For Those with Sensitive Skin and Practicing a “Plastic-Free” Lifestyle: What Bedding Material Is Right for You?

When choosing bed sheets and duvet covers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the wide variety of materials available. Many people tend to choose synthetic fibers because they are affordable, easy to care for, and resistant to wrinkles even after washing.

While these materials continue to evolve, they may still offer less breathability than natural fibers in some cases, which can affect your comfort and sleep quality.

If you experience similar concerns, or if you are practicing a “plastic-free” lifestyle and looking to reduce your use of chemically synthesized fibers, Daitou Shingu’s two signature collections, the “Kyowazarashi Mensya” cotton gauze series and the “Suira Jofu” linen series, may offer a different kind of sleeping experience.

Made with materials that are gentle on both the environment and the body, and crafted with the careful craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, these bedding collections are ideal for anyone looking to create a more comfortable and restful sleep environment.

Cotton or Linen—which is right for me?

Before making a purchase, take a moment to reconsider your sleeping environment. Start with the issues you would like to improve, then choose the material that best addresses your needs. This way, you can find the bed sheets and duvet covers that are right for you.

Q1: I sweat a lot while sleeping

It is said that people lose around 200 ml of sweat during sleep. When sweat cannot evaporate properly, it can lead to stuffiness and discomfort while sleeping.

For those who tend to sweat at night, we recommend linen, which has excellent moisture-wicking and moisture-release properties. It quickly absorbs and releases sweat and humidity, helping you stay dry and comfortable throughout the night.

We also recommend using a bed pad placed between the mattress and bed sheet. It helps prevent sweat, sebum, and skin debris from coming into direct contact with the mattress, helping keep your mattress clean and well protected.

→ Recommended products: Linen pajamas, Linen Bed Pad

Q2:The rough texture of my bedding makes it difficult to sleep

We recommend cotton for its soft, skin-friendly feel.

For those who are particularly sensitive to texture, we especially recommend cotton gauze finished using Japan’s traditional “Wazarashi” method. This gentle process places less stress on the fibers, allowing the fabric to become softer with every wash.

Much like leather develops its own character and depth over time, the fabric gradually develops an irresistibly soft and gentle texture the more you use and wash it.

→ Recommended products: 2 Layered Gauze Duvet Cover, 3 Layered Gauze Pillow Case

Q3:I always feel hot and stuffy when I sleep

Linen is an exceptionally breathable material, making it especially suitable for summer bedding.

However, if you are not a fan of linen’s distinctive texture or would prefer a little more warmth, cotton gauze is another option worth considering.

Cotton fibers contain tiny air pockets that allow air and moisture to circulate easily. If you are looking for a balance between breathability and warmth, cotton gauze is certainly a material worth considering.

→ Recommended products: Linen Blanket, 3 Layered Gauze Flat Sheet

Q4: I have sensitive skin and react to synthetic fibers

We especially recommend the skin-friendly “Kyowazarashi Mensya” cotton gauze series, which is gentle on sensitive skin.

The fabric is not treated with high temperatures or high pressure, allowing the natural characteristics of cotton fibers to be preserved to the greatest extent possible. We also place great importance on minimizing the use of unnecessary additives during the manufacturing process.

These gentle bedding products are also an excellent choice for babies and people with sensitive skin.

→ Recommended products: Cotton Gauze Pajamas Set, 3 Layered Gauze Baby Robe

★ A Little Tip: Choose Different Bedding Materials for Different Seasons

To help maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level within your bedding, we recommend using linen bedding in summer and cotton bedding in winter.

If you prefer to use the same material throughout the year, cotton is an excellent choice.

When you need a little extra warmth in winter, consider bedding made from multiple layers of cotton gauze. The layers of air trapped between the fabrics create a natural insulating layer, gently wrapping your body in soft, comfortable warmth.