There’s little better than slipping between clean sheets after a long day. How ‘clean’ are your sheets though? In this part of the Leaf Score Guide to Non-Toxic Bedding, we tackle the toxic chemicals in sheets, discuss the differences between natural materials for sheets and shams, and highlight the green sheet certifications that actually matter.
Table of Contents
All about bed sheets, shams, and duvet covers
If you don’t know a pillow sham from a sheet, you’re in the right place. Likewise, if you’re a pro at putting on a duvet cover but want to upgrade yours to something more sustainable and stylish, we’ve got you covered.
The one thing I can’t help you with? Folding a fitted sheet neatly.
I’m not superhuman.
I can, however, tell you why it’s important which sheets, shams, and duvet covers you choose.
Properly fitted bed linens made with the best natural materials can upgrade your sleep and help you feel better rested. If you already struggle to get good sleep, safe and sustainable bedding is a must.
It’s also just nice to have sheets, shams, and a duvet cover or comforter that work together to create a calm, restful sleep space.
Most bedding set-ups include:
- A fitted sheet
- A flat sheet
- Pillowcases
- A duvet cover for a duvet insert.
A fitted sheet covers the whole mattress and has elasticated corners or fully elasticated sides. The sheet stretches over and under the edges of your mattress. The elastic holds it snug, so there’s minimal movement of this fitted sheet while you sleep. It’s important to check the depth of a fitted sheet as some won’t fit over deeper mattresses or mattresses with toppers.
Depending on your sleep style, you may want to layer your bed with a top sheet, also known as a flat sheet. This simple sheet of fabric doesn’t have any elastic and can be used alone for hotter nights or underneath a duvet, comforter, or blankets. You sleep on top of the fitted sheet and under the flat sheet.
Shams, also known as pillowcases, are like envelopes for your pillows. They help to protect your pillows from sweat, saliva, and other things and are easily removable and washable. Pillowcases also help to add color and style to what are usually plain white pillows.
Finally, duvet covers are as they sound: covers for a duvet insert. These covers come in a variety of styles but usually have an opening on one side only that you can seal with built-in snaps/poppers, a zip, or buttons. Like pillowcases, a duvet cover protects your duvet insert and is easily removable and washable.
Now we know the what and the why, here’s how to choose bed linens that are non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Choosing your materials for sheets, shams, and duvet covers
As advocates for non-toxic, safe, and sustainable products, it’s only natural that we favor natural materials for sheets and other bedding. Different natural fibers have different qualities, though, which can make it a challenge to know which sheets will work best for you sleep needs.
In this part of our Guide to Non-Toxic Bedding, we look at a wide variety of natural and organic materials and discuss the pros and cons of each for sheets, shams, and duvet covers. My favorite natural materials for sheets include:
- Organic cotton
- Hemp
- Linen.
We also look at some second-tier materials that, while they have their drawbacks, are usually more sustainable and safer than conventional polyester and cotton. These include:
- Bamboo
- Silk.
Things to consider when choosing sheets, shams, and duvet covers
Your specific bedroom aesthetic may go a long way in determining your final choice of bed linens, as will the material. There are other important factors to consider beside color and pattern, though.
When choosing sheets, you’ll want to think about:
- Thread count and weave
- Breathability and thermoregulation
- Durability
- Care and maintenance.
These are also important factors to consider when choosing pillowcases. In addition, you’ll want to pay attention to the size, shape, and design of any pillowcases, especially if you plan to use these for pillows you already own.
Not all pillowcases work well for every kind of pillow. Some shams have a pocket enclosure and some don’t, with advantages and disadvantages to both styles. Pay attention too to any seam placement and decorative stitching, especially if you’re more sensitive to texture.
Finally, if you’re Team Duvet (versus Team Comforter), you’ll want to also think about additional design features like corner ties or snaps and the ongoing debate of buttons vs. zippers. (Spoiler alert: I’m pro buttons and I explain why here.)
Common chemicals in sheets and bed linens
There are many suspect chemicals in conventional sheets. These can include carcinogenic azo dyes and formaldehyde as well as biocides that can harm your health and the environment.
To help you avoid getting in a tangle, we look at the toxic materials and chemicals commonly found in sheets, shams, and duvet covers.
Pro-tip: Don’t assume natural fiber sheets are non-toxic or sustainable. Some natural fiber sheets can be more harmful to health than synthetics!
Once you know what to watch out for in sheets, you’ll want to make use of credible green certifications to help guide your next purchase.
Green certifications for duvet covers, sheets, and shams
Few things are more exhausting than greenwashing. Cut through the hyperbole and learn which green sheet certifications matter.
We rank common certifications, highlighting their pros and cons. We also call out those programs that help bedding manufacturers make their wares sound more sustainable and safe than they really are.
Check out our guide to sheet certifications here.
Creating a safe, sustainable, stylish sleep space
Now you know which materials will work best for your sleep needs and how to spot greenwashing, you may want to think about the look of your sleep space.
We offer help on how to match sheets, shams, and duvet covers for a seamless, stylish aesthetic. Look for tips on choosing colors and patterns, mixing materials, and layering for a calm (and fun!) bedroom.
Recommendations and reviews
Finally, to save you the legwork, we bring hundreds of hours of research and personal experience together in the form of our recommendations (coming soon!) for the:
- Best summer sheets
- Best winter sheets
- Best shams for all seasons
- Best sheets for hot-sleepers
- Best sheets if you like it cozy
- Best duvet covers.
We also compare popular bedding brands to see which shake out the winner for the best sustainable and non-toxic duvet covers, sheets, and pillowcases.
Final thoughts on sheets, shams, and duvet covers
We’re big fans of sleep at Leaf Score, but we work tirelessly to provide the information you need to make a smart sheet choice. Whether your next bedding buy will be hemp, linen, organic cotton, or something else entirely, our guide aims to make the decision as smooth as sateen and as durable as percale.
Confused? Here’s the 101 on thread counts and weave again.