Are Bamboo Sheets Better Than Cotton Sheets? Pros & Cons of Both

A vast majority of the sheets on the market today are made from a blend of cotton and polyester. This is because it’s cheap, durable-ish and overall an OK solution. At MADI Apparel, we wanted to offer something that was more than just OK—we wanted the best dang sleep you’ve ever had. That’s why we started sewing bamboo sheets!

So if you’re in the market for your next set of eco-friendly bed linens, our team compared bamboo vs cotton sheets to give you a transparent look at each choice to help you make an educated decision!

Bamboo vs. cotton sheets

The average person spends 26 years of their life in their bed—so buying sheets shouldn’t be something that is done on a whim. But at the same time, you shouldn’t have to cash out your 401(k) to find a durable, comfortable set of linens that last for years to come. 

Let’s talk about bamboo sheets and cotton sheets!

Bamboo sheets

Bamboo viscose sheets are made from the fast-growing bamboo plant, making them an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize sustainability with their purchases. And because the fabric is self-wicking, bamboo sheets may feel more cool throughout the night than other options on the market, helping to prevent dreaded night sweats!

The process of making bamboo viscose sheets usually doesn’t involve chemicals (we make sure of that at MADI Apparel! Learn more about our process here). That means you don’t have to spend 7+ hours per night lying on sheets that have been treated with harsh chemicals. 

Want to learn more? Read all of the comfy benefits of bamboo sheets in this blog! 

Cotton sheets

The good thing about cotton sheets is that there are so many companies out there that sell this product. But, that’s also the bad thing, too, because it means that there’s a massive discrepancy between comfort levels, sustainability goals, price points, unethical manufacturing practices and more. 

Most people think that cotton is a lot cheaper than bamboo, but that’s not really the case. Organic cotton or Egyptian cotton can carry the same price tag as bamboo sheets because they are of much higher quality standards than “regular” cotton. 

When you see cotton sheets in the bedding aisle at a cheap price, it’s very likely that those sheets are actually a blend of synthetic fabrics. So, we never recommend those. But, high-quality cotton sheets can have higher thread counts that make them feel almost as comfortable as bamboo linens. 

So in the end, you’ll have to do a lot of heavy lifting upfront to figure out a brand, thread count, blend, and company that checks all of your boxes if you choose cotton sheets.

Bottom line: Bamboo or cotton sheets?

The answer to this question really depends on a lot of factors, like your price point, your needs and what type of cotton sheets you’re looking at.

With cotton sheets, you will have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince in terms of reading product labels, trying out different brands and price points, and working your way through hundreds of dollars worth of sheets before you find the most comfortable and durable option. 

Bamboo, on the other hand, doesn’t have as many discrepancies. You don’t have to worry about thread count or replacing your sheets in a year because the fibers naturally last longer. But, there are a few more rules about washing your sheets, like having to air dry them, that might make them a more inconvenient option for large families or people with pets who have to wash their sheets a lot. 

So really, there’s no right or wrong answer here. If you want something that is cheaper, then cotton sheets are usually your best bet. But if you prioritize your health and your sleep habits, our bamboo sheets will win time and time again.