Skip to Content

The Best Lyocell Sheets for Cool, Comfortable Sleep

The Best Lyocell Sheets for Cool, Comfortable Sleep
Latest posts by Sleep Solutions HQ Team (see all)

If you live in Louisiana like me, you know heat is basically a year-round problem. It doesn’t matter if it’s August or January— our nights are muggy, sticky, and way too hot for comfort. Add in a husband who sweats like he’s training for a marathon just by existing and three kids who sneak into our bed at least two nights a week, and you can see why breathable sheets are not just a want in my house… they’re survival gear.

That’s why I started testing out lyocell sheets. Lyocell is a fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (often eucalyptus or bamboo), and it’s known for being silky-soft, moisture-wicking, and more cooling than traditional cotton. Basically, it’s the kind of bedding that makes swampy nights a little more bearable and keeps everyone, sweaty spouses included, from sticking to the sheets.

But not all lyocell sheets are created equal. Some lean more eco-friendly, some more luxury, and some just nail the whole “practical but comfortable” thing. 

What Exactly Is Lyocell?

Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber usually made from eucalyptus wood pulp (though other woods like oak or birch can be used). 

The process is pretty fascinating:

  • Wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
  • The pulp is dissolved in a non-toxic, biodegradable solvent.
  • Fibers are spun in a closed-loop system, meaning the water and solvent are almost entirely recycled.

This results in a fabric that’s not only soft and durable but also one of the most environmentally responsible options in bedding.

Why Lyocell Wins for Sleep Comfort

When I talk about lyocell to friends and family, I usually describe it as “silk meets cotton, but easier to care for and way more eco-friendly.” Here’s why:

  • Softness: Lyocell fibers are naturally smooth, which means no scratchiness or rough spots, even at lower thread counts.
  • Temperature Regulation: It’s breathable and moisture-wicking, so you stay cool and dry instead of waking up sticky.
  • Moisture Management: Lyocell can absorb up to 50% more moisture than cotton— a game changer for hot sleepers.
  • Hypoallergenic Properties: Naturally resistant to bacteria, mold, and dust mites.
  • Sustainability: Requires less water and fewer chemicals than cotton production.

Compared to cotton, lyocell offers a smoother hand-feel and better moisture control. Compared to linen, it’s less textured and more wrinkle-resistant.

My Lyocell Buying Checklist

If you’re shopping for lyocell sheets, here’s what I recommend keeping an eye on:

  1. Fiber Quality: Look for 100% lyocell or a blend with a high percentage (70%+). For the best eco-credentials, choose TENCEL™, a trademarked form of lyocell produced by Lenzing, known for its sustainable manufacturing.
  2. Weave Type
    • Sateen: Smooth, lustrous, warmer to the touch — great for year-round use.
    • Percale: Crisp, matte, cooler feel — ideal for hot climates.
  3. Thread Count: Unlike cotton, lyocell doesn’t need sky-high thread counts to feel soft. 300–400 is the sweet spot.
  4. Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures no harmful chemicals are present.
  5. Extra Details: Deep pockets, durable elastic, and reinforced seams extend the life of your sheets. 

Best Lyocell Sheets at a Glance

Ettitude: Best Cooling Bamboo Lyocell

Why I love it: Ettitude has built its entire brand around bamboo lyocell, which they call “CleanBamboo.” These sheets are soft, silky, and naturally cooling, which makes them an excellent pick for hot sleepers, which means even when Louisiana nights feel like a wet blanket, these sheets don’t. These are my go-to when I know two or more of our kids are crashing in our bed— at least then I can stay cool when I’ve got four extra little feet kicking me all night.

Pros:

  • 100% bamboo lyocell, sustainably sourced
  • Naturally hypoallergenic and breathable
  • Cooling and moisture-wicking (great for night sweats)
  • Comes in a wide range of colors

Cons:

  • Wrinkles more easily than cotton
  • Requires a bit more delicate care (cold wash, gentle dry)
  • Slightly pricier than entry-level cotton

Bottom line: Ettitude sheets are perfect if you want that silky, cooling feel of lyocell every single night. Just be prepared to baby them a little in the wash.

Miracle Sheets: Cotton Sheets with a Lyocell-Like Feel

Why I love it: I first discovered Miracle when they offered a lyocell blend, and it quickly became one of my favorites. The sheets had that signature silky, cooling feel that makes lyocell so special— perfect for surviving Louisiana nights when the air feels thick enough to chew.

Now, Miracle has switched gears: their latest generation sheets are 100% cotton. Normally, that would be a dealbreaker in a lyocell roundup. But here’s the thing, these new cotton sheets still have that same cool, silky vibe, just with cotton’s added durability and familiarity. I actually like them better than the old lyocell version.

On top of that, Miracle adds something unique: a silver-infused antimicrobial finish designed to keep sheets fresher for longer. For households like mine— sweaty husband, kids piling in, and laundry that never seems to end, that’s a real perk.

Best Lyocell Sheets for Cool and Comfortable Sleep

Pros:

  • Cotton that mimics Lyocell’s silky, cooling feel
  • Antimicrobial properties help sheets stay fresher longer
  • Breathable and moisture-wicking
  • Simple, no-fuss shopping (no confusing fabric choices)

Cons:

  • More expensive than standard cotton sheets
  • Antimicrobial treatment is helpful, but not a reason to skip laundry
  • Limited color and weave variety
  • Weave details (percale vs. sateen) aren’t disclosed

Bottom line: Even though Miracle’s current sheets aren’t technically lyocell anymore, they belong on this list because they feel like lyocell in all the ways that matter: soft, silky, cooling, and breathable. And if you loved their earlier lyocell blend (like I did), you might find that the new all-cotton version is actually an upgrade.

Sheex Arctic Aire Max Lyocell: Built for Performance (and Sweat)

Why I love it: Sheex is all about performance bedding — sheets designed for athletes, hot sleepers, and anyone who runs warm at night. Their Arctic Aire Max collection uses lyocell to deliver maximum breathability and temperature regulation.

Pros:

  • Made with TENCEL™ lyocell for extra cooling
  • Designed specifically for hot sleepers and athletes
  • Moisture-wicking and lightweight
  • Sleek, modern look

Cons:

  • Higher price point than standard cotton sheets
  • Limited color range
  • Can feel thinner than traditional cotton sheets

Bottom line: If you overheat at night, Sheex’s lyocell sheets are worth the investment. They feel more like performance gear for your bed than traditional bedding.

West Elm TENCEL™ Sheets: Luxury with an Eco Edge

Why I love it: West Elm’s TENCEL™ sheets are a classic example of lyocell luxury. They’re smooth, drapey, and eco-friendly, with that hotel-like quality you get from well-made sateen.

Pros:

  • 100% TENCEL™ lyocell, sustainably sourced
  • Silky drape with sateen weave
  • Wide range of colors and modern styles
  • Backed by West Elm’s brand reputation

Cons:

  • Sateen weave runs a little warmer than percale
  • Pricier than some competitors
  • Requires gentle care to keep its sheen

Bottom line: For those who want an eco-friendly alternative to silk with a luxe feel, West Elm’s TENCEL™ sheets deliver big.

Buffy Eucalyptus Sheets: Best Budget-Friendly Lyocell Pick

Why I love it: Buffy’s Eucalyptus Sheets have a cult following for being buttery-soft and affordable. Made from TENCEL™ lyocell sourced from eucalyptus wood pulp, they offer that cool, breathable feel without the luxury price tag.

Pros:

  • Affordable compared to other lyocell options
  • Soft, silky feel right out of the box
  • Cooling and moisture-wicking
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable

Cons:

  • Wrinkles more easily than cotton
  • Limited color palette (mostly neutrals and muted tones)
  • Slightly less durable than cotton

Bottom line: Buffy makes lyocell sheets accessible. If you want to try eucalyptus sheets without dropping $200+, this is a great entry point.

Caring for Lyocell Sheets

To keep your sheets looking and feeling their best:

  1. Wash in cold water with a mild detergent.
  2. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
  3. Tumble dry low or line dry.
  4. Remove promptly to prevent wrinkles.
  5. Wash Miracle Sheets less often thanks to the silver infusion — they’ll stay fresh for longer stretches.

The Rest Easy Recap

If you want bedding that checks all the boxes— luxury feel, cooling comfort, eco-conscious sourcing, and low maintenance, lyocell is a fantastic choice.

  • For eco-friendly cooling, Ettitude is hard to beat.
  • For budget-conscious softness, Buffy makes eucalyptus sheets surprisingly affordable.
  • And if you want cotton sheets that still deliver that silky, cooling lyocell vibe, Miracle Sheets are an unexpected standout.

At the end of the day, any of these lyocell (or lyocell-inspired) sheets will upgrade your sleep game. The real win? Not waking up stuck to your sheets— or your sweaty husband.

Life’s too short for scratchy, sweaty, or high-maintenance sheets. Pick the ones that fit your lifestyle best. Your future, well-rested self will thank you.