OEKO-TEX Sheets: 5 Choices for a Sustainable Sleep
If a company brands its products as sustainable, green, or environmentally friendly, it’s usually a good idea to take those claims with a grain of salt. Why? Because companies have an incentive to make their products seem environmentally friendly and make them stand out in crowded markets. So, how can you identify the real do-gooders from the imitators? One method we like is to check products’ OEKO TEX certification.
OEKO-TEX certification comes from a collection of testing laboratories scattered across the world. Together, these testing institutes issue certifications based on products’ chemical makeups and production practices. OEKO-TEX focuses on textile and leather products.
What are OEKO-TEX Sheets? Are They Worth It?
OEKO-TEX sheets adhere to one or more labels granted by the international organization. Its first label, the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, is a stamp of approval for products lacking more than 1,000 known harmful substances.
Since that label was established in 1992, OEKO-TEX has created six more labels. Among other things, OEKO-TEX’s array of labels can affirm:
- Ethical labor practices
- Safe working conditions
- GMO-free products
- Eco-friendly supply chains
Only you can determine whether or not OEKO-TEX sheets are worth purchasing. It’s not uncommon for sustainable products to come with a slightly higher price tag, and we’re sensitive to financial constraints shared by many, if not most, consumers. Buying sheets certified by OEKO-TEX can, however, reduce your carbon footprint and make it clear to companies that there is a market for green products.
Top 5 OEKO-TEX Sheets: How We Chose
Fortunately, we had more than a few options when it came to OEKO-TEX bedsheets. To narrow down our options to the five ones we decided upon here, we looked at:
- Transparency – The more information we could initially glean from products’ descriptions online, the better we felt about using them.
- Accessibility – Buying sustainable products should not (and does not) have to empty your bank account.
- Comfort – Feeling comfortable in your own bed also does not have to be a luxury.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Casaluna Supima Percale Solid Sheet Set
| Material | 100% supima cotton |
| Sizes | Twin–California King |
| Thread Count | 250 |
| Price Range | $69–$110 |
Target’s bedding brand, Casaluna, is one of the more notable retail brands boasting an OEKO-TEX certification. We wanted to single out this set of particular OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 sheets. You’ll be stunned by how soft, yet crisp, these sheets feel.
Highlights
From dark gray to light teal, we found it easy to style our bedrooms around the sheets’ neutral colors. Casaluna also made it a little bit easier to make our beds with the “Top” and “Bottom” labels affixed appropriately inside the fitted sheet.
Things to Consider
According to the OEKO-TEX website, its STANDARD 100 certification means certified products do not have harmful levels of more than 1,000 substances. The product description for this sheet set, however, mentions only 300 substances. You won’t be able to find these sheets in stores—only online.
2. Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
| Material | 100% organic cotton |
| Sizes | Twin–California King |
| Thread Count | 400 |
| Price Range | $229–$299 |
We really loved the softness of these OEKO-TEX 100 Standard 100 sheets from Boll & Branch. The price tag may be a bit higher than others on this list, but we strongly feel we got what we paid for—the sheets have held up well after multiple washes.
Highlights
In addition to being OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100-certified, Boll & Branch sheets are certified in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard. The GOTS certification ensures that products are made with 100% organic materials and crafted with ethical labor.
Things to Consider
You won’t find intricate patterns with this product, but the hemlines add an air of sophistication we appreciate. Getting two pillowcases instead of one was also a nice gesture.
3. Under the Canopy Linen Eucalyptus Sheet Set
| Material | 60% eucalyptus lyocell, 40% linen |
| Sizes | Twin–California King |
| Thread Count | 300 |
| Price at Publishing | $89–$266 |
These light sheets from Under The Canopy are, perhaps, the softest sheets we tested. In contrast to the two sheet sets we’ve already covered, this set is OEKO-TEX Made in Green-certified. In addition to harmful substance testing, the Made in Green certification also assures consumers that products are made from environmentally friendly processes throughout the supply chain.
Highlights
Under The Canopy throws in an eco-friendly bag should you ever need to transport your sheets. Its website also mentions that every product is made with at least 97% organic cotton.
Things to Consider
If you feel like adding another item or two to your order from Under The Canopy, you’ll get carbon-neutral shipping free of charge. Just make sure you hit $125 or more. If you must pay for shipping, you’ll only have to pay $8.
4. Quince Organic Bamboo Viscose Sheet Set
| Material | 100% viscose from organic bamboo |
| Sizes | Twin–California King |
| Thread Count | 300 |
| Price Range | $60–$120 |
Wondering where to buy luxury OEKO-TEX-certified bed sheets at a manageable price? Few places fit the bill better than Quince. You can feel the difference with the bamboo materials, with almost-silky and temperature-regulating qualities.
Highlights
Bamboo plants often use far less water than cotton plants. Just like cotton products, organic bamboo products are hypoallergenic and super soft—ideal for sweaty sleepers.
Things to Consider
Whether or not you add a top/flat sheet to your Quince purchase will affect the price. Even then, a California King set with two pillowcases only runs $120. Free shipping on all orders is another plus.
5. Budget Find: Better Homes & Gardens Cotton Percale Sheet Set
| Material | 100% cotton |
| Sizes | Twin–King |
| Thread Count | 300 |
| Price Range | $25–$45 |
Looking for affordable OEKO-TEX bed sheets? You’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal than this one from Better Homes & Gardens. The most you’ll pay is $45 for a king set, which includes a flat sheet and two pillowcases in addition to the fitted sheet.
Highlights
These percale sheets come in an impressive variety of colors and patterns. No matter what the walls of your bedroom look like, you can get sheets that complement the look.
Things to Consider
Although this product has a certification from OEKO-TEX Made in Green, the cotton is not organic. That’s not a huge surprise when we consider the price, however.
How to Choose the Right OEKO-TEX Sheets for Your Home
Our aim was to provide you with several realistic choices for OEKO-TEX bedsheets. We’re confident you’d be satisfied with any of the five listed here, but some parameters you might want to consider are:
- Price. The more expensive options may hold up better in the long run, but that’s a choice for you to make.
- Color. Depending on your tastes and sensibilities, choosing a complementary tone may be important.
- Feel. In our opinion, there’s little difference between cotton and bamboo, but plenty disagree with us!
Whatever you decide, we commend you for wanting to learn more about OEKO-TEX and how it can help consumers reduce their carbon footprint. Check out our other articles on OEKO-TEX certifications and what they mean for household products.
Featured image via Under the Canopy
