Is Lyocell Better Than Silk?
When it comes to quality bedding, silk is one of the first fabrics that comes to mind for most people. And, hey, we totally get that.
Silk is a lush, comfortable fabric that sleepers have wrapped themselves up in centuries, maybe even millennia.
But it’s fair to say that times have changed somewhat since then. Silk is by no means the only luxurious fabric option for sheets and bedding today.
Among the many choices on the market, one stands out from the rest. Lyocell. You might even call it the new rising star in the bedding world.
Like silk, lyocell is an incredibly soft and smooth fabric that feels fantastic against your skin.
There’s actually a lot of overlap between silk and lyocell but there are some major differences between them, too. We’re here to clear all that up and put the question “is lyocell better than silk?” to bed once and for all.
(To bed, get it?)
Let’s get into it.
What is Silk?
You probably already have a pretty good idea of what silk is but just so we’re all on the same page, silk is a natural fabric. It comes from fibers created by the silkworm insect. Unfortunately, the process is somewhat unpleasant.
To become silkmoths, the silkworms spin themselves a cocoon made of silk fibers. Those fibers are what silk producers use to make their silk products like clothing, medical supplies, and, of course, sheets.
The silk harvesting process is where things get dicey, though. Silk producers take those cocoons and boil them in hot water (with the silkworms still inside!) and stir until the silk fibers unravel. Then they take those long strands of silk and intertwine them to create stronger silk threads which are eventually woven into fabric.
It’s a detailed and time-consuming process that ultimately results in the death of silkworms. And not just a couple of silkworms, either.
It takes approximately 2500 silkworms to create a pound of raw silk. Imagine if some giant picked up your home with you inside and dropped it in a pot of hot water just to make some fabric. That’s the plot of a wild horror movie!
Because of the harm that comes to all these silkworms during the production process, silk fabrics aren’t vegan or cruelty-free.
Now, there’s no denying how beautiful finished silk products can be. Silk is breathable, shiny, and an all-around elegant fabric. It’s renowned for its strength and durability, too. But, for some people, the cruelty issues are enough to make them look elsewhere.
Luckily, lyocell is a perfect alternative.
What is Lyocell?
Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fabric made from wood pulp, most commonly eucalyptus wood.
It’s durable and breathable, making it a perfect option for bedding.
As for texture, lyocell is as luxurious as it gets. The best way to describe sleeping on lyocell sheets is that it’s like sleeping on a cool, comforting cloud with puppies snuggled up next to you.
Lyocell sheets: Just like a hug from an old friend
Lyocell is moisture-wicking, too, which means that lyocell sheets stay cleaner, longer.
One other thing to know about lyocell is that it’s manufactured in a closed-loop process, meaning that it doesn’t require any toxic chemicals. Plus, almost all of the solvents that producers do use can be reused over and over again from one batch to the next. The whole process creates almost no waste.
That’s a level of sustainability you simply can’t beat!
Final Thoughts
If you have to choose between lyocell and silk, you really can’t go wrong. We’d say the sustainability and cruelty-free qualities of lyocell just give it the edge, though.
Obviously, we're a bit biased, so don't take our word for it. Discover the joys of lyocell for yourself with a set of award-winning eucalyptus lyocell sheets.
Aren't they just calling your name?