The 8 best bamboo sheets for soft and breathable bedding
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Ettitude; Nolah; Cozy Earth/Business Insider
When it comes to bedding, nothing says "soft" like bamboo. Exploding on the market, bamboo sheets are becoming more and more popular because of their breathability, cooling properties, and silky-smooth texture. Whether you're a hot sleeper or on the quest for soft and sustainable sheets, the best bamboo sheets are sure to become your go-to set.
We slept on 10 bamboo sheet sets for over two months and evaluated their fit, feel, and overall quality. We also spoke with textile expert Deborah Young to discuss the benefits and processes behind choosing high-quality bamboo sheets. As bamboo sheet converts, our top pick is the Quince Bamboo Sheet Set, which was soft, cool to the touch, and silky-smooth right out of the packaging. Plus, the pieces became softer with each wash. We also loved the affordable and ultra-soft Bampure Bamboo Sheet Set, giving it a runner-up nod on our list.
Most bamboo sheets available are made of bamboo viscose or bamboo rayon. You may also see bamboo lyocell. However, not all bamboo fabric is created equal. (We'll get into the differences down below.) For high-quality bamboo sheets, you should expect to spend some money. Keep reading to learn more about bamboo textiles and how to choose the best bamboo sheets on the market. Be sure to also check out our best sheets guide for more traditional bedding options.
Our top picks for bamboo sheets
Best overall: Quince Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Quince
Runner-up: Bampure Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Amazon
Best splurge: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Cozy Earth
Best eco-friendly: Ettitude Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Ettitude
Softest: Cariloha Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Cariloha
Most durable: The Company Store Classic Bamboo Sateen Bed Sheet Set- See at The Company Store
Best deep-pocket: Nolah Bamboo Cotton Sheet Set - See at Nolah
Best color selection: Bedsure Bamboo Sheet Set - See at Amazon
Best overall
It's easy to see why Quince's bamboo sheets top the list as our best overall pick. Crafted with 100% viscose from organic bamboo, these 300-thread-count sheets are luxuriously soft, with a crisp and silky-smooth sateen weave right out of the packaging (which includes a nice bamboo drawstring bag).
Labels for the side, top, and bottom make bed-making a breeze, and both the fitted and top sheets fit my mattress like a glove. These sheets are cool to the touch and exceptionally breathable throughout the night, providing the cooling experience you would expect from high-quality bamboo sheets.
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These sheets provide excellent value for the price. You can buy a sheet set (which comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases) or a fitted sheet set (which comes with a fitted sheet and two pillowcases — no flat sheet). Going the fitted sheet-only route will save you over $30, so it's worth it if you prefer not to use a flat sheet at night. There are 11 natural colors to choose from, like eucalyptus, charcoal, and sand, and five sizes to ensure a perfect pairing for your mattress.
We also love that these sheets are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and come with a 365-day return policy — the longest we came across during our research and testing.
We couldn't find many drawbacks to these sheets, but if we had to list a con, it would be that these sheets produce a lot of lint when drying. Although we found them to be durable, they are on the thinner side, so it's important to follow the proper care instructions to maintain their lifespan.
Runner-up
Another great affordable bamboo sheet set we tested was Bampure, available at Amazon for just shy of $100. These 400-thread-count sateen weave sheets are made of 100% viscose from bamboo and are Oeko-Tex certified. Straight out of the package, we loved how these sheets felt. They're buttery-soft and feel heavier than some of the other products on this list. In fact, we were surprised at how breathable and moisture-wicking they were throughout the night.
A feature we love is the thick elastic corner bands that hold the fitted sheet in place on the mattress — something we didn't find on any of the other sheets we tested. Thanks to 16-inch deep pockets, the sheets fit the bed just right, with no excess material or bunching, and continued to fit well even after washing.
Kayla Kitts/Business Insider
These sheets came out of the dryer super soft; softer than out of the package. And after washing, there were no signs of pilling, degradation, or loose threads.
Bampure's sheets come in 12 colors, including navy blue, black, and taupe. You can also choose between a four-piece or six-piece set, which includes two extra pillowcases. And since they're at Amazon, the sheets are eligible for return within 30 days of receipt.
Best splurge
If you're really looking to invest in a set of sheets, we suggest looking at Cozy Earth. With prices starting at $339 for a twin-size set, this is definitely the most expensive pick on our list. (We do love that they come in a reusable zippered tote bag.) Crafted from 100% premium viscose from bamboo fabric, these sheets are luxurious, to say the least, with a medium-weight feel — they're not too thin but not too thick.
With a slight sheen and silky texture, we thought these sheets were cool to the touch and extremely soft. In fact, they were the most cooling sheets on our list. The sheets lost their silk-like sheen after washing but were still extremely soft. They will get softer after each wash and over time with proper care.
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The bed was a breeze to make, thanks to the sheet's side and bottom tags. There's also an embroidered logo on the bottom of the flat sheet that adds a nice, high-end touch. While the fitted sheet fit well, the flat sheet was too long — almost touching the floor on both sides of the bed. After washing/drying, the flat sheet still hasn't shrunk up much.
What really sets Cozy Earth's bamboo sheets apart is that they are responsibly and ethically made. The brand selects only the best suppliers with a focus on quality and responsible production. The brand also offers an incredible 100-night sleep trial with free returns. These sheets come in six sizes (twin XL to split king) and 17 natural colors, including three brand-new colors: clay, Pacific blue, and stone.
Best eco-friendly
Our best eco-friendly pick goes to Ettitude for its incredible sustainability practices, including using zero harmful chemicals, saving water, and reducing waste. Ettitude's sheets are also 100% biodegradable. Made from 100% CleanBamboo from lyocell, these sheets are known for their softness, breathability, and eco-friendly production process. According to Ettitude, "CleanBamboo is the only bamboo fabric that uses solely organic materials and non-toxic chemicals."
Kayla Kitts/Business Insider
These sheets were a little too big for the bed, but they fit OK overall. There was no bunching — just a longer flat sheet. There's a top and bottom tag to help with bed-making. We loved the thicker band of hemming at the top of the flat sheet — it made the sheets look more luxurious. These sheets looked and felt similar to the Cozy Earth and Quince sheets in terms of sheen, softness, and silkiness. They are senior home editor Jaclyn Turner's go-to set during the summer for their breathable and soft nature.
There were slight signs of pilling after washing, especially around the hems/edges of the sheets. Like Cozy Earth and Quince, these sheets did lose their sheen after washing but felt softer than when they came out of the package.
You can get these sheets in 12 natural and bold colors. Plus, they come in five sizes. Each set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and either one or two pillowcases, depending on the size.
Softest
Almost all bamboo sheets are going to be super soft by nature of the category, but these from Cariloha take softness to another level. Made with 100% viscose from bamboo, Cariloha's sheets feature a luxuriously soft twill weave construction with a 250 thread count. The materials are harvested and manufactured in environmentally sustainable ways, with several eco-friendly standards and certifications, including Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Oeko-Tex Made in Green, Forest Stewardship Council, Fair Trade, CertiPUR-US, and more.
Although not as cooling as some of the others we tested, we still found the sheets to be highly breathable. Plus, they had a thick, durable feel, which means they'll last for years to come. With extra-deep pockets, the fitted sheet is guaranteed to fit your mattress like a glove. We did, however, find that the flat sheet was too long on both sides, even after washing.
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These sheets come in seven sizes (twin to split king — the most variety we found) and five classic colors, like white, ivory, and sage. We wish there was more color variety (some, like sage, were even out of stock). All Cariloha's bedding products can be returned or exchanged within 100 days, which is one of the longest return policies we found, after Quince.
Most durable
According to Young, bamboo is not as strong as some other fabrics, like cotton. That's why this cotton-bamboo blend sheet set from The Company Store is the most durable pick on our list. Made of 70% rayon from bamboo and 30% combed cotton sateen, these sheets have a subtle sheen that's still reminiscent of the 100% bamboo sheets we tested.
A "top" label makes bed-making a breeze, and these sheets fit the bed well with no excess material or bunching. The deep-pocket sheets can even fit mattresses up to 18 inches thick. They held up well after washing, too. We felt like they would last a long time without pilling, degradation, or color fading.
While many of the sheets on our list got softer after washing, The Company Store's bamboo sheets were soft out of the packaging and equally soft after the first wash — we didn't notice a major difference. And despite not being cool to the touch like some of our other picks, we still felt like they were breathable and moisture-wicking.
Our only cons with this set are that it is only available in five sizes and six colors, including white, ivory, and pebble gray. They can be monogrammed, though, if personalization is your thing. The return policy is only 30 days, too, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Best deep-pocket
Those with thick mattresses and/or toppers will appreciate these deep-pocket sheets from Nolah Sleep. Made from a textile blend, these sheets feature 60% cotton and 40% viscose from bamboo, giving them the benefits of both materials. They're incredibly soft — one of the softest we tested — and ultra-breathable throughout the night.
These sheets fit the bed perfectly. There was no bunching or excess material. However, the lack of bed-making tags made assembly a bit more challenging than with some of our other picks.
Kayla Kitts/Business Insider
These bamboo sheets are available in seven different sizes (including split king), all with a one-year warranty. They also come in a cute zippered tote bag. Plus, you can't beat the value for a bamboo blend; you'll often find these sheets on sale for less than $100.
If we had to pick a few cons, they'd be that the sheets only come in three colors: white, khaki, and silver. And there's a short 30-day return window.
Best color selection
If you're looking for a wide variety of colors to choose from, Bedsure's Bamboo Sheet Set is your best bet. With an impressive range of 22 colors, there's something for every aesthetic and bedroom style. We tested the dark grey, but there are several other colors to choose from, including sage, burgundy, and lavender. You'll also find classics like white, gray, and taupe in the mix.
The sheets are crafted from 100% rayon from bamboo and come with an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification. These sheets are buttery-soft out of the package and get even softer after washing. We especially love how silky-smooth and lavish they felt throughout the entire testing process.
These sheets are cool to the touch and kept us comfortable throughout the night. They have a beautiful sheen and are as smooth as silk. They feel thick and durable, especially compared to some of the other more high-end sheets we tested.
They don't have bed-making tags to label the long and short sides, so that made things a bit challenging. However, they fit the bed well, with zero bunching or excess fabric.
These sheets held up well, considering they're a more budget-friendly pick (you can often find these on sale for under $100 — and sometimes even under $50). After washing, there were no signs of pilling or degradation.
What to look for in a set of bamboo sheets
When shopping for the best bamboo sheets, there are several factors to consider to ensure you're selecting the best quality sheets for your bed.
Material: Bamboo sheets are typically made from bamboo fibers, often referred to as bamboo viscose or bamboo rayon (the two terms are generally interchangeable). There is also bamboo lyocell. Keep in mind that the manufacturing process can vary, and some bamboo sheets may be labeled differently based on specific processes used during production.
- Rayon: Bamboo rayon is created through a process that involves dissolving bamboo cellulose in a chemical solution and then turning it into fibers. While bamboo rayon is soft and breathable, the production process may involve chemicals that some consider less environmentally friendly.
- Viscose: Bamboo viscose is similar to bamboo rayon, and as we mentioned, the terms are often used interchangeably. The production process involves the same method as above. Like bamboo rayon, bamboo viscose is extremely soft and comfortable but may raise environmental concerns due to the chemicals used in its production.
- Lyocell: Bamboo lyocell is produced using a more environmentally friendly method. In the lyocell process, bamboo cellulose is dissolved in a non-toxic organic solvent, and the solution is then formed into fibers. This method is considered more sustainable as it uses a closed-loop system, minimizing the environmental impact.
Weave: Bamboo sheets are commonly made using a sateen weave or a twill weave. The sateen weave is known for its smooth and silky feel, with a subtle sheen on one side. It has a luxurious and soft texture, making it a popular choice for bedding — and more expensive. On the other hand, the twill weave provides a more textured, matte surface and is often used for durability.
Thread count: Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. In general, look for bamboo sheets with a thread count of 200 to 400. The thread counts on our list range from 225 to 400 at its highest. Keep in mind, though, that simply looking at thread count isn't necessarily the best way to choose bamboo sheets. Often, a higher thread count will indicate that the fabric is denser, so it will lose its cooling properties — something bamboo sheets are known for.
Certifications: Look for certifications such as "Oeko-Tex Standard 100" to ensure that the sheets meet certain environmental and safety standards. Most of our picks for the best bamboo sheets have a Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification, meaning the final product has been independently tested against more than 100 harmful substances and is considered harmless for human health. Look for other sustainable practices in place, too. For example, Ettitude sheets are 100% biodegradable and the bamboo used is grown with 100% rainwater and processed in a closed-loop system, ultimately saving water.
Return policy and sleep trial: Sheets are a personal purchase that may feel different for each sleeper. A trial period is a good way to determine if the sheets you bought are a good fit for you. All of the sheets on our list have, at minimum, a 30-day return policy, and one (Cozy Earth) offers a 100-night sleep trial. Our best overall pick, Quince, comes with the longest return policy we saw — 365 days from the purchase date.
Price: Good-quality bamboo sheets are expensive, plain and simple. You will be hard-pressed to find a queen-sized bamboo sheet set under $100. Fortunately, our top pick from Quince comes in at the lower side of the range for bamboo sheets, at about $110 for a queen-sized set.
How we test bamboo sheets
After researching the best bamboo sheets on the market, we chose the top 10 sets to try out in a real-world testing environment — our own bed. First, we took them out of their packaging and noted the initial feel of the sheets. (Many sets on this list came with drawstring or zippered bags that are great for storage.) We also did an initial inspection and checked for any loose threads or snags. We then followed these considerations and evaluation points:
- Ease of use: We looked at how easy it was to make the bed and whether there were top/bottom/side tags to make the bed-making process simpler.
- Comfort: We slept on the sheets for a minimum of one night and noted whether the sheets were cooling and how smooth, soft, and thin or heavy they felt.
- Durability: We washed the sheets according to the individual manufacturer's instructions. After machine-drying on low heat, we checked for any signs of degradation, like pilling or fading in color. We then remade the bed and noticed the fit and whether they shrank after washing. We also noticed the level of softness. Most of the sheets on our list were soft out of the packaging and got softer with each wash.
- Certifications: We noted whether the sheets had any certifications, such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Forest Stewardship Council.
- Return policy or sleep trial: Some of the sheets on our list came with 100-night or, in the case of Quince, yearlong trials, and most came with a minimum 30-day return policy, including those you can purchase from Amazon, like Bedsure and Bampure.
- Flexibility: We checked to see how many color and size options were offered and whether you could buy individual pieces or have to buy the whole set. While all of our sheets came in classic white, there were a few brands, like Ettitude and Cozy Earth, that come with a dozen or more color offerings.
We took all of these considerations and more into account when determining the top picks for this article.
Bamboo sheet FAQs
Are bamboo sheets 100% bamboo?
Bamboo sheets can be made from a variety of materials, and not all bamboo sheets are necessarily made of 100% bamboo. Some sheets labeled as bamboo may be blends of bamboo and other fibers, such as cotton, like The Company Store's Bamboo Sheet Set. It's important to check the product description or label for specific details on the composition of the sheets. If you're looking for sheets made entirely from bamboo, you may want to seek those labeled as "100% bamboo" or "viscose made from bamboo." Young says, "If it says it's [100%] bamboo, then yes, it is. But our Federal Government has decided not to give it its own general title. When you see something marked as bamboo rayon [or rayon made from bamboo], this is the official designation. That means it's made in the same way as rayon, but it's still bamboo."
Are bamboo sheets cooling?
Bamboo sheets are often praised for their cooling properties. Bamboo fibers are naturally breathable, allowing air to circulate and heat to dissipate. This helps in maintaining a more comfortable temperature while sleeping. Bamboo also has moisture-wicking properties. This can be particularly beneficial for those who tend to sweat during the night.
How do you wash bamboo sheets?
Bamboo sheets require some care to maintain their quality. First, always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as different brands may have specific recommendations. In general, bamboo sheets can be machine-washed in cool water on a gentle/delicate cycle using a mild detergent. Then, tumble dry on a low or gentle cycle, and remove the sheets promptly to prevent wrinkles. Avoid using hot water or high heat, as this can damage the fibers. You can also line-dry your sheets, which can help preserve the fabric and maintain its quality over time.
What are the benefits of bamboo sheets?
Bamboo sheets have several notable benefits, including breathability, softness, and cooling properties. According to Young, they're also "incredibly absorbent, and when it comes to sleeping, absorbency is your number-one goal. Bamboo is the king of absorbency, and they also wick really well." Finally, bamboo is naturally antibacterial. "Odor comes from bacteria; you get rid of bacteria, you get rid of odor, so they will smell fresh longer," she says.
Are bamboo sheets hypoallergenic?
Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and bacteria, creating an environment that may be more comfortable for those with allergies.
What is a good thread count for bamboo sheets?
Thread count has become more complicated because sheets can be woven or knit, and thread count is only useful for gauging the quality of woven sheets. If you're looking at woven sheets, a good thread count is 200 to 400. All of the sheets on our list range from 225 to 400 thread count.
Young said that for knit sheets, you'll want to look at weight, which is expressed in either GSM or ounces per square yard. For bamboo sheets, a higher weight or GSM is generally better.
What are the downsides to bamboo sheets?
While bamboo sheets have many positive qualities, there are some considerations to be aware of. According to Young, they wrinkle easily (we can attest to this) and may shrink over time. Also, high-quality bamboo sheets can be more expensive than other types of sheets. While they are durable and can be an investment in comfort, the initial cost might be a downside for some.
The process of turning bamboo into fabric (bamboo viscose or rayon) involves the use of chemicals. Some manufacturing methods may be less environmentally friendly, so it's important to choose bamboo sheets that adhere to eco-friendly standards. Despite these considerations, many people find the benefits, such as bamboo's softness and breathability, outweigh these potential downsides.