{"id":34338,"date":"2025-01-14T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=34338"},"modified":"2025-01-09T16:44:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T16:44:22","slug":"how-to-choose-linen-sheets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-linen-sheets\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Best Linen Sheets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you walk into any home goods store, you&#8217;ll likely marvel at how many&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/the-definitive-guide-buying-sheets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sheet options<\/a>&nbsp;there are for your bedding. There are tons of sheet materials out there, and while cotton tends to be the most popular choice, there\u2019s another great option that perhaps you haven\u2019t considered: linen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cInvesting in linen sheets is about more than just choosing a fabric,\u201d says Kasandra Rafter, founder and designer at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/canyoncreative.design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canyon Creative Design<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s choosing a lifestyle that embraces timeless beauty, quality, and sustainable living.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ahead, we\u2019ll walk you through the benefits of <span data-id=\"27757\" data-title=\"Linen Sheet Set\" data-text=\"linen sheets\" class=\"tooltip\">linen sheets<\/span> and how to choose the best linen sheets for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are linen sheets?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In case you\u2019re not aware, linen is a natural textile that\u2019s crafted from the fibers of the flax plant, which Rafter says is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These plants grow best in cooler climates, and flax fibers are incredibly strong, giving linen its signature durability and texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe flax fibers are harvested, retted (a process to separate fibers), spun into yarn, and finally woven into fabric,\u201d Rafter explains. \u201cLinen\u2019s unique and classic weave gives it breathability and strength\u2014it\u2019s what makes this fabric truly timeless and, dare I say, effortlessly luxurious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cLinen\u2019s unique and classic weave gives it breathability and strength\u2014it\u2019s what makes this fabric truly timeless and, dare I say, effortlessly luxurious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Kasandra Rafter, founder and designer at\u00a0Canyon Creative Design<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The benefits of linen sheets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Calling linen \u201ca dream come true in terms of functionality and aesthetics,\u201d Rafter shares the many benefits of linen sheets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Moisture-wicking:<\/strong>&nbsp;Lnen\u2019s natural moisture-wicking qualities make it perfect for keeping cool and comfortable, especially if you tend to overheat at night.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hypoallergenic:&nbsp;<\/strong>Linen also happens to be hypoallergenic, \u201cso it\u2019s a fantastic choice for people with sensitivities,\u201d says Rafter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sustainable:&nbsp;<\/strong>Environmentally, linen is a responsible choice. \u201cFlax requires fewer pesticides and less water than cotton, making it more sustainable,\u201d notes Rafter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lived-in texture:&nbsp;<\/strong>Linen becomes softer with each wash, giving it a lived-in, inviting texture that only gets better over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The drawbacks of linen sheets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though linen sheets carry many benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, while linen is a beautiful and high-performing fabric, it does come with a higher price tag, \u201clargely due to the labor-intensive process of creating it,\u201d says Rafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, although linen does become softer with washing and time, it won\u2019t have that initial softness that cotton has, which Rafter says can be an adjustment for some. \u201cHowever, this initial texture fades with use, and the material becomes soft and inviting,\u201d she points out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then there\u2019s linen\u2019s tendency to wrinkle, which could be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs for texture and feel, you have to love the lived-in charm of linen because it will naturally hold a wrinkle and a crease,\u201d Rafter says. \u201cIf you&#8217;re looking for a hotel wrinkle-free finish, then you&#8217;ll want to opt out of linen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, linen doesn\u2019t have a lot of variety when it comes to colors and patterns, so if you\u2019re after something bold and printed, you\u2019ll want to look elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"740\" height=\"516\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-choose-linen-sheets-saatva-linen-sheets.jpg\" alt=\"saatva linen sheets\" class=\"wp-image-34340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-choose-linen-sheets-saatva-linen-sheets.jpg 740w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/how-to-choose-linen-sheets-saatva-linen-sheets-300x209.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Linen is moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic, and has a beautiful lived-in texture. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Factors to consider when buying linen sheets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some key factors to consider when looking for linen sheets. The biggest one is the material. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen shopping for linen sheets, I recommend focusing on factors like weight, quality, and feel,\u201d Rafter says. European linen is considered among the best due to the quality of the flax grown in that region, she adds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Look for sheets that are stone-washed as this process softens the linen and gives it a more supple feel,&#8221; suggests Rafter. &#8220;The weave can also affect the feel\u2014tighter weaves may feel smoother, while looser weaves offer even more breathability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also check if the linen has been certified free of harmful chemicals, which can help ensure you\u2019re choosing something safer for your skin and health. One third-party certification is OEKO-TEX\u00ae Standard 100, which is something you can spot on the packaging or in the product description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/what-does-thread-count-mean\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">thread count<\/a>&nbsp;is typically a selling point for sheets, it isn\u2019t with linen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLinen fibers are thicker than cotton fibers, so even a lower thread count can result in a very durable fabric,\u201d Rafter explains. \u201cInstead, focus on the texture, weight, and quality of the linen itself rather than a specific number\u2014don&#8217;t get caught up on the numbers when shopping for linen sheets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou want to make sure you\u2019re buying sheets that match your mattress size, whether it\u2019s a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/twin-bed-dimensions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">twin<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/queen-size-bed-dimensions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">queen<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/king-size-bed-dimensions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">king<\/a>, or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/california-king-vs-king\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California king<\/a>,\u201d she says.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should consider the depth of your mattress, especially if you have a pillow-top or extra-deep style. &#8220;Look for sheets with deep pockets if that\u2019s the case, so you get a snug, tailored fit,\u201d says Rafter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Linen vs. other fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In many ways, linen differs from other fabrics. Ahead, we\u2019ll go through the contrasts. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Linen vs. cotton<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLinen is more textured and breathable than cotton, which is typically softer initially but less durable over time,\u201d Rafter says. \u201cCotton can trap more heat, while linen\u2019s natural structure keeps you cooler.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Linen vs. bamboo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/bamboo-sheets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bamboo<\/a>&nbsp;tends to be softer and drapes more nicely, but Rafter says that linen has more structure and a unique tactile quality. \u201cBamboo is often promoted for its eco-friendliness, but linen is also very sustainable, particularly when grown in Europe,\u201d she adds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Linen vs. silk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/benefits-sleeping-silk-pillowcase\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Silk<\/a>&nbsp;is famous for being smooth and delicate, \u201cwhile linen is more textured and robust,\u201d Rafter says. \u201cLinen is low-maintenance and casual, while silk requires extra care and offers a more glamorous, formal feel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Linen sheets cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHigher-end linen, especially European, tends to cost more, but the investment is worthwhile because of the longevity and timeless quality of the fabric,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to care for linen sheets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Linen is surprisingly easy to care for to maintain your sheets for as long as possible, Rafter says. Always follow the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions for best results.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, though, Rafter, recommends washing on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and air-drying or tumble-drying on low heat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Linen doesn&#8217;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&#8217;s slightly damp, she says.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottom line: &#8220;Over time, linen softens and develops a beautiful patina, so regular, gentle care will ensure it remains comfortable for years,\u201d says Rafter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"saatva-product-slider bg-fuscous-gray text-white\">\n            <p class=\"bg-makara p-4 text-center\">Experience the benefits of linen bedding<\/p>\n    \n            <div\n            class=\"focus:!outline-0\"\n            data-flickity=\"{&quot;wrapAround&quot;:true,&quot;pageDots&quot;:true,&quot;adaptiveHeight&quot;:true,&quot;prevNextButtons&quot;:false,&quot;autoPlay&quot;:5000}\"\n        >\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/linen-sheet-set\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-sheet-set-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva linen sheet set\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-sheet-set-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-sheet-set-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-sheet-set-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-sheet-set-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-sheet-set.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/linen-sheet-set\">Linen Sheet Set<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>Sleep in effortless style with our deluxe linen sheets made with responsibly-sourced, all-natural European linen. Stays cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and gets softer with every wash.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/linen-sheet-set\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/linen-duvet-cover-set\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-duvet-cover-set-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"Saatva Linen Duvet Cover Set\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-duvet-cover-set-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-duvet-cover-set-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-duvet-cover-set-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-duvet-cover-set-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/linen-duvet-cover-set.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/linen-duvet-cover-set\">Linen Duvet Cover Set<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>Add a luxuriously inviting finish to your bed with our deluxe linen duvet cover and matching shams. Made with responsibly-sourced, all-natural European linen that gets softer with every wash.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/linen-duvet-cover-set\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you tell if linen is high-quality?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHigh-quality linen will feel substantial yet soft to the touch,\u201d Rafter says. \u201cEuropean flax is often a mark of high quality as is the \u2018stone-washed\u2019 label, which indicates a softer, pre-treated fabric.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, Rafter suggests looking for eco-certifications that guarantee the absence of harmful chemicals and ethical sourcing practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best type of linen for bed sheets?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For bed sheets, Rafter recommends European flax linen, ideally stone-washed. \u201cThis combination gives you the benefits of premium fiber quality and a softer feel right out of the package,\u201d she says. \u201cIt also has that luxurious yet inviting look that linen is known for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What thread count should linen be?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thread count doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find the best linen sheets at Saatva<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that we\u2019ve got you considering switching to linen sheets, you\u2019ll be happy to know that Saatva offers a&nbsp;<span data-id=\"27757\" data-title=\"Linen Sheet Set\" data-text=\"linen sheet set\" class=\"tooltip\">linen sheet set<\/span>&nbsp;made from the highest quality European flax.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Available in four colors, they include deep pockets for mattresses up to 16 inches high, hold the OEKO-TEX\u00ae Standard 100 certification, and have prewashed softness that gets better with every wash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you walk into any home goods store, you&#8217;ll likely marvel at how many&nbsp;sheet options&nbsp;there are for your bedding. There are tons of sheet materials out there, and while cotton tends to be the most popular choice, there\u2019s another great option that perhaps you haven\u2019t considered: linen. \u201cInvesting in linen sheets is about more than [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":34339,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[384,385],"tags":[],"coauthors":[418],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-34338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bedding","category-sheets"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34338"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34338\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34348,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34338\/revisions\/34348"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34338"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=34338"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=34338"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=34338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}