BAMBOO vs LYOCELL vs TENCEL
Key Differences and Similarities
When choosing the best fabric for your bedding, you might come across two popular options: bamboo and lyocell. Both materials are made from the bamboo plant, known for their softness, breathability, and eco-friendly properties, making them ideal for comfortable sleep. But how do they compare?
Let’s take a close look at the differences between bamboo vs lyocell, helping you determine the best choice for your bedding needs.
Table of Contents
What is Bamboo Fabric?
Bamboo fabric is derived from the pulp of bamboo plants and can be processed in two main ways:
1. Bamboo Rayon (Viscose)
This is the most common form of bamboo fabric. It is made by chemically breaking down bamboo pulp and spinning it into fibers. While soft and breathable, the chemical process raises concerns about environmental sustainability.
2. Bamboo Lyocell
A more eco-friendly option, bamboo lyocell is produced using a closed-loop process, which recycles water and minimizes chemical waste. It retains the same softness and moisture-wicking abilities as bamboo rayon but with a more sustainable footprint.
3. Bamboo Linen
Bamboo linen is made using a mechanical process, similar to traditional linen, without chemicals. However, it tends to be rougher and wrinkles easily, making it less popular for bedding.
What is Lyocell?
Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp, commonly sourced from eucalyptus, oak, or birch trees. It is processed using a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents, making it one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics.
1. Tencel Lyocell
Tencel is a branded type of lyocell, produced by Lenzing. It is known for its sustainable production process, luxurious softness, and excellent moisture-wicking properties.
2. Generic Lyocell
Other lyocell fabrics follow similar production methods but may not adhere to the same strict environmental and quality standards as Tencel.
Bamboo vs Lyocell: Key Comparisons / Similarities and Differences
Bamboo vs Lyocell: Similarities and Differences
Let’s take a deeper look at the three main bamboo-derived fibers, most often found in bedding:
| Feature | Bamboo Rayon | Bamboo Lyocell | Lyocell (Tencel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softness | Very soft, slightly textured | Ultra-soft, smooth | Silky smooth, most uniform |
| Breathability | Highly breathable | Excellent airflow | Superior moisture-wicking |
| Moisture-Wicking | Good, but may retain some moisture | Excellent moisture regulation | Best moisture control |
| Durability | Less durable, prone to pilling | More durable, but delicate care needed | Highly durable, resists pilling |
| Eco-Friendliness | Less sustainable due to chemicals | Eco-friendly with closed-loop process | Most sustainable with minimal water use |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes, but may have chemical residues | Yes, gentle on sensitive skin | Yes, very skin-friendly |
| Production Process | Chemical-based | Closed-loop, minimal chemicals | Closed-loop, minimal chemicals |
| Best For | Budget-friendly softness | Eco-conscious consumers who want softness | Luxury feel with sustainability |
1. Softness and Comfort
Both bamboo and lyocell are incredibly soft, often compared to silk. However, Tencel lyocell tends to have a slightly smoother surface due to its uniform fiber structure. Bamboo rayon and bamboo lyocell are also ultra-soft but may feel a bit more textured. Our personal preference? Tencel comes a mile ahead of the race in the softness and comfort category!
2. Breathability and Moisture-Wicking
Both materials excel in moisture management, making them great for hot sleepers. Lyocell fibers naturally wick away moisture, keeping the fabric dry and cool. Bamboo, especially bamboo lyocell, is also highly breathable and regulates temperature well.
Switching to another material after having gotten used to sleeping in bamboo / lyocell, helps you very clearly feel the superior breathability and moisture-wicking properties of bamboo!
3. Durability and Longevity
Lyocell fabrics tend to be more durable than bamboo rayon, as they resist pilling and maintain their softness over time. Bamboo lyocell is also durable but may require gentle washing to maintain its quality. If pilling is your pet peeve, like it is ours… switch to lyocell sheets today! It will be the end of it and we talk from 4+ years of nightly experience!!
4. Eco-Friendliness
Bamboo Rayon: Less sustainable due to chemical processing.
Bamboo Lyocell: More eco-friendly with a closed-loop system.
Lyocell (Tencel): One of the most sustainable fabrics, using minimal water and biodegradable fibers.
5. Hypoallergenic and Skin-Friendly
Both bamboo and lyocell are hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin. Lyocell has a smoother surface, which can be beneficial for those prone to irritation.
6. Price Comparison
Bamboo rayon is generally the most affordable option, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who want a soft and breathable fabric without a high price tag. Bamboo lyocell tends to be slightly more expensive due to its eco-friendly production process. Tencel lyocell, known for its premium quality and sustainability, is often the most expensive of the three but offers superior durability and softness (and we think it is 100% worth the upgrade and higher price point!).
Which One is Better for Bedding?
Bedding material is always a matter of personal preference. The paragraph below reflects our thoughts and preferences, and yours may be different.
If you prioritize sustainability, durability, and a silky smooth texture, Tencel lyocell is the better choice. While priced at a premium, we believe that it is the better long-term investment and its extreme comfort makes the higher price tag a good value.
However, if you prefer a natural and highly breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties, bamboo lyocell is an excellent option as well, without some of the more premium pricing.
Bamboo rayon can be a budget-friendly alternative but comes with a higher environmental impact.
Non-Biased Reviews' Favorite Bamboo Sheets - Editor's Pick
Bamboo sheets are our favorite by far. Here are our absolute favorites, and bamboo sheets we think you would love too:
Aeptom
Aeptom manufactures our favorite bamboo bedding. Their sheets and covers are buttery soft, made of Tencel lyocell, and adding their Tencel Lyocell Comforter adds incredible softness and coziness to your bed! We recommend at least getting the comforter and the Aeptom Duvet Cover Set.
Sunday Citizen
We are forever fans of Sunday Citizen. There isn’t one bedding item we tried, that we did not fall in love with! The Bamboo Sheets are ultra soft (made from viscose from bamboo) and we love the color options, which are fun to mix and match. Sunday Citizen also offers a few comforters made of bamboo, which are incredibly soft, high-quality built, and look great on their own or mixed with the bamboo sheets!
Simply Organic Bamboo
Simply Organic Bamboo is a no-frill, high-quality, manufacturer of bamboo bedding. All of their products feel incredible and are some of our favorite bamboo options for the bedroom. The Bamboo Sheet Set (made from viscose from organically-grown bamboo) and Duvet Cover are a great addition to your bedroom – we recommend using them both for ultimate softness, and a nice combination with the Bamboo Comforter.
Bamboo vs Lyocell - Final Thoughts
When comparing bamboo vs lyocell, both fabrics offer exceptional comfort and breathability, making them excellent choices for bedding. Your decision will depend on factors like sustainability, durability, price, and personal preference for texture. If you want an ultra-soft and eco-friendly option, Tencel lyocell is a top pick. If you prefer natural fibers with excellent cooling properties, bamboo lyocell is a strong contender at a more affordable price.
Whichever you choose, all three fabrics will contribute to a comfortable and restful night’s sleep!
References
- Tencel. Retrieved from https://www.tencel.com/
- Science Direct. (2024). Bamboo fibre: A sustainable solution for textile manufacturing. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773139124000338
- CFDA. Material Index: Bamboo. Retrieved from https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/bamboo
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Bamboo fabric comes from bamboo pulp, while lyocell is derived from wood pulp like eucalyptus. Lyocell is often more sustainable and smoother in texture.
Both are highly breathable, but lyocell wicks moisture slightly better, making it ideal for hot sleepers. Bamboo lyocell also offers excellent airflow.
Both are hypoallergenic and gentle, but lyocell has a smoother surface, making it less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Lyocell, especially Tencel, resists pilling and maintains softness longer. Bamboo rayon is less durable, while bamboo lyocell offers better longevity.
Tencel lyocell is typically the most sustainable option due to its closed-loop production. Bamboo lyocell is also eco-friendly, while bamboo rayon has a higher environmental impact.
More Sleep Resources
What is the main difference between bamboo and lyocell?
Bamboo fabric comes from bamboo pulp, while lyocell is derived from wood pulp like eucalyptus. Lyocell is often more sustainable and smoother in texture.
Which is more breathable, bamboo or lyocell?
Both are highly breathable, but lyocell wicks moisture slightly better, making it ideal for hot sleepers. Bamboo lyocell also offers excellent airflow.
Is bamboo or lyocell better for sensitive skin?
Both are hypoallergenic and gentle, but lyocell has a smoother surface, making it less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Which fabric is more durable for bedding?
Lyocell, especially Tencel, resists pilling and maintains softness longer. Bamboo rayon is less durable, while bamboo lyocell offers better longevity.
Which is the more eco-friendly choice?
Tencel lyocell is typically the most sustainable option due to its closed-loop production. Bamboo lyocell is also eco-friendly, while bamboo rayon has a higher environmental impact.
Share this deal with a friend!
Laura Georgieff
Laura is a mother of three who did not sleep through the night for the first 5.5 years of her kids' lives. She is passionate about sleep quality and loves sharing her experience and knowledge of all thing bedding! It is her mission to help you make the best decisions when it comes to sleep and help you get the best deal on the market!
