At a Glance
TENCEL™ and linen are two of the popular bedsheet materials with evident distinctions at a glance. We'll explore their differences in this post.
Quick Tips
- Consider the fabric's wrinkle resistance and shrinkage properties.
- Factor in the care requirements too!
Image by Victoria Borodinova from Pexels
It’s no secret that sleep is essential for preserving good health. Unfortunately, getting enough hours of rest doesn’t necessarily mean enjoying a restorative sleep. When it comes to sleep, quality does matter. That being said, if you find yourself waking up groggy instead of well-rested, you may have to take a closer look at the bed sheets that you are using.
Not all bedding sets are created equal and the type of material can greatly impact your sleeping experience. When buying a new set of sheets, you'll realize that there are many different fabrics apart from cotton. Some of other popular choices are TENCEL™ and linen.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How Does TENCEL™ And Linen Differ From Each Other? Go To Section
Comparison Between TENCEL™ Lyocell And Linen Go To Section
What Is TENCEL™? Go To Section
Pros Of TENCEL™ Go To Section
Cons Of TENCEL™ Go To Section
What Is Linen? Go To Section
Pros Of Linen Go To Section
Cons Of Linen Go To Section
TENCEL™ Vs Linen: Which One Is Better? Go To Section
Discover Weavve's Bedding Collection Go To Section
HOW DOES TENCEL™ AND LINEN DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER?
These two fabrics are some of the most popular bed sheet materials. They share distinct benefits, such as durability, breathability, and sustainability. To help you determine which between them is a better option, read on!
Comparison between TENCEL™ Lyocell and linen
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, drape 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
- Long-lasting
- Resistant to disintegration with proper care and maintenance
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
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.
Image by Yan Krukov from Pexels
Durable
TENCEL™ bedsheets 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™ Lyocell sheets add beauty to the room since they hold dye well and don’t wrinkle easily. If you want a silky material, these bed sheets won't disappoint. They have a flowy look and feel, making the bedroom appear more posh and cozy without you having to break the bank.
Featuring Weavve’s TENCEL™ Lyocell Classic Set in Sky Blue
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.
Image by Alex Green from Pexels
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.
Image by TENCEL™
Eco-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
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.
Image by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels
Versatile
Just like other bedding sets, linen sheets usually 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 bedsheet thread count 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.
Image by Andrea Piaquadio from Pexels
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 high thread count (in bedsheets), in particular, cost more because their production process takes a lot longer.
TENCEL™ VS LINEN: WHICH ONE IS BETTER?
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.
When choosing the best bed sheets, 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. Feel free to compare them with different materials like cotton sheets and bamboo sheets to ensure you make the right purchasing decision.
DISCOVER WEAVVE'S BEDDING COLLECTION
TENCEL™ Lyocell Bed Sheets
Created from 100% Lenzing TENCEL™ Lyocell, strong fibers are spun into the finest 80s yarn count threads. Single-ply threads are then woven into a 400 thread count fabric, resulting in extra durable, smooth, and light sheets.
Shop TENCEL™ bedsheets Singapore
Featuring Weavve’s TENCEL™ Lyocell Classic Set in Cloud White
Cotton Sateen Bed Sheets
Using extra-long staple cotton fibers, we pattern the single-ply threads into a sateen weave (four over and one under) to create luxuriously soft with an elegant sheen sheets. Threads are finer (100s yarn count) with an honest 600 thread count. Finishing touches like singeing, calendering, and pre-shrinking are also done to give the fabric optimum smoothness and anti-shrink properties even after a few washes.
Shop cotton bedsheets Singapore
Featuring Weavve’s Cotton Deluxe 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 a 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.