TENCEL™ vs Linen Bedsheets: What’s The Difference?

Image by Victoria Borodinova from Pexels
It’s no secret that sleep is essential for preserving good health. Unfortunately, getting enough hours of sleep doesn’t necessarily mean enjoying a restful and restorative rest. When it comes to sleep, quality does matters. That being said, if you find yourself waking up groggy instead of well-rested, you may have to take a closer look at your bed sheets that you are using.
Not all bedding sheets are created equal. For instance, they come in different fabrics, and some of the most common ones are TENCEL™ and Linen.
HOW DOES TENCEL™ AND LINEN DIFFER FROM ONE ANOTHER?
TENCEL™ and Linen are some of the most popular bed sheet materials. They share distinct benefits, such as durability, breathability, and environmental friendliness. To help you determine which between them is your better option, feel free to use this guide.

Differences
TENCEL™ LYOCELL
LINEN
Plant
Eucalyptus wood that is harvested from natural forests and sustainably managed tree farms
Fibers are derived from the stems of the flax plant
Feel
Smooth, buttery soft, and silky from the first day of use
Rough initial texture
Gets softer with every wash
Cooling
Ultra cooling
Breathable and moisture-wicking, excellent for regulating temperature in various climates
Cooling
Breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating
Ideal for year-round use and in various climates
Aesthetic
Smoother, drapey silk-like look
More vibrant as it retains dye better and is less prone to fading over time
Stiffer, rougher look and feel
Naturally comes in ivory, gray, ecru, and tan, but can be dyed
Suitable for sensitive skin
Hypoallergenic and antibacterial
Hypoallergenic and antibacterial
Durability
Resistant to wear and tear
Resistant to pilling
Long-lasting
Resistant to disintegration with proper care and maintenance
Wrinkle resistance
More wrinkle resistant
Prone to wrinkles and creases
Shrinkage
Less likely to shrink
Shrinks around 4% percent after the first wash, especially pure linen
Environmental Friendliness
Requires less energy and water to produce
Less waste produced due to closed-loop process
Wood pulp sustainably sourced
Does not require irrigation
Uses fewer pesticides
Biodegradable, Eco friendly
Less waste produced by turning flax byproducts into linseed oil
Care
Relatively easy care
(Machine-washable on a gentle spin with cold water)
Machine-washable on a gentle cycle on low temperatures
May require ironing to get rid of creases and wrinkles
Cost
Generally higher price point due to costlier production
However, time and money saved on care and maintenance due to its durability make the overall cost difference hard to quantify
Considered a luxury fabric
Expensive due to high production cost
WHAT IS TENCEL™?
TENCEL™ is a brand for TENCEL™ Lyocell and TENCEL™ Modal fibers invented by Lenzing AG, a textile company. It is fairly new to the bed sheet market, but it has gained popularity since its development.
Image by TENCEL™
The production process of this material is similar to rayon, but the big difference is it is more environmentally friendly. A sustainably sourced eucalyptus wood pulp gets dissolved in a chemical solvent to form the TENCEL™ fibers. The pulp is then spun into yarns. Finally, it is woven together to create a smooth yet durable fabric.
PROS
Comfortable
TENCEL™ bed sheets can be a welcome addition to anyone’s sleep essentials. They are breathable and absorbent with a cottony and soft touch or silky smooth feel, offering a deeper, more relaxing sleeping experience.

Durable
TENCEL™ sheets are durable and long-lasting. They are less likely to shrink, deform, or thin over time. Compared to linen, TENCEL™ has a tighter weave, giving it superior strength, flexibility, and functionality.
Aesthetically Appealing
Aesthetic-wise, TENCEL™ sheets add beauty to the room since they hold dye well and don’t wrinkle easily. Additionally, TENCEL™ modal bed sheets are more of a silky material. They have a flowy look and feel, making the bedroom appear more posh and cozy without you having to break the bank.

Versatile
TENCEL™ sheets beat linen sheets when it comes to versatility. They come in different textures and thicknesses. So whether you want a cottony or silky feel, you’ll get to enjoy snuggling with bed sheets that are incredibly relaxing to rest with after a long day.
If you’re a hot sleeper, TENCEL™ sheets are a great choice because they are temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking. What makes them one of the best to stay cool and dry at night is they contain hydrophilic (water-loving) fibers. This makes them more efficient at keeping the body cooler and working well in various climates than other fabrics.

Ideal for People With Sensitive Skin
TENCEL™ Lyocell bedsheets are ideal for people with sensitive skin. A study revealed that they were preferred by patients with sensitive skin caused by atopic dermatitis in terms of softness, wrinkle resistance, and temperature control.
Sustainable
The thread count in a bed sheet can impact one's sleep.
Sheets with a higher thread count have finer yarns. Since more yarns fit into their square inch, they are denser, softer, and more durable.
Although Linen bedsheets usually have a thread count of under 150, it is considered one of the most durable linen fabrics ideal for long-term bedding use. It feels slightly stiff at first. However, it grows softer with every wash, offering more comfort as it ages.
Environmentally Friendly
Unlike Linen bedding, TENCEL™ sheets are created with the environment in mind. The production processes and facilities are specially designed for low energy use and carbon emissions. They also use less harsh chemicals and get recycled to minimize waste.
CONS
High Cost
TENCEL™ bed sheets have a lot to offer, but they involve costly production. This makes them more expensive than what most buyers are willing to spend. Because of this, they may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
WHAT IS LINEN?
Linen is an ancient fabric made of natural fiber from flax plants. Its history dates back to 3000 BC. Because of its high quality, the kings of Egypt and the Roman Empire used it to decorate their bed tops.
Image by Heddels
Over the years, this fabric transformed from stiff and coarse to soft and exquisite, making linen sheets wonderful sleep companions. It also became more accessible while upholding its status as a luxurious household item.
PROS
Luxurious-Looking
Linen bed sheets have been loved by many households for generations, especially those who like making their rooms look more extravagant. They are regarded as luxurious sheets because of their lustrous sheen.

Versatile
Linen bedding comes in two styles: flat and fitted sheets.
Flat sheets, commonly known as top sheets, protect the duvet cover. They keep the bed cleaner by serving as a sanitary buffer between the sleeper and the blanket, duvet, or comforter. On the other hand, fitted sheet sets, also known as bottom sheets, cover the mattress. They come with elastic on each side to ensure they stay in place.
Breathable
Linen bedsheets provide optimal comfort, particularly to hot sleepers. They are breathable, lightweight, and temperature-regulating, making them great for every climate.

Hypoallergenic
Linen is hypoallergenic, which is why it’s ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies. It is also naturally pathogen-resistant and antibacterial due to its wicking and moisture-retention properties.
Durable
The thread count in a bed sheet can impact one's sleep.
Sheets with a higher thread count have finer yarns. Since more yarns fit into their square inch, they are denser, softer, and more durable.
Although Linen bedsheets usually have a thread count of under 150, it is considered one of the most durable linen fabrics ideal for long-term bedding use. It feels slightly stiff at first. However, it grows softer with every wash, offering more comfort as it ages.
CONS
Prone to Wrinkling
Linen bed sheets wrinkle easily. For that reason, you may have to deal with the hassle of ironing them after every wash if you’re fond of smooth-looking sheets.

Rough Initial Feel
Unlike TENCEL™ which feels incredibly soft and smooth from the moment they get taken out of the package, Linen sheets require multiple washing before they become softer. They may be uncomfortable to use if you don’t want sheets with a scratchy feel.
High Cost
Linen sheets come with a heftier price tag than other options. Those with a higher thread count (in bedsheets), in particular, cost more because their production process takes a lot longer.
conclusion
The key to enjoying better sleep and feeling more refreshed in the morning is investing in bed sheets that perfectly match your sleeping needs and preferences.

Image by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels
When looking for the best bed sheet, you might feel overwhelmed with the number of options available. Thankfully, you’ll now better understand why TENCEL™ sheets can be the right fit for you.
To enjoy more restful sleep, browse our collection of bed sheets, TENCEL™ Lyocell and check our bed sheet buying guide. Feel free to compare them with different materials like cotton sheets and bamboo sheets to ensure you make the right purchasing decision.
WEAVVE HAS THE BEST BEDSHEETS FOR YOU
Weavve’s bed sheets are all responsibly made and Oeko-tex certified, ensuring that you sleep not only safely, but comfortably as well. Our bed sheets are free of toxins and harmful chemicals which make them ideal bed sheets for sensitive skin.
Shop our full range of bed sheets here.
TENCEL™ LYOCELL BEDSHEETS
Each Weavve Lyocell bedding starts with the best lyocell fibers (100% Lenzing TENCEL™) that are spun into the finest 80s yarn count threads. These fine single ply threads are then woven into 400 thread count fabric, giving you stronger, smoother and lighter sheets.

Featuring Weavve’s TENCEL™ Lyocell Classic Set in Cloud White
COTTON SATEEN BEDSHEETS
The Weavve Cotton sheet starts with extra-long staple cotton fibers. Fewer extra-long staple fibers are required to spin the same length of yarn. As Weavve’s threads are finer (100 yarn count), we’re able to squeeze more together, resulting in a high thread count. We’re also using single ply threads, giving you stronger, smoother and lighter sheets.
Our cotton sateen linen uses a four over and one under weave pattern as well as processes like singeing and calendering to give our sateen sheets a luxurious sheen and smooth feel. Pre shrinking also prevents our sheets from shrinking during regular washing.

Featuring Weavve’s Cotton Deluxe Set in Glacier Blue
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 Standard 100 by Oeko Tex® certified 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.