5 Reasons to Consider Bamboo Towels and Sheets

When it comes to buying sheets and towels, there are so many different materials on the market that it’s hard to choose one over another. Do you buy cotton, flannel, linen, or polyester? What about bamboo? You might have heard about this fabric because it's sustainable, durable, and most importantly, has a cloud-like softness to it. But is it really a better choice than cotton or other materials? The answer might surprise you. Here are five reasons to consider bamboo sheets and towels. 

Bamboo Is Soft as a Cloud

Who doesn’t enjoy getting into a bed with extra soft sheets? Breathable and lightweight, bamboo has a luxurious feeling to it that’s quite different from cotton and linen bedding. It is naturally temperature regulating, making it ideal for couples where one person sleeps hot and the other sleeps cold. Materials made with bamboo are also moisture-wicking, so it’s ideal for sweaty sleepers. 

It’s a Smart Choice for Allergy Sufferers 

Suffering from allergies can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially during the warmer months, but opting for bamboo bedding and towels can help reduce some symptoms. “Bamboo is known to be hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-mold,” explains Katie Cardullo of Cozy Earth, a brand that makes bedding, towels, and other products with bamboo.

While this certainly isn’t a cure for allergies, choosing materials made with bamboo can be a way to alleviate discomfort, especially at night. 

Bamboo Viscose Can Speed Up Your Shower Routine

While 100-percent cotton has been the go-to for bath towels because it’s soft and absorbent, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best material. Bamboo is more absorbent than cotton, allowing you to save a minute or two drying off after the shower. 

This Material Is Extra Durable

Have you noticed a small hole or two in your sheets? Are your towels feeling rough and looking faded? If you're looking for replacements, you’re less likely to have these problems if you choose a product made with bamboo. Cardullo tells me this material is quick-drying and has good resistance to wrinkling and pilling, so it's unlikely you’ll need to run multiple cycles in the dryer. Better yet, if you end up leaving your bamboo towel in the dryer for a few hours (after all, it's easy to forget about laundry), it’s far less likely to wrinkle than other materials.

It’s One of the More Eco-Friendly Options Available

“Bamboo is often touted as a sustainable fabric option because bamboo is a fast-growing plant. It needs very little water, fertilizer, or pesticides. It is also naturally regenerating, so harvesting bamboo allows the plant to survive,” explains Cardullo. While bamboo may be a more sustainable material than other common options, the process used to create bamboo textiles may still involve caustic chemicals. When shopping for towels or sheets online, see if the company describes their process and look for the Oeko-Tex certification, which indicates that there aren't harmful chemicals in the finished fibers.

Bamboo Isn’t Just for Linens

Love the softness of bamboo? Want more? Here’s some good news—bamboo is being used for lots of different items these days, including t-shirts, pants, underwear, socks, pillow covers, blankets, and mattresses.