If you are shopping for new bedding and finding yourself lost in a sea of fabric options, you are not alone. Two materials come up again and again: TENCEL™ Lyocell and cotton. Both are genuine choices. Both have devoted fans. And both feel completely different to sleep in.
Here is everything you need to know to choose the one that suits the way you sleep.
What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?
TENCEL™ is a brand name for lyocell fibre, made from the pulp of sustainably sourced wood. The individual fibres are exceptionally fine, which gives TENCEL™ fabric its characteristic silky smoothness. It is not a synthetic material. It is not a blend. It is a natural fibre with a production process designed to be kinder to the environment than conventional cotton.
At GreenSecrets, TENCEL™ Lyocell is where our story began. It remains our signature material.
What is cotton bedding?
Cotton is the most widely used natural fibre for bedding in the world, and for good reason. It is breathable, durable, familiar and gets softer with every wash. At GreenSecrets we offer 100% long-staple cotton in two weaves, percale and sateen, at 300 and 400 thread count. Both are finished with refined double-line embroidery.
How do they feel?
TENCEL™ Lyocell feels immediately silky and smooth from the very first night. It has a fluid, almost cool quality against the skin that most sleepers notice instantly.
Cotton varies depending on the weave. Percale has a crisp, cool, matte freshness that feels like a perfectly pressed hotel sheet. Sateen is smoother and warmer, with a subtle sheen and a more indulgent drape.
The difference between TENCEL™ and cotton is real. Neither is wrong. It comes down entirely to how you like your bed to feel.
TENCEL™ vs Cotton: The Comparison
| TENCEL™ Lyocell | Cotton (Percale) | Cotton (Sateen) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Silky, smooth, fluid | Crisp, cool, matte | Smooth, warm, lustrous |
| Temperature | Excellent cooling | Good breathability | Warmer than percale |
| Moisture wicking | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Sensitive skin | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Durability | Very good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sustainability | Strong story | Moderate | Moderate |
| Gets better with washing | Yes | Yes, crisper | Yes, softer |
Which is better for hot sleepers?
TENCEL™ wins. The fibres absorb moisture significantly more efficiently than cotton, drawing warmth away from your body as you sleep. If you regularly wake up feeling too warm or experience night sweats, TENCEL™ Lyocell bedding will make a noticeable difference from night one.
Which is better for sensitive skin?
TENCEL™ Lyocell is the stronger choice for sensitive skin. The smooth fibre surface creates less friction, and the moisture-wicking properties reduce the warm, damp conditions that can irritate sensitive sleepers. That said, high thread count long-staple cotton sateen is also very smooth and comfortable for most skin types.
Which is more durable?
Both are durable when cared for properly. Cotton, particularly at 300TC and above, is extremely long-lasting and often improves with age. TENCEL™ Lyocell is durable but prefers a gentle wash cycle and lower heat when drying.
Which is more sustainable?
TENCEL™ Lyocell has a strong environmental story. The wood pulp is sourced from sustainably managed forests, and the production process uses significantly less water than conventional cotton. It is a genuinely considered choice for environmentally conscious sleepers.
So which should you choose?
Choose TENCEL™ Lyocell if you sleep hot, have sensitive skin, want the softest possible feel from night one, or care about the environmental story behind your bedding.
Choose cotton if you love the feel of crisp, classic bedding, want something extremely durable and easy to care for, or prefer the warmth and weight of a sateen weave. Our embroidered cotton ranges add a quiet luxury detail that is difficult to find elsewhere.
At GreenSecrets, we offer both. Because great sleep is personal, and the best bedding is the one that suits the way you sleep.
Browse our TENCEL™ Lyocell collection or our Cotton Bedding range to find your perfect match.