Guide to TENCEL® Sheets: Everything You Need to Know

What are TENCEL™ Sheets?

TENCEL™ sheets are made out of natural fibers extracted from raw wood. TENCEL™ fibers are used in many products like jeans, jackets and of course, sheets. The material offers long-lasting natural comfort and is naturally soft to the touch with an exquisitely soft hand feel. This super-soft material creates luxurious bed linen that is made to last.

In addition to being soft and sheen, many manufacturers are turning to TENCEL™ because of its promise of sustainability. The fibers are made from renewable wood, manufactured in environmentally responsible production plants and certified as compostable and biodegradable.

TENCEL™ Lyocell

TENCEL™ is a brand name for a set of fibers called modal and lyocell (think of it like how the brand name “Kleenex” is often used to describe all facial tissue brands). Lyocell fibers are known for their natural comfort and can be combined with a wide range of fabrics, such as cotton or polyester. The great benefits of TENCEL™, including strength, moisture absorption and gentleness, complement the other materials that the TENCEL™ lyocell fibers are combined with.

TENCEL™ Modal

TENCEL™ Modal fibers are extremely soft and enhance the textiles they complement. They can be blended with other fibers to make them softer and more comfortable. Modal fibers are fantastic for lighter and thinner fabrics like those used in undergarments, loungewear and bed sheets.

Benefits of TENCEL™ Sheets

There are many benefits of TENCEL™ sheets, which is why this material is becoming more popular. TENCEL™ sheets are:

Drawbacks of TENCEL™ Sheets

Of course, there are some drawbacks or things to consider when shopping for TENCEL™ sheets.

One of the primary considerations is that TENCEL™ sheets are sometimes more expensive than cotton sheets or sheets made out of synthetic material such as polyester. This is because TENCEL™ is a natural material that is of much higher caliber. And although the initial price point might be slightly higher, a good set of TENCEL™ sheets will last you years with proper care.

Speaking of proper care, TENCEL™ is a worry-free fabric when it comes to washing, and it won't shrink in the dryer! Most TENCEL™ sheets can be washed on a cold or warm cycle right in the washing machine. You can either hang dry your sheets or dry them on a low-heat cycle. Be sure to read the label on your sheets to take care of them properly.

In addition to TENCEL™ sheets, you can also shop for other bedding products that feature TENCEL™, including duvet covers, pillowcases and comforters.

TENCEL™ Sheets FAQ

After learning what TENCEL™ fibers are and why people love TENCEL™ sheets, here are some commonly asked questions to help you further decide if this material is right for you.

Are TENCEL™ Sheets Better Than Cotton Sheets?

Whether or not TENCEL™ sheets are better than cotton sheets depends on your unique sleeping needs. TENCEL™ sheets are more expensive but may last longer than cotton sheets. And while they are generally easy to care for, laundering cotton sheets might be more straightforward for some sleepers.

Does Thread Count Matter with TENCEL™ Sheets?

Most people are used to judging the quality of their sheets based on the thread count, but when it comes to TENCEL™ sheets, thread count doesn't matter. In fact, many TENCEL™ sheet manufacturers don't even put a thread count on their sheets. Instead, they focus on the quality of the fibers. While it's easy to assume that a higher thread count means better sheets, this number doesn't take the quality of the fabric into account, so we don't recommend relying on this metric.

Are TENCEL™ Sheets Worth It?

TENCEL™ sheets are silky smooth, last a long time, are easy to take care of and are super soft, cooling and breathable. Because we spend so much time sleeping, we can confidently say that yes, TENCEL™ sheets are worth it! Investing in your sleep is a genius move that will pay off in dividends in the form of improved mood, a healthier body and even better relationships with your loved ones.

How Do You Wash TENCEL™ Sheets?

We recommend washing your TENCEL™ sheets on a cool or warm cycle and line-drying to preserve the fibers, color and elasticity. If you're using a dryer, choose a low-heat and a low-tumble cycle to keep your sheets ultra-soft and crisp.

Are You Ready to Try TENCEL™?

If you're ready to branch out into the world of TENCEL™, our GhostSheets are the perfect pick. They are crafted with premium Supima cotton blended with TENCEL™ to bring you the coolest, most breathable sheets around. Plus, because we're so confident in their durability and design, our sheets come with a 3-year warranty so there's really no downside to giving them a try!