The best sustainable bedding brands (for feeling good about your sleep and your footprint)

We love this topic because sustainable bedding is so good for the planet, your indoor environment, and you!

When you choose sustainable bedding, you’re skipping the harsh chemicals and fumes, supporting healthier farming methods and worker safety, and buying from companies that use less water and produce fewer carbon emissions. Plus, the natural, breathable fabrics are better for your skin, tend to be quite durable, and get softer over time. If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll love that they tend to help you regulate your temperature too.

Usually, the big trade-off with sustainability is a higher price point, but we’ve seen some brands do a better job at balancing those lately. In the past, “worth buying” was a pretty big ask simply because of the cost. That’s not really the case anymore, though you can definitely still spend a small fortune on a really nice set if you want to.

First, here’s what you want to look for in a sustainable bedding brand. Our guiding light is certifications:

- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100: This means that the bedding is free from over 1,000 harmful substances and meets international standards.

- Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS): This means that the manufacturer doesn’t use child labor, the workers are safe on the job, and they’re not just greenwashing; they’re serious about protecting the earth.

- Fair Trade Certified: This means that workers are paid fairly and treated ethically on the job, and that they’re safe while they’re at work. The companies and workers agree upon guidelines around temp work, overtime, and working hours.

- GreenGuard Gold: This means that the materials are low in VOC emissions (so no fumes!), which means they’ll keep your living area safe - even if you’re sensitive.

- Climate Neutral Certified: This means that the brand is trying to reduce/eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.

- RDS Down: You’ll probably see this one mostly when you’re looking at duvet inserts, but it means that any ducks and geese used for down are treated humanely.

The other important thing you’ll want to look for is transparency. How much detail do they give about their process?

When it comes to materials, keep an eye out for organic cotton, wool, linen, bamboo, Lyocell, TENCEL, hemp, and eucalyptus - but some brands work with recycled materials for a slightly different sustainable angle.

Our top picks are:

Parachute (OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, RDS Down) does a really good job striking a balance between high-quality fabrics, transparency in their process, and price - they’re not “budget” by any means, but many brands make you pay through the nose for similar quality. We also appreciate that they make their vendors sign a Code of Conduct to ensure they’re treating their workers well, and they’re always looking to reduce their carbon footprint. This is also one of the brands that’s started using recycled materials (sanitized polyester for their down alternative fill).

Quince (OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100) cuts out the middleman and ships straight from the factory to you, so it’s better for the environment (the product travels less) - which also saves you money in the long run. We like them for a budget pick: they’re affordable without sacrificing quality, and they have a lot of variety as far as fabrics and colors go. They also let you choose your sheet sets with or without the top sheet, and you’ll save money if you skip it.

Under the Canopy (OEKO-TEX and GOTS certified) is another brand that tends to keep prices down, so they’re within reach for the average family making more eco-conscious choices. We love that they have a flannel option, since that’s not as prevalent as the lighter, airier fabrics you can find across brands. They also send their products in fabric bags, not wrapped in plastic.

Silk & Snow (OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, GOTS-approved dyes) is another one that’s closer to the budget end of the spectrum. Their flax linen and muslin options are worth a special look, and their duvets are available in lightweight or all-season options. We like that they have a more interesting mix of fabrics than a lot of other sustainable bedding brands. The only bummer with them is that some of their bedding comes in just Queen and King sizes.

Coyuchi (GOTS, Fair Trade Certified) has been at the sustainability game for a long time (since 1991), with stated goals of using fibers that are easier to recycle and creating products that last - all while being good to people and the planet. This bedding is quite the splurge, but it’s luxurious! Their flannel sheets are worth a look, and their linen bedding is quite nice if you sleep cool. A lot of their designs have interesting textures and patterns, and some have a story behind them.

Boll & Branch (OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, GOTS, Fair Trade Certified, and RDS) is great for a vast range of cotton options, from flannel and cotton cashmere to percale and Supima cotton. They’re focused on sustainability from the very start, with non-GMO, organic cotton seed that’s grown by farmers who work with the rain season and strive to improve the health of the soil. When it’s time to spin the cotton, Boll & Branch sells the seeds, and the money goes back to the farmers. Then, they use safe dyes and processes to create the finished product. They also have a surprising number of colors (they’re muted, though) and sizes.

Piglet in Bed (OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified) might be perfect if you want linen or cotton and you love that worn-in, cozy look that gets even better over time. It’s a little expensive, but the designs are pretty timeless, so you could keep them around for years. Their partners in Portugal have switched to electric vehicles, and Piglet in Bed visits their partners’ facilities to make sure they’re treating workers fairly. They also seek out partners that are actively reducing waste, water use, and plastics.

Pact’s bedding (GOTS and Fair Trade Certified) is made from organic cotton (take your pick from percale, sateen, and jersey), and their goal is to be carbon-neutral. We like that they go beyond their bedding and work with ThredUp to keep used accessories and clothing items out of the landfill too (sending them your stuff earns you “pact cash,” and they’ll even send you a free shipping label to get it to them).

TL;DR: You can’t go wrong with any of these, but if you’re looking for a high-quality, year-round option that feels luxurious and checks a lot of boxes without breaking the bank as much as others can, start with Parachute. Want something warm and cozy, and have a lot of wiggle room in the budget? Maybe look at Coyuchi. And if you love a good budget option, you might be pleasantly surprised by what Quince has to offer.