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TENCEL™ Vs Cotton: The Difference And Which One To Buy

Considering that we spend a third of our lives sleeping, a good night’s rest is essential to our overall health and well-being, so it makes sense to pick perfect bedding sets that create a relaxing bedroom environment. In fact, your bedding can make or break your sleep quality at night - whether you sleep soundly or toss and turn through the night. 


Bed sheets in Singapore come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials. These could potentially make choosing bedsheets overwhelming. As cotton retains first as the world’s most common bed sheet material, TENCEL™ fabrics have also been rising in popularity. 


Researching and buying bed sheets online should not be a daunting task, and we are here to help you decide - whether TENCEL™ vs cotton. In this article, we detail their similarities, differences, and which one you should pick depending on your preferences.

Featuring Weavve's Cloud White Cotton Deluxe Set with 1 fitted sheet, 1 duvet cover, 4 pillow cases and 2 bolster cases, with a tray with a coffee mug and book placed on top of it

Featuring Weavve's Cotton Classic Set in Cloud White

TABLE OF CONTENT

TENCEL™ Vs Cotton     Go To Section

What Is TENCEL™     Go To Section

1. Types Of TENCEL™

2. Future Of TENCEL™

Why TENCEL™    Go To Section

1. Cooling

2. Gentle On The Skin

3. Luxurious Look

4. Eco-friendly Option

What Is Cotton?     Go To Section

1. Types Of Cotton

2. Future Of Cotton

Why Cotton?     Go To Section

1. Breathable And Cozy

2. Increased Softness With Every Wash

3. Low Maintenance

4. More Affordable

How Weavve Produces Our Sheets     Go To Section

1. TENCEL™ Lyocell Sheets

2. Cotton Sateen Sheets

3. Responsibly Made

4. 100 Days To Sleep On It

TENCEL™ vs Cotton

TENCEL™ and cotton sheets have different fibers, which can affect how the material feels. Both are prized for their durability, softness, and breathability. Since both share distinct advantages, it may be difficult to choose between the two. Look no further as we break down their differences through a detailed comparison between TENCEL™ Lyocell vs cotton so you can make a smart decision to which sheets are best for you.

TENCEL vs Cotton sheets

differences

TENCEL™ Lyocell

Cotton

Plant

Sourced from Eucalyptus wood harvested from natural forests and sustainably-managed tree farms

Cotton plants

Feel

Smooth, soft, and silky from the first day of use


Smooth and even feel, higher quality cotton gets softer with every wash


Cooling

Superior cooling sheets


Breathable and moisture-wicking, excellent for regulating temperature in various climates

Smooth and even feel, gets softer with every wash

Aesthetic

Smoother and drape, silk-like look


More vibrant as it retains dye better and is less prone to fading over time

Crisp, matte look for percale weave and soft, subtle shine for sateen weave

Suitable for sensitive skin

Hypoallergenic and antibacterial

Generally non-irritating on the skin

Durability

Resistant to wear and tear



Resistant to pilling


Depending on the staple length - the longer the fiber, the more durable


More likely to pill over time, depending on the staple length

Wrinkle resistance

More wrinkle-resistant

Not wrinkle-resistant

Shrinkage

Less likely to shrink 

Shrinks more than TENCEL™ fibers, depending on the type of cotton

Sustainability

Needs less energy and water to produce


Less waste generated due to closed-loop process


Wood pulp sustainably sourced

Requires more energy and water to produce


Environmentally friendly alternative like organic cotton is available

Care

Relatively easy to maintain

(machine-washable on gentle spin with cold water)

Easy to care for

(machine-washable in warm water) 

Cost

Generally higher price point than cotton due to more expensive production methods


The overall cost difference is difficult to measure because of the time and money saved on care and maintenance due to its durability 

Different price points available, from more budget-friendly to luxury options depending on the type of cotton

3. Woman in a gray tank top while sitting on bed - Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

What is TENCEL™?

Produced by Austrian textile company Lenzing AG, TENCEL™ is the brand name for semi-synthetic fibers such as Modal and Lyocell, two fabrics commonly used in bedding and clothing. When comparing TENCEL™ Modal vs cotton, the differences are almost similar with Lyocell. However, TENCEL™ Lyocell is stronger and has more moisture-wicking properties.


Lenzing’s core market is wood-based cellulose fibers. They manufacture Viscose, Modal, and Lyocell which are derived from sustainable wood and pulp, coming from certified and controlled sources. To produce this material, wood pulps are dissolved in a solvent and extruded through small holes to make fibers. The resulting fibers are then treated and spun into yarn.


From self-sufficient biorefineries and closed-loop production to being actively involved in the protection of endangered and primeval forests, it is clear that TENCEL™ fabrics are not only ethically produced but also eco-friendly all at the same time.

Low angle view of green trees - Photo by Gustavo Juliette from Pexels

Image by Gustavo Juliette from Pexels

Types of TENCEL™

As previously mentioned, TENCEL™ is Lenzing's flagship brand for textiles made from a spectrum of fibers, including Viscose and Lyocell. Although all of the fibers come from natural, renewable, and biodegradable sources, it could be challenging to differentiate them.

how tencel fibers are made infographic

TYPES OF TENCEL™ FIBERS

TENCEL™ viscose

TENCEL™ modal

Short Description

LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibers are derived from sustainable wood and pulp, coming from certified and controlled sources

Modal is the second generation of regenerated cellulose fibers, and it was invented by Lenzing, who owns the patent on it


TENCEL™ Modal is manufactured from sustainably managed beech wood supplied from Austria and neighboring countries

Made mainly of responsibly collected eucalyptus wood from natural forests and sustainably managed tree farms


Eucalyptus trees grow quickly and require no hazardous chemicals or much water to survive

Known for

When compared to traditional viscose, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded fibers creates to 50% less emissions and water during production

Stronger, finer, lighter, and more flexible than Viscose 

TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers have greater strength, effective moisture absorption, and skin softness due to a more consistent interior structure

Things To Note

Traditional Viscose fiber manufacturing is a chemical-intensive process that is frequently uncontrolled, resulting in harmful emissions and contamination

They can also be combined with other fibers to increase softness and comfort

Water and more than 99% of the chemicals used in the production process are recycled, making this the most environmentally friendly of all cellulose regenerated fibers

TENCEL™ fibers may be blended with other fibers such as cotton or bamboo to make textiles such as bamboo lyocell. To hold the TENCEL™ brand and Lenzing TENCEL™ certification, a product just has to include 30% Lenzing fibers - therefore make sure the product you're buying is pure or merely a blend!


Blends are typically used to improve the fabric's feel, performance, or durability. Blends of TENCEL™ fibers, on the other hand, often do not preserve the greatest qualities of each material, so going pure is always preferable.

TENCEL Fibre details - Photo from TENCEL™

Image from TENCEL

Future of TENCEL™

TENCEL™ has come a long way since they started production and are still constantly thinking of new ways to improve and innovate through technology. Their latest innovation - REFIBRA™, advances the goals of designers and consumers who are increasingly interested in low impact options


REFIBRA™ technology involves upcycling cotton scraps from garment production and transforming them into brand new cellulosic fiber materials for clothing and home products. It gives a second life to what would have otherwise been sent to landfills or incinerated. 


REFIBRA™ is Lenzing’s first step in contributing towards the emerging circular economy of the future in the textile industry and further improves supply-chain transparency. 

TENCEL x REFIBRA's contribution to circular economy - Photo from TENCEL™ REFIBRA™

WHY TENCEL™?

Cooling

If you are someone who is prone to sweating in your sleep and struggles to find sheets to keep you cool throughout the night, then TENCEL™ sheets may be the thing for you. With exceptional thermoregulating and breathable properties, TENCEL™ bedding sheets have been proven to feel cooler to the touch. 


In fact, this ‘cooling feeling’ increases with increasing air humidity - perfect for Singapore’s weather conditions! This temperature-regulating textile will keep you cool and dry in bed, allowing you to achieve a good night’s sleep anywhere, at any time. 

Gentle On The Skin

Believe it or not, one of the biggest triggers of acne is the type of sheets you are sleeping on, especially spending approximately 8 hours a night lying in your sheets. As you sleep, your body expels heat which activates your sweat glands. This encourages the production of more sebum which leads to acne breakouts or itching on the skin. 


Hence, TENCEL™ 's moisture-wicking abilities makes it the best sheets for people with sensitive skin or skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis. They are less likely to attract dust mites and slow down bacteria growth by 10 times as compared to cotton. The natural materials used in the production of TENCEL™ fibers have resulted in this hypoallergenic quality. 

Featuring Weavve's TENCEL Lyocell Deluxe Set iight grey with - 1 fitted sheet with 1 duvet cover, 4 pillow cases and 2 bolster cases

Luxurious Look

Bed sheets are an easy yet impactful way of giving a bedroom personality. Dread ironing your sheets? With their natural silky look and resistance to wrinkles, TENCEL™ bed sheets automatically give a bed a luxurious finish effortlessly with a silk-like drape. They are also more vibrant and shine radiantly as it retains dye better and are less prone to fading over time. 


Moreover, they are relatively easy to care for despite having slightly more restrictions when it comes to cleaning. Hand washing is preferred but they are also machine washable on a delicate cycle with cold-water temperature. 

Woman sitting on Weavve's TENCEL Lyocell Deluxe Set in Midnight Blue

Eco-Friendly Option

In a recent study done by market research firm YouGov shows that more than half of Singapore consumers believe that firms should ensure that their supply chains do no harm to the environment. If you fall into this category of consumers, you may consider exploring TENCEL™ fiber sheets. 


Production of TENCEL™ fibers is undeniably more environmentally friendly than other fibers as it involves a closed-loop process that recycles more than 99% of the solvent used in manufacturing. It also uses less water and energy than conventional cotton production.


Apart from minimal waste and better water conservation, TENCEL™ itself supports verified climate protection projects, specifically in communities impacted by the textile industry. These projects aim to help ill-prepared communities become more climate-resilient and introduce them to new sources of renewable energy. For example, improved cookstoves in Bangladesh, solar water heating in India and Kamphaeng Saen landfill gas to energy in Thailand. 


This gives consumers who are all for sustainability a peace of mind knowing that they are supporting a brand that cares deeply about Mother Earth.

Tencel fibers close up

Image from TENCEL

What is Cotton?

Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from the cotton seed pod of cotton plants. It is the most widely used traditional material today - from drying our faces on a soft cotton towel in the morning, to putting on our favourite worn-in cotton t-shirt, until we slide between fresh cotton bed sheets at night, it is impossible to avoid cotton.  

Cotton sheets with cotton bolls - Photo from Threadcurve

Image from Threadcurve

The production of cotton fabric from cotton fibers these days requires a machine called Cotton Gin to remove the seeds from cotton bolls, as well as any dirt from the cotton. The raw cotton fibers are then transformed into long strands through a process called carding. These long strands are then spun into yarn and put through various chemical treatments to be dyed and finally woven into their designated textile material such as bed sheets or apparels. 


It is no wonder that cotton is one of the most beloved and widely used fabrics in the world. It is a drought-resistant crop that occupies just 2.1% of the world’s arable land, yet meets 27% of the world’s textile needs. Traditionally, cotton has been associated with its fair share of social and environmental risks. However, the growing awareness about these drawbacks have prompted several worldwide initiatives to produce cotton more sustainably and equitably. 


One of which being the 2025 Sustainable Cotton Challenge (2025 SCC), which aims to increase the percentage of world’s sustainable cotton from 22% to 50% by 2025. Programs like these help to regulate cotton production to allow consumers to feel more assured about consuming cotton products.

Weavve’s Cotton Sateen Bed Sheets in Tea Rose

Featuring Weavve's Cotton Deluxe Set in Tea Rose

Types of Cotton

Not all cotton is the same and the quality of fabric can be determined based on several factors - their staple length, thread count, weave, etc. 


Staple length, also known as the length of the fibers, is one of the most important factors in determining the softness of cotton fabrics. Extra-long staple cotton fibers make sheets and fabric that are finer, smoother, and lighter.

Lengths of fiber in a sample - Photo from Cottonworks

Featuring Weavve's Cotton Deluxe Set in Cloud White

Thread count is defined as the total number of threads woven vertically (warp) and horizontally (weft) into one square inch of a fabric. Generally, it is understood that the higher the thread count, the softer and smoother the sheets. Thread count for sheets ranging from 400 - 600, when made with quality cotton fibers, is sufficient enough to create materials with a soft and luxurious finish. 


In fact, what you hear and see on labels about thread count is usually a bedding myth! High thread count should not be the only key indicator when looking for quality sheets in Singapore. Knowing that the bedsheet thread count has a huge influence on consumers’ decisions, manufacturers may rely on heavy marketing and use misleading computations to manipulate their numbers.


The weave of a fabric is considered a design or construction of the yarn to achieve a particular pattern, which determines its texture, breathability, and durability. Two of the most common are sateen and percale weave. Opt for sateen cotton if you want a smooth hand feel with a sheen finish then percale cotton for a crisp, matte-like weave.

Types of Cotton Blends / Weaves

percale

sateen

twill

Short Description

Percale has a basic one thread over, one thread under pattern

Woven using a four over and one under weave pattern leaving more continuous thread surfaces exposed, leaving the fabric feeling luxurious and smooth, similar to silk

Twill has diagonal ribbing, just like denim

Properties

Lightweight, crisp against the skin 



Percale sheets are prone to wrinkling in the wash and may need ironing to maintain their crispness, which may not be as easy to maintain as other sheets.

Luxurious sheen and smooth feel and gets softer with each wash


Sateen sheets may sometimes be prone to wrinkling during the wash, but generally more resistant to wrinkling than percale

Relatively rougher texture

Weaving a cotton fabric - Photo by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels

Image by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels

At the end of the day, personal preference plays the biggest role in purchasing the best quality cotton bedding for yourself. Whether you’d prefer a warmer sheet to be snug and cozy or a cooling sheet to suit Singapore’s humid weather, we have compiled a brief description of the most common fabrics and weaves for you to make a better, well-formed choice when you buy cotton bed sheets.

Types of Cotton Staple

Extra-long staple cotton

Long staple cotton

Short staple cotton

Short Description

1 ⅜ inches to 2 inches long


Finest quality

At least 1 ¼ inches long 



High quality

1 ⅛ inches long



Lowest quality

Properties

Luxuriously soft and smooth, strong and most durable 

Softer, stronger, and more durable

Rougher, strong, and durable 

Examples 

Gossypium Barbadense (Egyptian Cotton, Pima Cotton, Supima Cotton)

Gossypium Hirsutum (Upland Cotton)

Gossypium Arboreum (Muslin), Gossypium Herbaceum (Levant Cotton)

When it comes to the various types of cotton, it is important to ensure that the type of cotton that the fabric claims to be from is verified or certified. 


For example, cotton that is grown in Egypt, both long and short staple, can be technically labelled as Egyptian cotton which makes it hard to guarantee the quality of the ‘Egyptian cotton’ that you’re buying. And there are a lot of fabrics claiming to be Pima cotton that are actually just a blend of pima. Hence, look out for a verified Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, or Supima cotton instead.

Types of Cotton- Percale, Sateen, Twill, Flannel - Photo from Pimacott

Image from Pimacott

Future of Cotton

Slowly but steadily, the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fabric from consumers has increased. Thus, pushing for the cotton industry to reduce its environmental impacts through innovation for a more sustainable solution.


One such example is organic cotton. Grown without using harmful chemicals and pesticides, organic cotton poses as a viable alternative to traditional cotton. This chemical-free production reduces the negative impacts to the health of cotton farmers and locals. Moreover, organic cotton requires less water as compared to conventional cotton, which has a positive impact on water conservation at cotton plantations.

organic cotton eco friendly infographic

However, organic cotton production is far from perfect. Organic cotton yields fewer fibers which requires more plants and ultimately more land to produce. It also requires a lot of processing and dying which are also chemically intensive. Thus is it important for consumers to be aware of greenwashing of brands who claim to use organic cotton without certification. Fibers that are grown organically but processed with harmful chemicals may still carry the organic label. 


A certification you may want to look out for is the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® label, which tests every product component for harmful levels of over 100 individual substances from 17 groups of chemicals.

WhY Cotton?

Breathable And Cozy

Cotton fibers are natural hollow fibers, known for their breathability and softness. If you are looking to slip under something cozy for a good night’s sleep, cotton may be the material for you.

Increased Softness With Every Wash

Sometimes cotton bed sheets may feel scratchy or overly crisp at the start of its use, however, rest assured that this is not forever. Cotton bed sheets generally get softer with each wash, thus the longer you use them, the more comfy they feel.

Weavve's white cotton bed sheet set with pillowcase and bolstercase

Featuring Weavve’s Cotton Deluxe Set in Persian Grey

Low Maintenance

Unlike TENCEL™ fiber sheets, cotton sheets are able to sustain higher temperatures of washing and drying, making them easy to wash and care for. 

More Affordable

When it comes to weighing the budget between TENCEL™ or Egyptian cotton, the gap may make a difference. But that still depends on the cotton variant, among other factors. With a wide variety of cotton types and blends, there is surely something for everyone at different price points. If TENCEL™ or bamboo bed sheets are out of the budget, quality cotton bed sheets are just a good option for luxury comfort. They, too, have a soft touch to the skin and do the job of keeping you cozy at night, without having to empty your wallet. 

 

Ultimately your personal preference plays the biggest role in purchasing the best bedding material for yourself. From your lifestyle to sleeping style and your views about sustainability, there could be an argument made between TENCEL™ vs cotton bed sheet sets. 

FIND HIGH-QUALITY BEDDING PRODUCTS AT WEAVVE

TENCEL™ Lyocell Sheets

Our TENCEL™ Lyocell bedding begins with the greatest Lyocell fibers (100% Lenzing TENCEL™) spun into the finest 80s yarn count threads. Woven into a 400-thread count fabric, the durable, single-ply threads are designed to offer smoother, stronger, and lighter sheets. Not only are these luxurious bedding materials extremely cooling, they are also hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and eco-friendly!

3. Woman sleeping on Weavve’s Signature TENCEL™ Classic Set in Lilac Mauve

Featuring Weavve’s TENCEL™ Classic Set in Lilac Mauve

Cotton Sateen Sheets

Our premium cotton sheets use a sateen four over and one under weave pattern and singeing and calendering processes for a luxurious sheen and smooth feel. The threads are finely woven with 600 thread count, 100s yarn count, and single-ply threads, giving you stronger, smoother and lighter sheets. Pre-shrinking also prevents our sheets from shrinking during washing - plus, they get softer with every wash! 


Shop cotton bedsheets Singapore

Weavve's Cotton Classic Set in Sandshell

Featuring Weavve’s Cotton Classic Set in Sandshell

Responsibly Made

Here at Weavve, we pride ourselves on being committed to responsible sourcing, production, sale, and use of our products. We take great effort in ensuring that our decisions account for all the people who help build our products, the environment, and our consumers. From certified Standard 100 by Oeko Tex® sheets to SEDEX certified factories, Weavve makes sure that everyone is cared for at every step of the way.

100 Days to Sleep On It

Buying a sheet should be easy and delightful. Here at Weavve, we are fully committed to making exceptional products and our 100-day free return policy makes it easy for you to take the leap of faith, especially for first-time users. Learn more about our 100-Day Free Trial.

ASK US HOW TO SLEEP BETTER

Frequently Asked Questions: TENCEL™ vs Cotton

What is the difference between TENCEL™ and cotton?

TENCEL™ and cotton have different fibers, which can affect how the material feels. Both are prized for their breathability, durability and softness. Here is a summary of their differences.


TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are ethically sourced from eucalyptus wood. To produce this material, wood pulps are dissolved in a solvent and extruded through small holes to make fibers. The resulting fibers are then treated and spun into yarn. 


Meanwhile, cotton fibers are sourced from cotton plants. The production of cotton fabric from cotton fibers these days requires a machine called Cotton Gin to remove the seeds from cotton bolls, as well as any dirt from the cotton. The raw cotton fibers are then transformed into long strands through a process called carding. These long strands are then spun into yarn and put through various chemical treatments to be dyed and finally woven into their designated textile material such as bed sheets or apparels. 


In terms of breathability, TENCEL™ Lyocell and cotton are both great options, though TENCEL™ Lyocell will be a better candidate. The Lyocell fibers have excellent moisture-wicking properties that keep users cool and dry throughout. For those with sensitive skin and need something gentle, TENCEL™’s smooth surface and good temperature regulation will make it a better choice than cotton.    


As for durability, TENCEL™ Lyocell is more resistant to wear and tear and pilling than cotton. Cotton sheets are also durable, depending on its staple length and quality of cotton used - the longer the fiber, the more durable it is. 


TENCEL™ fabric tends to feel softer than cotton, though both feel smooth to the touch. TENCEL™ Lyocell has an incredibly silky and cool feel from the first day of use. Cotton sheets may feel scratchy or overly crisp at the start of its use, but gets softer with every wash.


Lastly, the production of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers is undeniably more environmentally friendly than other fibers as it involves a closed-loop process that recycles more than 99% of the solvent used in manufacturing. It also uses less water and energy than conventional cotton production.

Is TENCEL™ better than cotton?

At the end of the day, personal preference plays the biggest role in purchasing the best bedding material for yourself. From your lifestyle to sleeping style and your views about sustainability, there could be opposing views regarding the different fabrics. 


TENCEL™ is better than cotton for people who:

  • are hot sleepers
  • have sensitive skin
  • likes the sustainable and eco-friendly production of TENCEL™ fibers
  • looking for a fabric that shares the texture of silk and feels cooler than linen

Cotton is better than TENCEL™ for people who:

  • like to be cozy in bed and the snug feel of a crisp cotton shirt
  • want their sheets to get softer with each wash looking for sheets that get softer with every wash
  • looking for a sumptuous, smooth feel without the drape-like look of silk
  • need breathable bed sheets that can hold up

What is the best material for hot sleepers?

Both TENCEL™ fiber and cotton sheets are good options for hot sleepers as they are cooling. However, TENCEL™ fiber bed sheet is the best choice for hot sleepers because of its moisture-wicking properties. This allows for better thermoregulation especially in high humidity such as Singapore’s weather condition.

Is TENCEL™ a breathable fabric?

One of TENCEL™ fiber's greatest strengths is that they have exceptional thermoregulating and breathable properties. This microfiber makes TENCEL™ bedding sheets feel cooler to the touch. In fact, this ‘cooling feeling’ increases with increasing air humidity - perfect for Singapore’s weather conditions! This temperature regulating textile will keep you cool and dry in bed, allowing you to achieve a good night’s sleep anywhere, at any time. 

Is TENCEL™ more breathable than cotton?

What gives a fabric its breathability is the size of their fibers. Cotton fibers are hollow whereas TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are nano-fibrils - extremely small fibers. Hence, making TENCEL™ moisture-wicking, allowing sweat to evaporate more efficiently from your skin rather than sticking to it. 


So in short, yes, TENCEL™ is more breathable than cotton.

Does TENCEL™ shrink like cotton?

Even though TENCEL™ fiber fabrics require slightly more delicate care during wash, they are resistant to shrinking. Cotton sheets on the other hand, may shrink with each wash, depending on the type of cotton used.

Is TENCEL™ biodegradable?

TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers have been certified by the Belgian certification company Vinçotte as biodegradable and compostable under industrial, home, soil, and marine conditions. Thus after their natural lifespan, they can fully revert back to nature. 

I’m still not sure about the Lyocell sheets. What if I change my mind?

Don't worry! Our bed sheets come with a free 100 day-trial. This means that if you find that the Lyocell bedsheet is not for you within 100 days of your purchase, we'll happily refund your payment.

Affordable Luxury

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