When looking to buy new sheets, you will face several types of fabrics to choose from. The most common type of sheet is Egyptian cotton. However, you will also run into Bamboo sheets and might wonder which is better.
There are definitely some differences between bamboo and Egyptian cotton sheets, and deciding which ones are more important to you might be difficult.
In this article, we will point out the similarities between bamboo and Egyptian cotton and compare them side-by-side. Our guide has been put together to help you decide which one is better for you before you make your purchase.
What Are Bamboo Sheets?
To start, bamboo sheets are sheets made with bamboo fabrics. It can either be Viscose, Rayon, Linen, or Bamboo Modal. The most common are Bamboo Rayon and Viscose.
Bamboo fabrics are fairly new to the market and have only been around since the early 2000s. Only recently have they become more readily available and sold by online retailers as well as local stores.
Bamboo sheets have many benefits such as being HypoAllergenic and Cooler in the Summer. But the main feature of bamboo fabrics is their softness.
Only the best bamboo sheets provide ultimate softness. They feel very much like cashmere and silk. However, cheaper bamboo rayon sheets are not as soft or silky as those made from bamboo viscose.
What are Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
Egyptian cotton sheets are made with cotton fabrics that come from Egypt. The cotton produced in that region is known for being softer and more resilient than cotton found in other parts of the world.
Egyptian cotton bed sheets have been around for a very long time. Many of us have grown up sleeping in them and have already heard of them before. They are known for their softness and durability as well as their low price.
The main reason many people decide to buy Egyptian cotton sheets is their lower price and availability. But the higher-end Egyptian cotton sheets can be quite expensive.
Similarities Between Bamboo and Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Both types of bed sheets share several benefits and features. These benefits are important to many and play an important role in a comfortable night’s sleep.
Softness: Bamboo sheets and Egyptian cotton sheets are both soft and subtle. Of course “You Get What You Pay For” applies here as well. So the higher-end sheets will result in a softer feel and more comfort while you sleep.
Durability: Both bamboo and Egyptian cotton sheets are durable. They will last at least 3 years before starting to show wear and tear. You can find our guide to washing bamboo sheets for more tips as well.
Price: Both types of sheets come in a wide range of prices. You can buy a set of Bamboo or Egyptian cotton sheets starting from $50 or spend several hundred for better quality.
Color Options: The availability of colors is very important to match your bedroom’s decor. You can choose from over 25 shared color choices between Egyptian cotton and bamboo rayon sheets. However, you will only find bamboo viscose sheets in fewer color options than bamboo rayon.
Different Bed Sizes: The last feature bamboo and Egyptian cotton sheets share is the different bed sizes. You can find either type of sheets to fit Twin and Queen size beds and all the way up to California King-size beds.
Differences Between Bamboo and Egyptian Cotton Sheets
After going over the shared features of bamboo and Egyptian cotton sheets, they also have many differences. These differences are more important to some people and less important to others.
Availability: The main reason many opt-for Egyptian cotton over bamboo fabric is availability. Not many local stores carry bamboo sheets, but you will find Egyptian cotton sheets everywhere.
HypoAllergenic: One of the advantages bamboo sheets have over Egyptian cotton is being Hypoallergenic. Bamboo naturally resists pests and insects and doesn’t need any pesticides to cultivate. These chemicals are the main cause of allergic reactions to sheets.
Environmental Impact: Growing cotton needs a lot of water for irrigation which erodes the soil. However, bamboo grows naturally and uses only 1/3 of the amount of water cotton requires. Bamboo also resists pests and diseases naturally, while cotton requires pesticides to grow. These harmful chemicals seep into the soil and negatively affect the creatures in those areas.
Warranty: Since bamboo sheets are newer to the market than Egyptian cotton, companies use longer warranty periods to encourage consumers to try them. An example of a bamboo sheets company is Cariloha. They have previously provided a “Lifetime Quality Guarantee” on all their bamboo products which include their bamboo underwear and bamboo socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better bamboo sheets or cotton sheets?
Bamboo and cotton are both popular choices for sheets, but each has its own unique benefits.
Softness: Bamboo is naturally softer and more breathable than cotton, making it ideal for those who tend to sleep hot. Cotton is also a soft fabric, but it’s more durable than bamboo, meaning it will last longer over time.
Price: In terms of price, bamboo is typically more expensive than cotton. However, both types of sheets are widely available and relatively affordable.
Overall: When it comes to choosing between bamboo and cotton sheets, it really comes down to personal preference. Consider your budget, sleeping habits, and desired level of comfort to decide which option is right for you.
Are bamboo sheets cooler than cotton?
When it comes to cooling, bamboo sheets have a noticeable advantage over cotton.
Bamboo is a naturally cooling material, and it wicks away moisture, providing a refreshing sleeping experience on even the hottest nights. Cotton is also a fairly cool material, but it doesn’t have the same moisture-wicking properties as bamboo.
As a result, cotton sheets are more likely to feel damp and clingy on hot summer nights.
Conclusion Bamboo vs Egyptian Cotton Sheets
To conclude, there are several shared features between bamboo and Egyptian Cotton sheets and some differences as well.
If you’re looking for a set of bed sheets that are more Eco-Friendly and Resistant to Allergies, you should consider Bamboo Sheets. Bamboo fabrics resist dust mites better than Egyptian cotton and growing bamboo is more Eco-Friendly.
If Softness is important to you, a set of high-end Bamboo Viscose sheets will be softer and less expensive than high-end Egyptian cotton sheets.
Since Egyptian cotton sheets have been around longer than bamboo, you can find them in more locations, especially in local stores. Bamboo sheets are mainly available online and only a few local stores sell them.
