When picking sheets for your bed, what are the main things you look out for? Many of us have different preferences when selecting sheets; colour, print, value, and other potential features.
One of the most important considerations for prospective sheet buyers is the material used. And when it comes to materials, bamboo and flax linen are our top picks for the best bed sheets.
Both flax and bamboo bed sheets are comfortable, breathable, and eco-friendly. So which one reigns supreme?
Durability
When picking out a sheet set, think of it as a long-term investment. The good ones often don’t come cheap, but at the same time, they can last for years and years.
Organic bamboo fibres are considered very durable compared to the typical textiles used in sheets.
Bamboo sheets are made with long fibre strands that stretch across the length of the sheets, in contrast to flax linen, which uses shorter fibres that are interwoven to produce the linen we love.
The upside of using longer fibres such as bamboo-made ones is the added durability, being less susceptible to the normal wear and tear that comes from usage and washing.
Comfort
What the sheets are like to touch is something you should get a feel for before making a purchase, as your fitted sheets and blankets come in contact with your skin for multiple hours a night.
Ensure that your sheets feel luxurious, and can provide the comfort you need at night. And, of course, you want to make sure the fabric doesn’t cause any irritations, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The materials in bamboo and flax linen can be grown and manufactured without harsh chemicals and pesticides, making them even safer to sleep on.
Out of the box, bamboo sheets are the softest sheets you can use; they feel weightless and give you a cosy feeling.
On the other hand, linen might seem less soft than bamboo upon first use but will gradually become as smooth as its bamboo counterpart.
Breathability
If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll know how frustrating it is to wake up sweaty, especially during New Zealand summers. And on those nights, you might even opt not to use blankets so that you can feel a little cooler.
Linen sheet sets are known to be a very breathable fabric. Due to its low thread count, heat doesn’t easily get trapped in linen, and its air circulation is better than other materials.
Linen is also very absorbent and has natural moisture-wicking qualities, taking away the icky feeling of waking up sweaty.
In comparison,bamboo sheets have a higher thread count, meaning they’re not as cool as linen bedding but provide more warmth during the winter.
Health
As mentioned earlier, bamboo and flax plants are grown without relying on harmful pesticides and other harsh chemicals, making their high-quality natural fibres a safe choice for bedding and pillowcases.
Linen is renowned for being hypoallergenic; in fact, flax linen was used in ancient Egypt as a bandage to treat wounds.
Apart from being a natural antibacterial, bamboo fibres are also highly resistant to dust mites and other allergens.
Washability
When hunting for sheets, you should be aware of the maintenance and care required, so they last for as long as possible. But, of course, the most significant factor in the lifespan of your sheets is how you wash them.
Bamboo bed sheets may require more care to maintain their softness for an extended period, and you should follow strict washing guidelines.
Bamboo sheets should be washed with a gentle cycle and cold water. Line drying bamboo sheets under the sun is preferable as tumble drying them with anything above low heat may leave them wrinkly and lacking elasticity.
On the other hand, linen may still need care, but it’s less sensitive than bamboo. Throw your linen sheets in a washing machine or hand-wash them, as they aren’t as particular with water temperature.
Wrinkles may appear after washing or drying, but you can quickly iron them out, using minimal heat, without causing damage to the sheets.
Eco-friendliness
Although being eco-friendly doesn’t directly translate to a better night’s sleep, sustainability is still essential to many.
Fortunately, both flax and bamboo plants are very resilient and can grow without pesticides, fertiliser, chemicals, and even with minimal water.
This process makes them a better option than Egyptian cotton or silk that are more sensitive to their growing conditions.
Likewise, both materials are made from natural fibres, making them biodegradable, with a low carbon footprint.
Value
When comparing bamboo and flax linen sheets to traditional cotton or even nylon bedding, it would be no surprise that they come at a higher price tag.
This price difference boils down to the naturally sourced materials; there’s more involved in extracting fibre from a plant and turning it into your bedding.
But, when it comes to the benefits of bamboo or linen, spending a few extra dollars gets you high-quality sheets designed to last and provide extra comfort.
Want to make the switch to bamboo or flax linen? At Ecosa, we offer both kinds of sheets, so you can choose whichever takes your fancy.
