Tencel Lyocell Sheets: Eucalyptus Bedding That Outperforms Cotton

You have tried cotton. You have considered bamboo. Now someone recommended Tencel sheets, and you are wondering if the bedding industry has run out of things to make sheets from. Tencel is not a gimmick. It is a trademarked name for lyocell fibre made from eucalyptus wood pulp by the Austrian company Lenzing. The fibre has genuine performance advantages over cotton, particularly for hot sleepers and people with sensitive skin. Whether those advantages justify the price premium depends on what problem you are trying to solve.

How Tencel Compares to Cotton and Bamboo

Tencel vs cotton. Cotton is the bedding standard for good reason: it is breathable, durable, and available in multiple weaves (percale, sateen, twill). Tencel outperforms cotton in moisture management, absorbing 70% more moisture than cotton and releasing it more efficiently. This means Tencel sheets feel drier against your skin even when you perspire. Cotton percale is crisper and cooler on initial contact, but Tencel maintains a more consistent temperature throughout the night because it manages the moisture that creates uncomfortable heat buildup.

Tencel vs bamboo viscose. Both are made from plant cellulose and share many properties: softness, moisture-wicking, and a silky feel. The difference is in production. Tencel lyocell uses a closed-loop process that recovers almost all chemicals. Bamboo viscose uses an open process with more chemical waste. From a performance standpoint, Tencel and bamboo feel similar, though Tencel tends to be slightly more durable and less prone to pilling. Bamboo viscose is more widely available and often cheaper.

Tencel vs polyester. No comparison in breathability or moisture management. Polyester traps heat and moisture against the skin. Tencel actively manages both. The only advantage of polyester is price and wrinkle resistance. If budget forces a choice, cotton percale is a better option than polyester at a similar price point, and cooling sheets in any natural fibre outperform polyester for sleep comfort.

What to Look for When Buying

Thread count is less relevant. Tencel fibres are finer than cotton, so the same thread count produces a denser, smoother fabric. A 300-thread-count Tencel sheet feels like a 400+ thread-count cotton sheet. Manufacturers who emphasise high thread counts in Tencel may be using multi-ply yarns to inflate the number, the same inflation problem seen in cotton marketing. Focus on the fabric weight (GSM) and the feel rather than thread count.

Look for 100% Tencel or Tencel/cotton blend. Some sheets labelled "Tencel" contain only 30-40% lyocell fibre blended with cotton or polyester. Blends are not inherently bad (a Tencel-cotton blend combines Tencel's moisture management with cotton's crisp structure), but they cost less than 100% Tencel and should be priced accordingly.

Expect wrinkles. Tencel wrinkles more than cotton sateen and significantly more than polyester blends. If a smooth, wrinkle-free bed appearance matters to you, Tencel requires more attention. Remove sheets from the dryer promptly and smooth them onto the mattress while slightly damp. Ironing works but is labour-intensive for something that will wrinkle again the next night.

It is difficult to say whether Tencel will replace cotton as the default bedding fibre. The performance advantages are real, but cotton's lower price, wider availability, and broader weave options keep it dominant. Tencel occupies the premium tier alongside high-end cotton and bamboo, competing on comfort and sustainability rather than price.

Frequently Asked Questions