What to expect from a bamboo envelope sheet
Short answer: An envelope sheet in bamboo viscose is smooth, cool and soft to sleep on, and it is easy to put on the bed. Over time it becomes even softer, while the area where you lie most and the envelope fold are the places that show use first.
What an envelope sheet is
An envelope sheet is a sheet with a sewn pocket or fold at each end that the mattress slides into. It sits more snugly than an ordinary flat sheet, but has no elastic like a fitted sheet. In bamboo viscose the sheet is smooth and cool, and the fibre moves moisture away from the body. That makes it comfortable for anyone who runs warm at night.
Fit and fold
Because an envelope sheet has no elastic, there is no elastic to wear out. On the other hand, it is important to choose the right length, so the fold reaches around the mattress. Viscose can shrink a little in the first washes, especially with hot drying. The sheet can therefore become slightly shorter. Low temperatures and air drying help it keep its measurements. See bamboo envelope sheets.
Washing the sheet
Wash the envelope sheet at 40 degrees with a mild detergent, and give it room in the machine so it can move freely. Fabric softener is not needed and can make the fibres less absorbent. Do not wash it with towels that shed lint, or with clothes that have zips and hooks, which can pull threads out of the smooth surface.
Drying and creases
Shake the sheet out well after washing and hang it over a line or an airer so it dries smooth. Bamboo sheets in a sateen weave crease less than many other sheets, but a few creases are normal. If you use a tumble dryer, choose low heat and take the sheet out while it is still slightly damp. If you iron it, use a low setting.
Wear over time
The area where you lie most gets the most friction, and the surface there can become slightly duller over time. Sateen woven sheets can pick up small snags from toenails, jewellery and rough skin. The edges of the envelope fold also wear as the mattress goes in and out. That is normal. Two sets of bedding in rotation give each set more time between washes.
Lifespan and care
How long an envelope sheet lasts depends on how often it is washed and how hot it is dried. Air drying and low temperatures make the biggest difference. Brands such as Egtved and others make bamboo clothing, and the same principles apply to clothes, for example a bamboo shirt for women: low heat, mild detergent and no fabric softener. When the fabric thins where you lie, it is time for a new one.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bamboo envelope sheet shrink
It can shrink a little in the first washes. Wash at a low temperature and avoid high heat in the dryer.
What is the difference between an envelope sheet and a fitted sheet
An envelope sheet has a fold at the ends and no elastic. A fitted sheet has elastic all the way round.
Does it need ironing
Rarely. Shake it out well and hang it smooth to dry. Only iron on a low setting.
