Tencel vs Cotton Sheets: What Is the Difference?
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.
What Is the Difference Between Tencel and Cotton?
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 |
What Are 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.
How is it made?
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.
Types of Tencel Sheets
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:
- Tencel lyocell: Tencel lyocell fabric has moisture-wicking properties and is soft to touch. Tencel lyocell sheets are mainly produced in Lenzing. These are eco-friendly as they are made from natural wood pulp. Their products might have slight variations in performance. These fabrics are great in softness and have excellent drapability.
- Tencel modal: This Tencel is primarily known for softness and is derived from the Beachwood. These are also produced in Lenzing, and you can find multiple options of Tencel modal with minor differences. Modal fiber is highly breathable, soft, and comfortable. It is considered to be one of the most biodegradable and sustainable fabrics.
- Tencel blend: As the name suggests, this Tencel is the combination of the above-mentioned Tencel, which makes it the best in Tencel. This material is more durable, soft, and has moisture-wicking properties.
Pros and Cons of Tencel Sheets
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.
Pros:
- Moisture absorbing properties
- Breathability and durable
- Softness and sheen finish
- Made from natural fibers
Cons:
- Expensive than cotton or polyester sheets
- It doesn’t stand high temperatures during laundry
- Its silky feeling might not appeal to everyone
What Are Cotton 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.
Types of Cotton Sheets
- Prima - Prima cotton is grown in the American region. This cotton has long staples and is notably silkier than other sheets. These sheets are considered as premium sheets but are not as costly as other variants of cotton sheets.
- Egyptian: Egyptian cotton is known as luxury cotton as it has extra-long fibers. It has a luxurious texture with a smooth finish and is highly soft to touch. As the name goes, it is only grown in Egypt and hence is the most expensive type of cotton available in the world. These sheets are highly durable because of their making.
- American: American is a traditional cotton blend found in America which has short to medium-length staples. This makes the sheets soft but not as soft as silk. These sheets are also more durable than others.
Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets
Pros:
- Durable
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Softens with use
- Easy to launder
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Easy to wrinkle
- Shrinks after wash
- Highly flammable
- Not that eco-friendly
- Poor elasticity
Is Tencel Better Than Cotton?
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 often sweat during sleeping
- You need a cooler sheet to sleep
- You need a breathable bedsheet
- You are looking for eco-friendly options
- You want a sheet that doesn’t wrinkle easy
You should choose Cotton if:
- You are looking for a much durable bedsheet
- You are looking for a low maintenance sheet
- You have sensitive skin, and cotton sheets are anti-allergic
- Want a budget-friendly option
Conclusion
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.
