best eco friendly cotton comforters

When you think of cotton bedding, the first thing that springs to mind is probably light cotton sheets, but cotton can also be used to make warm and cozy comforters. The best eco friendly cotton comforters let you enjoy all the benefits of this natural material while protecting the planet!

Best eco-friendly cotton comforters: reviewed

We’ve rounded up the best eco-friendly cotton comforters that will help you sleep well, ranging from the lightweight to the very warm. Most of these products are organic and all are breathable and comfortable!

1. EcoPure Organic Cotton Wash Sienna Comforter Set

This comforter set from EcoPure is made from 100% organic cotton that is GOTS-certified as organic. The manufacturer also only uses dyes and finishes that are Oeko Tex-approved, so you can be confident that this comforter is non-toxic and won’t irritate your skin.

One of the best eco friendly cotton comforters on the market, we love the EcoPure for it’s quality design and materials. The fill inside the comforter, amazingly, is made from eco-friendly polyester. The fill is 95% recycled polyester and the remainder is virgin polyester made from repurposed plastic bottles, so you’ll actually be reducing the amount of plastic waste in the world when buying this comforter!

Despite being made partly from plastic bottles, this fill is soft and squeezable. Online reviewers confirm it is breathable but still warm, and the cotton cover is also soft and comfortable.

In fact, it’s such a heavy comforter that it is not really suitable for warm sleepers and hot climates. We also love the understated and elegant design, and online reviewers confirm that it looks even more stunning when you see it up close.

What we like:

  • Eco-friendly materials – From the GOTS-certified cover to recycled and repurposed polyester fill, these materials won’t damage the environment.
  • No chemical dyes – The manufacturer uses non-toxic, Oeko Tex-approved dyes that won’t cause irritation.
  • Elegant – The comforter has a stunning, understated design that looks great in person.

What we don’t like:

  • Quite heavy – This comforter isn’t suitable for warm conditions, and unfortunately a lighter version isn’t available.

Made from certified organic cotton and eco-friendly polyester fill, this comforter is not only good for the environment, but it will keep you warm even in cold weather. Definitely one of the best eco friendly cotton comforters for the eco-conscious consumer who also values quality.

2. Laura Ashley Home Comforter (Natalie Collection)

This bedding set is made from 100% cotton and comes with one comforter, two shams, two Euro shams, and two throw pillows. It has a lovely floral design that is fully reversible – so you can give your bedroom two vastly different looks and mix things up!

The comforter is also machine-washable so it is easy to look after – you can wash it in a regular washing machine and tumble dry on low. However, some users report that the comforter is prone to wrinkling, which is problematic as the manufacturer warns that you should not iron it.

It should be noted that the cotton is not organic, but this is a high-quality natural comforter that offers excellent value for money.

What we like:

  • Value for money – This is a high-quality cotton comforter for a reasonable price.
  • Easy-care – You can wash the comforter in your regular washing machine and dry in the tumble dryer.
  • Full set – The set includes not only a comforter, but also several shams and throw pillows.

What we don’t like:

  • Not organic – While made from cotton, it is not certified organic.

Although not organic, this is one of the best eco friendly cotton comforters for anyone looking for a comfortable, natural cotton option on a budget.

3. HILLFAIR 100% Certified Organic Cotton Blanket

This is not truly a comforter but rather a blanket. However, it is a good option for anyone looking for truly organic cotton bedding that is cool and lightweight.

The blanket comes with an Authentic Smart Card Certification, verifying that it is 100% organic. The cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, and processed without chemicals in the company’s Connecticut facility.

The blanket is also dyed with eco-friendly, fiber-reactive dyes so you don’t need to worry about toxic dyes used on some traditional blankets.

The blanket is also easy to care for, being machine washable and suitable to be tumble dried on the low setting. You shouldn’t need to iron it if you take it out of the dryer straight away.

What we like:

  • Non-toxic – From organic cultivation to the eco-friendly dying process, you can be assured that this product does not contain toxins.
  • Made in the USA – The cotton is processed and the blanket is made right here in the USA.
  • Breathable – This lightweight cotton blanket is cool and breathable, perfect for summer nights or layered with other bedding for extra warmth.

What we don’t like:

  • Plain design – Though a clean and practical design, this blanket won’t dress up your bedroom.

Although not as visually stunning as many cotton comforters, this certified-organic cotton blanket is non-toxic, breathable and easy to look after.

4. Nest Natural Cotton Comforter

Unlike some other cotton comforters, this product has not only a cotton cover, but is also filled with cotton batting. This makes it extremely lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, so one of the best eco friendly cotton comforters for warm sleepers.

Nest Natural Cotton Comforter

The comforter is made in the USA from cotton that is also grown in the USA. This keeps greenhouse gas emissions to a minimum, as the cotton doesn’t need to be transported great distances.

The comforter is also easy to look after – you can wash it in your machine in cold water and tumble dry on cool.

What we like:

  • Made (and grown) locally  – The cotton is grown in the USA and the comforter is also made in the USA, minimizing carbon emissions.
  • Easy-care – You won’t need to worry about taking this comforter to the dry cleaner as you can wash and dry it at home.
  • Cotton batting – With a cotton cover over cotton batting, this is comfortable and breathable even for warm sleepers.

What we don’t like:

  • Not organic – The cotton is not certified organic, so you can’t be sure that it’s produced without damaging the environment.

Although not certified organic, the cotton used to make this quilt is grown and processed in the USA, so won’t involve many of the toxic and harmful processes used elsewhere in the world. Overall, it is a high-quality cotton comforter that will help you to sleep comfortably.

5. Coyuchi Diamond-Stitched Quilted Organic Cotton Comforter

This comforter is made from organic cotton batting and cover that is 100% GOTS-certified organic and with a double-needle, diamond-shaped stitch pattern. This stitching not only holds the batting in place and prevents it from shifting or bunching, but it adds a decorative element.

Coyuchi Diamond-Stitched Quilted Organic Cotton Comforter

The comforter has a half-inch batting around the comforter and is available in three colors. This simple yet sophisticated design will look great in any bedroom.

Made from a crinkled percale fabric, it is versatile enough to be used either as a stand-alone comforter or a lightweight insert for a duvet cover.

What we like:

  • Certified organic – The cotton used to make both the cover and the fill is GOTS-certified as organic.
  • Sophisticated design – The understated diamond stitching and natural colors will fit with any décor.
  • Versatile – You can either use this product on its own as a comforter or inside a duvet cover.

This 100% organic cotton comforter is a versatile item that will not only keep you comfortable, but also add a sophisticated touch to your bedroom.

6. TEXAS Handmade 100% Organic Cotton Comforter

This comforter is handmade in the USA to high ethical standards from 100% organic cotton. It is entirely vegan – no animal products used in production at all – and chemical-free, including no fire retardants.

TEXAS handmade 100% organic cotton comforter

It also comes in a large range of sizes, from toddler size to California King (98 inches by 100 inches). Being light to medium weight, it is suitable for all seasons, except the coldest climates.

You can also order an organic cotton duvet cover from the same brand, but is made with an organic cotton sateen casing, so a cover is not necessary. However, the manufacturer does recommend always using it with a duvet cover to prolong the product’s life.

Some people may not like the natural color, but this is a result of it being unbleached and free of dyes.

What we like:

  • Vegan – This product is entirely free from animal products.
  • Sweatshop free – The comforter is made in the USA to high ethical standards, so it doesn’t harm people or the environment in the production process.
  • No chemicals – Unlike most traditional comforters, no toxic chemicals or fire retardants are added during processing.

What we don’t like:

  • Recommended to use a duvet cover – The manufacturer recommends using this comforter with a duvet cover rather than a stand-alone comforter.

This 100% organic cotton comforter is handmade in the USA, completely vegan, and chemical-free. It is available in a large range of sizes, so you’re sure to find one to suit your needs!

7. Coyuchi Manzanita Organic Hand-Stitched Quilt

Although more of a quilt, you can certainly use this organic cotton product as a lightweight comforter. We love the beautiful design, with stitching detail inspired by sculptural basket weaving.

Coyuchi Manzanita organic hand-stitched quilt

This kantha thread design is stitched by hand in the USA, and you can choose the color you’d like to contrast (or blend) with the natural, undyed backing. The quilt is made entirely with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and contains organic cotton batting.

This quilt is only available in queen and king sizes, and the light weight is not suitable for cold conditions. However, you could layer this quilt with blankets to stay warm even on chilly winter nights.

What we like:

  • Stunning design – The quilt features a beautiful pattern in a stitch color of your choice.
  • Made in the USA – It is not only made in the USA, but hand-stitched here too.
  • Certified – The cover and the fill are both GOTS-certified organic cotton.

What we don’t like:

  • Lightweight – The quilt is only suitable for warmer temperatures, though you can layer with blankets to use in colder conditions.

This beautiful quilt is made from 100% certified organic cotton and hand-stitched in the USA. It makes an excellent choice for a lightweight comforter.

The best eco friendly cotton comforters: things to consider

If you want to enjoy the benefits of a cotton comforter without negatively impacting the environment, there are several things you should keep in mind. Here’s what to look out for to ensure you choose the best eco-friendly comforter for you!

Intended use

The first thing you need to think about is what you will be using the comforter for.

  • Sleep: If you want a cotton comforter for sleep, you need something that will keep you warm without overheating. On the other hand, you can also use a cotton comforter for keeping cozy on the couch, outside, or in your home office. In this case, you need to consider the level of warmth you need and also the most convenient size.
  • Warmth: It’s also important to consider how warm you want your comforter to be, as cotton comforters come in various weights, some being warmer than others. This will depend on the climate you live in as well as your natural body temperature, as some people tend to be warmer than others, especially while they’re asleep.
  • Climate: Ultimately, though, cotton comforters are cooler than those made from most other materials, notably wool or down. Very few cotton comforters are suitable for very cold conditions. If you live in a cold climate or tend to be a cold sleeper, you may want to consider an eco-friendly wool comforter instead.
  • Frequency of use: You should also decide whether you want a comforter that will be suitable in all seasons, or if you want to use the comforter for part of the year only. If the temperature is relatively stable in your area throughout the year, one comforter might work well across all months. On the other hand, if the temperature varies greatly across the year, you could consider using a wool comforter in winter and a cotton one during the warmer months. Equally, if you live in a warm climate, a cotton comforter may be just right in winter and you may not need a comforter at all during the warmer months!

Eco-friendly vs organic cotton: What’s the difference?

T best eco friendly cotton comforters are just that: eco friendly. Just because cotton is a natural fiber, this doesn’t mean it is eco-friendly. In fact, most non-organic cotton production is devastating to the environment – we’ll explain this in more detail in the FAQs section below.

Organic cotton is eco-friendly in a number of ways, including:

  • Fewer greenhouse gases are emitted through its production
  • Fewer chemicals are released into the environment
  • Growing practices promote healthier soil

The best cotton comforters are eco-friendly in other ways too: manufacturers may source their materials responsibly, support upcycling and recycling, and give back to local communities or participate in activities to protect the local environment.

To be certain that the cotton is truly organic, be sure to check its certifications. If the comforter comes with a GOTS or similar certification you can be confident it is 100% organic.

Ethical cotton considerations

If you’re an eco-conscious shopper it’s also important to think about other ethical considerations than organic certification.

For example, think about where the cotton is grown: is it grown in a dry climate that encourages overuse of water? Additionally, cotton sourced from certain countries may involve harmful labor practices.

It is also important to consider how the growing process is conducted, especially how the cotton is harvested. Finally, you should check the manufacturing process to make sure this is also ethical, in terms of its impact on both people and the environment.

Who would benefit from an eco-friendly cotton comforter?

Cotton comforters are, by their nature, cooler than comforters made from other natural materials like down or wool. This makes them ideal for warm sleepers, and those who suffer from hot flashes or night sweats.

The best eco friendly cotton comforters are also ideal for people with sensitive skin, as this natural material is very soft and comfortable. Furthermore, cotton does not irritate sensitive skin in the way that synthetic materials can.

Finally, cotton comforters are a great choice for anyone who is looking for a comforter made from natural materials but are allergic to down and/or wool.

FAQs

Still unsure about how to choose the best eco-friendly cotton comforter? These answers to FAQs should help!

What impact does cotton have on the environment? 

The biggest environmental issue with cotton is the amount of water it needs. One pound of cotton takes 1200 gallons of water to produce.

Over the centuries, cotton growers have irrigated their crops to deliver these vast amounts of water to their crops. As the human population exploded over the last few decades, the demand for cotton has increased exponentially and the water it uses far exceeds sustainable levels.

cotton field
Cotton field

Additionally, traditional cotton production uses large amounts of pesticides and other chemicals, which are very damaging to the environment.

The pesticides used in traditional cotton growing are some of the most toxic in the world, and many of those used in developing countries have been banned in the west for the dangers they pose to people and the environment. These chemicals severely damage ecosystems and waterways and contaminate meat and milk products farmed in the area.

Large open fields of cotton also leave the land vulnerable to soil erosion, and traditional cotton farming usually heavily uses machinery, contributing to CO2 emissions. Furthermore, cotton fertilizers release nitrogen (N2O) into the atmosphere, which is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.

Is organic cotton actually better?

Organic cotton production is much better for the environment, with:

  • 91% less water used
  • 62% less energy used
  • 46% lower CO2-emissions
  • 26% less soil erosion

Additionally, because no chemical pesticides and fertilizers are used, the end-product does not contain the toxins found in most traditionally-grown cotton.

Is poly-cotton eco-friendly?

Poly-cotton is the common term for polyester and cotton blend. Most poly-cotton fabrics are 65% cotton and 35% polyester, though 50/50 blends are relatively common as well.

Generally, poly-cotton blends are made with non-organic cotton, so their manufacture involves all the negative environmental impacts described above. The best eco friendly cotton comforters will be free of such materials. Even if you did find a poly-cotton fabric made with organic cotton, the polyester component will definitely not be eco-friendly.

Polyester is one of the worst fabrics in terms of environmental impact:

It produces more CO2 than almost any other fabric as part of its production

However, polyester fill can be used as a sustainable fill for comforters in specific cases. For example, the EcoPure Organic Cotton Wash Sienna Comforter Set is filled with recycled polyester and a small component of polyester made from repurposed plastic bottles.

Are organic cotton comforters non-toxic?

Many traditional comforters contain a range of chemicals that may be toxic to human health, such as fire-retardant chemicals (PBDEs), formaldehyde, toxic dyes, boric acid, bleaches, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals can either be a by-product of how the material is grown and processed, or deliberately introduced.

However, true organic cotton comforters are grown and processed without the use of toxic chemicals. It is important to check how the material is processed before buying any comforter in order to be sure that it is not toxic.

Wrapping up

Cotton comforters are comfortable, breathable, and ideal for people who are warm sleepers, as well as those who are allergic to wool or down. However, cotton production can be devastating to the environment, so if you want to be kind to the planet, look for the best eco-friendly comforters.

Although it is possible to find quality, natural cotton comforters that are not organic, the best way to ensure that the comforter is truly eco-friendly is to choose a certified organic. This is why we recommend the EcoPure Organic Cotton Wash Sienna Comforter Set as the best eco friendly cotton comforter on the market

Don’t forget to check out our other guides to eco-friendly products, from hemp toilet paper to solar refrigerators to help you to live a more eco-conscious lifestyle!

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