People have been using bamboo to make textiles for centuries, but innovations in production in the early 2000s significantly expanded the availability of fabrics derived from bamboo, making it a sought-after material for bed sheets.
Bamboo sheets are known for being soft, breathable, and lightweight. Their subtle shine also gives them a luxurious look. A high-quality bamboo sheet set can last for years with proper care, and people with sensitive skin can benefit from the material’s gentle feel and resistance to allergens.
We’ll discuss our picks for the best bamboo sheets before diving into who can get the most out of bamboo sheets, the material’s pros and cons, and tips about what to look for in a sheet set.
The Best Bamboo Sheets
100% viscose from bamboo
Percale
$189
Great Airflow
Highlights
- Light and airy
- Silky-smooth hand feel
- Free shipping to the contiguous U.S.
Drawbacks
- Only two color options
- May require ironing
The Sleep Doctor’s take
The Layla Bamboo Sheets sleep cool and are a great option for hot sleepers looking for smooth sheets designed to promote airflow. They were also a solid all-around performer during our in-house tests, showcasing the soft feel, excellent breathability, and notable durability common to high-quality bamboo sheets. The Layla Bamboo Sheets are made with bamboo-derived viscose, providing significant breathability and softness. The percale weave allows for even more cooling airflow without sacrificing comfort. Available in white and gray, these sheets could be a good addition to just about any bedroom decor.
How does it feel?
Our testers were especially impressed with how lightweight and airy the Layla Bamboo Sheets are, but the smooth feel was also a standout. Their construction makes them quite durable, and the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric makes these sheets a good fit for those who tend to sleep hot. People with sensitive skin may also appreciate these smooth, soft sheets.
Why we like it
In addition to their soft, breathable feel, the Layla Bamboo Sheets are machine-washable and come with free shipping to the contiguous U.S. Layla also provides a 120-night sleep trial, which takes the pressure off of buying online by allowing sleepers a generous window to return the sheets for a full refund if they aren’t satisfied with their purchase.
100% viscose from bamboo
Sateen
$90
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Made without harmful chemicals or pesticides
- Choice of eight solid colors
- 365-day window for free returns
Drawbacks
- Sateen weave adds sheen but feels less crisp
- Not available in brick-and-mortar stores
The Sleep Doctor’s take
The Quince Bamboo Sheet Set uses responsibly produced viscose derived from bamboo to create a soft, high-quality sheet set that sleeps cool. Available in eight colors and five sizes, these sheets provide visual flair, and their reasonable price-point makes them more accessible for a wider range of budgets. Quince offers high-quality sheets at a significantly lower price-point than many other brands. The Quince Bamboo Sheet Set is soft and breathable, and the sheets are backed by a year-long sleep trial, giving you plenty of time to decide if they’re right for you.
How does it feel?
During testing in our lab, the Quince Bamboo Sheet Set stood out for its excellent breathability, allowing our testers to remain cool and comfortable. These sheets are also remarkably smooth, which may make them a good fit for those with sensitive skin.
Why we like it
The Bamboo Sheet Set is made with 100% bamboo viscose and is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it’s been tested and found to be free of many potentially harmful chemicals. Shoppers can choose from an impressive array of colors and sizes, and Quince offers free shipping and a 365-day return policy that gives you plenty of time to test the sheet set’s performance.
100% Viscose from Bamboo
Sateen
$389
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Supple and silky to the touch
- Promotes airflow and temperature regulation
- Brand emphasis on sustainable and socially responsible manufacturing
Drawbacks
- Oversized fit may may feel too loose on lower-profile mattresses
- Price-point could be too high for some shoppers
The Sleep Doctor’s take
Cozy Earth is a luxury brand whose products meet demanding standards for quality, performance, and sustainability. The Bamboo Sheet Set features top-end viscose made from bamboo. It has an appealing drape, excellent breathability, and an extremely soft feel. The fitted sheet is deep enough to fit mattresses up to 20 inches thick. Cozy Earth uses a comprehensive, research-backed process to source and produce the viscose in the Bamboo Sheet Set. The result is durable, extremely soft sheets that also sleep cool.
How does it feel?
Our testers appreciated the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set’s mix of comfort and breathability. The plush feel is complemented by the sheets’ ability to wick moisture and stay cool to the touch. Additionally, the weave is designed to resist pilling and to maintain its super-soft feel even with regular use.
Why we like it
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set uses luxury materials but is also conveniently machine-washable. The sheet set is available in seven neutral tones and features extra-deep pockets that fit mattresses with profiles up to 20 inches. Cozy Earth provides free shipping on U.S. orders over $50. These sheets also come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty.
100% viscose from bamboo
Sateen
$160
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- High thread count and sateen weave result in extra softness
- Naturally moisture-wicking with excellent temperature control
- Available in a variety of colors
Drawbacks
- Shorter 30-day return window
- Satin-like sheen may not fit all decors
The Sleep Doctor’s take
With its sateen weave and 400 thread count, the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set is designed to be soft and comfortable. The bamboo-derived viscose breathes well, making this sheet set a good choice for hot sleepers and those in warmer climates. The smooth texture and elegant sheen also give these sheets an appealing look. With its softness and elegant drape, the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set emphasizes the smoothness for which bamboo sheets are known. Their airy feel and standout moisture-wicking capability add to these sheets’ overall comfort.
How does it feel?
The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set performed well across our ratings categories, with our testers giving it superior scores for comfort, temperature regulation, and ease of cleaning. Luxome’s sheets are a good fit for many types of sleepers, including those seeking especially soft sheets and people prone to night sweats.
Why we like it
Their higher thread count and elegant sateen weave make the Luxome sheets extremely soft, and they are available in a broad palette of classic colors with an appealing sheen. They are also OEKO-TEX certified to be free of many common harmful chemicals. Luxome offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. along with a 30-day return window.
Cotton and rayon derived from bamboo
Sateen
$159
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Soft and smooth to the touch
- Both cotton and bamboo can promote cooler sleep
- Pocket depth is able to accommodate high-profile mattresses
Drawbacks
- Only three basic color options
- Return window limited to 30 nights
The Sleep Doctor’s take
With their blend of cotton and rayon from bamboo, the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Cotton Sheets offer an appealing mix of inviting softness and airy breathability. The Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Bamboo Cotton Sheets feature an extra smooth hand feel thanks to their blend of bamboo-derived rayon and cotton fibers. This combination also gives them excellent temperature regulation, making them a good choice for those who tend to sleep hot.
How does it feel?
Our testers were impressed with the buttery soft feel of these Brooklyn Bedding sheets, which feature a thread count of 300. In particular, our testers with sensitive skin appreciated the way the softness of the sheets reduced friction and irritation when they moved on the bed.
Why we like it
In addition to offering softness and durability, these sheets make for easy laundering. With an extra-deep pocket, they can fit mattresses up to 17 inches thick, and the elastic is reinforced to enable a more secure fit. Brooklyn Bedding ships the sheet set for free within the contiguous U.S. and gives shoppers 30 nights to test out the sheets at home with the option to return them for a full refund.
100% viscose from bamboo
Twill
$239
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Excellent temperature regulation
- Twill weave provides comfort and durability
- Carbon-neutral production
Drawbacks
- Less sheen than sheets with a sateen weave
- Not as crisp as sheets featuring a percale weave
The Sleep Doctor’s take
With a beautiful drape and versatile color selection, the Cariloha Classic Bamboo Bed Sheet Set offers rich visual appeal paired with superior breathability that provides a cool-to-the-touch finish. A twill weave lends the Cariloha Classic Bamboo Bed Sheet Set notable softness with added durability and less pilling. Plus, these sheets are easy to care for and clean. But where this set really shines is in its ability to help sleepers stay cool in the summer and cozy in the winter.
How does it feel?
During our tests, the Cariloha Classic Bamboo Bed Sheet Set performed well in key categories, with excellent scores for comfort and temperature regulation. These high ratings make the set a good fit for hot sleepers who want to stay cool without giving up comfort and softness.
Why we like it
The Classic Bamboo Bed Sheet Set has been third-party verified as carbon neutral, giving it appeal for eco-conscious consumers. Deep pockets on the fitted sheet make it compatible with thicker mattresses, and shoppers can pick from five classic solid colors. Cariloha offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S. and a 100-night trial period.
Why you should trust us
Our team of sleep product experts has personally researched and tested hundreds of sheets with diverse designs and materials to bring you our best-of-the-best sheets recommendations. To select the best bamboo sheets, we looked at overall softness, breathability, and durability before choosing sheets that excelled in particular performance categories. The results are expert-backed picks you can consider when shopping for your next sheet set.
What are bamboo sheets?
Bamboo sheets are made from the bamboo plant, which is a type of tree-like grass. Bamboo grows quickly and requires little maintenance, giving it a distinct advantage in terms of the sustainability of its production.
However, the process of turning bamboo into a workable textile involves soaking the harvested plant in a solution that softens and separates the fibers from the woody parts of the plant. Although this process can be intensive, and certain types of bamboo-derived fabrics involve the use of harsh chemicals, many bedding brands work to make this process as efficient, eco-conscious, and safe for workers as possible.
The final fibers may be referred to with a more specific name, such as bamboo rayon, bamboo viscose, or bamboo lyocell, depending on the specific process used to produce them. These fibers are very fine and light, with a woven texture that’s soft and lustrous. Bamboo sheets are known for being moisture-wicking and breathable. They also tend to be hypoallergenic and durable, provided proper care is taken during washing and drying.
Who Is a good match for bamboo sheets?
Bamboo sheets are usually smooth and moisture-wicking, so they tend to help regulate body temperature for hot sleepers. They can be a good choice for those with sensitive skin since they resist the buildup of allergens and also minimize friction against the skin thanks to their smooth feel.
- Hot sleepers: Airy, breathable fibers promote cooler sleep and draw sweat away from the body for added comfort.
- Sleepers who live in warmer climates: Whether you live somewhere that’s warm all year or just in the summer, bamboo is lightweight and breathable, making it a go-to fabric when the temperature rises.
- People with sensitive skin or allergies: A glossy sheen helps skin slide over the surface of bamboo sheets, reducing chafing. The material’s hypoallergenic makeup also helps deter skin irritants.
- Pet owners: For people who share their bed with pets, bamboo is odor-resistant with a silkiness that helps prevent pet hair from clinging to it.
Why buy bamboo sheets?
The structure of bamboo fibers promotes airflow, wicks moisture, and delivers significant softness. Visually, bamboo sheets often have a natural and luxurious-looking gloss. Bamboo sheets are a good fit for sleepers who want comfort and breathability without sacrificing durability or visual appeal.
Pros and cons of bamboo sheets
Bamboo has a lot to offer in terms of feel and performance, but as with any type of sheets, there are certain drawbacks that shoppers should consider as well.
Pros
- Smooth and silky feel
- Elegant, glossy finish
- Superior breathability and thermoregulation
- Long-lasting with proper care
- Hypoallergenic and easy on sensitive skin
Cons
- Can be more expensive than other natural or synthetic sheets
- May require ironing after washing
- Production process can carry a significant environmental footprint
- May feel too light during winter months
What to expect from bamboo sheets
Bamboo has performance and appearance characteristics that set it apart from other sheet materials. It’s especially well known for its softness, breathability, and durability.
| Bamboo sheets characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Feel | An exceptionally silky-smooth feel makes bamboo one of the softest, most comfortable materials for bedding. |
| Thread count | Bamboo threads are very fine and create a naturally soft and sturdy sheet at a typical thread count of around 300. Higher thread counts are not necessary for bamboo sheets to achieve optimal performance. |
| Breathability | The open internal structure of bamboo promotes airflow, giving it a lightweight feel and noteworthy temperature-regulating capability. |
| Durability | Bamboo fibers are quite resilient. With proper care, sheets made from bamboo can last several years. However, depending on the weave, the fine threads can be susceptible to snagging or pilling. |
| Ease of care | In general, bamboo sheets are easy to care for. The vast majority of them can be machine-washed in cold water and dried on low heat. Some sheets may require ironing to remove wrinkles. |
| Price | Although prices can vary dramatically, bamboo sheets are often more expensive than other natural or synthetic materials. Organic versions and those with added certifications are typically costlier than standard options. |
Are bamboo sheets better than cotton sheets?
Deciding whether bamboo or cotton sheets are better suited for you is ultimately a subjective decision and comes down to your preferences. Both bamboo-derived fabrics and cotton are light, breathable, and durable. Bamboo tends to be extra smooth with a subtle shine, while the best cotton sheets are more traditionally soft and buttery with a matte finish. There are generally more options for cotton sheets because of the diversity of types and lengths of cotton fibers.
How are bamboo sheets made?
While derived from a natural source, bamboo viscose is actually considered a semi-synthetic fabric because several chemicals are involved in manufacturing it. Once harvested, bamboo must be soaked in a solution that separates the bamboo fibers from the rest of the stem of the plant. These fibers are then spun into threads that can be woven into bamboo sheets.
Types of bamboo fibers
There are several different types of bamboo fibers that are made using slightly different manufacturing processes. The resulting fibers create bamboo sheets with subtle distinctions.
- Bamboo rayon: Rayon is a term for a family of semi-synthetic materials made from cellulose that has been extracted from a natural source, typically by using chemical solvents. It is then washed, dried, and spun into fibers. While wood pulp from eucalyptus trees is a common source of cellulose for rayon production, rayon can also be derived from bamboo.
- Bamboo viscose: Though sometimes used interchangeably with bamboo rayon, bamboo viscose is a specific type of rayon material that involves chemical processing with carbon disulfide. This chemical must be appropriately handled to avoid negatively affecting workers or the environment.
- Bamboo lyocell: With lyocell, the bamboo fibers are not chemically altered. Rather, a nontoxic enzyme dissolves the bamboo pulp. Overall, creating bamboo lyocell has less social and environmental impact, but fewer sheet sets are made with this specific bamboo material.
- Bamboo linen: Bamboo linen is made with a mechanical process rather than a chemical one, using bamboo fibers that are combed out and spun into thread. Bamboo made this way is also referred to as natural bamboo and generally has a rougher feel than viscose or lyocell.
Bamboo sheet weaves
Once bamboo fibers are spun into thread, they need to be woven to create bedding. There are several types of weaves used to make sheets, and each one has a distinctive look and performance.
- Sateen: This is the most common weave used with bamboo sheets, as it emphasizes bamboo’s natural sheen and softness. Typically featuring a one yarn under, three or four yarns over weave pattern, sateen has a nice drape and silky luster.
- Percale: Less commonly used with bamboo, percale has a basic one-over, one-under thread pattern that produces crisp, airy sheets with less shine.
- Twill: Twill creates a signature diagonal pattern that’s durable and pliable but slightly less soft than a sateen or a percale weave.
Last things to know about bamboo sheets
Soft, breathable bamboo sheets can feel great, but there are important considerations to keep in mind to make sure you’re selecting the best sheets for your needs.
How can you tell if bamboo sheets are high quality?
High-quality bamboo sheets use carefully manufactured threads and efficient production techniques to capitalize on the material’s natural softness and temperature regulation. Take into account the type of weave, pocket depth, care requirements, and brand reputation to get a more well-rounded picture of the sheets’ overall performance.
For sheets with a reduced environmental footprint, you can also look for brands using lyocell from bamboo or sheets that have eco-friendly or organic certifications.
What is the best thread count for bamboo sheets?
The thread count of sheets is often used as a kind of shorthand for quality. Unfortunately, it’s an easy metric to manipulate, with some brands using more strands of lower-quality threads to artificially inflate the total number of threads per square inch of fabric. High-quality bamboo sheets generally have thread counts between 300 and 500.
How often should you wash bamboo sheets?
Bamboo sheets can be laundered as needed, but keep in mind that washing sheets too frequently can result in faster deterioration. Taking proper care when washing them also extends their lifespan. Typically, you can wash bamboo sheets in a washing machine in cold water and then tumble dry, but it’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s recommended care instructions.
Can you bleach bamboo sheets?
Avoid the use of bleach and harsh detergents when washing bamboo sheets. They can damage the fibers and impact the durability and longevity of the material.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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