Tencel vs. Cotton Sheets: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a hot sleeper, keeping cool at night can be a struggle. Waking up from overheating leads to sleep deprivation, so you feel less focused during the day.

However, switching to bedding made with Tencel or cotton ensures comfortable sleep. Both fabrics enable airflow so there’s less risk of waking up hot.

Our article reviews how both Tencel and cotton fabrics are made, the pros and cons of each material, and what to consider when choosing a Tencel or cotton sheet set.

Difference between Tencel and Cotton Sheets

Tencel and cotton have different fibers, which can affect how the material feels. Both fabrics are soft and breathable but have different features which may make one fabric more appealing than the other. For example, both Tencel and cotton feel cool, but Tencel is a better option for hot sleepers because Tencel wicks away more moisture than cotton.

What are Tencel Sheets?

Tencel sheets are made from the pulp of eucalyptus wood. The pulp or wood cellulose is mixed with a chemical solvent through a chemical process, then pushed through small holes in a spinneret nozzle to create wood cellulose fibers. These cellulose fibers are chemically treated, spun into thread, and woven into fabric. The resulting smooth material, known as Tencel lyocell fabric, has a silky feel and a slight sheen.

That said, while Tencel is a lyocell fabric, not all lyocell fabrics are Tencel. For a comparison of general lyocell to cotton, see our guide Lyocell vs. Cotton Sheets: Which is Best?

Tencel fabric is semi-synthetic because it contains other natural fibers, like cotton and wool, or synthetic fibers, including polyester and nylon. Tencel fibers are created through a “closed-loop process,” where all solvents are reused, making Tencel eco-friendly.

The wood pulp of eucalyptus trees is also gathered from eucalyptus trees grown in irrigated lands without pesticides and chemical fertilizers—this manufacturing process has a low environmental impact.

Varieties of Tencel Sheets

Most Tencel sheets are crafted with a sateen weave, featuring a pattern of one under, three or four over threads. This weave gives the sheets a soft drape and a subtle sheen.

Some Tencel sheets, however, are made with a percale weave, characterized by a one over, one under thread pattern that provides a crisper feel. Still, many Tencel sheet sets do not specify their weave type.

The variety of Tencel fabric used is often the main distinction between different sheet sets. The three primary types of Tencel fabric include:

a. Tencel Lyocell:

Tencel lyocell is known for its soft, durable, and moisture-wicking properties. Made from sustainably-sourced wood, this material is processed with eco-friendly methods; the solvents used are captured and reused to minimize environmental impact.

Produced by Lenzing, Tencel lyocell is available in several variations, each with slightly different performance attributes.

b. Tencel Modal:

Typically derived from beechwood, Tencel modal is celebrated for its exceptional softness. Lenzing offers a range of Tencel modal options, each with subtle differences that may enhance specific qualities.

c. Tencel Blends:

Both Tencel lyocell and Tencel modal are often blended with other materials to combine their moisture-wicking, softness, and durability properties with additional benefits.

Blends with cotton are especially common, as they merge the temperature-regulating and durable nature of both fabrics.

Pros of Tencel Sheets

• Looks and feels like silk—the smooth fabric won’t irritate sensitive skin
• Hypoallergenic
• Wrinkle-resistant with a nice drape over the bed
• Strong, durable fibers experience little to no shrinking after washing
• Cool, eco-friendly material makes Tencel a great option for hot sleepers

Cons of Tencel Sheets

• Tencel sheets are expensive because of production processing costs
• Some Tencel sheet sets can only be hand-washed since machine washing may cause damage

Why Choose TENCEL™?

TENCEL™ fibers, created by Lenzing, offer a sustainable, high-performance alternative to many traditional fibers. Here’s why TENCEL™ stands out:

• Eco-Friendly Production Process: TENCEL™ fibers are made with environmentally responsible methods. The process uses sustainably sourced wood, typically eucalyptus or beech, and requires minimal water and energy. In addition, the solvents used during production are largely recycled, with TENCEL™ Lyocell recycling more than 99% of the chemicals, making it one of the most eco-friendly cellulose fibers available.
• Softness and Comfort: TENCEL™ fibers are known for their naturally soft, smooth texture, making them gentle on the skin. This quality makes TENCEL™ sheets, clothes, and other textiles especially comfortable to wear or sleep on, as they minimize irritation.
• Superior Moisture Management: TENCEL™ fibers excel in moisture absorption and wicking, keeping fabrics feeling dry and fresh. This property helps regulate temperature, making TENCEL™ fabrics a great choice for warm climates or active lifestyles.
• Durability and Strength: TENCEL™ Lyocell, in particular, has a strong, resilient structure that maintains its integrity even after repeated washes. This durability ensures TENCEL™ products maintain their softness and quality over time.
• Biodegradable and Renewable: Derived from renewable wood sources, TENCEL™ fibers are fully biodegradable and compostable, offering an end-of-life option that aligns with sustainability principles.
• Versatility in Blends: TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal can be blended with materials like cotton to enhance softness, durability, and moisture-wicking abilities. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of products, from sheets and towels to activewear and everyday apparel.

What are Cotton Sheets?

Cotton sheets are made from the fluffy seed pods of cotton plants. Cotton has been produced for hundreds of years and manufactured into different products, like clothing and bedding.

The price and quality of cotton sheets depend on the staple or length of the cotton fiber. The longer the fiber, the more soft and luxurious the material. Long-staple cotton, like Egyptian Cotton or Pima Cotton, are popular choices for bed sheets because longer staple cotton is more durable than short-staple cotton.

Short-staple cotton is less expensive than long-staple cotton, but the fabric breaks down faster due to the shorter fibers. While it may seem budget-friendly to purchase short-staple cotton sheets, the material won’t last long.

Types of Cotton Sheets: 

When choosing cotton sheets, two key factors to consider are the materials and weaves, each of which impacts the feel, durability, and performance of the sheets.

We’ve covered material considerations above, but even sheets made of the same cotton type can feel distinctly different based on their weave. There are four primary weave styles commonly used in cotton sheets:

a. Percale

Percale sheets feature a simple one-thread-over, one-thread-under weave, creating a crisp, breathable, and long-lasting fabric that softens with each wash.

Thanks to its excellent temperature regulation, percale is a popular choice among hot sleepers. However, percale fabric tends to wrinkle easily, so those who prefer a smooth look may need to iron their sheets.

b. Sateen

The sateen weave follows a one-thread-under, three- or four-threads-over pattern, producing a soft, drapey fabric with a subtle sheen. Sateen sheets are often wrinkle-resistant, although they can be more susceptible to pilling, snagging, and retaining heat compared to percale.

c. Twill

Twill sheets have a diagonal ribbed texture, similar to denim. This distinctive weave can give twill sheets a slightly coarser feel, but they’re typically highly durable and can withstand frequent use and washing.

Pros of Cotton Sheets

• Feels softer after every wash
• Available in a wide price range
• Most sheet sets are machine washable for easy maintenance
• Crisp and cool fabric won’t trap body heat

Cons of Cotton Sheets

• Some cotton sheet brands are not eco-friendly because chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used to grow large amounts of cotton plants
• Prone to wrinkling and may require ironing

Why Cotton?

Cotton is a popular natural fiber for several compelling reasons:

• Softness and Comfort: Cotton is naturally soft, making it ideal for clothing, bedding, and textiles that come into direct contact with the skin.
• Breathability: Cotton’s natural fibers allow air to circulate, helping to regulate temperature and wick away moisture, which makes it comfortable in both warm and cool conditions.
• Durability: High-quality cotton, especially extra-long staple types, is incredibly durable and holds up well against wear and washing, ensuring longevity for items like clothing, linens, and home fabrics.
• Hypoallergenic: Cotton is hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, often recommended for those with allergies or skin sensitivities.
• Sustainability: Cotton is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice when organically and ethically sourced.

Versatility: Cotton’s adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from fashion and home textiles to industrial applications, due to its blendable, dyeable, and easily manipulated fibers.

Considerations When Buying Sheets

Important factors, like thread count, weave, size, price, and available colors and designs, could determine which type of fabric you choose—Tencel or cotton.

Thread Count

Thread count determines the quality in a sheet set. A thread count is defined as the number of threads woven into a square inch of material. Contrary to popular belief, high thread count does not mean high quality.

Some manufacturers claim their sheets have a thread count over 1,000, but it’s not possible to fit that many threads inside one square inch of material. Companies use methods to boost the thread count, but the bed sheet quality isn’t as high as sheets with a 600 thread count. The best thread count for both Tencel and cotton sheets is between 300 and 600. The threads are strong and durable, able to withstand wear and tear from regular use.

Weave

Feel, durability, and overall appearance all contribute to the weave. How threads are woven can also determine the breathability and cost of a set of sheets. Some weaves have tightly woven fibers, restricting airflow and trapping body heat. Other weaves have more gaps in between threads for breathability.

There are two main types of weaves found in Tencel and cotton sheets—percale and sateen. Percale weave is common in cotton sheets for that crisp feel, while the sateen weave gives a nice sheen similar to silk on Tencel bedding. If you have sensitive skin, Tencel material is the best choice because there’s less risk of allergic reactions to Tencel’s smooth surface compared to cotton.

Size

Both Tencel and cotton bed sheets are available in standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king. You can almost certainly find one sized to fit your mattress, but it’s important to know the dimensions of your bed.

Before buying a sheet set, measure the thickness of your mattress and include the mattress topper in your measurements if you have one—the deep pockets of a fitted sheet may only cover a specific mattress thickness.

You want to make sure a sheet set, whether it’s Tencel or cotton, fits snug around your mattress. Particularly if you’re a hot sleeper pairing one of these breathable sheets with a cooling mattress topper.

Price

Tencel sheets are more durable than cotton sheets, but Tencel is more expensive. The average cost for a Tencel sheet set ranges between $100 to $200 for a queen size, while the average price for cotton sheets is $50 to $150 for a queen size.

The price tag for cotton sheets also depends on the staple fibers. Long-staple cotton is stronger and softer than short-staple cotton, so long-staple cotton sheets will come at a higher price tag.

Color and Design

Tencel is not as widely available as cotton sheets, which means Tencel may not come in as many colors as cotton. Cotton sheets, on the other hand, come in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Some of the best sleep-inducing colors include blue, yellow, green, silver, orange, and pink. These colors promote feelings of relaxation and could improve sleep quality. Try to stick with soft, pastel shades—bright colors may stimulate the brain, causing you to feel alert.

Choosing Between Tencel and Cotton Sheets: Which is Right for Your Best Night’s Sleep?

When it comes to Tencel and cotton sheets, both offer unique benefits, making the decision challenging but rewarding when you consider your sleep preferences.

If you’re someone who struggles with overheating or night sweats, Tencel may be your top choice. Known for its impressive breathability and moisture-wicking abilities, Tencel excels at regulating temperature, making it ideal for hot sleepers.

Its silky, smooth feel also gives it a luxurious touch, and its eco-friendly production process requires less water and energy, which makes it a more sustainable option than many other fabrics.

On the other hand, cotton sheets—particularly those made with a percale weave—provide a crisper, slightly structured feel that many find refreshing.

Cotton is known for its durability and versatility, softening over time and offering options for those who prefer a fabric that they can iron and maintain with ease. If you enjoy variety, cotton provides different types of knits and weaves, allowing for a range of textures and weights.

This means you can find a cotton sheet set that suits not only your temperature preferences but also your aesthetic, as cotton ages beautifully with each wash.

Ultimately, there isn’t a definitive “better” choice between Tencel and cotton. Both options are more sustainable than synthetic alternatives and offer comfort and moisture-wicking properties that support restful sleep.

The choice really comes down to personal preferences, such as whether you prefer the smooth, drapey feel of Tencel or the slightly crisper, structured feel of cotton.

Reasons to Choose Tencel:

• You tend to sleep hot and want a cool, moisture-wicking material.
• You enjoy the look and feel of silky, drapey sheets.
• You prioritize eco-friendly choices.

Reasons to Choose Cotton:

• You prefer a crisper feel that softens over time.
• You appreciate variety in knits and don’t mind ironing for a neat look.
• You want durable sheets that withstand regular laundering.

Both Tencel and cotton are excellent options for quality bedding. By evaluating what you want most in terms of comfort, structure, and maintenance, you’ll be able to choose the ideal set of sheets for a more restful night’s sleep.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Tencel and bamboo sheets?

Both Tencel and bamboo sheets are manufactured through a similar process, except bamboo sheets are made from bamboo cellulose instead of eucalyptus. Bamboo fabric, also known as viscose rayon, feels softer than cotton, but doesn’t feel as silky smooth as Tencel sheets. Tencel sheets also wick away more moisture than bamboo, making them a better option for hot sleepers.

How Does Tencel Compare to Egyptian Cotton Sheets?

Egyptian cotton and Tencel sheets are both known for their softness and durability. Egyptian cotton is often easier to care for, while Tencel has a more luxurious, silk-like feel. These premium fabrics are both investments, but they each have unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences.

One difference is in care and durability. Cotton, including Egyptian cotton, can tolerate higher washing temperatures, while Tencel requires a gentler approach. However, Tencel sheets are generally more wrinkle-resistant due to their silky-smooth texture. Tencel also tends to sleep cooler than cotton, which may make it ideal for those who tend to overheat at night.

Does Tencel shrink like cotton?

Tencel may slightly shrink after the first wash, but resists shrinking afterward. Tencel sheets need more maintenance than cotton sheets because some Tencel brands require hand washing which takes longer than machine washing. Cotton sheets may continue to shrink with each wash.

What is the best material for hot sleepers?

Tencel and cotton sheets are good options for hot sleepers. Both cooling fabrics enable better airflow, so hot air can escape, however, Tencel is the best sheet choice for hot sleepers because the fabric is more effective than cotton in wicking away moisture. Other materials, like polyester, traps heat and causes night sweats.

Is TENCEL™ Environmentally Friendly?

TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers have been certified as biodegradable and compostable by the Belgian certification company Vinçotte, making them a sustainable choice. These fibers can decompose in various environments—including industrial, home, soil, and marine conditions—eventually returning fully to nature after they reach the end of their lifespan.

Can I tumble dry Tencel?

Some Tencel sheets can be machine washed and dried. Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions on how to best care for your Tencel sheets. If your dryer has an “Air Dry” setting, you may use this setting to dry your Tencel sheets instead of hanging dry.

Is TENCEL™ Better than Cotton?

Choosing between TENCEL™ and cotton ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. Various factors, like sleep style, lifestyle, and sustainability preferences, influence this decision.

TENCEL™ might be the best choice for those who:

• Run warm while sleeping
• Have sensitive skin
• Prefer the eco-friendly production and sustainability of TENCEL™
• Seek a fabric that resembles silk in texture and feels cooler than linen

Cotton might be more suitable for those who:

• Enjoy a cozy, slightly heavier feel, similar to a crisp cotton shirt
• Want sheets that soften with each wash
• Desire a smooth feel without the drapey quality of silk
• Need breathable sheets that hold up well over time

Is Tencel natural or synthetic?

Tencel is both natural and synthetic. The material is made from wood, but the finished fibers are man-made with chemical solvents. Tencel fabric is often referred to as regenerated cellulose instead of natural or synthetic material.

Can Tencel Be Woven in the Same Styles as Cotton Sheets?

Yes, both Tencel and cotton can be woven into popular fabrics used for sheets, allowing for a versatile range of styles. Sateen and percale are two popular weave types available in 100% cotton, as well as blends that include Tencel.

Sateen sheets often have a thread count between 300 and 600, giving them a smooth finish, while percale sheets typically feature a thread count of 200 to 400, providing a crisp feel. Jersey knit is another weave often seen in 100% cotton, with the cozy texture of a well-loved cotton T-shirt.

Conclusion

Both Tencel and cotton are soft, breathable fabrics and excellent options for sleep. Tencel and cotton fabrics wick away moisture and prevent you from waking up hot.

Tencel sheets have a smoother surface than cotton, a nice feature if you have sensitive skin. However, cotton is less expensive than Tencel with a wider variety of colors and designs to choose from. Depending on your preferences, you may like one material over the other, but for hot sleepers, we recommend Tencel sheets for optimal cooling.