Natural fabrics for bed linens are all the rage these days and for good reason. They’re extremely comfortable, trendy, and sustainable.
Among all the available natural fabrics, bamboo fabrics are a highly coveted textile that’s made from plant fibers derived from the pulp of bamboo plants.
Bamboo plants grow extremely fast, making bamboo fabrics one of the most sustainable natural materials around.
Popular for all kinds of clothing and linens, we’ve covered all you need to know about the different types of bamboo fabrics and what they feel like!
Types of Bamboo Fabrics
Bamboo fabrics can be made through two processes: mechanical and chemical.
Currently, there are three popular types of bamboo fabrics available that are made using one of these two methods:
Bamboo Viscose
Bamboo viscose or rayon is made from the bamboo plant’s regenerated cellulose fiber through a process called mechanical pulping. Bamboo pulp is combined with water and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and spun at high speeds to be turned into bamboo threads or fibers.
Bamboo viscose is identical to other types of viscose or rayon fabrics.
Bamboo Lyocell
The production process of bamboo lyocell is the same as bamboo viscose. The only difference is it entails a closed-loop method and is blended with amine oxide to dissolve the bamboo cellulose.
Lyocell is a third-generation fabric production technique that transforms wood into a textile fiber and is a more modern version of the viscose process. The bamboo pulp is broken down using a non-oxin solvent, allowing the water used in the manufacturing process to be recovered and reused.
Bamboo Linen
The production of bamboo linen is a mechanical process. It contains the smashing of bamboo wood into a pulp which is then broken into a soft mass with the help of natural enzymes.
The natural bamboo fibers in this process are combed out mechanically, then spun into thread which is later woven into cloth, similar to hemp fabrics.
What Do Bamboo Sheets Feel Like?
Often described as being softer than cotton, bamboo sheets offer maximum comfort for sleep.
There’s a reason why these textiles are so popular for beddings and it’s due to the fact that they are soft, pliable, and super breathable!
So, what do bamboo sheets feel like?
Bamboo Viscose
Bamboo viscose has a soft, smooth texture which is ideal for sleeping as it helps reduce discomfort by providing thermal regulation. So, if you ever find yourself struggling to find the perfect balance between one leg under the blanket and one leg out, it may be time to switch your sheets for the more breathable bamboo viscose fabric.
Bamboo viscose is a hybrid fabric that blends synthetic and natural fibers. This makes it extremely durable and sturdy which is exactly what you need for daily-use bedding. Despite the plant’s hardiness, bamboo viscose feels feathery soft to sleep on and has a silky smoothness that is unrivaled by other fabrics.
Bamboo viscose includes a natural component known as Kun, which inhibits bacterial growth. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, therefore, also contribute to better sleep as they prevent unpleasant odors from developing on your sheets.
In addition to its smooth and silky texture, the fabric is hypoallergenic. This creates a gentle sensation against your skin that’s ideal for people with skin sensitivities and conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Bamboo viscose is also a sweat-wicking fabric and absorbs moisture better than cotton while rapidly allowing the moisture to evaporate. This makes it the perfect bed linen for all seasons, especially during the warmer months when you don’t want your sheets to end up slick and sweaty.
Bamboo viscose also drapes well and resembles cotton sheets in its appearance.
Bamboo Lyocell
More expensive than bamboo viscose, bamboo lyocell has a very similar manufacturing process and is extremely durable and breathable.
People often assume that bamboo lyocell will be similar to bamboo viscose in texture and softness but that is not the case. This material is comparatively less soft and can also be more susceptible to piling.
While these sheets offer the same hypoallergenic and sustainable characteristics, they aren’t usually recommended for daily use as bed linens. Breathable and anti-fungal as they are, bamboo lyocell sheets don’t offer the same softness and lightness that bamboo viscose sheets do.
Therefore, they may not feel as silky soft to sleep on or create the same sense of cloud-like, cottony comfort. It is relatively better suited for garments due to its non-creasing properties.
Bamboo Viscose vs Bamboo Lyocell
It can be extremely helpful to understand how bamboo viscose and bamboo lyocell differ in terms of manufacturing and the end result as both are popular bamboo fabrics.
Here is a comparison between the two fabrics based on certain factors that are important to consider when purchasing bedding:
Softness
As far as being soft and flowy are concerned, bamboo viscose is superior to bamboo lyocell. Its blended fabric allows it to drape beautifully over a bed while being softer and more comfortable to sleep on.
Eco-Friendliness
Bamboo lyocell is considered the most eco-friendly bamboo fabric, second only to bamboo linen which is relatively uncommon due to its production process.
It entails a closed-loop manufacturing process that allows all the materials used in production to be reused or recycled. For example, the water used in bamboo lyocell production can be reused with ease.
Affordability
Of the two, bamboo viscose is the cheaper fabric to manufacture, making it more affordable compared to bamboo lyocell. It offers value for money, comfort, and is a sustainable bedding option that is much lower priced than bamboo lyocell.
Durability
Bamboo lyocell is susceptible to piling over time, making it the less durable option. Meanwhile, bamboo viscose can last for a really long time, especially with the right care.
Using cold water and a gentle tumble to wash can help your bamboo fabric last longer. You should also avoid using bleach, fabric softener, and other harsh chemicals to clean it. Air-drying bamboo viscose sheets can promote longevity.
Final Thoughts: Why Bamboo Viscose Bedding Is the Answer
Bamboo viscose is the perfect choice for those looking to get comfortable, sustainable, and affordable bed sheets and other home linens. Sunday Citizen's bamboo sheets are made from premium bamboo viscose.
Our bamboo sheets are produced according to stringent manufacturing protocols to maximize eco-friendliness while ensuring quality and comfort. Sunday Citizen’s viscose bamboo sheets are designed to be soft, luxurious, and durable — just the way you want your bed sheets to be!