When shopping for new bed sheets, you have a lot of options. Beyond just the color, you also must pick with material fabric you like the best. If you regularly read our blog, you know that we’ve discussed some of the amazing benefits of bamboo sheets with you in the past. Today, we want to talk about another great option you may not have considered. We want to discuss tencel! It’s a fairly new innovation to the bedsheet market, first developed in 1972 and gaining popularity ever since. Rather than being woven out of fibers from the cotton plant, Tencel fibers are created from the pulp of trees.
What is tencel fabric?Â
Tencel is actually a brand name for Lyocell, is a fiber made from the wood pulp of trees. Don’t worry that this means it is harmful to the Earth. In fact, the opposite is true! These trees are grown and replaced on specialized tree farms. Unlike some other cellulosic fabrics, tencel is produced using recyclable, Earth-friendly solvents. Tencel fibers are versatile and can be combined with a wide range of other textile fibers, including cotton, wool, and silk. This is done in order to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the fabric. The unique physical properties of tencel leads to a fabric that is strong, efficiently absorbs moisture, and is gentle to skin. It is no wonder that tencel bed sheets are so popular!
As stated above, tencel uses wood from trees in sustainably-harvested forests. What is tencel, though? What is tencel made of? How can something made from trees be soft? The producers of tencel know exactly what they’re doing, because they’ve perfected this craft over many years. First, they take wood pulp from special trees and dissolve it in a chemical solvent. Then, they push it through an extruder to form the fibers. Don’t be put off by the words “chemical solvent.” Tencel uses chemicals that are less-toxic than many other fabric options, like Rayon, and get recycled in the process. This means there’s minimal waste. In fact, the process uses 95% less water than it would take to make​ cotton.
Is tencel breathable?Â
Yes, it’s incredibly breathable! Tencel stands out mainly for its softness. It’s also breathable and manages moisture so it helps with temperature regulation. These features make it a particularly popular bedding option for people who tend to get hot when they sleep. If you are looking for new sheets that are highly absorbent and breathable for increased comfort all night long, you can’t go wrong with tencel sheets.
Does tencel shrink?
Something this special must be difficult to care for, right? Does it need to be washed and dried in a special way so it doesn’t shrink? In fact, tencel is very worry-free. It won’t shrink! While it is similar in look to silk, it is much easier to care for. Industry experts and manufacturers tell us that you can expect tencel to shrink about 3% with the first washing and will resist shrinking from then on. Machine washing, using the gentle cycle, is perfectly fine and then you can toss it in the dryer.Â
Does tencel wrinkle?Â
Tencel is similar in softness to cotton but without the wrinkles. You want your bed to be a perfect sleep oasis, which is pretty hard if it’s wrinkled and bunched up. Tencel sheets wrinkle much less than cotton, yet are softer and stronger. In fact, some bedding manufacturers combine cotton and tencel into one product, so you get the benefits of both.
Is it hypoallergenic?Â
If you suffer from allergies, you don’t need to worry about new tencel sheets causing a flare up. This material is naturally hypoallergenic and is not bleached or dyed. It actually adheres to much stricter standards and uses very few chemicals compared to the production of cotton, rayon, and many other fibers. This means it is ideal for those who have sensitive skin.
Is it safe for babies?
These fibers are known for feeling super soft. Does that mean tencel sheets and blankets are good for babies? Yes! This fabric is incredibly soft against baby’s skin, while also being extremely gentle. The last thing you want is a nasty rash on your precious baby’s skin! Because this fabric is hypoallergenic and absorbs moisture more efficiently than some other options, it provides a less favorable environment for bacterial growth, giving you one less thing to worry about when your baby is asleep.
What options for tencel sheets do you offer?
City Mattress is your go-to resource for all things relating to sleep, including buying new tencel bed sheets. We have several options available in-store and through our online catalogue. Two top options we recommend you look into include the Malouf Dream Bedding Bundle and Pure Care Premium Tencel Sheet Set. Whichever option you choose, the sheets are created for lasting softness and reliability, for a healthier and more comfortable night's sleep.
Tencel fibers feel amazing, use sustainable practices, and have high-quality performance features that make it a wonderful option for new bed sheets. Whether you don’t want to suffer from an allergic reaction, enjoy the look of a crisp and wrinkle-free bed, get too hot when you sleep, love the feeling of softness on your skin, or want to choose an eco-friendly option to lower your carbon footprint, tencel is the right option for you!