Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Jan 16, 2023
Tencel and cotton are two sheet materials that dominate the market as they both are very comfortable and don't irritate the skin. But which one is better and how to choose between them?
The main difference between Tencel and cotton sheets is that Tencel is derived from wood pulp, cotton is made out of plant fibers.
Whatever differences these sheets have, choosing any one of them depends on what you like. This guide discusses the differences, benefits, and features of Tencel and cotton sheets in detail. Read on to know everything about them.
Cotton and Tencel sheets are made from natural fibers and are known for their breathability, softness, and durability. While Tencel is made from wood pulp, cotton is made from plant fibers. Both these sheets have a lot of similarities; therefore, finding a difference between them might not be easy.
Properties | Tencel | Cotton |
---|---|---|
Made | Tencel fibers are made from wood pulp | Cotton fibers are made from plant pulp |
Durability | These sheets are very durable and resistant even after years of usage | These sheets are highly durable and soften with usage |
Feel & Comfort | Tencel sheets have a silky and smooth feel and have a sheen finish | The smoothness of cotton sheets depends on the weave and quality of cotton |
Elasticity | Tencel sheets have more elasticity and wrinkle less than cotton | Cotton sheets have poor elasticity and are prone to wrinkles more |
Cost | Tencel sheets may be costly but they are not as expensive as Egyptian cotton sheets | Cotton sheets come in all varieties, and their prices start from affordable to expensive. It all depends on the type of cotton used |
Temperature Regulation | Tencel is great at moisture absorption and excels in temperature resistance | Cotton sheets are also moisture absorbing and can stand the high-temperature pressures |
Care & maintenance | Tencel sheets are high maintenance and need to be handled with care. Avoid washing it in warm water and use a gentle cycle while washing | Cotton sheets are easy to take care of and can be machine washed easily. Most cotton sheets withstand heat and get softer with every wash |
Environmental Impact | Tencel material is highly sustainable than cotton. These materials are made from renewable Eucalyptus trees, making them easier to grow and disintegrate | Although cotton sheets are made from natural resources, they take more water to grow than Tencel sheets |
Coolness | Tencel sheets are cooler than cotton sheets | Although being breathable, cotton sheets are as cool as Tencel sheets |
Tencel fabric is made from the cellulose of eucalyptus trees. Tencel sheets were first invented in 1972, and ever since, these have gained popularity. Another plus points about these sheets are they are soft, silky, and have a sheen finish. These sheets are from eucalyptus wood, making them cool in nature, great for summers, or suitable for someone who has a higher than normal body temperature.
Since these are made from natural fibers, they have wicking properties which makes them suitable for warm weather. These sheets might be a bit more pricey than other types of bedsheets, but that is due to the fact that they are made from natural fibers, and their processing is a bit complicated. Rest assured that these sheets offer excellent breathability and comfort to anyone using it.
Tencel fibers are made by dissolving a chemical solvent with wood pulp. After it is dissolved, the next step is to create Tencel threads. This is done by squeezing the pulp to obtain threads. Once these threads are obtained, they are dried through a process called spinning. After spinning, the threads are spun in yarns, and a cloth is woven. This is how Tencel fiber is made.
Tencel sheets use a sateen weave which is a common thread pattern. What does Tencel feel like will mainly depend on these three types of Tencel fabric, and they are:
While you might think there are no downsides to Tencel sheets, that is not the case. Every material has its ups and downs. Let’s explore the pros and cons of Tencel Sheets.
Cotton is the most used and easily available sheet people use. It is also made from natural fibers of the cotton plant, and it has a thread count of 200-400. You’ll find people mostly use cotton sheets during the summers. Cotton is highly durable and versatile, which can make your sheets last for a couple of years. It has moisture-wicking and anti-allergic properties, which makes it good for people with sensitive skin.
The price of these sheets is roughly decided by the type of cotton used. The better the quality of cotton the more expensive the sheets will be. With that being said, let’s explore the types of cotton sheets available in the market.
Pros:
Cons:
Tencel and Cotton are both quality fibers used to make sheets. They both are soft, non-irritating, and comfortable to use. Everyone uses it. Choosing cotton or Tencel bed sheets is a personal choice. Let’s have a look at the instances when you should use Tencel or cotton bed sheets.
You should choose Tencel if:
You should choose Cotton if:
Now that you know what Tencel is made of, you can decide for your sleeve if you are comfortable using them. Tencel fabric or Tencel sheets are surely a great alternative to cotton sheets, but they both have their ups and downs and benefits and features.
While a Tencel bedding might look more attractive than cotton, you should see the features and decide which one works best for you. If you are a tenacious person who can take care of things, then Tencel is the answer for you. On the other hand, if you are not the high maintenance type and are looking for durable and up for rough use, then Cotton sheets are best for you.
Finding the right sheet can be tricky, but you will eventually find the one you are looking for. Make sure you understand your needs before buying Tencel bed sheets.
{"faq":[{"_id":"94dcbb4","title":"Is Tencel breathable like cotton?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EYes, Tencel is highly breathable, like cotton. It has moisture-wicking properties better than cotton, and it doesn\u2019t shrink like cotton.\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"46a5575","title":"Is Tencel cooler than cotton?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EYes. Tencel sheets are made from wood pulp and are much cooler than cotton sheets. This is also true because of its high moisture-absorbing properties.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"97243e8","title":"Does Tencel shrink in the wash?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ETencel might shrink a bit up to 3% on the first wash. After the first, it won\u2019t shrink at all. You should read the garment instructions properly and wash them accordingly.\u00a0\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"2e8bddf","title":"Can I iron Tencel fabric?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EAlthough Tencel fabric is wrinkle-resistant, you can steam it to get rid of the wrinkle if you see a crease. It is best to avoid ironing this fabric as it cannot withstand high temperatures.\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"12c9c95","title":"What is the best sheet material to keep you cool? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EUsing natural fibers will keep you cool, so you can consider sheets made up of linen, silk, cotton, and Tencel. Tencel sheets are a good option as they keep you cool and dry throughout the night.\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"958ce26","title":"What does Tencel feel like? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ETencel fabric feels as soft as silk and even has a sheer finish. This can be a better alternative to silk as these sheets are cheaper than silk sheets. Both silk and Tencel sheets are high maintenance, but Tencel is better if you do not want to go with silk. 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