When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, there’s more to consider than simply getting your standard eight hours in. And no, we’re not talking about what time of the day to cut the caffeine, or when to press pause on the blue light exposure – we’re on about sustainable sheets.
It’s estimated the average person will spend a third of their lifetime cosied up in bed, so when it comes to sorting out your sheets, consideration really is key. But with the textile world a muddle of mixed messages, particularly if you’re looking for a sustainable selection, we’ve whittled our top picks down to nine bedding brands that are as good for the the planet as they are your sleep health.
1. Naturalmat
Naturalmat is the all-rounder when it comes to a sustainable night’s sleep. Though the Devonshire-based brand has built its reputation in making mattresses from natural fibres (think wool, coconut coir and even recycled denim), Naturalmat can hand-craft your entire sleep experience with its range of complementary organic mattress toppers and bedding bundles.
Back to the sustainable sheets however, the B Corp crew’s range of organic cotton bedding is GOTS and Soil Association certified, and as expected, comes unbleached and undyed to keep pesky toxins at bay.
2. Piglet in Bed
If there was ever a brand to convince us to get into gingham, it has to be Piglet in Bed. Embracing this nostalgic geometric pattern for the cottagecore curators, the full suite is available in a number of muted colourways that speak to the enki palette.
Depending on your sleep preference, you have the choice of either the brand’s signature linen blend fabric, or its heritage 100% linen. What’s the difference you ask? Well, not whole a lot. Both are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, both are made in Portugal and both are naturally breathable. But, for those who find linen a little too rough to the touch, the blend “combines the effortless look of linen with the softness of cotton.”
3. Sorbet Living
Beyond its aesthetic credentials, linen bedding has much to offer those in search of more sustainable sheets. Though it requires a little more budget from the outset than your typical bedding lines, linen will be around for the long haul, offering much stronger threads than its cotton competitors. Plus, it’s a year round kind of deal; keeping you cool over summer and warm throughout winter.
Working with a small family workshop in Lithuania, Sorbet Living’s bedding is made from 100% European washed linen. “The fabric is soft, pre-washed and pre-shrunk, and has a lovely weighty and soft feel.” And, it comes in the perfect neutral: putty.
4. Floks
Now let’s look at what we’re putting inside our sheets. “As someone who has struggled with sleep for years, I know first hand how transformative a good night’s rest can be – and how frustrating it is when the products you rely on fall short,” says Floks founder Sophie Platts.
So instead of sticking with synthetics, Sophie turned to nature, launching Floks with a range of luxury bedding that embraces the natural benefits of wool. Without intervention, the renewable material offers comfort, boasts thermoregulating properties and is compostable, biodegradable and seriously sustainable.
5. TOAST
Finding joy in the smaller details has become somewhat of a trademark for TOAST. Whether it’s a piece of clothing, or something for the home, each and every TOAST product is carefully selected for its ability to transcend seasons while still packing a punch of personality.
When it comes to bedding, its Rowan design features a screen-printed dot pattern inspired by rowan berries on one side, with fine stripes lining the reverse. Though sumptuously soft, there’s a real weight to this 100% organic cotton suite. And to top it off, each piece comes with a matching fabric bag.
6. Leisurely
After something a little softer than the organic linen that reigns in the realm of sustainable sheets? Well there’s a new brand on the block and its doing things a little differently. “Our supersoft sustainable bedsheets and duvet sets are made with 100% TENCEL™ lyocell.”
Heading back into nature, the plant-based material is made from wood pulp, sourced only from FSC and PEFC certified forests. This is then “processed into yarn at Lenzing production plants which are run exclusively on renewable energy.”
To hear more from Leisurely you can also check out our conversation with the founder here.
7. TBCo
Your interior statement can still be sustainable with a little help from TBCo. Leaning into colour, this B Corp brand are here to help you find confidence in your home style, while also ensuring the planet comes into play.
Pairing thick stripes with a ruffled edge, this 100% cotton duvet set is as breathable as it is bold. And though we doubt you need convincing, playful patterns and colours can be a great way to inject a little brightness into your bedroom without committing to another paint can.
8. Secret Linen Store
Designed to have you doze off without a worry, Secret Linen Store have a plan in place for any concern. Found a tear in your sustainable sheets? Well the brand have partnered with The Seam “to provide a door-to-door homeware care & repair service,” ensuring the life of your bed linen doesn’t end at the first sign of wear.
Het up about waste? Secret Linen Store redirect fabric waste into other products as well as ‘Waste Not Want Not Packs’, for customers who fancy getting a little crafty with fabric extracts. But what about packaging? Fear not, all products come protected in biodegradable bags, paper wrapping, or recycled polybags, tied with a 100% cotton ribbon.
9. EarthKind
And to finish off we have a special mention for EarthKind – the first bedding brand to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill certification. Finding power in re-purposing, its small yet sustainable range of natural bedding is made using 100% recycled feathers and down drawn from bedding bundles that have been rescued from landfill.
“Unused bedding is carefully opened by hand to release the feather and down, which are then washed, heat treated, and sterilised. The result? A premium new filling that’s just as soft and cosy as the original, ready to be placed in responsibly sourced cotton cases.” Oh, and did we mention all products are handmade in Britain using 100% renewable energy.
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