What is Tencel Fabric?

If you’re a hot sleeper or live in a warmer climate, you want bedding that enables good airflow and feels cool. Breathable materials won’t trap as much heat, so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep and avoid overheating.

One natural cooling material is Tencel. Tencel is highly breathable and wicks away moisture, so you don’t wake up sweating. In our article, we share everything there is to know about Tencel—what it is, benefits of sleeping with Tencel bedding, and how it’s made.

What is Tencel?

Tencel is a sustainable fabric owned by Australian company Lenzing AG. It was first developed back in 1972.

There are two types of Tencel: Tencel lyocell and Tencel modal. Tencel lyocell fibers combine cellulosic fibers with other textile fibers, including cotton and polyester, to enhance the fabric’s properties. Tencel lyocell is stronger, more breathable, and commonly found in many bedding brands.

Tencel modal fibers follow the same production process as Tencel lyocell, except the threads are thinner and softer to the touch. You’re more likely to see Tencel modal in apparel. Today, Tencel is one of the most popular fabrics in both bedding and clothing.

Benefits of Tencel

Tencel’s softness and breathability make it stand out. Tencel also drapes nicely over the mattress and holds vibrant dyes well, with little risk of bleeding in the washing machine. Plus, Tencel is hypoallergenic and won’t irritate those with sensitive skin.

Breathability

Tencel is naturally breathable, so air can flow in and out of the material and prevent heat retention. Tencel also wicks away moisture and dries quickly, a nice feature if you’re prone to night sweats.

Durability

Tencel is more durable than organic cotton. Some cotton fabrics shrink in the wash; however, Tencel won’t lose its shape. Also, Tencel tends to feel softer after every wash.

Appearance

Tencel looks and feels like silk. The material has a slight sheen and feels soft to the touch. Tencel is also less likely to wrinkle than cotton and has a beautiful drape across the bed.

Hypoallergenic

Not only is Tencel soft, but the natural fiber doesn’t irritate sensitive skin—making for high-quality hypoallergenic sheets. Also, Tencel’s moisture-wicking properties ensure the fabric is less susceptible to bacteria growth. Bacteria growth could otherwise lead to an unpleasant odor and allergic reactions, like sneezing and coughing.

How is Tencel Made?

Tencel is an environmentally-friendly material created from sustainably-sourced eucalyptus trees. It’s made using a unique drying method called spinning, using eucalyptus wood pulp. The ground pulp is mixed with a chemical solvent, which is then pushed through small holes in a spinneret nozzle to create wood cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers are chemically treated before they’re spun into thread and woven into a fabric.

Environmental Impact

Tencel is made from sustainably managed eucalyptus plantations. Eucalyptus trees can grow up to 100 feet within ten years. Plus, the constant harvest and growth of these trees won’t degrade the soil.

Like cotton, Tencel is made from plant materials; however, unlike cotton, Tencel requires less water and uses less energy. Companies can recycle and reuse unused materials through REFIBRA™ technology to create Tencel fibers, so there’s less waste. Also, since Tencel is a naturally-derived fiber, it’s biodegradable.

Choose Amerisleep Tencel Sheets

If you’re interested and looking for a high-quality Tencel sheet set, look no further than our Amerisleep Tencel Sheets. The softness of our Tencel eucalyptus sheets is rivaled by no other. The sleek and smooth material feels cool and inviting, unlike some cotton brand names which may feel rough and scratchy.

Our Tencel sheet set is sewn with our patented Smarty-BandZz®, a system that prevents the material from wrinkling and bunching up during the night. Our Tencel is also sustainably-sourced from sustainable eucalyptus tree farms. You don’t have to worry about chemical residue, because farmers don’t use pesticides in the soil.

The sheet set includes a fitted sheet, an oversized flat sheet, and two pillowcases (one pillowcase for twin and twin XL sizes).

Prices of Amerisleep Tencel Sheets

SizePrice Twin$155 Twin XL$190 Full$215 Queen$230 King$275 California King$275 Split King$315