Bamboo and Tencel (lyocell) bedding fabrics
Bamboo and Tencel fabrics are made from regenerated cellulose fibres. Cellulose is taken from wood or bamboo, dissolved chemically and spun back into fibre. Viscose, modal and lyocell all belong to this group.
What the bamboo label means
Most fabric sold as bamboo is bamboo viscose: fibre made by the viscose process from bamboo cellulose. Bamboo can also be processed mechanically into fibre, but that is rare in bedding fabric.
Some markets require the label to say so. In the US these products must be labelled as viscose or rayon made from bamboo. Antibacterial properties attributed to the bamboo plant do not carry over to viscose fibre. If a product makes that claim, ask for the test report.
Tencel and lyocell
Lyocell is made by dissolving cellulose in an organic solvent, most of which is recovered and reused. TENCEL is Lenzing's brand name for its lyocell and modal fibres. On a care label the fibre is listed as lyocell.
Shared properties
| Property | What it means |
|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, smooth and cool |
| Moisture | Absorbs and spreads moisture better than cotton |
| Drape | Heavy, fluid drape |
| Watch for | Weaker when wet; sensitive to hot washes and hard spinning |
Blends and weave
Bedding fabrics use these fibres alone or blended with cotton. Cotton adds strength and lowers cost. The fabric is usually a sateen weave, which adds smoothness and sheen.
Uses
- Higher-end bedding sets
- Hotel bedding and pillowcases
- Summer bedding with a cool feel
- Mattress protector face fabric
When ordering
Ask for the composition by fibre name: bamboo viscose, lyocell, modal and the cotton share. Check weight, width, weave and care instructions.