Sleeping in the heat is hard. Fans, of course, help, but a lot of it comes down to the bedding material you choose. And while linen has long been favored thanks to its naturally breathable weave, there’s another fabric that experts are increasingly recommending for hot weather: TENCEL™ bedding.
“TENCEL™ is a naturally derived material that really helps regulate your body temperature as you sleep,” explains Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director at French Bedroom. “It’s sourced from the eucalyptus tree and is made of teeny tiny fibers which absorb 50% more moisture than cotton, keeping your body cooler whilst you sleep.”
The linen bedding alternative is made from sustainable wood pulp that’s spun into fiber, yarn, and fabrics. While the brand name TENCEL™ has become widely commonplace, it’s made in the same way as modal and lyocell fabrics and is considered very eco-friendly. “It requires less energy and water than cotton and, as a naturally derived fiber, it’s also biodegradable,” adds Georgia.
“TENCEL™ sheets are designed to stay cool, being very breathable with a silky touch,” she adds. That silkiness shows through in a subtle lustre, giving it a super luxe look, similar to bamboo bedding.
So, if you’re tired of throwing your heavy duvet off the bed during the night, here are nine modal, lyocell, or TENCEL™ bedding buys that will make this summer so much easier to sleep through.
M&S
Stay Cool Lyocell Rich Bedding Set
While not the trademarked TENCEL™, this lyocell bedding from M&S does just as well at a lower cost. It comes in 11 different colors, ranging from blush pink to slate blue. It’s great for hot-sleepers and hot weather, with one review noting it’s “Cool to the touch and certainly helped during the recent heatwave.”
West Elm
Signature TENCEL™ Linen Duvet Cover & Pillowcases
If saying goodbye to linen doesn’t sit well with you, how about a blend of TENCEL™ (60%) and linen (40%) bedding to ease you in? Unlike the typical subtle gloss from fully Tencel sheets, the blend creates a cleaner, matte finish. Plus, it’s seriously discounted right now.
Habitat
Cool Cotton Lyocell White Bedding Set in King Size
For a super affordable option, this Lyocell bedding set from Habitat is worth considering. Reviews say it’s “Cool, soft and comfortable,” though it’s worth noting that a few others mention it crinkles fast and doesn’t iron super flat — but for the price, it’s to be expected.
Pottery Barn
Tencel™ Sheet Set
This Pottery Barn sheet set is made from 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell and includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two standard pillowcases. You can’t beat classic white sheets, but if you want something else, Pottery Barn has other TENCEL™ bedding, too.
Dunelm
Fogarty Temperature Balance Cotton TENCEL™ Duvet Cover
Dunelm’s TENCEL™ bedding has a premium feel, according to reviewers, whilst ensuring you stay cool. One says, “It’s like having the fresh cool feeling every time you roll over.” With a 200 thread count and a blend of cotton, it already sounds like you’re in for a sweat-free night. Plus, it comes in a range of colors.
West Elm
Cotton Blend Matelasse Textured Duvet Cover Containing TENCEL™ Lyocell
Currently on sale from £169, this bedding is made from 100% Tencel™, giving it a silky sheen. Reminiscent of moody, gray skies, it’s a duvet cover that looks modern, classy, and effortlessly stylish whilst keeping you just as cool.
Dunelm
Dorma Luxury Temperature Control 100% TENCEL™ Duvet Cover
If you’re looking for something chic that looks like it belongs in a French chateau, this one is your best bet. It’s also got a zipper closure, making changing your sheets far more efficient.
THE LINEN COMPANY NEW YORK
TENCEL™ Super King Fitted Sheet With BCI Cotton
Made from a blend of 78% Organic Tencel & 22% Luxury BCI Cotton, this bedding is soft and cool to the touch. It has a 4.9/5-star rating after 43 reviews, with customers noting that it provides “cool sleep at 29 degrees,” and that the fitted sheet stays in place all night.
Dunelm
Cotton TENCEL™ Duvet Cover & Pillowcase Set
Starting at £16, this Cornish blue duvet set is perfect for a budget-friendly transition to summertime sleeping. Its blue color feels fun and fresh, but it also comes in white if you prefer something simpler. Reviewers say it’s “excellent value for money” and “feels amazing in the hot weather”.
Got your bedding sorted and still struggling to drift off? There are a fewother things you can do to help you sleep in the heat, including keeping your room cool during the day, investing in a good fan, and even freezing a hot water bottle to put by your feet.
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