Bamboo or cotton for bedding
Short answer: Cotton is the familiar, robust choice, while viscose from bamboo feels soft and smooth and absorbs moisture. Choose by where you sleep, the feel you like and how you want to look after the bedding.
Two fabrics, two feelings against the skin
Cotton and viscose from bamboo are both soft, but they feel different. Cotton has a drier, more natural feel and can be a little stiffer, especially new and in a simple weave. Viscose from bamboo is smooth and cool to the touch and falls softly. It is a matter of taste, and the best way to choose is to feel the fabric. Stick with what you like yourself, and avoid assuming that one fabric is always better.
Cotton: familiar and robust
Cotton is a classic choice with long experience in bedding. It is robust in the wash, tolerates high temperatures and is easy to look after. It comes in many qualities and weaves, from simple to very fine. The drawback is that cheaper qualities can feel stiff and can hold moisture and warmth if you sweat at night. Choose a dense, fine weave for a more pleasant feel.
Bamboo: soft, smooth and cool
Viscose from bamboo has a smooth, cool surface and a soft drape that many find pleasant to lie in. It absorbs moisture and often feels cooler to the touch than cotton. That makes it interesting if you sweat or prefer cooler nights. The drawback is that viscose is more sensitive to heat and heavy rubbing, so you must wash at a lower temperature. See bamboo bedding for styles in this material.
The parts of the bedding
Bedding is more than a set. The sheet lies under you all night and affects how you sleep, while the pillowcase touches the face and hair. Many choose bamboo for the parts where softness matters most. See bamboo pillowcases for a smooth surface against the face. If you have a bed with a divided mattress, bamboo split sheets are an option, where the sheet fits the shape of the bed.
Care: the difference in the machine
Cotton can be washed at 40, 60 or higher, tolerates the tumble dryer and is easy to iron. Viscose from bamboo should be washed at 30 to 40 degrees without fabric softener and dried on low heat or on a line. Always read the care label. At low temperatures it is a good idea to change the bedding regularly and wash as needed. If you have an allergy or asthma, talk to your doctor about what suits you.
Our recommendation by situation
Choose cotton if you want robust bedding you can wash hot and fast, and if you like a drier, more structured feel. Choose bamboo if you like a smooth, cool and soft feel, or if you sweat at night. You can also combine, for example cotton for the sheet and bamboo for the pillowcases. Try one set and notice what gives you the best sleep.
Frequently asked questions
Is bamboo cooler than cotton
Many experience it that way, because the fabric is smooth and absorbs moisture. It depends on the weave and your own temperature, though.
Can bamboo bedding withstand washing
Yes, at 30 to 40 degrees without fabric softener. It does not tolerate high heat as well as cotton.
Which fabric lasts longest
It depends on the quality and the care. Cotton is robust in hot washes, while bamboo lasts best with gentle washing.
See our range of Nordic Weaving bedding.
