sleeper and/or suffer from night sweats then have a look at this cooling bamboo bed sheet set from Hotel Sheets Direct.
Because these sheets are designed to regulate your temperature and wick away moisture to help you stay cool and dry at night.
The sheets are soft but also resistant to pilling.
Benefits
- Made to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to ensure that the final product doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
- Thermoregulating to help keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Wicks away moisture to help you stay dry.
- Very soft.
- Machine washable.
- 100% bamboo – no synthetic blends.
- Anti-pilling to keep your sheets feeling soft after many washes.
- Fitted sheet for mattresses up to 15 inches thick.
- 90 day warranty for a full refund.
Cons
- Take care when washing.
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer says that these sheets are machine washable but be sure to check the label for directions on the temperature and drying specs.
Best Cooling Bamboo Sheet For Hot Sleepers
I think that this is the best cooling bamboo sheet if you sleep hot and have night sweats.
Click the button below to order your cooling bamboo bed sheet set now.
8: Zenlusso – Best Hypoallergenic Bamboo Sheet
Finding a bamboo bed sheet that’s both truly hypoallergenic and antibacterial is close to impossible because when bamboo sheets are created using the rayon/viscose or lyocell process then much (if not all) of the natural properties of the bamboo are stripped away.
The best hypoallergenic bamboo bed sheet that I could find that’s specifically designed for sensitive skin and eczema is this 4 piece set that includes a fitted sheet for mattresses up to 16 inches thick.
Benefits
- 100% bamboo viscose – not blended with synthetic fibers that may cause skin irritation.
- 300 thread count and sateen weave for softness.
- Breathable and moisture wicking to make your sheets more hygienic and deter germs.
- Designed for sensitive skin, eczema, hot sleepers, and night sweats.
- Made to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to ensure that the final product doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
- Made in a BSCI audited facility to ensure fair workplace conditions.
- Made from certified USDA organic bamboo.
- Helps your skin to stay hydrated and prevent frizzy hair.
- Machine washable and tumble dry safe.
- Huge range of colours available.
Cons
- Likely to wrinkle.
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer says that you can machine wash these sheets and use them in the tumble dryer but make sure that you check the label for the exact guidelines before washing and drying your sheets.
Best Bamboo Sheet For Sensitive Skin and Allergies
If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies then I think these are the best rated bamboo sheets that you’re going to find online.
Because they are certified to be free of harmful substances and are made without synthetic fibers that may cause irritation.
Click the button below to buy these sheets now.
9: Zen Bamboo – Best Wrinkle Resistant Sheet Set
One of the biggest problems with bamboo sheets is that they tend to wrinkle very easily which can make ironing them a pain.
So if minimal maintenance and cost are your primary concerns then I’d recommend this 40% rayon derived from bamboo and 60% brushed microfiber bed sheet set from Zen Bamboo.
Benefits
- Wrinkle resistant.
- Durable.
- Stain and fade resistant.
- Minimal ironing required.
- Machine washable.
Cons
- Likely to cause you to warm up due to the inclusion of the synthetic microfiber – possibly beneficial in winter or if you have cold sweats but not if you tend to sleep warm normally.
- The synthetic materials may cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer says that these sheets are machine washable but make sure that you check the label for the right washing and drying temperatures.
Best For Minimum Maintenance and Affordability
If you’re looking for a highly affordable bamboo bed sheet with minimum maintenance then this bamboo-microfiber blend is well priced and wrinkle resistant.
Click the button below to buy these sheets now.
Bamboo Bed Sheet FAQs and Buying Guide
To help arm you with the most crucial information so that you can successfully shop for your ideal bamboo bed sheet set online or in store, I’ve taken the time to answer some of the most common bamboo bed sheet related questions.
The answers are derived from many hours of extensive research combined with my own knowledge of these types of sheets.
This means that there’s little need for you to waste any more time trawling through various websites to find the information that you need.
But I have included some appropriate linked references so that you may continue your research alone if you want to.
If you have any questions, just leave them in the comments section at the end of this post and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
What is a Bamboo Bed Sheet?
When people talk about a bamboo bed sheet they usually mean a bamboo-derived flat sheet that acts as a top sheet to replace your comforter or duvet cover.
Either that or the flat sheet can lie between you and your outer bedding to increase insulation or reduce the need for washing your comforter.
However, most bamboo bed sheets that you can buy online come as part of a 4 piece set that includes 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, and 2 pillow cases.
The fitted sheet has elasticated corners so that it can fit snugly against the top surface of your mattress to protect it as you sleep on it.
If your mattress – plus the mattress topper if you use one – is 14 inches or more in total depth then you’ll need to buy a deep pocket fitted sheet.
Other bamboo sheet sets may include a duvet cover or extra pillow cases.
What Are the Different Types of Bamboo Sheets?
Not all bamboo bed sheets are the same.
Because although bamboo is the primary starting material, it can be processed in different ways – such as chemically or mechanically – and the finished fibers can be combined with other natural and synthetic materials such as cotton and polyester respectively to create sheets that will differ in their qualities.
This can make it tricky for the casual bed sheet buyer to really understand what they’re getting because many-a-time you have to take the word of the manufacturer based on their advertising spiel.
So to help you push past the marketing hype, here’s a summary of the different types of bamboo sheets and how you can expect them to perform based on their inherent qualities and varying manufacturing processes.
100% Bamboo Viscose (Rayon)
Most of the bamboo bed sheets that you can buy are made from ‘bamboo viscose’ – which is also known as ‘bamboo rayon’ or ‘regenerated bamboo’.
Bamboo viscose/rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber that’s made by reshaping the cellulose extracted from the bamboo plant [1].
The process used to create rayon fibers uses chemical solvents like chlorine bleach, sulfuric acid, or lye – so these types of bamboo sheets are not 100% organic.
As such, when buying bamboo viscose, it’s vital to look for sheets that have the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or residues left in the sheets.
If you go for bamboo viscose then you can expect a bed sheet that will naturally regulate your temperature in both warm and cool climates whilst also wicking away moisture to keep you dry, resist odour, and is very soft [2].
Bamboo viscose rayon should not be tumble dried unless specifically stated by the manufacturer because it will damage the fibers.
100% Bamboo Lyocell
Bamboo lyocell is a more eco friendly alternative to bamboo viscose.
This is because the solvents used to dissolve the raw bamboo to create the pulp that the fibers are derived from are less toxic [3].
You can expect bamboo lyocell sheets to be very similar to bamboo viscose sheets in terms of their feel and performance.
The notable difference between lyocell and rayon is that lyocell loses less strength when wet [4].
100% Bamboo Modal
Bamboo modal bed sheets are very similar to bamboo viscose except the filaments are treated differently after spinning to increase strength and are also stretched to make modal lighter and finer.
You can tumble dry bamboo modal – unlike viscose rayon [5].
100% Natural Bamboo (Bamboo Linen)
It’s very rare to find 100% natural bamboo bed sheets that have been created using a mechanical process and natural enzymes – rather than a chemical solvent – because this eco friendly process is more labour intensive and costly [6].
These kinds of sheets are also known as ‘bamboo linen’ bed sheets and retain their anti-microbial properties whereas other types of bamboo sheets may not.
Bamboo linen sheets may not feel as soft as other types of bamboo sheets and typically wrinkle very easily – expect a high level of maintenance in terms of ironing to get the wrinkles out of bamboo linen sheets.
Bamboo-Cotton Blend
Bed sheets made from a 70:30 or 60:40 bamboo-cotton blend tend to be stronger than pure bamboo derived sheets but are typically less soft.
Bamboo cotton blends come from a less sustainable source since cotton production requires a lot of labour and uses a lot of resources [7].
Bamboo-Polyester Blend
As is typically the case when you blend natural fibers with synthetic fibers such as polyester – the properties of the sheet can change depending on the ratio.
More specifically, if your bamboo sheet contains polyester then you can expect it to trap heat more readily and therefore make it a poor choice for sleeping cool.
What Are the Benefits of Bamboo Sheets?
The word ‘bamboo’ typically causes manufacturers to endlessly list every associated benefit when trying to sell their bed sheets – to the extent where this has gotten some companies into trouble with the FTC (more on this below).
But the truth is that the precise benefits of bamboo sheets will vary depending on the exact type of bamboo sheet that you’re buying.
I’ve already listed some of the pros and cons for each type above – here’s more information on the benefits that you can expect.
Regulates Your Temperature
If your sheets are 100% rayon, lyocell, modal, or linen then you can expect your bamboo sheets to regulate your temperature to help you sleep cool in summer and warm in winter because the material is breathable to allow excess heat and moisture to escape as required.
However, if your bamboo sheets contain synthetic materials like polyester then these temperature regulating qualities are likely to diminish because such fabrics are less breathable and will therefore trap heat more readily.
Keeps You Dry
Bamboo sheets are also very good at wicking away moisture to help you say both cool and dry.
This is because the sheets work with your body to absorb your sweat and then allow it to evaporate from the outer surface – apparently at a rate that’s 50% better than cotton sheets [8].
Very Soft
Bamboo sheets are typically some of the softest that you will find in the bed sheets market – the only exception would be natural bamboo linen that tends to feel a bit more textured.
You will probably also find that your bamboo sheets get softer over time because the threads typically loosen up as they are washed.
Durable
Top quality bamboo sheets are made with long-strand fibers that are stretched across the length of the sheet and anchored at the borders.
This makes the sheet much more durable than traditional bed sheets because they lack the loose ends that typically work their way out of the shorter-fibered sheets – leading to pilling, tears, and that horrible sandpaper-like feeling.
Hypoallergenic (For OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Sheets)
Although bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, you need to make sure that in order to minimise the chance of an allergic reaction, your sheets do not contain any harmful chemical residues that have been left behind from the manufacturing process.
And because most bamboo sheets are created using chemicals rather than the mechanical process, the best thing to do is look for bamboo sheets that meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 because this certification means that the sheets do not contain harmful substances [9].
Antimicrobial (To Some Extent)
The FTC has stated that bamboo loses its antimicrobial properties when it undergoes chemical processing to become rayon derived from bamboo and has charged several companies for falsely claiming that their sheets are antimicrobial when they are not due to such processing [10].
Therefore, only bamboo sheets that have been processed mechanically or in such a way that the bamboo can retain its natural antimicrobial properties have any hope of actually being able to resist microbes such as dust mites.
What I’ve just told you goes against the grain of much of the information that you’ll find on many of the affiliate reviews sites but it’s the truth – as the links to the FTC that I’ve included above proves.
However, some companies may be able to still claim that their bamboo sheets are antimicrobial because bamboo can wick away moisture that may potentially make it more difficult for dust mites to thrive in your sheets.
Just be aware that while such benefits may be relatively small, you can bet your last dollar that manufacturers will make the most out of such angles through carefully worded marketing campaigns to bump up their sales.
Derived From a Renewable Source
Whilst there is much controversy and confusion surrounding the ‘eco friendly’ claims made in the bamboo bed sheet and clothing markets – it’s true that bamboo can be replenished at a fast rate because bamboo grows very quickly.
What Are the Drawbacks of Bamboo Sheets?
I’ve already touched upon some of the negatives of bamboo bed sheets.
Here are some further details.
Marketing Hype and False Advertising Claims
Perhaps the biggest drawback to buying bamboo bed sheets and even clothing is that of navigating through the marketing hype and false claims.
The FTC is taking a stand against such false advertising so hopefully things should improve with time.
But here’s a few points to keep in mind from the FTC article that I cited above [11] plus some other sources.
- Antimicrobial claims – chemical processing strips the bamboo of its natural antimicrobial properties. So unless the sheet is made from ‘mechanically processed bamboo’ then you should assume that the sheet is NOT antimicrobial to any significant extent [12].
- Eco friendly claims – although bamboo plants can be replenished quickly, the FTC ruled that rayon derived from bamboo isn’t environmentally friendly because the manufacturing process uses a harsh chemical that ‘…releases hazardous air pollutants’ [13].
- Mislabeling – crucially, the FTC has stated that ‘when bamboo is processed into rayon, no trace of the original plant is left’ [14] – so it’s imperative that ‘…if a company claims its product is made with bamboo, it should have reliable scientific evidence to show it’s made with bamboo fiber’ in order for you to benefit from the bamboo’s qualities since rayon can be derived from other cellulose sources [15].
Harm to Workers
Although this doesn’t affect you directly, I think that it’s important to note that the rayon manufacturing process can potentially expose workers to the harmful compound ‘carbon disulfide’ [16].
Wrinkling
You will probably find that your bamboo sheets will wrinkle to some extent but this can be solved with some careful ironing.
Shrinkage
Your bamboo sheets may shrink if you over expose them to heat during the washing and drying process.
Take Care When Washing and Drying
You should check the label before washing your bamboo sheets.
But as a general rule, you’ll find that many bamboo sheets need to be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the fibers and causing shrinkage.
Similarly, hang-drying will usually be recommended over tumble drying to avoid exposure to heat.
What Should You Look For In a Quality Bamboo Sheet?
With so much hype and misinformation out there, finding the right bamboo bed sheet can seem like quite a task.
But it’s not that difficult if you keep the following pointers in mind for picking a quality bamboo sheet that’s right for your needs.
- Go for 100% bamboo for comfort – weather it be viscose/rayon, lyocell, or modal, look for 100% bamboo sheets over blends if you want the softest, most breathable, best moisture wicking and temperature regulating bamboo sheets.
- Go for 100% natural bamboo for antimicrobial and eco friendliness – although rare to find and less soft than the other types of bamboo, 100% bamboo linen that’s processed mechanically without chemicals is the most eco friendly way and has the best chance of retaining its antimicrobial qualities.
- Go for a cotton blend for strength – if you don’t mind sacrificing softness for durability then a 70:30 or 60:40 bamboo-cotton blend is the choice for you.
- Look for the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 if you have allergies – this ensures that the sheets do not contain harmful chemicals left behind during the manufacturing process that may worsen allergies and skin conditions such as eczema.
- Go for a twill weave – this means that your sheets will feel soft and will be less prone to pilling when compared to a sateen weave.
- Look for a 200 – 800 thread count – material quality trumps thread count when it comes to bamboo sheets and going over 800 can increase the chance of pilling and may indicate marketing hype and even false advertising in some cases.
How Do You Pick the Right Size Bamboo Sheet?
Once you’ve picked the right type of bamboo sheets for your needs the next step is to make sure that the sheets are the right size.
The easiest way to do this is to check the dimensions in the product description and compare them to your mattress dimensions.
One key thing to look out for is getting the right fitted sheet size for your mattress – if your mattress is more than 14 inches thick then you’ll need a deep pocket fitted sheet.
For more information on getting the right sheet size, check out the section titled ‘What Are the Different Bed Sheet Sizes?’ in my best bed sheets guide.
How Do You Wash Bamboo Sheets?
The golden rule for washing any type of sheet is to check the label because it contains information and guidance that’s specific to your bed sheet.
Generally speaking however, you’ll typically find that most bamboo sheets need a bit of extra care when washing and drying them.
Washing on a gentle cycle using cold or lukewarm water that’s no more than 30C is usually recommended.
Fabric softeners are usually best avoided since they may damage the fibers and bamboo sheets are already very soft.
Hang-drying is usually advised over tumble drying to limit shrinkage and preserve the fibers, colours, and elasticity.
Do Bamboo Sheets Wrinkle?
Yes, bamboo sheets can wrinkle quite badly – especially if they are made from 100% natural bamboo (linen).
You can iron your bamboo sheets on a low heat to get rid of the wrinkles but take care not to expose the sheets to excessive heat by over-ironing them – glide the iron over the sheets using long strokes and avoid having the iron touch the same point on the material for more than a few seconds.
Are Bamboo Sheets Breathable?
Yes, bamboo bed sheets are highly breathable – possibly more so than cotton.
Look for 100% bamboo sheets if breathability is your primary concern and stay away from synthetic blends that include things like polyester and microfiber since they tend to trap heat and reduce breathability.
Are Bamboo Sheets Cooling or Warming?
100% bamboo sheets can be both warming and cooling at the same time.
This is because the material is able to regulate your temperature by allowing excess heat to dissipate through the fibers whilst also wicking away moisture to prevent your body heat being reflected back to you which could otherwise cause you to feel too warm [17].
Again, synthetic blends will not do this as well since they tend to trap heat and therefore have a warming bias – which may be preferable if you naturally sleep too cold.
Do Bamboo Sheets Keep You Dry?
Yes, 100% bamboo sheets can help you to stay dry at night.
This is because the sheets are able to wick moisture away from your body and allow it to evaporate – basically working with your body to help regulate your temperature and remove excess moisture.
As such, 100% bamboo sheets are a great choice for you if you tend to sleep hot and sweat too much.
Synthetic bamboo blends may have their place if you suffer from cold sweats since these sheets have warming properties and can still pull moisture away from your body.
Are Bamboo Sheets Better for Summer or Winter?
100% bamboo sheets can be used year-round to help keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
This is due to the sheet’s ability to regulate your temperature and wick away moisture rather than just trapping heat or only allowing it to dissipate.
Are Bamboo Sheets Good For Your Hair?
Yes, 100% bamboo sheets can be good for your hair.
This is because bamboo sheets are very soft and thus will not damage your hair in the way that sleeping on more abrasive sheets like cotton might.
The only caveat here is if you go for bamboo linen since this tends to be more textured than the other types of 100% bamboo sheets.
The same applies if you go for a bamboo-cotton blend since cotton can be more abrasive than bamboo.
These qualities make 100% bamboo sheets a potential alternative to silk bed sheets or satin bed sheets which are also often touted for their kindness to your skin and hair but may also be less breathable than bamboo in some cases.
Are Bamboo Sheets Good For Your Skin?
Yes, 100% bamboo sheets can be good for your skin.
Because even though they lack the amino acids that give silk bed sheets anti-ageing properties, bamboo can help to stop your skin drying out because by wicking away heat and moisture, this will help to regulate your temperature and thus reduce the sweating that can dehydrate your skin during the night.
Similarly, because bamboo sheets are so soft, they won’t scratch or irritate your skin like more abrasive types of sheets can.
Are Bamboo Sheets Good For Allergies?
Yes, 100% bamboo sheets can help you if you have allergies.
The main reason is that bamboo itself is naturally hypoallergenic meaning that there’s little chance of you reacting badly to the materials.
However, as I said earlier, because rayon derived from bamboo retains little of bamboo’s natural qualities and may use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process, it’s vital that you look for rayon sheets that meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 to ensure that the sheets are free from any harmful chemicals like formaldehyde.
Similarly, unless you’re absolutely certain that you’re buying from a manufacturer that has made their sheets in such a way that the antimicrobial qualities of the bamboo are preserved then you should assume that the sheets will not be antimicrobial.
However, there may be some truth in that by wicking away moisture more effectively than other types of bed sheets, your bamboo sheets may be more ‘antimicrobial’ because they might harbour less dead skin which is what dust mites feed on.
Just don’t buy into the marketing hype too much because some companies will take such potential benefits and run with them to the ends of the earth – even in spite of the recent FTC rulings.
Are Bamboo Sheets Comfortable to Sleep In?
Most people will probably find that sleeping in 100% bamboo sheets is very comfortable.
Because not only is bamboo very soft, it’s also highly breathable to help regulate your temperature in a range of climates whilst also wicking away moisture to help you stay dry too.
Are All Bamboo Sheets Organic?
No.
Contrary to popular opinion, the vast majority of sheets and textiles derived from bamboo are NOT organic; are not eco friendly, and do not retain the natural antimicrobial qualities of bamboo due to the toxic chemicals that are used in many of the manufacturing processes.
According to the NRDC, only ‘natural bamboo’ (bamboo linen) is ‘true green’ because the bamboo is processed mechanically and uses enzymes rather than toxic chemicals [18].
The lyocell process is deemed by the NRDC to be a better choice than the viscose rayon process because it uses ‘…less toxic chemicals in a closed-loop manufacturing process…’ but it’s still not totally green.
Are Bamboo Sheets Really Eco Friendly?
Only in some cases.
As per the argument in the last section in conjunction with the FTC and Wiki articles that I’ve linked to throughout this post, many of the bamboo sheets on sale are not eco friendly due to the chemicals used during the manufacturing process.
I have also cited concerns regarding the safety of the workers involved in some types of manufacturing due to the exposure to potentially harmful substances like ‘carbon disulfide’.
However, it is true that bamboo plants themselves can be regenerated quickly due to their fast-growing times – although there is further speculation in regards to whether some Chinese farmers are using chemical fertilizers to increase their yields [19].
What’s the Best Thread Count For Bamboo Sheets?
Look for a thread count between 200 and 800 for the best quality bamboo sheets.
The marketing claims are that the higher the thread count then the ‘softer’ your sheets will be but the truth is that once you go beyond a thread count of 800, then the material may be more likely to pill.
It may even be the case that the manufacturer has artificially increased the thread count to gain a marketing edge when you see ridiculous thread counts of 1,500 or more.
A high quality bamboo sheet should be very soft anyway – in which case there’d actually be little benefit to going after a massive thread count for increased softness when you factor in the increased risk of pilling.
What’s the Best Weave For Bamboo Sheets?
When it come to selecting a weave for your bamboo sheets, you have two main choices:
Twill or sateen.
Many prefer twill because the sheet is soft and less prone to pilling when compared to a sateen weave.
A sateen weave may produce a softer bamboo sheet but may be more expensive and require more careful washing and drying to prevent damage and shrinkage.
Which Country Makes the Best Bamboo Sheets?
I’m not exactly sure on the ‘best’ country to buy your bamboo bed sheets from (let me know in the comments section below if you have any idea), but I’ve heard that there’s a lot of secrecy in China around the exact processing methods used to harvest the bamboo plants in regards to the pesticides used [20].
So if you’re really keen on buying eco friendly bamboo bed sheets then you might want to do a bit more research if the sheets that you’re considering are sourced from China.
What is the Best Bamboo Bed Sheet For You?
Hopefully, you’ve now got a better idea of what the best type of bamboo sheet is for your needs.
But just to summarise, unless you’re looking for an antimicrobial sheet or adamant that your sheet is 100% eco friendly then viscose/rayon, modal, and lyocell bamboo sheets that meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 should be ok for you because they are very soft and highly breathable.
Otherwise, 100% natural bamboo (bamboo linen) is the way to go for combating allergies and being ‘true green’ products.
Where Can You Buy the Best Bamboo Sheets?
If you’ve not decided on a selection from my above list of the best rated bamboo bed sheets to buy online in 2022 click the button below to see more options.
Sources and References
[1], [12], [15], [16] Wikipedia – Bamboo Textile. Accessed 7/2/20.
[2] BedVoyage – Wondering What Bamboo Viscose Is? Accessed 7/2/20.
[3], [6], [18] NRDC – Not All Bamboo is Created Equal. Accessed 7/2/20.
[4] Barnhardt Purified Cotton® – Know Your Fibers: What is Lyocell? Accessed 7/2/20.
[5], [7] Ettitude – Not All Bamboo Sheets Are Created Equal. Accessed 7/2/20.
[8], [17] Cozy Earth – How Bamboo Regulates Your Temperature. Accessed 9/2/20.
[9] OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – Our Standards. Accessed 9/2/20.
[10], [11], [13] FTC – FTC Charges Companies with ‘Bamboo-zling’ Consumers with False Product Claims. Accessed 9/2/20.
[14] FTC – ‘Bamboo Fabrics’. Accessed 9/2/20.
[19], [20] Biome – Bamboozled… Are Bamboo Sheets & Socks Eco Friendly Accessed 10/2/20.
Image Attribution and Licencing
Main image: ‘Luxury Bed’ by We Are Adventurers (Getty Images Pro) – used with permission under the terms of Canva’s One Design Use License Agreement.
Dan is the founder and head content creator at Bedroom Style Reviews.
He has been working as a professional online product reviewer since 2015 and was inspired to start this website when he ended up sleeping on a memory foam mattress that was too soft and gave him backache.
Through in-depth research and analysis, Dan’s goal with this website is to help others avoid such pitfalls by creating the best online resource for helping you find your ideal mattress, bedding, and bedroom furniture.
Dan is a qualified NVQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor with 6 years’ experience helping clients improve their health through diet, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene.
He also holds several college and university-level qualifications in health sciences, psychology, mathematics, art, and digital media creation – which helps him to publish well researched and informative product reviews as well as articles on sleep, health, wellbeing, and home decor.
Dan also has direct personal experience with insomnia, anxiety, misophonia (hypersensitivity to sounds), and pain from both acute and long-standing sporting injuries – he enjoys writing insightful articles around these subjects to help fellow sufferers of such conditions.
Learn more about Dan here.