When the first winter storms roll in and I come in from blanketing the horses, all I want is a warm, soft bed. Over the years I've slowly swapped our polyester sheets and blankets for natural fibers, and I'll never go back. So here's my simple guide to choosing organic bedding: what each fabric feels like, what the labels mean, and the brands I love.
Cotton, linen or wool: which one is right for you?
Organic cotton percale
Percale is crisp and cool, like a freshly ironed shirt. It's a great choice if you tend to sleep warm, and it gets softer with every wash.
Organic cotton sateen
Sateen has a silky, smooth feel with a little sheen. It drapes beautifully and feels a touch warmer than percale, which makes it lovely for winter.
Organic flannel
Flannel is brushed cotton, fuzzy and cozy. If your bedroom is chilly (ours is an old ranch house, so it is!), flannel sheets are pure comfort from November to March.
Linen
Linen is made from flax. It has a relaxed, lived-in look, it breathes well in summer and it still feels comfortable in winter. It starts out a little textured and softens beautifully over time.
Wool
Wool blankets and duvets are wonderfully warm without feeling heavy. Wool is also naturally good at managing moisture, so you stay cozy without getting clammy.
What the labels mean
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certifies that a textile is made from organic fibers and covers how it's processed, from field to finished product.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 means the finished product has been tested for a list of harmful substances.
Thread count isn't everything. Fiber quality and weave matter more than a big number on the package.
My favorite organic bedding brands
Coyuchi makes beautiful organic cotton sheets, flannel, linen and wool. It's an investment, but the quality is wonderful.
Quince Home has linen sheets, organic cotton bedding and cozy throws at prices that won't break the bank.
Pact makes affordable organic cotton sheets and flannel, and their basics are a great place to start.
How to care for natural bedding
Wash in cool or warm water with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
Skip fabric softener. It coats the fibers and makes them less breathable.
Line dry when you can, or tumble dry on low and pull them out while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles.
Wash wool blankets rarely, and air them out in the sunshine instead.
Start small
You don't have to replace everything at once. Start with one set of sheets or a pillowcase pair and see how you like it. If you're curious why I've switched so much of our home to natural fibers, read my post on plastic clothes vs. wool and linen. And if you're shopping for someone else, organic bedding is on my holiday gift guide too.
Every purchase through the links on Tried & True helps feed and shelter the rescue horses at Heart of Gold Sanctuary, at no extra cost to you.
Sweet dreams, Suzy
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