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7 incredible benefits of 100% cotton bedding.

A striped 100% cotton bedding set in white and eucalyptus shades, made on a bed with a coordinating cushion and tufted throw in a neutral bedroom.

One of the world's most widely used fabrics - cotton has so many benefits for clothes, bedding + more.


A good night’s sleep is important for your wellbeing – both your mental and your physical health. It means that you can perform at your best throughout the day. So how do you make sure you get a good night’s sleep? You invest in your bed. From your mattress and your duvet to your choice of bed linen, every element is vital.

When it comes to your bedding, for a comfortable night’s sleep, 100% cotton should be your first choice. Why? Let us count the ways…


1. it's breathable.
A grey 100% cotton duvet cover set with a white vertical pinstripe design, made on a bed in a neutral room next to a white side table holding a potted plant. A 100% cotton muslin duvet cover set in an earthy pink clay shade, made on a bed with coordinating neutral cushions in a neutral room.
Linear Washed Cotton Pinstripe Duvet Cover Set | Lark Cotton Muslin Duvet Set in Pink Clay

Cotton is a natural fabric that absorbs moisture and allows air to circulate, making it a perfect option for bedding. As you sleep, your body will heat the air around it. It may mean that you start to sweat! Luckily, cotton’s breathable qualities mean that it will absorb any sweat, let the heat escape away from your body and keep you at a comfortable temperature.

Its breathability will keep you airy and cool in summer and warm and toasty in winter. What more could you want from your bedding?


2. it's soft and comfortable.
A white brushed cotton duvet cover set with a black Scandi woodland design, made on a bed with a woven throw, white scatter cushions and decorative flowers in a vase. A 100% cotton bedding set in a khaki green shade with a subtle striped design, made on a bed with coordinating green scatter cushions and a grey throw.
@lifeofrouban_evan_reign | Heaton Stripe Duvet Set in Khaki

A naturally soft and fluffy fibre, it’s no wonder that our ancestors thought to start making fabrics out of cotton. When it’s processed and woven into fabric, it makes for some of the softest material around – a perfect fit for bedding. Being comfortable while you sleep is essential, and choosing cotton bedding means that you’re in for a real snugglefest.

Looking for extra luxurious cotton bedding? Then sateen bed linen is for you. “Sateen” is a type of cotton weave structure that has a soft, silky feel. And in comparison to cotton sheets made from a plain or standard weave, sateen sheets are like heaven on your skin - pure luxury!


3. it's hard-wearing.
A charcoal grey 100% cotton duvet cover set with a tufted geometric design, presented in a neutral bedroom along with a side table, table lamp, a woven rug and an indoor plant. A white 100% cotton bedding set with a tufted geometric design, made on a bed with blue cushions next to a wooden side table decorated with a candle, flowers and a desk lamp.
Chevron Tufted Duvet Set in Charcoal | @life.home.loves

Cotton might be soft and comfortable, but it’s also incredibly durable. 100% pure cotton can last twice as long as man-made materials, so it really is an investment. It might be slightly more expensive, but it will stand the test of time.

If you’re looking for excellent quality sheets that are incredibly strong, check out cotton percale bed linen. “Percale” is a type of weave structure that produces a matte finish; a smooth sheet that feels crisp and cool to the touch.


4. it's hypoallergenic.
A closeup image of a waffle textured cotton duvet set in a light blush pink shade. A 100% cotton duvet set with a waffle weave texture in an earthy olive shade.
Waffle Textured 100% Cotton Duvet Set in Blush | Waffle Textured 100% Cotton Duvet Set in Olive

If something is hypoallergenic, it means that it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, mainly because of the way that it is woven. It has a tight weave, so things like dust mites, mould and other allergen particles can’t sit in the fabric. Cotton bedding creates a barrier between you and your mattress, duvet cover and pillows, protecting you from potential allergens. The breathability of cotton also means that bacteria typically doesn’t grow on it.   

This means that 100% cotton is a great option for bedding, because even people with delicate skin or allergies can go to sleep without worrying about irritation or reaction.


5. it's natural.
A white 100% cotton duvet set with a contemporary check design, presented on a bed in a neutral white bedroom decorated with coordinating furniture and decor. A cotton muslin duvet cover set in a natural off-white shade, presented on a bed with a wooden bedframe alongside coordinating scatter cushions.
Howarth Check Duvet Set in Moss/Natural | Lark Cotton Muslin Duvet Cover Set

Cotton is a natural fibre that comes from a plant. It’s been grown for more than 6,000 years, and we still use it for around half of the world’s textiles. The natural-ness of cotton means that it has good resistance to general wear and tear, fading and piling.

Because it’s natural, it will biodegrade a lot faster than other, manmade materials. You can even put old 100% cotton in the compost bin (though we’d recommend donating items or reusing them in another way first).


6. it's low maintenance.
A beige 100% cotton duvet cover set with a global inspired geometric design, complete with a coordinating ochre yellow reverse design. A forest green and black 100% cotton duvet cover set with an exotic design of jungle trees and animals, presented in an earthy neutral bedroom with coordinating decor and indoor plants.
Atlas 100% Cotton Duvet Set in Ochre | Siona Tropical Duvet Set in Forest

Cotton bedding is actually really easy to care for, and if you look after your cotton bedding, it will look after you for years to come. When caring for your cotton bed linen, we always suggest checking the care label before throwing it in the washer.

As a rule, we suggest washing your cotton sheets at 40 degrees unless the care label says otherwise. Keeping the temperature of the wash at a maximum of 40 degrees is also better for the environment.

We also suggest line drying your sheets, as using the tumble dryer may damage the cotton threads and affect the lifespan of your bedding. Plus, line drying is good for the planet, and you get that yummy outdoorsy smell when you climb into bed.


7. it's great for kids.
A cotton-rich kids' duvet set with a multicoloured design of abstract flowers and garden insects. A cotton-rich kids' duvet set with a safari animal design in a sage green shade.
Little Nature Floral Duvet Cover Set | Wildlife Animal Reversible Duvet Set in Green

Kids’ skin is more delicate than adults, which means that 100% cotton is the only real choice for children’s bedding. It’s naturally soft and hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about rashes or irritation. Cotton is particularly good for children with asthma too, as it’s resistant to dust mites.

Its breathability means that when kids get sweaty, the bedding doesn’t hold onto oils or odours, making laundry day a breeze!