There are few things more important in life than a good night’s sleep. And nothing makes or breaks a bedtime experience like bedding can. But even if customers find the most comfortable sheets on Earth, they still may find it hard to sleep if they know those sheets were not sustainably sourced. In this post, we’ll talk about the best bedding options to bring about peace of body and peace of mind The Softest Bedding Fabric Debates over the softest, coolest sheets can get heated indeed. With so many fabric options out there, there’s no way to demo all the sheet set options. Here’s the important info about bedsheet feel, as far as softness is concerned. Sateen Sheets: Sateen sheets are extra soft because of the way the fibers are woven. Many fabrics are woven, traditionally, in a grid-like structure. Sateen is different. When constructing sateen, the yarn in one direction floats over numerous yarns headed in the other direction. This gives sateen a unique, smooth feel. Flannel: Flannel’s unique, warm, softness comes from the fact that it is “brushed.” The brushing of flannel raises fibers out of the weave so they can trap in air and keep people feeling toasty. The warmth of flannel makes it a popular choice for winter-time bedding. Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic fiber made of super-thin polyester. Because of the thin nature of the yarn, microfiber sheets have an extra smooth feel This buttery softness doesn’t feel quite as natural, however, making it a little less popular for green-minded sleepers. Note that two of these fabrics, both sateen and flannel, are commonly made from cotton. Cotton is known for its softness, especially when woven specifically for a smooth feel. Because cotton is a natural fabric, it can also be grown organically. Organic Sheets Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, linen, and tencel can be produced with a 100% organic label. This means that no harmful toxins were used in that particular crop. Organic fabric is made from natural seeds, and bugs are controlled with pest-eating insects instead of chemicals. Organic crops are also often rotated from one soil to another so growing requires less irrigation (due to the water retention rates.) These practices are arguably much better for the environment, and also better for contact with the human body. Some companies who grow organic fibers are also committed to ethical labor practices and fair trade production. All of these options add to the sustainability factor of certain bedding brands. Eco-Friendly Bedding Brands So many bedding brands have caught on to the sustainability trend in the fabric world, and now, it’s easier than ever to find responsible, sustainable bedding. Here are just a few of the brands that are putting eco-friendly practices under the covers.
Gryphon: Gryphon wants to “Make Your Bed Your Happy Place,” an idea most customers would love to snuggle up with. Gryphon sells sheets, pillowcases, and even duvet covers that are made from recycled and chemical-free materials, The company also advertises ethical and eco-friendly production practices, and aims to reduce their water consumption every single year.
Alterra Pure: Alterra Pure is a company familiar with minimalist style. They go the minimalist route when it comes to chemicals too. The company advertises “full environmental sustainability.” To them, this means using no chemicals, and gathering up all the organic certifications they can. They partner with other green groups to make sure their cotton sheets are as soft, and as ethical, as they can be.
Boll & Branch: Boll & Branch boasts that they were “the first organic, air Trade Certified bedding company.” Leading the industry in this way comes with some pressure, but Boll & Branch delivers. They sell everything from mattresses to pillows to ethically-sourced bedding. All of it is produced under their standard of ethical practices, and of course, that organic, fair trade heading.
Coyuchi: This Northern California brand started 25 years ago with a focus on organic farming. Their farms produce less than half of the amount of greenhouse gas than traditional farms do. They also process all of their products “mindfully,” making sure all of their fibers are chemical-free. This means that Coyuchi’s sustainable bedding is not only softer and healthier, but it helps you round out a cruelty-free lifestyle
Ettitude: Ettitude set out with an ambitious goal: to create bedding that is “as soft as silk, as sustainable as hemp, as breathable as linen, but at the price of cotton.” Now THAT is a tall order! But Ettitude claims to have done it. They produce sleepwear and bedding that is luxuriously made with Clean Bamboo. This fabric is sustainably sourced and packaged. Is it as soft as silk? Some customers have responded with a resounding “YES!”
These companies are here to help make beds comfortable, and ease minds at the same time. Want even more home fabric inspiration? Try these articles about sustainable home textiles, minimal home fabrics, and the world’s softest cotton.
Cover Image: Photo by mark chaves