Cool all night. Not just cool to touch.
Our TENCEL™ Lyocell sheets from European origin fibers work with your body's temperature all night long — not just the first few seconds of contact.
What is TENCEL™ Lyocell?
Botanic. Sustainable. Genuinely Cooling.
TENCEL™ is a premium branded fiber produced exclusively by its European manufacturer, Lenzing, in Austria. Unlike generic lyocell — or the cheap Chinese Lyocell alternatives unscrupulous sellers label as "Tencel" — authentic TENCEL™ fibers are made from sustainably harvested eucalyptus wood pulp through a patented closed-loop process that recovers over 99.8% of the solvent used.
The fiber's unique microstructure creates tiny capillary channels that actively absorb moisture from your skin and release it to the outside — not just wick it to the surface. This is why TENCEL™ sheets feel cool and dry throughout the night, not just in the first moment of contact.
European Origin: Why It Matters
Olive + Crate sources exclusively from European production facilities. European-origin TENCEL™ is produced under strict EU environmental standards and third-party certification — fundamentally different from cheap Chinese lyocell fiber, which is often labelled "Tencel" by competitors trying to pass off an inferior product.
True TENCEL™ uses at least 50% less water and emits at least 50% less CO₂ than generic lyocell, according to the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (ISO 14040/44). There is simply no substitute.
⚠ Buyer beware: Many brands label bedding as "Tencel" or "lyocell" when it contains Chinese-manufactured generic lyocell fiber — an inferior product with none of the performance guarantees. Authentic TENCEL™ always carries the branded fiber label. Every Olive + Crate sheet is made with verified European-origin TENCEL™ Lyocell.
Five reasons hot sleepers choose TENCEL™
From the microscopic fiber structure to the forest it comes from, every property of TENCEL™ Lyocell is engineered for the most restorative sleep possible.
All-Night Cooling
Microscopic fibrils absorb moisture into the fiber, not onto it — maintaining a dry, cool microclimate all night, not just the first touch.
50% More Moisture Absorption
TENCEL™ absorbs 50% more moisture than cotton, keeping your sleep surface dry even during warm nights or mild night sweats.
10× Slower Bacterial Growth
By pulling moisture away from the surface, TENCEL™ creates an environment inhospitable to bacteria — naturally fresher for longer.
Hypoallergenic
Favoured by ~80% of psoriasis and eczema patients in clinical studies. Smooth fibers cause no irritation, even for the most sensitive skin.
Built to Last
TENCEL™ Lyocell is stronger than cotton — even when wet — and retains its softness, color, and cooling properties wash after wash, year after year.
TENCEL™ vs. Every Other Fiber
Not all "cooling sheets" cool the same way. Here's the honest breakdown of how TENCEL™ Lyocell compares against cotton, polyester, microfiber, and nylon/spandex synthetic sheets.
| Property | TENCEL™ Lyocell Olive + Crate |
Cotton Standard |
Polyester Synthetic |
Microfiber Synthetic |
Nylon/Spandex Synthetic Cooling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling Mechanism | Active moisture absorption into fiber; sustained thermal regulation | Passive breathability; absorbs but dries slowly | Surface wicking only; traps heat in fabric | Surface wicking; heat retention increases with use | High initial Qmax (cool to touch); heat builds over time as synthetic traps body heat |
| Cooling Duration | ✔ All night long | ⚡ Moderate; varies | ✗ Heats up quickly | ✗ Heats up over time | ⚡ Cool to touch only; heats up through the night |
| Moisture Wicking | ✔ Absorbed into fiber | ⚡ Absorbed, slow dry | ⚡ Surface only | ⚡ Surface only | ⚡ Fast surface wicking; no true absorption |
| Breathability | ✔ Excellent; natural fiber structure promotes airflow | ✔ Good | ✗ Poor | ✗ Poor | ✗ Low; synthetic weave restricts airflow |
| Hypoallergenic | ✔ Yes — clinically endorsed for eczema, psoriasis | ⚡ Varies by processing | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✗ No — synthetic fibers can irritate sensitive skin |
| Softness Over Time | ✔ Gets softer with washing | ⚡ Can stiffen | ✗ Pills and roughens | ✗ Degrades quickly | ⚡ Stays smooth but may lose performance |
| Environmental Impact | ✔ Biodegradable; FSC certified; 99.8% solvent recovery; 50%+ less water than cotton | ✗ High water & pesticide use | ✗ Petroleum-based; microplastics | ✗ Petroleum-based; microplastics | ✗ Non-biodegradable; synthetic polymer |
| Skin Health | ✔ Smooth botanic fibers; no chemical coatings | ⚡ Generally fine | ✗ Can cause sweating/irritation | ✗ Can cause sweating/irritation | ✗ Synthetic; may cause skin sensitivities |
| Durability (expected lifespan) | ✔ 4-5+ years with proper care | 3–5 years | 2–3 years | 1–2 years | 2–4 years (performance may degrade) |
| Origin / Certification | European origin — FSC®, OEKO-TEX®, EU Ecolabel, PEFC certified | Varies widely | Petroleum, no certifications | Petroleum, no certifications | Synthetic polymer; no environmental certifications |
*Cool-to-touch (Qmax) measures instantaneous heat transfer from skin to fabric. A high Qmax in synthetic sheets is a momentary effect — it does not reflect sustained thermal regulation over a full night's sleep. TENCEL™ achieves cooling through genuine moisture management and breathability, not surface conductance.
How fabrics perform across a full night
Synthetic cooling sheets spike low on Qmax — feeling dramatically cool at first touch. But as they saturate with body heat and moisture, they fail to regulate temperature. TENCEL™ maintains consistent cooling through sustained moisture management.
Indicative illustrative representation. Lower position = cooler perceived surface temperature. Nylon/spandex sheets begin with a high Qmax (cool-to-touch) effect but accumulate body heat through the night. TENCEL™ maintains consistent thermal regulation via sustained moisture management.
Real cooling that doesn't wash out
Many "cooling" sheets use chemical treatments or silver yarn that degrades over time. TENCEL™ Lyocell's cooling properties are structural — built into the fiber itself. They don't diminish, don't wash away, and don't require reapplication.
TENCEL™ vs. Nylon/Spandex Synthetic Cooling Sheets
Synthetic "cooling" sheets use high thermal conductivity to feel cold at first touch. It's a clever engineering trick — but it's not the same as genuine all-night cooling. Here's what you're actually choosing between.
Olive + Crate
TENCEL™ Lyocell
— All-Night Cooling
- Cools by absorbing and releasing moisture — works with your body's natural thermoregulation
- Breathable natural fiber structure allows airflow, preventing heat build-up
- Cooling properties are permanent — built into the fiber, not a chemical coating
- Hypoallergenic and skin-safe; endorsed for eczema, psoriasis, and sensitive skin
- Biodegradable and made from FSC-certified eucalyptus — genuinely sustainable
- Gets softer with every wash; no pilling or performance loss over years
- European-origin fibers — the only authentic TENCEL™
Nylon / Spandex Blend
Nylon / Spandex Blend
— Touch Cooling Only
- High Qmax score = feels dramatically cool at first touch — a thermal conductance effect, not sustained cooling
- Synthetic weave restricts airflow; heat accumulates through the night as body temperature rises
- Requires antimicrobial additives to manage odor from heat and moisture build-up
- Petroleum-derived synthetic materials; not biodegradable
- Not suitable for sensitive skin; synthetic fibers can cause irritation
- Performance and texture may degrade over time with repeated washing
- Shorter expected performance window vs natural fiber alternatives
Sleep better. Feel better.
The benefits of TENCEL™ Lyocell go beyond temperature. The botanic fiber structure actively supports skin health, reduces allergens, and promotes the restorative sleep your body needs.
Deeper Sleep
Research shows that TENCEL™ bed linen results in better autonomic sleep quality index scores — measurably more restorative sleep, not just comfort-rated better.
Dermatologist Approved
Favoured by approximately 80% of patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. The smooth botanic fibers cause zero friction or irritation, even on the most reactive skin.
Asthma & Allergy Safe
By keeping moisture away from the sleep surface, TENCEL™ reduces the humid conditions that dust mites thrive in — a critical benefit for asthma and rhinitis sufferers.
Night Sweat Relief
The fiber absorbs up to 50% more moisture than cotton and releases it away from the body. Even during menopause or post-exercise sleep, your surface stays genuinely dry.
Naturally Fresher
TENCEL™ shows 10× slower bacterial growth compared to cotton. Less surface moisture means less bacterial activity — sheets stay cleaner and fresher between washes.
Safe for All Ages
No chemical coatings, no antimicrobial additives, no synthetic dyes required. Pure botanic fiber suitable for newborns, children, and anyone with the most sensitive skin.
Why European-Origin TENCEL™ is different
The global TENCEL™ brand is owned by Lenzing, headquartered in Austria. The European fiber producer has been operating since 1938 and their facilities are the gold standard — operating under EU environmental regulations, third-party certified, and subject to the most rigorous quality and sustainability controls in the fiber industry.
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Produced in Austria The Austrian production facilities account for nearly half of global TENCEL™ output, operating sustainably since the 1930s.
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FSC® & PEFC Certified Forests Every eucalyptus and beech tree used to make Olive + Crate TENCEL™ sheets comes from forests certified by FSC® or PEFC — guaranteeing responsible, long-term forestry.
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99.8% Solvent Recovery (Closed Loop) The patented NMMO solvent process recovers and reuses over 99.8% of chemicals — producing minimal waste and zero toxic discharge into waterways.
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OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 & EU Ecolabel Every TENCEL™ fiber carries OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification — tested for harmful substances and verified safe for direct skin contact.
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Not Chinese Lyocell Generic Chinese-manufactured lyocell is frequently labelled "Tencel" without authorisation. It is produced without the authentic closed-loop process, without European oversight, and without the performance guarantees of authentic TENCEL™. Olive + Crate uses only verified European-origin fibers.
The most sustainable luxury bedding choice
Choosing TENCEL™ isn't just better for your sleep — it's better for the planet. Every number below reflects certified data from third-party audits.
Solvent recovery in closed-loop process
Less water use vs conventional cotton
Lower CO₂ emissions vs generic lyocell (Higg MSI)
Pesticides or herbicides in eucalyptus cultivation
Sleeping cooler, every night
I was skeptical after trying "cooling" sheets before that felt great for five minutes then turned into a heat trap. These are genuinely different. Three months in and I wake up cool every morning.
As a hot sleeper and menopause sufferer, I've tried everything. These TENCEL™ sheets are the only ones that genuinely regulate my temperature all night. My husband loves them too.
The softness is unreal but the cooling is what keeps me coming back. I've washed these dozens of times and they're just as good as new. Worth every penny.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Olive + Crate TENCEL™ sheets — from fiber science to care and returns.
Olive + Crate sheets are made from 100% European-origin Lenzing TENCEL™ Lyocell — a certified botanic fiber that cools through genuine all-night moisture management. The fiber's microscopic structure absorbs moisture from your skin directly into the fiber and releases it away from your body, keeping your sleep surface dry and cool all night. This is fundamentally different from nylon/spandex synthetic cooling sheets, which feel dramatically cool at first touch due to high thermal conductance (Qmax) but accumulate body heat as the night progresses. TENCEL™ cooling is permanent — built into the fiber structure — and does not wash out or degrade over time.
Olive + Crate uses only verified European-origin Lenzing TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers — the authentic, trademarked fiber produced by Lenzing in Austria. TENCEL™ is a registered trademark and only fibers made by Lenzing can legitimately carry this name. Many competing brands label their bedding as "Tencel" when it actually contains Chinese-manufactured generic lyocell, which is produced without Lenzing's patented closed-loop process and lacks the same performance, sustainability, and quality guarantees. Every Olive + Crate sheet set carries verified Lenzing fiber certification.
The Olive + Crate TENCEL™ Sheet Set is available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, and Split King. Every set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases (one pillowcase for Twin and Twin XL). The fitted sheet features deep pockets suitable for mattresses up to 16 inches deep, with elasticated corners that stay securely in place throughout the night.
Olive + Crate TENCEL™ sheets are available in a wide range of colors including White Snow, Grey Mist, Stone Grey, Charcoal, Basalt Blue, Sage Green, Eucalyptus, Rose Blush, and more. The full current color range is available at oliveandcrate.com.
Machine wash in cold water on a gentle or regular cycle. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly. Do not use fabric softener — it coats the fiber and reduces breathability over time. Do not bleach. TENCEL™ Lyocell actually gets softer with every wash, so fabric softener is never needed. The sheets can also be air dried.
Yes. TENCEL™ Lyocell is naturally hypoallergenic and is favoured by approximately 80% of patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis in clinical studies. The smooth botanic fiber creates no friction or irritation. The sheets are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified — independently tested and verified to contain no harmful substances — with no chemical coatings, no antimicrobial additives, and no synthetic dyes. Suitable for babies, children, and anyone with the most sensitive skin.
TENCEL™ Lyocell is a year-round fiber. In warm months it keeps you cool and dry by actively wicking moisture. In cooler months it acts as a breathable insulating layer that prevents moisture build-up without overheating. Because the fiber works with your body's natural thermoregulation rather than just conducting heat away, it adapts to your body temperature in all seasons — unlike synthetic cooling sheets which can feel uncomfortably cold in winter.
With proper care, Olive + Crate TENCEL™ Lyocell sheets typically last 5 to 8 years or more — significantly longer than polyester or microfiber (1–2 years) and longer than standard cotton (3–5 years). TENCEL™ Lyocell is stronger than cotton even when wet, and its cooling and softness properties are structural rather than applied, meaning they do not degrade or wash out. The sheets get softer with each wash.
Olive + Crate offers free delivery on all US orders over $50. Returns are free within 30 days — shipping is covered both ways. Beyond the trial period, every sheet set is backed by the Olive + Crate Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee. The sheets are available at oliveandcrate.com and on Amazon US with Prime shipping.
Yes. TENCEL™ Lyocell is one of the most sustainable textile fibers available. Lenzing's European production uses eucalyptus from FSC® and PEFC certified forests, requires no irrigation water or pesticides, and processes the fiber via a closed-loop system recovering 99.8% of the solvent used. Compared to conventional cotton, TENCEL™ uses 50% less water and produces 50% less CO₂ according to the Higg Materials Sustainability Index. The finished fiber is biodegradable and compostable. Olive + Crate TENCEL™ sheets carry the EU Ecolabel and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification.