To find the best bamboo sheets, we tested 22 sets in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping for bamboo sheets, we spoke with Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. operations at The Trident Group (a textiles manufacturer) and vice president of the Home Fashion Products Association. We also received tips from Jolanda Thomas, associate product development merchant at The Company Store, who says the main characteristics of bamboo sheets are “silky, soft, and cooling.” Bampure’s Bamboo Bed Sheets earned the top spot on our list. Our testers gave this set a near-perfect score because the sheets are soft, cool to the touch, wrinkle-resistant, and reasonably priced. As you scroll, you’ll find more of the best bamboo sheets based on our Lab testing, as well as expert advice on what to look for when shopping. Who it isn’t for: People who want the option to forego the top sheet. Bamboo sheets tend to be more expensive than cotton, which is why we were thrilled to find a set of high-quality bamboo bed sheets at such a great value. In our testing, we found the Bampure Bamboo Bed Sheets to be soft, silky, and cool to the touch. The smooth sateen weave gives them a lovely sheen and high-end appearance, and the thread count is 300, which falls right in the optimal range for bamboo viscose. After laying on the sheets for five minutes, we noticed very little increase in temperature, and the sheets seemed less prone to wrinkling than many of the others we tested. We particularly appreciate that these sheets have a deep pocket and an elastic corner band to keep them in place. Post-wash, there were no visible signs of damage and very minimal shrinking—they even became softer after washing and drying. Additionally, the sheets are certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances. The sheets are available in several colors ranging from neutrals to jewel tones, so you’re bound to find a set that matches your existing bedding. It comes in a set of four with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
Material: Bamboo viscoseThread Count: 300Pocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, full, queen, king, and California kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-TexReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People set on buying 100-percent bamboo sheets. As we’ve already established, bamboo sheets can be quite costly—a trade-off for their superior cooling and moisture-wicking abilities. But if you’re not set on 100-percent bamboo sheets, this affordable set from Cosy House Collection features a blend of 60 percent polyester and 40 percent bamboo viscose, which significantly helps bring down the price. Our testers described this pick as soft and cool to the touch, and they said the sheets felt smooth against their bare skin. Given that these sheets are primarily polyester, they did get slightly warmer over five minutes than the fully bamboo sheets we tested—but they’re still cooler than your average polyester set. After a cycle in the washing machine, these sheets showed no visible signs of wear and remained soft and comfortable. We also like the fact that they come in a wide variety of sizes and over a dozen color options. Plus, like our best overall pick, the fitted sheet comes equipped with elastic corner straps to keep it secure to the mattress. One tester said they would buy these sheets “1,000 percent.”
Material: 60 percent polyester, 40 percent bamboo viscoseThread Count: 1,000Pocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split kingCertifications: N/AReturn Policy: 90 days via manufacturer
Who it isn’t for: People who aren’t in a position to spend a lot on bed sheets. Cozy Earth’s internet-famous bed sheets gave an impressive performance during our testing. We were immediately struck by the soft and smooth feel of these sheets, and the embroidered logo makes them seem very high-end. The bamboo sheets had an immediate cooling sensation that remained even after laying on them for five minutes. After we washed them, they were extremely soft and free of wrinkles—a huge advantage over other bamboo sheet sets: “I’m not sure I’ve seen a post-wash pillowcase come out looking as good as this one,” says one tester. The 320 thread count is within the ideal range for bamboo sheets, and the 20-inch pockets are deep enough to fit almost any mattress. The sheet set is available in six different sizes and five different earth-tone colors. These are the most expensive bamboo sheets we tested, but if you can swing it with your budget, we feel confident this set will give you a comfortable night’s sleep for many years to come. Plus, the sheet set comes with an impressive 100-day trial and 10-year warranty.
Material: Bamboo viscose Thread Count: 320Pocket: 20 inchesSizes Available: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-TexReturn Policy: 100 days via manufacturer
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to pay extra for a flat sheet, or people looking for more size options. Blending bamboo with other fabrics can often compromise its cooling ability and softness, but the Kassatex Linen-Bamboo Sheet Set is an exception. The blend of 60 percent linen and 40 percent bamboo viscose combines the best of both of these fabrics. Linen is renowned for its temperature-regulating capabilities, meaning it keeps you cool in the warmer months and warm in the cooler months. And combining it with bamboo helps to offset the crispness and scratchy texture of linen, leaving you with a softer and more durable sheet set. The addition of linen makes these bamboo-blend sheets extraordinarily lightweight and breathable, and our testers noted that it also gives them an on-trend textured surface. We also found these sheets to be extremely soft to the touch without being overly slippery or silky, like some other bamboo sheets. “Worth every penny,” says one tester. “These have a natural softness and feel great to the hand and when cuddled up.” Because these sheets are mostly linen, they are more prone to wrinkling than the other options on our list. And while the set comes with a fitted sheet and two pillowcases, you have to pay extra for the flat sheet. We wish they came in more size options, too.
Material: 60 percent linen, 40 percent bamboo viscose Thread Count: Not listedPocket: Not listedSizes Available: Queen and kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-TexReturn Policy: 60 days
Who it isn’t for: People who are set on 100 percent bamboo sheets. These sheets from The Company Store offer the best of both cotton and bamboo fabrics. Made with 70 percent bamboo viscose and 30 percent combed cotton, these comfortable sheets have the durability and moisture-wicking properties of bamboo, but with the breathability and feel of cotton. In fact, testers said these sheets remind them of those you would find at an upscale hotel. In our testing, the sheets had a cooling sensation that lasted the entire time we laid on them, and our testers found the fitted sheet very easy to slip on and off the mattress, thanks to the smooth sateen weave and deep pockets. After washing and drying, these breathable sheets did lose some of their silkiness, which made them feel closer to all-cotton sheets. There was also some slight fraying at the corners post-wash. But we like that they come in several colors, and they can even be monogrammed for a thoughtful gift that will give the recipient years of use.
Material: 70 percent bamboo viscose, 30 percent cottonThread Count: 300 Pocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, kingCertifications: N/AReturn Policy: 90 days
Who it isn’t for: People for whom softness is the top priority. Our testers were impressed with the breathability of Luxome’s Luxury Sheet Set, but they especially noticed the 17-inch depth of the pockets, which are large enough to accommodate most beds. “There was plenty of room for the mattress inside the fitted sheet, so if you have a large or pillowtop mattress, I don’t see an issue with the fit,” one tester says. And since the sheets are made with bamboo viscose, testers felt an immediate cooling sensation that remained for the entirety of our testing: “As I shifted my legs, I felt bursts of cool air the sheets trapped for me,” says one tester. “I could sleep on these in 90-degree weather and not complain.” We also appreciate that it has a sateen weave and thread count of 400. We didn’t find the sheets to be as soft and silky to the touch as some of the competition, but we expect they will get a bit softer with each wash. The sheets held up well after we washed and dried them; there wasn’t any loose threading, pilling, or major shrinkage. The Luxome sheets come in a wide range of colors and sizes, so you should have no problem finding a set that works for every bed in your home.
Material: Bamboo viscose Thread Count: 400Pocket: 17 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-TexReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer the feel of traditional cotton or linen sheets. If we didn’t know better, we would think The Regulator Sheets from My Sheets Rock were satin or silk. But they’re made of 100-percent bamboo viscose, which gives them superior cooling, moisture-wicking, and odor-resisting capabilities: “These would be great in the summer since they are quite cool to the touch and feel silky against your skin without trapping heat,” says one tester. During our tests, these bamboo sheets had an immediate cooling sensation that didn’t trap heat and felt luxurious against bare skin. After washing, there was no visible damage: “Silky, soft, heavy, and luxe, these sheets went through the wash and came out a dream,” says one tester. “I loved the tags on the side and making the fitted sheet was super easy. No odd sticking-up corners or tugging to get the corners to lay correctly.” We also love that this sheet set comes in a variety of colors that appear very saturated on the silky material. According to the manufacturer, the sheets are produced in an Oeko-Tex-certified factory and are eligible for a full return within 90 days of purchase.
Material: Bamboo viscoseThread Count: 300Pocket: 16 inchesSizes Available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split kingCertifications: Made in an Oeko-Tex-certified factoryReturn Policy: 90 days
Who it isn’t for: People looking for more color variety. Although many bamboo sheets make claims to be organic, the Simply Organic Bamboo Sheet Set is the only one on our list made with viscose from bamboo that is certified organically grown by Ecocert, an independent organization that offers organic certifications. These bamboo sheets earned high marks in our testing, too. We loved their softness and breathability, and we think that they’d be especially great for summer. “[I] would definitely want to jump into bed right away at the end of the day, if these sheets were on our bed,” says one tester. The fitted sheet will be easy to slip over your mattress, and the 18-inch deep pockets can accommodate most mattress sizes. The sheets only come in three neutral colors, so this isn’t the best option for people who prefer bright hues. But we do think the available colors are universal enough to go with any existing bedding or decor you may have.
Material: Bamboo viscoseThread Count: 300Pocket: 18 inchesSizes Available: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king, California king, split kingCertifications: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex and certified organically grown by EcocertReturn Policy: 30 days
Our Testing Process
We blind-tested 22 bamboo sheets in our Lab, meaning our testers weren’t aware of brands or prices before testing. Each sheet set was evaluated by at least two different testers, one before washing and one after washing. Our testers first assessed the quality of each sheet by visually inspecting it for loose or uneven threads, imperfections in the dye or pattern, and any other flaws. During this inspection, we used a tape measure to measure the dimensions of each sheet and compared them to the specifications provided by the manufacturer. Next, we tested each sheet set by making a bed in our Lab, using the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases, and taking note of the texture as we worked. Once the bed was made, our testers laid on it to assess the breathability of each sheet set—wearing short sleeves to make sure to experience how they feel on bare skin—and took note of whether the sheets initially felt cool to the touch and whether they maintained this sensation after five minutes. To account for the density and weave, we also held each sheet up to a light and recorded whether we could see any light passing through and to what degree. Our testers then washed and dried each sheet set according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After laundering, we recorded the measurements again to see if the sheets shrank or stretched. Finally, we remade the bed and took note of any signs of wear or damage on the sheets to assess their durability. Once testing was complete, our testers received the price of each sheet set and were asked to score their overall value, considering its performance, materials, and price.
How to Shop for Bamboo Sheets Like a Pro
Material
Bamboo Viscose: Most bamboo sheets are made from 100 percent bamboo viscose (also called “bamboo rayon,” “rayon made from bamboo,” or “viscose from bamboo”). Bamboo viscose is popular thanks to its soft feel that holds its own against cotton, as well as its superior breathability, moisture resistance, and affordability compared to other bamboo materials. It’s made by extracting cellulose from bamboo and treating it with a chemical solvent to make a fiber that mimics the qualities of natural fiber. It’s important to note that any raw bamboo matter is dissolved in this process. Viscose may be derived from any number of trees or plants, but bamboo is simply the most common. Bamboo Blends: You may find bamboo blended with other materials such as cotton, linen, or polyester. Blending can make the fabric stronger (and sometimes more affordable, as is the case with the Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Bed Sheets, our best budget pick), but it can also compromise the softness. Bamboo Lyocell: Considered the most sustainable bamboo material, bamboo lyocell is produced by dissolving raw bamboo in a solvent. It is considered more eco-friendly than viscose because 99 percent of the water and solvent are reused and recycled during the treatment process. Like viscose, bamboo lyocell is extremely soft, moisture-wicking, and cooling, but usually comes with a higher price tag.
Weave
Bamboo sheets are most commonly found with sateen or twill weaves, but your choice will largely come down to personal preference: “Sheet constructions are deeply personal,” says Kambak. Sateen uses a one-thread-under and three-or-four-threads-over pattern, which gives it an ultra-soft feel and a slight sheen. “Sateen can retain the silky and soft feel of bamboo to the greatest extent,” Thomas says. Twill weaves make a sturdier fabric, but it’s also less breathable than sateen. Bamboo percale sheets are the most breathable, but they’re harder to find.
Pocket depth refers to the maximum mattress height a fitted sheet can accommodate. To determine the pocket depth necessary for your mattress, measure it from top to bottom—and don’t forget to include your mattress topper in your measurement. While a 12-inch pocket depth will technically fit a 12-inch mattress height, you want to give yourself a little wiggle room so your sheets don’t end up sliding up the corners of your mattress. As a rule of thumb, subtract two inches from the pocket depth of your fitted sheet to determine if it will fit your mattress comfortably. For example, a pocket depth of 16 inches will comfortably fit a mattress that’s 14 inches tall or less. During testing, we found that Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheet set would be best for extra-thick mattresses because it has an impressive 20-inch pocket.
Thread Count
Experts agree that a higher thread count is not necessarily better: “We’ve done a horrible job educating consumers that the quality of sheets is tied to thread count, and it’s absolutely not,” says Kambak. “It’s much more about the quality of the yarn and how good the company is at finishing the textiles.” A higher thread count actually makes the fabric denser, which can restrict the airflow of your sheets. For bamboo sheets, Kambak suggests looking for a thread count between 200 and 400. Anything higher than 1,000 usually indicates lower quality because manufacturers can use thinner fibers to cram in as many threads as possible.
Product Certifications
Independent third-party tests ensure that textiles, such as bedding, meet specific standards for product safety. Because most bamboo sheets undergo a chemical treatment process, there can be a residual of these harmful substances on the textile’s surface. The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification ensures that products have been tested and proven safe from harmful substances—all but two of the sheets on our list have received this certification.
Return Policy
While the factors above are important, there’s no better way to determine which sheets you like best than by sleeping on them in your bed. Fortunately, many companies offer a sleep-trial period, often ranging from 30 to 100 days. You’ll typically be able to return the sheets for a refund within this period.
More Bamboo Sheets to Consider
California Design Den Bamboo Sheets: Pre-wash, the California Design Den sheets were silky smooth and cool to the touch. However, there were many loose threads after running them through the washing machine, which makes us question their long-term durability. Layla Bamboo Sheets: Layla’s soft and silky sheets held up well in our testing and provided a real cooling sensation. However, the color options are pretty limited: The set only comes in gray and white at the moment. Quince Organic Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set: This is another great option sourced from organic materials. The only reason these sheets didn’t receive five stars right out of the box is because our testers noticed they had a funny smell and uneven stitching. But given the great price, we think these minor issues could be overlooked.
Questions You Might Ask
What are bamboo sheets made from?
Although bamboo sheets are technically derived from bamboo, they don’t usually contain any raw bamboo material. Most bamboo sheets start with pulp, which is then dissolved in a chemical solution and forced through a machine to create filaments (or regenerated cellulose) that is then spun into a fabric. “In reality, you can’t call them bamboo sheets—people are actually getting fined by the FTC,” says Kambak. “You have to either use ‘rayon from bamboo’ or ‘viscose from bamboo’ in the labeling.”
Are bamboo sheets better than cotton?
It depends on your preferences. Bamboo sheets are extremely effective at drawing heat away from the body and wicking away moisture. Cotton is generally softer (depending on its thread count) and crisper, while bamboo has more of a silky finish. However, cotton tends to be more affordable than bamboo, unless you’re splurging on premium cottons such as Egyptian or Supima. In our testing, The Company Store Cotton Bamboo Sateen Sheet Set’s blend of bamboo viscose and cotton made it feel less silk-like, making it better suited for those who prefer the feel of traditional cotton sheets.
Are bamboo sheets eco-friendly?
Although bamboo viscose sheets are often marketed as “green” or “eco-friendly,” options, this topic is hotly debated. Kambak says that from a plant perspective, bamboo is eco-friendly because it doesn’t require much irrigation or chemicals and grows back quickly—almost like a weed. “However, chemicals are used in the process of creating cellulose from bamboo,” says Kambak. Bamboo lyocell uses a more sustainable treatment process than viscose, but it’s more expensive and harder to come by. And when not properly sourced, bamboo-derived textiles can contribute to deforestation. Always look for bamboo sheets that are transparent about their production and sourcing processes.
How do you wash bamboo sheets?
Always default to the specific manufacturer’s care instructions before washing your sheets. Generally, bamboo sheets can be washed in cold water with mild detergent and tumble-dried on low heat. Avoid washing them with towels if you don’t want linty sheets. And fabric softener is not necessary, as bamboo sheets are soft right out of the package and only get softer after washing.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 22 bamboo sheets in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert tips on how to buy bamboo sheets, we tapped Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. operations at The Trident Group (a textiles manufacturer) and vice president of the Home Fashion Products Association, as well as Jolanda Thomas, associate product development merchant at The Company Store.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
