15 of the Best Eco-Friendly Bedding Brands You Can Feel Extra Good Snuggling In
When Queen Elizabeth decided to give Buckingham Palace a plastic detox, I realized it might be time for me to get truly serious about doing the same. In the 12 months since, I've been working hard to eradicate plastic from my apartment, use only the cleanest of cleaning products so as to avoid releasing ever-more toxins into the air, and take other such measures to protect myself and the environment. As I audited my sustainable-home situation, it hit me that I was missing one super obvious opportunity: eco-friendly bedding.
To my horror, I realized I'm still spending eight hours a night in cheap cotton sheets manufactured with more chemicals than conscience. (Cotton is one of the world's dirtiest crops!) To remedy the situation, I performed a deep dive into sustainable bedding brands (or "green" bedding brands) and found some truly innovative companies working hard to create cozy sheets, comforters, and more so that conscientious consumers can sleep soundly. Below are the best brands to keep in mind when shopping for sustainable, eco-friendly bedding sets and linens.
- Michelle Taylor, MFA, adjunct lecturer in the Fashion Merchandising Program at Howard University
- Preeti Arya, PhD, assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology
The best eco-friendly bedding brands and products
Cozy Earth
Cozy Earth's whole schtick is temperature-regulating products made from natural materials. Its line of bamboo bedding, which includes sheets, duvet covers, comforters, and pillows, is pretty much the coolest thing you'll ever sleep in, made to give you a dreamy night's sleep without worrying about night sweats. The cool-to-the-touch fabric feels heavenly against skin, and since it's made from bamboo, is much more sustainable for the planet, too.
Originally $339, now $254
Made of 100 percent viscose, Cozy Earth’s bamboo-derived covers are what you’ll want to cozy up with all night. Not only are the sheets extremely soft, they’re breathable and regulate temperature, so you can snooze sans the sweat. The set comes with everything you need to get set up: a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Plus, we’re squealing over the 14 earthy and neutral colorways.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL to split king
Colors: 14
Pros:
- Soft & breathable
- Pill-resistant
Cons:
- Pricier pick
Boll & Branch
Boll & Branch launched in 2014 after its founders discovered they couldn't get answers regarding the origin and materials of the sheets they shopped. The company works with Fair Trade farms, which harvest organic cotton, as well as with a factory in India that pays its workers fair wages and insists upon safe conditions.
Buttery soft, breathable, and drapey—these sheets are straight out of a luxury hotel. They’re made of 100 percent organic cotton and have an elasticated finish to make putting them on the bed easy. Each set has a fitted and flat sheet, as well as two pillowcases (except for the the twin and twin XL, which comes with one pillowcase).
Sizes: Twin to split king
Colors: 20
Pros:
- Made of 100 percent organic cotton
- Elasticated for easy use
Cons:
- Pricey option
Buffy
Buffy's sustainably-minded product replaces cotton with eucalyptus fibers, requiring 10-times-less H2O, and skips down in favor of a new microfiber infused with volcanic minerals that make this comforter more breathable than other on-the-market down alternatives.
Originally $145, now $123
Buffy’s fluffy comforter is made from eucalyptus fibers, which renders it moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. Unlike some comforters, which are too bulky and heavy, this one is lightweight (so much so that it can fits right into a washing machine.) When draped over a bed, this comforter is a match made in heaven.
Sizes: Twin to king/California king
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking materials
- BPA-free and safe for kids and pets
- Super fluffy
Cons:
- Only available in three sizes
Coyuchi
Coyuchi has been pioneering sustainability in this industry since 1991. The company's products are made with GOTS-certified fabrics, which means they're at least 95-percent composed of organic fibers that aren't treated with bleach or formaldehyde, are colored with non-toxic dyes, and are produced in mills with strict environmental standards. Coyuchi's commitment doesn't stop at production, either. The company works with eco-conscious shipping partners and endeavors to keep packaging as eco-friendly as possible, too.
If you want to know where the materials of your bedding is sourced from, count on Coyuchi. This collection is sourced from 100 percent organic cotton from a farm in West Texas. That material is then woven in Portugal to create crisp and lightweight sheets. These sheets are on the pricier side, so if you have the money to splurge, these could be worth adding to your bedroom.
Sizes: Queen to California king
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Made from 100 percent organic cotton
- Harvested in Texas, woven in Portugal
- Soft and lightweight
Cons:
- Only available in three sizes
- Only available in white
Avocado
Avocado started with making a green mattress, and has now expanded to organic and eco-friendly bedding. Their sheets are available in organic cotton or linen and get softer with each wash. The company is a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral certified, donates 1 percent of revenues to nonprofit organizations, and uses factories powered by renewable energy.
Originally $85, now $76
Crafted out of 100 percent mulberry silk, these Avocado silk pillowcases are a must-have. They’re soft, so they don’t pull or tug on your hair and have temperature-regulating capabilities, so you don’t wake up sweaty.
Sizes: Standard to king
Colors: 6
Pros:
- Oeko-Tex certified and climate neutral
- Doesn’t tug on hair
Cons:
- Not sold in sets
Pact
Pact partners with Fair Trade Certified Factories and uses organic cotton in all their products, which in addition to bedding, includes clothing. Their sheets are made with no toxic chemicals and use 91 less water than conventional cotton. When you purchase from the company, they minimize their packaging and offer the option to offset the carbon footprint of your shipment via a partnership with an eco-tech company.
If you’re someone who doesn’t like your sleeping environment to be too hot or too cold, you’re in for a treat with Pact’s Organic Cotton Quilt. This medium-weight quilt is lightweight enough for summer, but has layers to keep you warm enough during the winter. Made from organic cotton, this quilt is soft and smooth, so you’ll want to wrap yourself in it when temperatures dip. It also helps that the quilted design is sleek and modern. Just add some decorative pillows to complete your bedroom.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL to king/California king
Colors: 5
Pros:
- Medium-wight makes it good for all seasons
- Made of organic cotton in fair trade factory
Cons:
- Some people report a distinct smell when opening
The Citizenry
The Citizenry curates their collection of home goods from around the world by sustainably partnering directly with artisans and using local materials. Their organic linen and cotton sheets are crafted in different countries by artisans that are paid two times the fair trade requirement.
Originally $647, now $579
Citizenry’s Linen Bed Bundle makes it easy to create a laid-back and breezy oasis. The bed bundle set—which comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, duvet cover, and four pillowcases—is made of French flax that makes the sheets breathable and soft. What’s more, it only gets softer with each wash. Enjoy the set in one of the 15 colors, from slate blue to sage green.
Sizes: Full to California king
Colors: 15
Pros:
- Gets softer with each wash
- Made in Portugal
- Oeko-Tex certified
Cons:
- Pricey
Cariloha
This entire shop is stocked with bamboo-based products, which means the company relies upon a crop that grows quickly, without the use of pesticides and self-regenerates.
Dreamy doesn’t even begin to describe Cariloha’s bamboo bed sheets. They’re made from viscose-derived bamboo, delivering a sateen finish that resembles a beachside resort. Whenever you’re craving vacation-worthy sleep, invest in this set, or try it out first with the 100-day trial program, which guarantees free returns or exchanges.
Sizes: Queen to split king
Colors: 8
Pros:
- Breathable, temperature-regulating bamboo
- Feels like swanky hotel sheets
Cons:
- Smallest size is Queen
CB2
Affordable-home retailer CB2 offers basic organic cotton sheeting in a limited range of colors.
Add a touch of luxury to your bedding set with these CB2 shams. They’re made from organic cotton and European flax linen. In addition to being insanely lightweight, these pillowcases are breathable and soften over time. And despite being available in two colors, the natural and white complement any sheet set you may already have.
Sizes: Standard to California king
Colors: 2
Pros:
- Breathable and temperature-regulating
- Good value
Cons:
- Limited colors
Holy Lamb Organics
This small company, based out of rural Washington state, utilizes organic materials, is committed to zero waste in the manufacturing process, pledges that all products are made in a scent-free facility, and offers transparency into the ongoing process of making its buildings ever-more green.
The best sleep of your life awaits. Holy Lamb Organics’ wool-filled pillows are dying to be slept on. Wool is naturally hypoallergenic, making the pillows ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies (check out bedding for allergies here). Plus, the pillows are available in five sizes and three thickness levels. Talk about customization!
Sizes: Travel to Euro
Colors: 1
Pros:
- Available in three fluffy, yet supportive thickness levels
- Wide size range
- Hypoallergenic
Cons:
- Pricey per pillow
Under the Canopy
Under the Canopy has been around since before eco was trendy, and the company actually contributed to the creation of the GOTS certification. Their products boast six different kinds of eco-relevant certifications. When sustainable materials can't be used, Under the Canopy opts instead for recycled materials—their comforters and pillows are filled with certified polyester recycled from post-consumer plastic bottles.
This organic percale sheet set ticks all of the boxes: it’s made of GOTS- certified cotton, is free of harsh chemicals, and keeps you cool as you zzz through the night. Another neat touch is the elasticated band, which makes it easier to put the sheets on. Sweet dreams!
Sizes: Twin to California king
Colors: 9
Pros:
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Good value
Cons:
- May not be as soft
West Elm
Sure, you may shop at West Elm for their stylish furniture or home decor, but they also offer several sheet sets (linen, cotton, flannel) that are made with GOTS-certified textiles, sustainably sourced, and/or fair trade.
You don’t need to travel far to live out your European vacay. This linen duvet cover and sham transports you directly across the pond. The heirloom-like bedding is made from 100 percent European flax, guaranteeing quality and durability for years to come. Spruce up your room with one of the 16 timeless colors.
Sizes: Full to California king
Colors: 17
Pros:
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Many color options
- Fair Trade Certified
Cons:
- No organic materials
SOL Organics
SOL Organics is dedicated to making affordable organic bedding that is made in fair trade factories that do not employ child labor. Their bedding uses 100 percent organic long-staple cotton that is grown from non-GMO cottonseeds and has no hazardous chemicals or dyes.
Originally $129, now $84
These lightweight and breathable sheets don’t budge on quality and transparency. Not only is this set made of organic cotton and is a more budget-friendly option compared to other sets on the list, SOL Organics takes the time to break down the cost of their products (based on materials labor) compared to the industry standard, so you can rest assured you’re not being taken for a ride.
Sizes: Twin to California king
Colors: 5
Pros:
- Good value with transparent pricing
- Made of lightweight, organic cotton
Cons:
- Less color options (and all neutrals)
- May wrinkle easily
Yala
Yala makes sheets from sustainable bamboo, and its raw materials are Oeko-Tex certified as being free from harmful chemicals. The company also uses low-impact dyes and recycles the water utilized in this coloring process.
Yala is where sweet dreams are made! They’re lightweight, cool to the touch, smooth on sensitive skin, and have a dense weave thread, making them resistant to pilling. Throw these on your bed, and you’ll be snoozing in no time.
Sizes: Twin to California king
Colors: 4
Pros:
- Pill resistant
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Fewer color options
- No full sizes
Sijo Home
Sijo prides itself on creating sustainable sleep products that are comfortable, timeless, and sustainable and environmentally-efficient materials. The materials used are ethically grown and manufactured, so you can snooze better without worry.
Originally $60, now $54
There are so many great products on the Sijo site, but we’re specifically eyeing these luxurious, organic linen pillowcases. The duo set is crafted from GOTS-certified organic flax fibers, so you can rest easy knowing they’re free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. The linen yard is sourced from Normandy, France, and each bedding set is crafted in small batches to ensure quality. Durable, soft, and luxe, who wouldn’t want to sleep in Sijo?
Sizes: Standard/queen to King
Colors: 8
Pros:
- Organic linen crafted in small batches
- Good value
Cons:
- Limited sizing
Frequently asked questions about eco-friendly bedding
What is the best eco-friendly bedding material?
According to Preeti Arya, PhD, a textile scientist and assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, eco-friendly material means any textile material that is friendly to ecology, humans, and the planet. In other words, "it means it will not cause any harm to humans or to the environment," says Dr. Arya. This includes organic hemp, bamboo, eucalyptus, and linen.
What does eco-friendly bedding mean?
"Eco-friendly bedding is created from organic fibers—no chemicals, natural dyes, reduced water usage, and the implementation of the closed-loop production process, which implements the reuse of the same materials to create new products," says Michelle Taylor, MFA, adjunct lecturer in fashion merchandising in the department of art at Howard University.
Is bamboo bedding eco-friendly?
Yes! Taylor says that bamboo is eco-friendly because it's grown and harvested in environmentally-friendly ways and doesn't require or use harmful pesticides or chemicals in its production process.
Which fabric has the lowest environmental footprint?
Any fibers that are organically grown. Overall, organically grown fabrics are "sustainable by the way of its production with the least usage of water," says Taylor. So by going with organic cotton, hemp, or linen, you can have an environmentally conscious sleep.
If you're looking to be more environmentally conscious in your everyday life, check out these eco-friendly gifts and eco-friendly clothing.
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