In this environmentally conscious age, many people are opting to buy organic and eco-friendly products, such as sheets. There are a lot of options and terms out there that can get confusing, however. Today, I’m going to go over some of these terms, the fabrics that are considered to be organic, and what to look for in an organic sheet. We’ll also review the top 5 best organic sheets you can find today.
Are eco-friendly and organic the same?
You may have heard these two terms used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two.
Organic is the term for any textiles that have been grown in a controlled environment using no chemical, herbicides, or pesticides. To be deemed as organic, the fabric has to contain 95% of the organic material being used.
You’ll also see the term “Certified Organic”, which means the growth and production process is closely monitored by a recognized agency of the worldwide association of organic trade.
For a fabric to be considered eco-friendly it needs to not have been grown with the use of chemicals or pesticides. Eco-friendly fabrics are naturally resistant to mildew, mold, and are disease-free.
Why you should buy organic sheets
People choose to go organic for a number of reasons:
For health reasons, for example, if you are allergic to synthetic fibers. Many organic fabrics are naturally anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, and there are no chemicals that will be absorbed into your skin,
To be more sociably responsible. No chemical pesticides and fertilizers mean no toxins getting into the ground and drinking water.
Biodegradable– unlike synthetic fibers, organic fibers will naturally break down over time, rather than sticking around in a landfill somewhere.
Renewable– many organic linens are renewable and can be recycled.
Organic bedding is often the go-to choice for people with babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive to items that have been chemically treated, so it makes sense to want something organic and natural in bedding for them, given how much time we spend in bed.
Also, because it isn’t treated with chemicals that can break down fibers and weaken them, organic fabrics are stronger and more durable over time.
A note on fabrics
Before you go shopping for an organic sheet, it helps to know the different choices you have in fabrics.
Each fabric will have its own unique properties, such as being hypoallergenic, good for warm weather, or good for cooler weather.
Cotton
You can find sheets in a large variety of organic made fabrics, the most popular being organic cotton, which is breathable, durable, and easy to care for, making it a good choice economically. Not all cotton is considered to be organic though, so you need to read those labels to make sure it says organic on it.
Linen
Made from the flax plant, linen is a heavier fabric and up to 30% stronger than cotton. It’s known for its ability to dry quickly and keep your skin feeling fresh and cool, even in hot and humid conditions.
Flannel
Originating from worsted wool yarn, flannel comes in various fine weaves. You can find it in other fibers as well, including cotton and some synthetic fibers. The fabric is usually combed to give it a super soft feel and allows for spaces in the fabric to trap air and body heat to keep you warm.
Tencel
Tencel is made from wood pulp, mainly from the eucalyptus tree, but other tree fibers can be used. To produce this fiber, fewer chemicals, and energy are used in comparison to other fibers. Only environmentally friendly solvents are used in the process, which is recyclable. It has antimicrobial properties that repel the growth of mold, bacteria, and viruses, making it great for humid climates.
Silk
Silk is a protein fiber that is derived from cocoons that have been spun my mulberry silkworms. Made into a fine yarn, silk is woven into textiles, such as clothing and bedding. Silk gives you a super smooth and cool feel and is hypoallergenic. It is a high maintenance fabric though.
Bamboo
Made from the pulp of Bamboo trees, this is a viscose fabric that is soaked in liquid and then beaten into a pulp. It then goes through a chemical process that dissolves the pulp, allows it to re-solidify, and then it is spun into threads. While it’s manufacturing process is less eco-friendly than some, it does make for a sheet that is durable, soft, and as breathable as cotton.
Best Organic Sheet Reviews
1. Best Overall: DTY Bedding Bamboo Sheets
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Why You’ll Like Them: If you’re looking for an overall good quality, affordable, and organic bed set to tuck into at the end of a long, hard day this 100% organic Bamboo Viscose 4-piece sheet set is the perfect choice.
This 4-piece set is made from 100% organic Bamboo Viscose and not blended with any other fibers or fabrics. It’s a 320 thread count set with a sateen weave using single-ply, long-staple fibers to give it durability.
Bamboo is known for its great moisture-wicking properties, as well as being thermal regulating. So they can be used year-round. The overall feel is soft and supple.
The fitted sheet is fully elasticized and has 18-inch deep pockets to keep it securely on the bed. The seams are double folded for added strength. You get a wide range of color choices and sizes, including a set for an adjustable bed.
The set has an OEKO-Tex Certification, uses a closed-loop process, so you know that you are getting a sheet that has been responsibly made. You also get a 90-day guarantee.
Pros: Uses 100% Bamboo viscose, thermal regulating, deep pockets, 90-day guarantee, and Okeo-Tex certified
Cons: Some may find the sheet a little too thin and delicate
Buy DTY Bedding Bamboo Sheets on Amazon →
2. Best Ethically Sourced: Boll & Branch Long Staple Organic Cotton Sheets
Why You’ll Like Them: Boll & Branch ‘s wonderfully soft 100% Gots Certified Organic Cotton Sheets are long lasting, comfortable, and just the right weight to give you that luxury feel.
This set from Boll & Branch uses its own 100% certified organic cotton from a Fair Trade Certified farm and factory. So you know you are getting a purely organic product. This is also their signature fabric that is known for its cloud weight feel and super softness.
The sheets are temperature regulating for all environments and you can get them in a few design choices, such as a striped, banded, or classic hemmed version. You can also get them in different weaves, including a flannel and a percale version.
You have a choice of neutral colors and standard sizes. Each set has 2 pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet that is elasticated all around and has deep pockets. You are given a 30-day guarantee as well.
Pros: Several choices of fabric and weave styles, good choice of neutral colors, can be bought as a set or you can mix and match, temperature regulating, certified organic, and 30-day return policy.
Cons: Can be a bit expensive
Buy Boll & Branch Organic Cotton Sheets on Amazon →
3. Best Organic Sateen Sheets: One Park Linen Organic Cotton
Why You’ll Like Them: If you’re looking for a good quality, affordable sateen sheet, you will love the luxurious feel of this 400-thread sateen weave organic cotton 4-pce sheet set from One Park Linen.
Their sheets are 400 thread count, 100% organic long-staple cotton from a GOTS certified farm and factory, so you know you are getting chemical-free sheets. The process of combing and mercerizing the yarn creates a soft sheet that is pill-resistant. It has a lovely sateen weave that is light and drapes well.
The sheets are also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, bacteria, and mold. You have a choice of several chromatic type shades and can buy them in a range of sizes.
The set includes 2 pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet that is fully elasticized and has 16-inch deep pockets. They are eco-friendly, even down to their packaging and you get a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros: 100% certified organic cotton, soft sateen weave, hypoallergenic, very eco-friendly, and lifetime warranty
Cons: Sheets have a chemical smell when they are first unpackaged
Buy One Park Linen’s Organic Cotton Sheets on Amazon →
4. Best Value Sheets: Pinzon Organic Cotton Sheet Set
Why You’ll Like Them: The Pinzon 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Bed Sheet Set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Made out of 100% cotton, this 300-thread-count percale sheet is so lightweight, breathable, and has been brushed for added softness.
One of Amazon’s own brands, and responsibly sourced, this set is made of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. No pesticides, toxic dies, herbicides, or organic compounds that are volatile are used.
The 300 thread count set has a silky percale weave that has been brushed to make it soft and, lightweight, and breathable. The tighter sateen weave also makes the sheets more durable. They easily wick away moisture to keep you feeling cool at night. The sheets are easy to care for and can be machine washed and dried.
The fitted sheet is fully elasticized with an extra thick band of elastic and has 16-inch deep pockets to help it stay put. It comes in 6 solid color choices and all standard bed sizes. It arrives in a nice organic cotton bag.
Pros: Moisture-wicking, breathable, 100% organic cotton, GOTS certified, deep pockets, affordable
Cons: Need to air them first, there is a slight chemical smell when first opening the package
Buy Pinzon Organic Cotton Bed Sheets on Amazon →
5.Best Easy Care Sheets: Magnolia Organics Percale Sheets
Why You’ll Like Them: You will love these Magnolia Organics sheets if you need something for the whole family. They do all size beds and crib sheets, and they age beautifully.
This sheet set from Magnolia is made of 300 thread count 100% certified-organic long-staple cotton that has been ring-spun into very fine, long fibers for durability. The sateen weave gives it a lustrous soft feel.
They are breathable, moisture-wicking, and good for both warm and cool environments.
For a cotton sheet, they seem to resist wrinkling and shrinkage pretty well. This is why I chose them as the best easy care sheets. They are easy to wash and come out of your dryer wrinkle-free. The fitted sheet has 15-inch deep pockets and is fully elasticated with a thick elastic band for a more secure fit. You have a choice of 6 colors and all sizes ranging from cot to California King.
Pros: Easy to care for, good price for organic sheets, 100% certified organic cotton, ring-spun for added durability, and eco-friendly
Cons: The color may differ slightly from the one on the site
Buy Magnolia Organics Percale Collection Sheets on Amazon →
What features to look for when shopping for organic bed sheets?
Once you know what fabric will meet your needs, its time to look at other features that make for a good organic sheet.
Chemical-Free
Of course, to be organic, the fabric needs to be chemical-free. Not all manufacturers will list any chemicals used in the manufacturing and processing part of making their sheets though. To help you significantly lower the risk of exposure to chemicals, here are some things to look out for.
- Cotton sheets that say they are permanent press, wrinkle-free, or easy-care – in most cases, this is an indication that the material has been chemically treated. The chemical used is a formaldehyde resin, which is considered to be a fabric finish that is most toxic.
- Synthetic sheets – mainly polyester or polyester microfiber. This is a plastic that goes through a number of chemical processes to become a fiber for fabrics. Some of the chemicals that can be used are formaldehyde, heavy metals, chlorine bleach, and dyes that are allergy-inducing.
Your safest bet is to buy certified organic sheets. These are carefully monitored to ensure that no toxic or harmful chemicals are used in growing, or throughout the processing of the fiber into a piece of fabric.
Natural Fibers
It’s important to check whether the fabric is 100% natural, or whether it has been blended with synthetic fiber or one that wouldn’t be considered eco-friendly. 100% natural fibers, such as hemp, cotton, silk, linen, and bamboo are very breathable, moisture-wicking, and soothing to the skin.
What about weave?
Whether the sheets are organic or not, they will come in a specific weave that has its own characteristics.
The 5 most commonly used weaves are:
- Percale – this gives you a smooth, crisp feeling sheet that is cool on the skin. It’s a good choice for warmer weather and hot sleepers.
- Sateen – this weave gives the sheet a buttery soft feel and a very subtle luster. It’s also warmer than percale.
- Jersey – a Jersey weave feels like your favorite t-shirt. It’s stretchy, soft, and quite comfortable.
- Flannel – this weave is brushed to make it’s surface fuzzy on both sides. It creates a sheet that is warm and cozy, and great for colder weather.
- Twill – this is a weave that has a distinct diagonal weave, giving the fabric more texture. These tend to be dirt and stain-resistant.
Quality
Many people will look to the thread count of a sheet to determine its quality, but thread count doesn’t hold the same value as it used to. Many manufacturers will use lower quality threads to raise their thread count. What really counts is how the fabric feels to you. If it doesn’t feel durable or comfortable, thread count won’t make a difference. Also, organic fabrics, such as silk and wool, use different ways of measuring quality. Silk goes by momme, and wool by weight.
To find the best organic sheet, you will need to first decide which fabric will be suitable for its purpose.
Take into consideration whether you need them for a hot or cold climate if you tend to sleep hot and if you like the feel of a certain material. Everyone is different in their preferences. Hopefully, the information above will help you with your organic sheet shopping.
Caring for your organic sheets
Most organic sheets are easy to maintain, such as organic cotton sheets. Silk and bamboo can require care that is a bit more delicate.
Here are the tips on how to best take care of your organic bedding to keep it in shape for years to come.
- It’s always preferable to wash your bedding on its own. This is to keep it from piling as a result of friction against coarser fabrics.
- When washing, avoid using higher temperatures. The higher heat can harm the natural fibers. The best temperature is somewhere between a 30 to 40 degree(C) wash.
- For silk and bamboo, use a hand-wash, gentle or delicate cycle to wash them.
- To avoid any discoloration, avoid using bleach and bleach alternatives when you wash.
- Most natural fibers will soften on their own after a few washes, so there is no need for fabric softener. In some cases, a fabric softener can cause the sheet to lose its sheen.
- To avoid creasing, remove your sheets from your washer right away and try to air dry them if you are able. It will help reduce wrinkles and won’t weaken the fabric. If you need to use a dryer, choose a low-temperature setting to avoid shrinkage.
In Summary
There you have it!
Five of the best organic cotton sheets to get you started. I’ve leaned towards the Magnolia Organics sheet set because I have a lot of beds of different sizes and like sheets that are easy to maintain. As I’ve said before, it’s all about what you need in a sheet that will make it the best for you. So make a list of the must-haves for your sheet needs and then use our guide to find the best match for you!