To sort through the overwhelming number of eucalyptus sheets on the market, we tested 19 eucalyptus sheets in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. We also spoke to Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. operations at The Trident Group (a textiles manufacturer) and vice president of the Home Fashion Products Association. “Eucalyptus sheets actually are made from the wood of a eucalyptus tree,” says Kambak. “Most eucalyptus is lyocell, which is a cellulosic fiber that’s made after you take the wood and turn it into a wood pulp and then extrude it out into a fiber, and then you use that to weave the sheets.” One thing to note: Eucalyptus sheets are often referred to as Tencel sheets. Tencel is the brand name for the lyocell and modal fibers created by Austrian textile company Lenzing AG, and are sourced from eucalyptus trees. Therefore, “eucalyptus” and “Tencel” can be used interchangeably, and many brands choose to call their Tencel products “eucalyptus” because it’s more recognizable. Tencel branded products are much more sustainably produced than non-Tencel lyocell and modal, and are softer, stronger, and more breathable. Our top pick is the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set because it has a noticeable cooling effect that endures with use. It falls right within the median price range for eucalyptus sheets, and is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, meaning it’s been tested and proven safe from harmful substances. Read on to find more of our best eucalyptus sheets picks, as well as expert pointers on how to shop for eucalyptus sheets. Who it isn’t for: People who want tags labeling the top and bottom. One of our testers, a self-described hot sleeper, says: “These are the softest, smoothest, coolest sheets I’ve felt yet…Handling them, I actually felt cooler and my body temperature lowered.” Made from Tencel, these sheets are guaranteed to be sustainably-sourced and of better quality than generic lyocell sheets. The sheets have a soft and silky—but not slippery—texture, thanks to the smooth sateen weave. The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, and when held up to a light, a fair amount passes through the fabric, indicating that it is not overly dense and allows for ample airflow. After washing, there was no visible damage, and very minimal shrinkage. The deep, 17.5-inch pockets didn’t shrink at all after washing, and remained deep enough to accommodate most mattress sizes. Our tester’s one complaint was that there aren’t “top/bottom” or “side” tags to help you make the bed. The sheets come in eight different earth tones and feature a 60-day sleep trial so you have time to test them out before you commit. The best part? The price falls right within the median of all the eucalyptus sheets we tested. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket Depth: 17.5 inchesSizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingReturn Policy: 60 days
Who it isn’t for: People who want more color variety. These budget-friendly Tencel sheets earned surprisingly high marks in our testing. Right out of the gate, testers took note of the elegant stitching and envelope closures, which help to hide the inner pillow and give your bedding a more polished look. And with a pocket depth of 16 inches (capable of fitting mattresses up to 18 inches deep) combined with a silky smooth feel, the sheets slide over the corners of the mattress with ease. One tester describes the sheets as “cool to the touch and very breathable.” Post-wash, the sheets seemed to grow even softer, and although there was some shrinkage, the sheets didn’t sustain any damage. The only downsides were that the sheets seemed more prone to wrinkling than some of the others we tested, and only came in a few colors. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket Depth: 16 inches Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People not in a position to spend a lot on bed sheets. If you’re able to spend a little more, the Sheex Arctic Aire Max Sheets are ideal for hot sleepers or anyone prone to night sweats. Not only are they made from Tencel, but they also feature Sheex’s patented CoolX technology, which helps to wick away moisture and keep you cool all night long. One tester describes them as “thick but very breathable,” leading us to believe they’re made to give you many years of use. The sheets have a slick and soft sateeen weave that makes them easy to slide over the bed. Plus, the pocket depth ranges from 14 to 20 inches, depending on which size you purchase. Our testers note that there were no loose threads both before and after laundering, although there was minimal shrinkage (but not so much that we couldn’t get it over the bed again). If the price is a deterrent, there is a 60-day sleep trial, so you can take your time deciding. For a complete cooling bedding set, the Artic Aire Max collection also features a duvet cover and coverlet. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket Depth: 14, 16, 18, 20 inches Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingReturn Policy: 60 days
Who it isn’t for: People who would rather have wrinkle-resistant sheets. According to our testers, everyone immediately took note of how soft these sateen sheets felt. They’re extremely lightweight and breathable, so much so that we were initially concerned they might not hold up in the wash. Fortunately, there was no visible wear after washing. And after laying on them for five minutes, they remained just as cool as they were to begin with. The elastic held firm to the mattress in our testing, and we especially appreciated the tags labeling the top and bottom of the sheet. Our tester’s one major concern with these sheets is that they do seem to wrinkle very easily. And at 14 inches, the pocket depth is on the smaller side of those we tested, but still large enough to fit most mattresses. We wish these sheets were available in a complete set—flat sheets and pillowcases are available, but they’re sold separately. However, they come with a 90-day sleep trial, so you can purchase one piece before committing to the entire collection. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket Depth: 14 inches Sizes: Twin, full, queen, kingReturn Policy: 90 days
Who it isn’t for: People who want Oeko-Tex certified sheets. We were thoroughly impressed with these inexpensive bed sheets made from soft, breathable Tencel. Our testers’ first impression was that the sheets appear to be high quality, though there were a few loose threads and one minor snag on the top sheet. The smooth fitted sheet slid over the mattress easily, while the 16-inch pocket and elastic band ensured a secure fit. The pillow cases come with an envelope closure to keep the pillows hidden, for a more finished look. Where these sheets really stood out was in their temperature regulation. Our testers note that the sheets felt cold on first contact, and remained cool for the duration of our testing. Plus, there was no visible damage to the sheets after laundering. The Linenwalas Tencel Lyocell Bed Sheets come in over a dozen color options and the most size options of all the sheets on our list. While they might be more expensive than other budget sheet sets, they’re a great price for the quality of the material, and can often be purchased on sale. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket Depth: 16 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king, California King, split kingReturn Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who want sheets with an extra-deep pocket. What makes these sheets so eco-friendly? Well aside from the sustainably-sourced Tencel lyocell construction that uses 10-20 times less water than cotton, these sheets are made to give you years of use, meaning you won’t be replacing them every year. In fact, Nest promises these sheets will only grow softer with each wash, which proved true in our testing: “These still feel fantastic after washing,” says one tester. “I would buy these in a heartbeat.” Nest is also well-known for its sustainable ethos—the company specializes in organic bedding made from the highest quality materials, and has a range of certifications. Our testers note that these sheets felt cold at the first touch, and reamined cool for the duration of our testing. And while they have a soft, smooth finish, it’s not slippery like that of other eucalyptus sheets. One tester even says that they “feel like high quality cotton sheets.” The fitted sheet comes with an elastic band that keeps it snug to the mattress, and the pillowcases have a flap (aka envelope) closure that keeps the inner pillow tucked in neatly. The pocket is not the deepest, but at 15 inches, it’s still enough to accommodate most mattresses. Choose from several different chic colors, including peach, sage, and pewter, as well as a variety of size options. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket Depth: 15 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king Return Policy: 30 days
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer thicker bed sheets. These soft and breezy bed sheets come in a variety of colors and patterns (via the manufacturer), all of which are dyed using Oeko-Tex certified botanical dyes, including from turmeric, rose petals, bark, and gardenia. Paired with the hypoallergenic qualities of Tencel, these sheets are particularly well-suited for those with sensitive skin. One tester describes Buffy’s eucalyptus sheets as “soft, but not overly silky,” and notes that they do feel on the thinner side of those we tested. However, they remained cool and breathable for the duration of our testing, perhaps as a result of their thin construction. Fortunately, there was no loose threading or other damage post-wash. In fact, testers said the sheets grew even softer after washing: “These sheets came out beautifully from the wash, they are still very soft and a bright shade of light pink,” says one tester. We had no issues putting the fitted sheet on the bed, although the pocket depth is smaller than that of some competitors. Overall, this is a great option for the earth-conscious consumer, or anyone looking for naturally-dyed sheets. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket Depth: 12 or 15 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingReturn Policy: 100 days
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer the more traditional feel of cotton or linen bed sheets. Most sheet sets come with a fitted sheet, a top (aka flat) sheet, and two pillowcases—but not everyone sleeps with a top sheet. Some people prefer to forgo the top sheet because it’s an extra layer of bedding to make in the morning, and can become tangled up at the bottom of the bed overnight. The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set gives you the option to add a top sheet if you want, but it doesn’t have to be included in the set. In our testing, we found these sheets to be silk-like in texture, with a sheen that gives the illusion of luxury. We found the sheets to be lightweight and airy, although their temperature did rise ever so slightly after laying on them for five minutes. The pillowcases did shrink a bit after washing, which made it a little difficult to slide them back on. Otherwise, they held up well to laundering. And, this is one of only two sheet sets on our lists that boasts the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification, meaning it’s been tested for harmful substances. Product Details:
Material: Tencel lyocellPocket Depth: 16 inchesSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingReturn Policy: 30 days via manufacturer
Our Testing Process
To eliminate bias, we blind tested 19 different eucalyptus sheets in our Lab, meaning our testers were not made aware of the brand name or price until they completed their testing. We first visually inspected each sheet set to assess its quality, looking for any loose or uneven threads, imperfections in the dye or pattern, or other flaws. Our testers also measured each sheet and compared its dimensions to those provided by the manufacturer. Next, we used the sheets to make the bed in our Lab—including the fitted sheet, flat sheet (when applicable), and pillowcases—evaluating how secure they felt to the bed and how easy they were to slide over the mattress or pillows. During this portion of the testing, we took the opportunity to evaluate the texture of the sheets, including whether they felt smooth, silky, crisp (like the Molecule Sateen Performance Sheets did in our testing), or scratchy. Once the bed was made, testers laid on the sheets for five minutes to assess their breathability, wearing short-sleeved shirts so they could experience the feel of the sheets on bare skin. Upon first lying on the bed, we took note of any cooling sensation. After five minutes, we recorded whether the sheets felt warmer or maintained their cooling sensation. And considering that breathability can be impacted by the density of the material, we held each top sheet up to a light to evaluate whether you can see the light passing through and to what degree. In our testing, the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set had the most impressive cooling abilities, retaining its cooling sensation for the entire five minutes. Finally, each set of eucalyptus sheets was washed and dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After laundering, our testers remade the beds. To score the durability of the sheets, testers took note of whether there was any damage or shrinkage post-wash. Once testing was complete, our testers received the price of the bed sheets and scored their overall value based on their price and performance.
How to Shop for Eucalyptus Sheets Like a Pro
Fiber
Most eucalyptus bed sheets—including all those on our list—are made from eucalyptus lyocell. Lyocell is a fiber made from wood pulp, most commonly eucalyptus, beech, birch, and spruce. It’s made by dissolving wood in a chemical solvent and pushing it through an extruder to form fibers. Tencel, a branded form of lyocell, is well-trusted for its sustainable production process, in which the water is recycled and the solvent is reused at a rate of over 99 percent.
Any time you’re shopping for bed sheets you’ll want to consider the pocket depth of the fitted sheet. Pocket depth indicates the maximum mattress height a sheet can accommodate. While a 12-inch pocket depth can technically fit a 12-inch mattress, you’ll usually want to look for a pocket depth that’s at least two inches taller than your mattress, in order to give yourself a little wiggle room. If you use a mattress topper, be sure to count that in your measurements, too.
Thread Count
Don’t let thread count fool you: Because lyocell fibers are so soft, a higher thread count isn’t necessary. Beware of brands with thread counts of 1,000 or higher—some companies try to boost their thread count by using thinner fibers to cram in as many threads as possible. For eucalyptus lyocell, look for a thread count between 300 and 600.
Product Certifications
Independent third-party tests ensure that textiles, such as bed sheets, meet the certain standards for product safety. Because eucalyptus sheets are treated with a chemical solvent during the production process, there can be a residual of these harmful substances on the textile. The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification ensures that products have been tested and proven safe from harmful substances. There are two products on our list that received this certification: the Olive + Crate Natural Eucalyptus Sheet Set, our best overall pick, and the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set, our best no-top-sheet pick.
Return Policy
Even when you’ve considered all the factors above, you won’t know if a sheet set is right for you until you sleep on it yourself. This is why most companies offer a sleep trial period in which you can return your sheets for a full refund, ranging anywhere from 30 to 100 days.
Price
Because of the involved and (mostly) sustainable production process, eucalyptus sheets tend to be more expensive than other types of cooling bed sheets. The median price of all the eucalyptus sheets we tested is $160. However, you can find eucalyptus sheets for as little as $100 for a queen size bed (like the Brielle Home Tencel Lyocell Sateen Sheet Set, our best budget pick).
More Eucalyptus Sheets to Consider
West Elm Silky Tencel Sheet Set: If you prefer the luxe feel of a silkier sheet, these are a great pick for the price. However, they did come out of the wash fairly wrinkled relative to the other sheets we tested. Molecule Sateen Performance Sheets: Unlike the other sheets we tested, these are made with a blend of long-staple cotton and Tencel lyocell. This explains why one tester described them as crisp, an unusual trait for eucalyptus sheets, but one that is potentially desirable to those who gravitate toward cotton but want the moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties of eucalyptus.
Questions You Might Ask
What are eucalyptus sheets?
According to Kambak, most eucalyptus is lyocell, a generic term referring to fiber made from wood pulp—most commonly eucalyptus, beech, birch, and spruce. Eucalyptus-derived sheets have a silky, satin-like texture that’s soft, breathable, and naturally hypoallergenic. You might also see the term Tencel associated with eucalyptus sheets—this is a branded form of lyocell that’s trusted for its sustainable production process.
Are eucalyptus sheets eco-friendly?
“Many are, some aren’t,” says Kambak. “There are quite a few chemicals that are used in manufacturing eucalyptus sheets.” Tencel lyocell is trusted for its environmentally responsible closed loop process, which recycles the water and reuses the solvent at a rate of 99 percent.
How do you wash eucalyptus sheets?
For best results, it’s important to be as gentle on your eucalyptus sheets as possible. Eucalyptus-derived Tencel should be washed in cold water with a mild detergent, separate from other laundry to prevent snags or piling. Either line dry or tumble dry on low or no heat, and remove immediately after to reduce wrinkles. Avoid bleach or fabric softener, because the former will cause the sheets to deteriorate while the latter is not necessary, given that eucalyptus sheets grow softer with each wash. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your sheets.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested 19 eucalyptus sheets in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert tips on how to buy eucalyptus sheets, we tapped Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. operations at The Trident Group (a textiles manufacturer) and vice president of the Home Fashion Products Association.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. If that’s the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
