While it may be harder to come by, bamboo linen, also known as bast bamboo fiber, uses a chemical-free mechanical process that may appeal more to eco-conscious shoppers. However, the resulting fabric tends to be somewhat coarse and prone to wrinkling.
On the other hand, bamboo is a natural fibre that is actually quite resistant to wrinkling. This is due to the fact that bamboo fibres are longer and stronger than other natural fibres like cotton and linen. As a result, they're able to withstand more stress and tension without creasing or wrinkling.
Pro: Bamboo Is Cooling and Breathable
If you're a hot sleeper, bamboo sheets can be a great choice. 100% bamboo fabric is a naturally breathable material. It wont trap as much heat during the night as other types of fabric, which can help you get better sleep.
Bamboo has high moisture absorption, is anti-microbial and very breathable. Cotton is less absorbent and breathable than bamboo.
Because bamboo sheets are delicate and soft, it's advised that you air dry them, to avoid damaging the fibres and maintain elasticity and colour. However, it is possible to machine dry bamboo sheets, so long as you choose a low heat and remove your bedding from the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished.
While there will always be people with preferences for cotton, bamboo is overall more sustainable for the earth and better for your health as well. Due to its hypoallergenic qualities and less need for pesticides and fertilizers, it is more suitable for those with sensitive skin, like children or elderly.
Durability – Viscose from bamboo fabric is known for its durability. It is less likely to pill with use, especially if you take proper care of your bedding. Meanwhile, Egyptian cotton is also easy to take care of, much like regular cotton, but tends to wear out faster than bedding made of bamboo viscose.
Believe it or not, bamboo sheets naturally get softer over time. This is due to the long thread fibres that make up bamboo sheets in contrast to the typical rough thread fibres commonly found in other bedding materials.
This makes them ideal for hot sleepers because the fabric is better able to move moisture away from your body while you sleep. Bamboo sheets also provide temperature regulation, so you won't be too hot or too cold as you drift off to sleep. On top of that, bamboo sheets are incredibly soft and luxuriously comfortable.
Select the Washer Setting and Water Temperature
Select the cold or warm water temperature setting. Hot water can cause bamboo sheets to shrink excessively.
We do not recommend bleach, fabric softener, washer balls or dryer sheets/balls. Harsher detergents can break down the fibers faster, shortening the lifespan of the linens.
Use regular laundry detergent for bamboo sheets, but do not use any chlorine bleach, as the bleach weakens your bamboo sheets and can cause yellowing. Bamboo sheets or other items made with bamboo fabric are naturally soft, so do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets. Do not dry clean bamboo fabrics.
Durability. Both bamboo and Egyptian cotton sheets are known for their high quality. These sheets have been known to last for up to 15 years because of the long fibres present in both the bamboo and cotton plant.
If you're looking for sheets that don't pill, consider getting something made with natural materials such as silk or linen. Bamboo sheets have longer fibers, so they're also less likely to pill.
Bedding made of viscose from bamboo is extremely soft and silky, much more so than traditional cotton. It is also more breathable, which means it won't trap excess heat under the covers with you; you'll stay cool and comfortable no matter the season.
However, the natural fibres that make bamboo sheets soft, hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking are susceptible to heat damage. Tumble dryers can shrink sheets and create stubborn wrinkles. Drying on a low setting helps avoid shrinkage and wrinkles, but your best option for drying bamboo sheets is always on a line.
The end result is a number of loose ends of yarn throughout the sheet which provides that scratchy, worn-out feeling after the third or fourth wash. These loose ends are why you need to soften cotton sheets and why most people are under the impression bamboo sheets will need softening, too.
However, the nature of the bamboo fibres means that they are also very soft and can become be vulnerable to stains from products, lotions, and natural body secretions. Bamboo sheets can turn yellow or discoloured over time because of sweat, skin oil, bodily fluids, body lotions, topical skin products and dirt.
As a natural fabric, bamboo is fairly breathable, which helps keep the sleeper cool and comfortable. However, many sleepers think that it doesn't sleep as cool as cotton. Temperature regulation is one of the biggest strengths of most cotton sheet sets thanks to their combination of breathability and moisture-wicking.
Bamboo blend sheets are good, but they are not comparable to 100% bamboo viscose or rayon sheets. On the other hand, 100% bamboo sheets are the best bed sheets on the market in terms of quality and sustainability. If you value softness over smoothness, look for bamboo sheets with a 'twill weave'.
Bamboo has naturally smooth fibres that limit skin irritation and make it a convenient, hypoallergenic alternative when the weather is hot. Make the time this summer, while the sun beats down hotter than ever (or so it feels!), to reassess your wardrobe for comfort, breathability and sweat protection.
Does bamboo clothing shrink when washed? Bamboo fibers will shrink at high temperatures, even more than cotton does. Thus, these garments should never be washed or dried at high temperatures.
Bamboo is extremely environmentally friendly, using very little water to grow, needing no harmful pesticides and being 100% biodegradable. There is no other plant used in clothing that is as well-suited and gentle on Planet Earth.