Bamboo vs Egyptian Cotton: Which is Better for Bed Sheets?

Bamboo vs Egyptian Cotton: Which is Better for Bed Sheets

Did you know the quality of your bed sheets can affect how you sleep? But with the variety of options on offer, it can be difficult to know which will be best for helping you drift off.

Two popular fabrics that often go head to head when it comes to choosing new bedding are bamboo and cotton, particularly Egyptian cotton. So, what makes these so special and which comes out on top in the battle of bamboo vs Egyptian cotton if you’re looking to purchase new bed sheets? Let’s take a look.

What are bamboo bed sheets?

Bamboo bed sheets are created using fibres from a bamboo plant. This material has several qualities perfect for bed linens - it’s soft, durable and breathable. Another advantage of bamboo is that it’s generally more sustainable to make compared to other fabrics depending on how it’s processed.

The benefits of bamboo bedding

Bamboo bedding is a great option for a comfortable night’s sleep as it has several key properties, including:

Soft texture

Bamboo bed sheets are incredibly soft. They are among some of the softest available, even when compared to Egyptian cotton. The texture has a silky smooth finish, which contributes to ultimate comfort against your skin.

Temperature regulating

The natural properties of bamboo fabric help to regulate temperature. This means you’ll be comfortable in all seasons and never too hot or too cold.

Hypoallergenic

Bamboo is also naturally hypoallergenic and helps to keep dust mites and bacteria at bay. This makes it a perfect choice for allergy sufferers.

Breathable

There’s nothing worse than feeling hot and bothered in bed. Fortunately, bamboo is a breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties. So, you’ll feel comfortable all night.

Easy to clean

The natural stain-resistance properties of bamboo make it an ideal option for maintaining fresh bedding. You don’t have to use harsh products to keep it clean. Plus, bamboo fabrics hold the colour well even on several washes.

What are Egyptian cotton bed sheets?

As the name describes, Egyptian cotton is created using fibres from a cotton plant species grown in Egypt. This differs from standard cotton as it’s more luxurious and softer, which makes it ideal for bedding.

The benefits of Egyptian cotton

While Egyptian cotton is slightly more expensive than its standard counterpart, there are several good reasons for this, including:

Breathable

This cotton is more porous - this allows more air to pass through, making it more breathable and perfect for bed sheets, whatever the weather.

Durable

The composition of Egyptian cotton means it’s highly durable, so it can withstand frequent washes and will last much longer than standard cotton.

Less piling

When you purchase Egyptian cotton bed sheets, you don’t get that frustrating piling that can ruin the look of your linens. This is an advantage over bamboo, which is prone to some piling over time if you don’t care for it well.

Soft to touch

When comparing bamboo sheets to Egyptian cotton, bamboo generally wins on softness. However, Egyptian cotton still ranks highly in this category and feels luxurious to the touch.

Egyptian cotton or bamboo sheets - which is better?

Pitting bamboo vs cotton against each other is challenging, as each has numerous characteristics suitable for bed sheets. But what are the key differences?

Durability and fabric care

Both Egyptian cotton and bamboo are among the best options for long-lasting bedding. The quality of these fabrics is unmatched in many cases and washing on a cool, gentle cycle will see them retain their quality and colour for many years.

However, bamboo fabric slightly outshines Egyptian cotton in colour retention as its properties maintain the natural finish and appearance. In comparison, brightly coloured Egyptian cotton may fade over time.

Texture

Bamboo pips Egyptian cotton to the softness top spot as it has a silky texture as soon as you place it on your mattress. In comparison, Egyptian cotton is very soft, but it takes a few washes to reach its peak smoothness. Also, if you choose Egyptian cotton over bamboo, you’ll typically need a higher thread count to match its texture.

Price

Both bamboo and Egyptian cotton vary in price depending on thread count. However, bamboo is slightly more affordable as to get the same level of softness in Egyptian cotton, you need a higher thread count, which costs more. It’s also important to check the origins of the fabric when buying Egyptian cotton to ensure you’re paying for authentic material.

Bamboo vs cotton sustainability

The environmental impact of bedding fabric is an important factor for many. Bamboo is usually the more eco-friendly option. However, this depends on the processes used to create it. On the other hand, while Egyptian cotton is made from a plant, the production uses a large number of resources compared to bamboo fabrics. With that said, organic and sustainable Egyptian cotton is also available, which helps to reduce its impact on the planet.

Breathability

Both bamboo and Egyptian cotton provide breathable bedding options. Each fabric allows good air circulation for a more comfortable night’s sleep. The slight difference is that bamboo absorbs more moisture than cotton, improving temperature regulation further.

Allergen resistance

Bamboo is your best bet if you’re looking for hypoallergenic bedding. It has natural allergen resistance properties and keeps dust mites, odour and bacteria at bay. The smooth texture is also ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.

Bamboo and Egyptian cotton at Victoria Linen

There are plenty of reasons why you should pick both bamboo and Egyptian cotton for your bedding. Each has numerous benefits and they’re both perfect for snuggling up at night. The above guide gives you some insight into each fabric. But, we also have a wide range of options to choose from so you can try them out for yourself.

At Victoria Linen, you can choose from luxurious 100% Egyptian duvet sets or super soft bamboo bed sheets in various sizes. Moreover, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, our made-to-measure service tailors your bedding for the perfect fit.

Can’t decide between bamboo sheets and Egyptian cotton? Give our team a call on 01706 220020 and they’ll be happy to answer any questions about our products.