If you walk into any home goods store, you’ll likely marvel at how many sheet options there are for your bedding. There are tons of sheet materials out there, and while cotton tends to be the most popular choice, there’s another great option that perhaps you haven’t considered: linen.
“Investing in linen sheets is about more than just choosing a fabric,” says Kasandra Rafter, founder and designer at Canyon Creative Design. “It’s choosing a lifestyle that embraces timeless beauty, quality, and sustainable living.”
Linen is a fabric that will serve you well season after season, offering comfort, style, and a sense of connection to a tradition of craftsmanship that has stood the test of time, she adds.
Ahead, we’ll walk you through the benefits of
Airy and elegant linen sheets with a relaxed look
and how to choose the best linen sheets for you.
What are linen sheets?
In case you’re not aware, linen is a natural textile that’s crafted from the fibers of the flax plant, which Rafter says is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history.
These plants grow best in cooler climates, and flax fibers are incredibly strong, giving linen its signature durability and texture.
“The flax fibers are harvested, retted (a process to separate fibers), spun into yarn, and finally woven into fabric,” Rafter explains. “Linen’s unique and classic weave gives it breathability and strength—it’s what makes this fabric truly timeless and, dare I say, effortlessly luxurious.”
“Linen’s unique and classic weave gives it breathability and strength—it’s what makes this fabric truly timeless and, dare I say, effortlessly luxurious.”
-Kasandra Rafter, founder and designer at Canyon Creative Design
The benefits of linen sheets
Calling linen “a dream come true in terms of functionality and aesthetics,” Rafter shares the many benefits of linen sheets:
- Moisture-wicking: Lnen’s natural moisture-wicking qualities make it perfect for keeping cool and comfortable, especially if you tend to overheat at night.
- Hypoallergenic: Linen also happens to be hypoallergenic, “so it’s a fantastic choice for people with sensitivities,” says Rafter.
- Sustainable: Environmentally, linen is a responsible choice. “Flax requires fewer pesticides and less water than cotton, making it more sustainable,” notes Rafter.
- Lived-in texture: Linen becomes softer with each wash, giving it a lived-in, inviting texture that only gets better over time.
The drawbacks of linen sheets
Even though linen sheets carry many benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.
For instance, while linen is a beautiful and high-performing fabric, it does come with a higher price tag, “largely due to the labor-intensive process of creating it,” says Rafter.
Also, although linen does become softer with washing and time, it won’t have that initial softness that cotton has, which Rafter says can be an adjustment for some. “However, this initial texture fades with use, and the material becomes soft and inviting,” she points out.
Then there’s linen’s tendency to wrinkle, which could be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it.
“As for texture and feel, you have to love the lived-in charm of linen because it will naturally hold a wrinkle and a crease,” Rafter says. “If you’re looking for a hotel wrinkle-free finish, then you’ll want to opt out of linen.”
Lastly, linen doesn’t have a lot of variety when it comes to colors and patterns, so if you’re after something bold and printed, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Factors to consider when buying linen sheets
There are some key factors to consider when looking for linen sheets. The biggest one is the material.
“When shopping for linen sheets, I recommend focusing on factors like weight, quality, and feel,” Rafter says. European linen is considered among the best due to the quality of the flax grown in that region, she adds.
“Look for sheets that are stone-washed as this process softens the linen and gives it a more supple feel,” suggests Rafter. “The weave can also affect the feel—tighter weaves may feel smoother, while looser weaves offer even more breathability.”
You should also check if the linen has been certified free of harmful chemicals, which can help ensure you’re choosing something safer for your skin and health. One third-party certification is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, which is something you can spot on the packaging or in the product description.
And while thread count is typically a selling point for sheets, it isn’t with linen.
“Linen fibers are thicker than cotton fibers, so even a lower thread count can result in a very durable fabric,” Rafter explains. “Instead, focus on the texture, weight, and quality of the linen itself rather than a specific number—don’t get caught up on the numbers when shopping for linen sheets.”
Then, you’ll need to think about how to fit your mattress with your new linen sheets, which Rafter says is essential to achieving a seamless look and feel.
“You want to make sure you’re buying sheets that match your mattress size, whether it’s a twin, queen, king, or California king,” she says.
You should consider the depth of your mattress, especially if you have a pillow-top or extra-deep style. “Look for sheets with deep pockets if that’s the case, so you get a snug, tailored fit,” says Rafter.
Linen vs. other fabrics
In many ways, linen differs from other fabrics. Ahead, we’ll go through the contrasts.
Linen vs. cotton
“Linen is more textured and breathable than cotton, which is typically softer initially but less durable over time,” Rafter says. “Cotton can trap more heat, while linen’s natural structure keeps you cooler.”
Linen vs. bamboo
Yes, bamboo tends to be softer and drapes more nicely, but Rafter says that linen has more structure and a unique tactile quality. “Bamboo is often promoted for its eco-friendliness, but linen is also very sustainable, particularly when grown in Europe,” she adds.
Linen vs. silk
Silk is famous for being smooth and delicate, “while linen is more textured and robust,” Rafter says. “Linen is low-maintenance and casual, while silk requires extra care and offers a more glamorous, formal feel.”
Linen sheets cost
You might be wondering about the average cost of well-made linen sheets. A quality set of linen sheets can cost up to $500, depending on the brand, source, and size, shares Rafter.
“Higher-end linen, especially European, tends to cost more, but the investment is worthwhile because of the longevity and timeless quality of the fabric,” she says.
How to care for linen sheets
Linen is surprisingly easy to care for to maintain your sheets for as long as possible, Rafter says. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
In general, though, Rafter, recommends washing on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and air-drying or tumble-drying on low heat.
Linen doesn’t need to be ironed, she says, because its natural wrinkling is part of its charm. But if you prefer a smoother look, iron while it’s slightly damp, she says.
The bottom line: “Over time, linen softens and develops a beautiful patina, so regular, gentle care will ensure it remains comfortable for years,” says Rafter.
FAQs
How can you tell if linen is high-quality?
“High-quality linen will feel substantial yet soft to the touch,” Rafter says. “European flax is often a mark of high quality as is the ‘stone-washed’ label, which indicates a softer, pre-treated fabric.”
Additionally, Rafter suggests looking for eco-certifications that guarantee the absence of harmful chemicals and ethical sourcing practices.
What is the best type of linen for bed sheets?
For bed sheets, Rafter recommends European flax linen, ideally stone-washed. “This combination gives you the benefits of premium fiber quality and a softer feel right out of the package,” she says. “It also has that luxurious yet inviting look that linen is known for.”
What thread count should linen be?
Thread count doesn’t matter when it comes to linen sheets. Since linen fibers are usually thicker than cotton fibers, a lower thread count can result in a still very durable fabric, says Rafter.
Find the best linen sheets at Saatva
Now that we’ve got you considering switching to linen sheets, you’ll be happy to know that Saatva offers a
Airy and elegant linen sheets with a relaxed look
made from the highest quality European flax.
Available in four colors, they include deep pockets for mattresses up to 16 inches high, hold the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, and have prewashed softness that gets better with every wash.