Which Bed Sheets Are Best? Egyptian Cotton vs Bamboo vs Linen (2024)

Shopping for a new set of sheets? 

Today you have more options than ever before. Whether it’s comparing colours, thread counts, or types of fabric, we can understand why it may be difficult to select the right bed sheets. You deserve the best sleep, so we’re here to help.

At Douglas, we currently sell three styles of bed sheets: Egyptian cotton, bamboo, and linen. 

Let’s explore the benefits for each, and then we’ll help you decide which may be best for you.

Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Soft, Lustrous, Classic Comfort 

Cotton is by far the most popular bed sheet fabric in Canada. But what’s so special about Egyptian cotton? 

Egypt has the perfect combination of climate and soil for cotton. The cotton grown in Egypt is famous for its long and thin fibres. These extra-fine cotton fibres allow for a tighter weave during manufacturing. The result is a soft feel and lustrous appearance. 

Egyptian cotton, like other cotton sheets, offer good breathability. If you want sheets that help you sleep cool and comfortably in all seasons, Egyptian cotton is a great choice. 

Bed sheets are an investment that ought to last. Egyptian cotton sheets from Douglas undergo a special process called mercerization, which helps give the fabric strength for wear, tear, and weekly washing. 

Summary: Buy Egyptian cotton sheets if you want…

• Soft feel
• Lustrous finish 
• Good breathability
• Strong durability

Douglas Egyptian Cotton Sheets start at $99 and include a 120-night sleep trial.

Shop Now

Bamboo Sheets 

Silky, Sustainable, Cool to the Touch

Bamboo is a newcomer to the bed sheet market, but it’s one that deserves a close look. 

Quality bamboo sheets are made with 100% bamboo fibre, which is processed and spun into lyocell yarn. Bamboo sheets from Douglas are made in a closed loop factory, which means that water, energy, and other resources are reused as much as possible. When it comes to sustainability, bamboo sheets are among the most eco-conscious bedding options available. 

Bamboo bed sheets are perfect for hot sleepers. The fabric may not have the same level of breathability as Egyptian cotton or linen sheets, but bamboo is naturally cool to the touch and moisture wicking. If you tend to get sweaty in bed at night, bamboo sheets will help you sleep more soundly. 

Lastly, bamboo sheets have a wonderfully sleek texture. The fabric has a glossy look and smooth feel, similar to silk. When you slide into bed and pull the covers up, bamboo sheets feel amazing against the skin, while draping elegantly across the body. 

Summary: Buy bamboo sheets if you want…

• Silky feel
• Glossy finish 
• Cool to the touch
• Sustainably sourced  

Douglas Bamboo Sheets start at $89 and include a 120-night sleep trial.

Shop Now

Linen Sheets

Airy, Breathable, Luxurious

Linen is the fabric of choice for clothing in hot and humid climates. These same qualities also make it a great choice for bed sheets. 

Linen is made from the flax plant, which requires minimal water and pesticides compared to cotton. Europe is one of the top sources for flax production, with some of the finest linen manufacturing regions located in Portugal, Netherlands, France, and Italy. 

The top reasons to buy linen sheets are for their lightweight feel and breathability. Linen sheets don’t retain nearly as much heat as other fabrics. Instead, the airy weave and moisture-wicking fabric help you sleep cool and comfortably on warm summer nights. 

Compared to soft Egyptian cotton and silky bamboo sheets, linen has a texture all its own. Linen has a relaxed, wrinkled look paired with gentle, grainy texture. It may feel unusual at first, but many Canadians and people around the world love it!   

Summary: Buy linen sheets if you want…

• Exotic feel
• Relaxed aesthetic
• Excellent breathability
• Sustainably sourced  

Douglas Linen Sheets start at $299 and include a 120-night sleep trial.

Shop Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I shop at Douglas? 

Douglas, named “Canada’s Best Mattress” by Canadian Living, is becoming Canada’s source for all things sleep. 

When you buy a Douglas mattress, you get a FREE Comfort Sleep Bundle, which includes pillows, sheet set, mattress protector, and pillow protectors. 

Your purchase also saves you 15% (or more!) on bed frames, duvets, pillows, weighted blankets, and sheets.

If you’re moving to a new home or upgrading a bedroom, Douglas will save you money on bedding. 

What makes the bed sheets from Douglas worth buying?

• Douglas bed sheets are competitively priced. As an online, direct-to-consumer company, we’re able to skip the expensive store stocking fees and re-seller commissions to keep our prices low. And those savings get passed along to you!
• Douglas only sources bed sheets from trusted suppliers. We always list the country of origin. And all our sheet sets pass independent testing for harmful substances, going beyond national and international health and safety requirements.
• Douglas bed sheets have convenient details. All our sheet sets include: (1) a jumbo elastic makes it easy to secure your fitted sheet across all four corners of your mattress while keeping a clean look; (2) head/foot tags to save you time and frustration when putting the fitted sheet on the mattress. 

What if I don’t love the sheets and want to return or exchange them?

We know that it can be tricky to choose a new set of sheets without seeing and feeling them in person. This is why Douglas offers a risk-free Sleep Trial on Egyptian cotton, bamboo, and linen sheets. 

As soon as the product arrives at your home, you’ll have 120 nights (that’s approximately 3 months!) to test out the bed sheets. If you’re not completely satisfied with them, simply contact our Canadian-based customer team to request a full, money-back refund.

Your comfort is Douglas’s number one priority.  

How do I make linen sheets last as long as possible?

To extend the life of your linen sheets, follow these care tips:

• Wash them in cold water.
• Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
• Tumble dry on low heat or line dry if possible.
• Store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Proper care will ensure that your bed sheets not only last longer but also stay soft and comfortable over time​. 

How often should I replace my bed sheets? 

With proper care and washing, quality bed sheets can last five years or more. 

You can extend the life of your sheets by rotating them with multiple sets, or using an alternative type of sheet for different seasons. For example, you may want to use warm and cozy flannel sheets during the winter months, and then switch to light and breathable linen sheets for the summer. 

Want the latest Douglas mattress & bedding deals?