Renowned for their temperature-regulating properties and sumptuous texture, linen sheets are a compelling choice for those seeking durable and high-quality bedding. Many shoppers also appreciate the vintage, lived-in look of its drape.
There are a number of factors to consider before purchasing linen bedding. To help you make the right choice, we’ll walk you through our top picks for the best linen sheet sets. We’ll also detail everything you need to know about linen, including how it is made and its performance characteristics.
The Best Linen Sheets
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Linen from French Flax
Linen
$295
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Stonewashed to maximize softness from day one
- Sourced from small-batch French flax
- Available for purchase internationally
Drawbacks
- Limited color options
- Doesn’t come with a warranty
Sleep Doctor’s take
Our testers found that the Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set delivered everything we love about linen sheets, from exceptional durability to versatile temperature regulation. These stonewashed sheets felt soft and comfy right out of the package, and our hot sleepers swore by their breathability. The Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set demonstrates why so many shoppers seek out high-quality linen bedding. The sheets are elegant, breathable, and gentle on the skin. The set is constructed from organic French flax, sourced in small batches, making it a sustainable choice that should last for many years.
How does it feel?
While linen has a tendency to feel crisp and a little stiff until it has been washed several times, the Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set is stonewashed during production to soften the flax fibers, meaning these sheets sleep very soft off the bat. We found the temperature neutrality of this set superb – light and breathable, yet still insulating enough for cooler weather.
Why we like it
The Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set is a great example of the versatility, comfort, and durability offered by high-quality linen bedding. As with most linen, the sheet set is easy to care for. While the color selection is limited, there are enough options to coordinate with most bedrooms. Sijo offers free shipping in the U.S. on orders over $100 and a 30-day sleep trial.
Linen from 100% European Flax
Linen
$170
Good Ariflow
Highlights
- 100% linen from European flax at a competitive price
- Sustainably sourced and manufactured
- Wide variety of color and design options
Drawbacks
- Not available in stores
- Currently unavailable outside the U.S.
The Sleep Doctor’s take
Our testers were impressed by the softness and quality of the weave found in the Quince European Linen Sheet Set. Hot sleepers noted that the sheets offered very good temperature control and a strong moisture-wicking ability. Best of all, the price-point is lower than most quality linen sheet sets. Quince is a direct-to-consumer bedding company that aims to offer high-quality, ethically made products that won’t break the bank. Made from European flax, the mid-weight Quince European Linen Sheet Set delivers the breathability, durability, and crisp texture sleepers expect from linen without the luxury price-point.
How does it feel?
The Quince European Linen Sheet Set comes prewashed, which means it feels softer out of the box than unwashed linen sheets. However, linen softens over time as the fibers break in, so it may take several wash cycles before the sheets reach their maximum softness. Made from 100% European flax, this sheet set is mid-weight, which makes it relatively versatile for different seasons. That said, heavy-weight linen would still provide more insulation for especially cold temperatures. Our testers noted that the sheets controlled temperature well and wicked away moisture, making them a good choice for hot sleepers.
Why we like it
Thanks to the brand’s direct-to-consumer model, the Quince European Linen Sheet Set boasts the qualities of premium linen sheets at a budget-friendly price-point. This set comes in 19 different color and design options that allow for easy coordination with bedroom decor. The 16-inch pocket will fit virtually all high-profile mattresses. Quince offers free shipping, but does not deliver outside the U.S. The brand’s products are only available through the company’s website. The Quince European Linen Sheet Set comes with a 365-day sleep trial.
100% Linen from European Flax
Linen
$385
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Exceptionally soft
- Quality construction for excellent durability
- Superb temperature regulation
Drawbacks
- Price may exceed the budget of many shoppers
- No sleep trial
The Sleep Doctor’s take
The Cultiver Linen Sheets wowed our testers with a soft, luxurious, and lived-in feel from day one. Constructed of mid-weight linen and woven from 100% European flax, we found them suitable for use year round. A high-quality weave ensures that these sheets will have a long life, easily worthy of their price-point. Cultiver is an Australian company known for their linen bedding products. While linen usually feels crisp at first, the Cultiver Linen Sheets feature a more delicate texture without sacrificing the advantages of high-end linen, like durability and temperature regulation.
How does it feel?
Cultiver Linen Sheets are lightweight and breathable, and feel softer than many linen sheet sets we’ve tested. That said, they still become softer with use and washing. At 165 grams per square meter, the linen is slightly heavier than the average mid-weight linen sheets, making them suitable for year-round use in many climates. Our testers found that the sheets excelled at temperature regulation and wicking away moisture, making the Cultiver Linen Sheets a good choice for hot sleepers or those in warm or humid climates.
Why we like it
The biggest selling point for the Cultiver Linen Sheets is the sumptuous feel of their 100% European flax-derived linen. Those looking for a high-end linen sheet set without the stiffness that the material is known for won’t be disappointed. The 16-inch pocket will fit most mattresses and the company offers a generous number of color and design options. Cultiver offers free shipping in the U.S. and a 30-day return policy for damaged products. It does not offer an additional warranty or sleep trial.
100% Belgian linen
Linen
$375
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Linen from 100% Belgian flax
- Great for hot sleepers
- Yarn-dyed for lasting color
Drawbacks
- Limited color choices
- Price could be out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers
The Sleep Doctor’s take
Our testers loved the luxurious, airy feel of the Saatva Linen Sheet Set. These sheets wick moisture and diffuse heat in the summer, but are still heavy enough to insulate in cold weather. They are also extremely soft, but still retain enough texture to give them the rustic feel that linen is known for. The Saatva Linen Sheet Set delivers the high-end quality consumers expect from the Saatva and feels surprisingly sumptuous for linen. Beyond the sheet set’s comfortable texture, they excel in temperature control and durability. The colors will last thanks to Saatva’s yarn dyeing process, but color choices are limited.
How does it feel?
Our testers found that the Saatva Linen Sheet Set offered a silky feel, a quality not often associated with linen. The linen used for this set is constructed from 100% Belgian flax and comes prewashed, so the sheets are exceptionally soft the first time you use them. While the Saatva Linen Sheet Set has more texture than smooth cotton or bamboo-derived rayon sheets, this set is a great pick for sleepers who want the benefits of linen with a milder texture. The set’s excellent breathability and moisture wicking make the sheets great for hot sleepers, but the linen is heavy enough to keep sleepers warm during cool winter nights.
Why we like it
The Saatva Linen Sheet Set wraps all the perks of linen into a bedding set that may be soft enough to win over linen skeptics. Care is easy with a standard washer and dryer, and the durable linen from Belgian flax should last much longer than other materials. Its 16-inch pocket depth will fit most mattresses. Saatva offers a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects and a 45-day sleep trial.
Linen from French Flax
Linen
$299
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Stonewash maximizes softness from day one
- Sustainably sourced and manufactured
- Large selection of colors and patterns
Drawbacks
- Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
- Some shoppers may be deterred by the high price-point
The Sleep Doctor’s take
Our testers agreed that the prewashing process for the Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheets resulted in an exceedingly soft bedding set with a vintage look. The linen drapes gently over the body with an airy touch, perfect for hot sleepers or those with sensitive skin. Linen sheets are designed to soften with use as the fibers break in, but the Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheets are prewashed against abrasive surfaces in order to give you a head start on this process. The result is a linen sheet set that feels extra soft and broken-in the day you start using it.
How does it feel?
The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheets feel extra lightweight and breathable, making them a great choice for hot sleepers or those with sensitive skin. At 160 grams per square meter, they’re made with a mid-weight linen, which means they perform decently in cold weather too. Those who savor the crisp feel of brand new linen may be disappointed by the bedding’s softness, but for sleepers who don’t want to wait through multiple wash cycles for their linen sheets to soften, the Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheets were among the softest linen sheets we’ve ever tested.
Why we like it
Available in a number of colors and patterns, the Citizenry Stonewashed Linen sheets offer every advantage of high-quality linen with a softness that’s nearly unrivaled by the competition. The French flax used in this set’s construction is sustainably sourced, and the linen is woven in a historic, family-run mill in Portugal, making these an excellent option for eco-conscious consumers. The 15-inch pocket should fit all but the highest profile mattresses. Quality construction and linen’s natural durability makes it likely that these will last a long time. The Citizenry offers a 30-day return window if the product is unused in its original packaging.
Linen from European Flax
Linen
$329
Excellent Airflow
Highlights
- Made from durable 100% European flax
- Envelope enclosure on pillow cases
- Very breathable and moisture-wicking
Drawbacks
- Price-point could be a barrier for some
- No warranty
The Sleep Doctor’s take
While linen is known for its temperature neutrality, our testers were still impressed by how well the Parachute Linen Sheet Set performed in both warm and cold temperatures. Our hot and cool sleepers alike found that the breathable linen adapted extremely well to their needs and the surrounding climate. The Parachute Linen Sheet Set performed well in all major categories with our testers, but its temperature regulation made it really stand out. While the sheets have a light, airy feel that’s great for hot sleepers, the material also insulates well in cold weather.
How does it feel?
While they aren’t as immediately soft as some linen sheets, the Parachute Linen Sheet Set comes prewashed, so the fabric still feels pleasant against the skin and not overly stiff. The linen softens over time with use as the fabric breaks down. The sheets feel light and breathable, which hot sleepers on our team found comfortable. At the same time, they offer a high level of insulation for when temperatures drop.
Why we like it
Made from European Flax and manufactured in Portugal, the Parachute Linen Sheet Set offers an excellent all-around option for those in the market for a high-end set of linen bed sheets. Their excellent temperature regulation makes them a good option for sleepers in climates with widely varying temperatures. The set includes Parachute’s envelope style pillow cases, which prevents the covers from slipping off at night. The set is available in a range of colors, and Parachute offers a 60-day sleep trial.
Why you should trust us
Our in-house team of product testers conducts extensive testing and incorporates the latest research to ensure that we deliver the most reliable product reviews available. To help you pick the best linen sheets for your unique needs, our testers span a range of sleep needs and preferences.
What are linen sheets?
Linen is a versatile, comfortable and long-lasting material with numerous natural benefits. In fact, widespread use of linen dates back thousands of years and the fabric remains a popular choice today for clothing, bedding, and home decor.
Linen is derived from fibers of the flax plant, which are spun into yarn and then woven or knitted into fabric. Linen sheets start out crisp, but soften with each subsequent wash cycle. Well-used linen sheets have a luxurious, airy feel with a subtle texture and structured drape.
Linen sheets are exceptionally durable and can withstand regular use and laundering while resisting pilling, which many believe justifies their higher price-point compared to cotton and other fabrics.
Who is a good match for linen sheets?
Many sleepers choose linen sheets because the material is durable, breathable, and easy to care for. Besides its practical benefits, many sleepers are fond of linen’s rustic look.
- Sleepers who prefer crisp, light sheets: Linen has a unique, crisp texture that softens over time. Sheets made from linen feel lightweight and breathable compared to other fabrics.
- Hot sleepers and those who live in warmer climates: Linen has excellent airflow and moisture-wicking ability, keeping sleepers cool and dry throughout the night.
- Shoppers who are interested in durable, eco-friendly sheets: Compared with other materials, linen is exceptionally durable. Since growing flax requires little water and irrigation, linen tends to take less energy to produce than other fabrics and is a good choice for eco-conscious shoppers.
Why buy linen sheets?
Compared to other fabrics, linen offers exceptional temperature regulation, a unique and luxurious feel, and unrivaled durability. Since this fabric is also eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, many sleepers find that linen sheets are worth the investment.
Pros and cons of linen sheets
While linen sheets offer numerous advantages, they are not for everyone. Before deciding on the best sheets for you, we suggest evaluating the pros and cons of different materials and considering them in relation to your unique needs and preferences.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Remarkable temperature regulation
- High-end look
Cons
- High price-point
- Wrinkle easily
- Texture can feel stiff
What to expect from linen sheets
Linen sheets are unique for a number of reasons, from their crumpled appearance to their crisp feel. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their characteristics before making a purchase.
| Linen sheets characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Feel | Linen sheets begin lightweight and crisp, but soften with use and regular washing as the fiber breaks in. Some sheets come prewashed or stonewashed to give them a light feel from day one. |
| Thread count / Weight | Unlike other materials, high thread count is not an indicator of quality for linen. Weight, which is measured in grams per square meter (GSM), is a better indicator of how linen sheets feel and perform. |
| Breathability | Linen is revered for its natural breathability, meaning it disperses heat and wicks away moisture from the body. |
| Durability | Linen is one of the most durable natural fabrics available, and has a longer lifespan than materials like cotton and polyester. |
| Ease of care | Most linen is machine washable, dryer-friendly, and simple to care for. |
| Price | Linen sheets tend to be higher priced than sheets made from fabrics like cotton and polyester. |
Are linen sheets better than cotton sheets?
Linen sheets offer superior cooling properties, making them better than cotton sheets for hot sleepers. Linen’s long fibers and loose weave offer natural breathability and moisture-wicking abilities. Additionally, linen sheets are highly durable, surpassing cotton sheets in longevity. While linen may initially feel coarser, it softens with each wash.
While linen softens with use, those looking for a smooth initial texture may prefer cotton sheets. Cotton sheets are more wrinkle-resistant and are generally available in more colors and patterns. Linen sheets have a minimum price-point that is still relatively high, while cotton sheets are available at a wide variety of prices.
How are linen sheets made?
Linen comes from the fibers of flax plants. These fibers are separated from the plant before being spun into yarn. The result is a thread that is considerably thicker than that of cotton, which can then be woven or knitted into linen fabric, often at a specialized mill.
Best thread count for linen sheets (What is GSM?)
Since linen fibers are thicker than cotton, high thread count is not a good indication of quality when shopping for linen sheets. For this reason, manufacturers often don’t specify the thread count of linen products. In general, linen fabrics have a thread count between 80 and 150, whereas fine cotton weaves are generally between 200 and 400.
The weight of linen gives a better idea of its feel. Weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM), with lighter weight indicating a thinner fabric suitable for summer and heavier weight indicating sheets that can be used year-round. Most linen sheets fall between 150 and 190 GSM, with 150 GSM considered mid-weight and 180 to 190 GSM indicating heavier fabric.
Pure linen vs. linen blends
Pure linen is known for its distinct texture and crumpled look, but sometimes manufacturers blend in other materials that can affect these characteristics. In general, linen blends are priced lower than pure linen.
- Linen/cotton blend: When cotton is blended with linen, the result is a smoother, softer fabric that is less wrinkly, but also less durable and potentially prone to shrinking.
- Linen/bamboo-derived viscose blend: When linen is blended with bamboo-derived fabrics, the resulting material is often only 20% to 30% linen. These fabrics tend to be slightly stiffer than bamboo-derived fabrics, emphasizing the silky smoothness of rayon or viscose derived from bamboo.
- Linen/polyester blend: Sheets made from a linen and polyester blend are smoother, and less prone to wrinkles. However, the addition of synthetic materials make them less eco-friendly and not as breathable as pure linen fabrics.
| What’s so special about European linen sheets? |
|---|
| European flax is grown in a large coastal area of Western Europe that offers a unique combination of environmental factors that help produce some of the strongest fibers in the world. As an example, Belgian Linen is known worldwide for its quality. European flax is grown without the need for irrigation, GMOs, or fertilizers. Thus, most linen sheets made with European flax are certified by OKEO-TEX or GOTS as being sustainable and free of a broad range of chemicals. There is also a European Flax Certification which validates the textile’s traceability through every step of the process and guarantees local farming committed to zero irrigation, zero GMO use, and zero waste. |
Last things to know about linen sheets
Linen sheets are a great choice for sleepers looking for a durable and cool bedding set that’s easy to care for. When shopping for sheets, remember to consider your personal preferences, including your budget and how you want the sheets to feel.
Are linen sheets scratchy, and do they get softer?
Some sleepers find that linen sheets are initially coarse or scratchy, but they gradually soften with washing as the fibers break down. Many linen sheet sets come prewashed or stonewashed to prevent initial roughness.
Is it easy to wash and dry linen sheets?
Caring for linen sheets is simple, as most can be washed and dried in household machines. Experts recommend that they be washed every one to two weeks. With proper care, linen sheets can last decades without pilling or significant degradation. Many consider their tendency to wrinkle part of the aesthetic, but linen sheets can be ironed as needed.
Are linen sheets naturally cooling?
Linen sheets offer excellent natural cooling properties for hot sleepers because their long fibers and loose weave promote airflow and wick away moisture.
Can linen keep you warm in colder weather?
Heavier linen performs well in cold weather because of the material’s natural ability to insulate. However, linen with a weight under 165 GSM may prove too thin for colder weather.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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