Two of the most popular bedding materials right now are Tencel and Microfibre. Both are known for their softness, but they're quite different in nature.
If you're trying to decide which suits you best, here's an honest side-by-side comparison. Without favourites.
What is Tencel?
Tencel™ is the brand name for lyocell, a fibre made from wood pulp, typically sourced from sustainably managed eucalyptus forests. Eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that requires little water and no pesticides, making it one of the most environmentally friendly raw materials for textiles. Tencel™ production also runs in a closed loop, which means almost no waste is released.
Tencel™ feels silky soft, absorbs moisture well and releases it back into the air quickly. The material has naturally antibacterial properties and is biodegradable.
What is Microfibre?
Microfibre is made up of extremely fine fibres, thinner than a human hair. That fineness is what makes the material so soft.
High-quality Microfibre is breathable and dries quickly. SJUMO's Microfibre is also made from 100% recycled yarns. That makes it a sustainable option: existing material gets a second life instead of new raw materials being used. Microfibre is also wrinkle-resistant and hypoallergenic.
And Organic Cotton?
Alongside Tencel™ and Microfibre, SJUMO also offers Organic Cotton bedding, GOTS-certified (CU-1003204) organic cotton, free from chemical treatments. Cotton breathes well, is naturally soft and a trusted choice for anyone who prefers a pure, plant-based material. Organic Cotton gets softer with every wash and is a lovely option for every season.
The comparison
| Tencel™ (Lyocell) | Microfibre (recycled) | Organic Cotton | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material origin | Plant-based (eucalyptus) | Recycled | Plant-based (cotton plant) |
| Softness | Silky, fluid | Cloud-like, cosy-soft | Fresh, soft |
| Moisture management | Excellent | Good, dries quickly | Good, dries more slowly |
| Temperature regulation | Perfect for warm nights | Lovely if you sleep warm | Year-round, with good ventilation |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Care | Slightly more delicate | Crease-free, quick-drying | Easy |
| Sustainability | Biodegradable | Circular (recycled) | Organic, GOTS-certified (CU-1003204) |
| Price | Slightly higher | More accessible | Mid-range |
What are the key differences?
Softness
All three materials are noticeably softer than average bedding. Tencel™ has a silky, fluid feel. Microfibre is more cloud-like and cosy-soft. Organic cotton has a familiar softness that gets even softer with every wash. Which you prefer is personal.
Moisture management and temperature
Tencel™ actively absorbs moisture from your skin and releases it quickly, keeping your bed and skin drier, which makes it a great choice for people who perspire during the night. Microfibre also wicks moisture well, dries quickly and provides light insulation, lovely if you prefer to sleep warm. Organic cotton feels fresh and breathes well, but holds moisture slightly longer than Tencel™ or Microfibre.
Care
Microfibre is the lowest-maintenance option: it barely creases, dries quickly and doesn't need ironing. Tencel™ is slightly more delicate, avoid high spin speeds and dry it on low heat or in the air. Organic cotton can handle washing at warmer temperatures without any problem.
Sustainability
Tencel™ wins on biodegradability: it breaks down naturally. Recycled Microfibre is circular: it gives existing material a second life. Organic cotton is GOTS-certified and grown without pesticides. All three have a responsible production story, just in different ways.
Which material suits you?
Choose Tencel™ if you tend to sleep warm or perspire during the night, and prefer a silky-soft, plant-based material.
Choose Microfibre if you want a cosy, cloud-like option, like to sleep warm, value ease of care and are looking for the very softest bedding.
Choose Organic Cotton if you prefer a familiar, pure material with no compromises on sustainability, and you like to wash your bedding at warmer temperatures.
All three at SJUMO
SJUMO offers all three materials: Silky Smooth (recycled Microfibre), Tencel™ Sateen (Tencel™ Lyocell) and Organic Cotton. Not sure? You can always return within 14 days, free of charge.
