The Best Linen Sheets of 2021 – Rustic Charm and Natural Comfort

In the world of bedding, much of the conversation is around thickness, density, and keeping as much warmth in the bed as possible for the colder months. However, not much attention goes to lighter fabrics and staying cool in summer. Is the solution just to kick everything off? Perhaps not, and this is because of linen sheets. 

The fibers are sustainably sourced, the fabric is light, and it’s more porous compared to other weaves. Coming from the flax plant, it’s actually easier to harvest than cotton and doesn’t need nearly as much water. 

Should you choose linen sheets? Well, those accustomed to microfiber, cotton, or bamboo might notice the grainy nature of linen sheets. After a couple of washes, it will get softer and many people before you have grown to love linen sheets more than their usual bedding materials. What’s more, linen has a reputation for resilience and durability. Even as you come to use the sheets every single night, it will still have a longer life than cotton bedding. 

One common perceived problem with new linen sheets is that they crease and wrinkle. Again, this isn’t a long-term issue because they eventually flatten (without even requiring an iron!). If you can get used to the slightly rougher material, you will be rewarded with linen sheets and we’re going to learn all there is to learn about them today! 

Linen Sheets Comparison Table

Linen Sheets Reviews

Simple & Opulence: The Best Belgian Flax Linen Sheets Review

The first product we like comes from Simple & Opulence, and one feature, in particular, is the embroidered design; this brings a luxurious feel in what is actually an affordable package. These linen bed sheets shouldn’t fade or shrink, and they are breathable for the warmer months with a cool sensation. Compared to cotton, there’s more moisture absorption and heat conduction too. Sewn and woven in China, these sheets are eco-friendly with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, and the fabric itself is durable and long-lasting. 

With the sheet, the deep pockets allow for mattresses of up to 14 inches, and the elastic is all around rather than just in the corners. Elsewhere, the pillowcases and flat sheet have unique embroidery stitching along one side. Depending on the decor of your home, you can choose between the following: 

• Gray 
• Purple 
• White 
• Dark gray 
• Hand-drawing gray 

Furthermore, available sizes range from twin and king. In terms of maintenance, all the sheets are machine washable and can even go in the tumble dryer as long as you select a low or medium heat. As time goes on, they continually get softer and you can even iron for added comfort on ‘fresh sheet day’. As a word of advice, keep these linens separated from darker colors when washing. 

Linoto: The Best High-End Option Review

What if you have no budget limitations and are looking only for quality? Allow us to introduce Linoto. The pure flax seed linen is sourced from Belgium, Italy, and Ireland, the sheet looks beautiful, and you don’t have to worry about dust and lint. Made of long-staple flax linen, it feels smooth in the hand while the fibers themselves are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and they’re delicate enough for the skin. 

As we saw with the previous product, linen can absorb lots of moisture without actually feeling damp and this is a huge advantage of choosing this material. As a cooling/thermo regulator, you should be warm enough in winter without overheating in the summer. 

When ordering this Linoto package, you will receive: 

• Two pillowcases
• One fitted sheet 
• One flat sheet 

As you probably saw in the key features, there are no seams. What’s more, they provide all sizes from California king right down to twin, and there are 15 neutral colors. If you have a pillow-top mattress, you’re still in good hands thanks to the deep pocket fitted sheet design. Although some linen sheets are difficult to install, this one is a breeze. 

If you’re all for little maintenance, you’ll be glad to know you don’t need to iron, the sheets go in the machine, and they get softer each and every time they’re washed. Reviews online are mostly positive, and it’s not hard to see why, but there is one main concern. Sadly, a couple of customers noted how splits appeared after a while. Fortunately, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee and the manufacturer actually offered free replacements for these customers. Therefore, we still believe you can buy the product with confidence. 

Len Linum: The Best Organic Sheet Set Review

Often, people choose linen sheets for the organic nature and this is what we have with this Len Linum product. Grown in Europe, the organic flax is sustainably sourced and woven. With this, you don’t need to worry about extensive manufacturing procedures or chemical additives. In fact, you also support small businesses while purchasing this product. 

If you want to stay warm in winter and cool in summer (who doesn’t!), these linen sheets are moisture wicking and naturally dry. Although the linen weave is weighted nicely, the material is still breathable and not every manufacturer gets this balance right. 

Other benefits of choosing this Len Linum product is that it’s hypoallergenic, durable, sturdy, and resists moisture, dirt, and staining. Even after some time, the sheets should look just as fresh as they did the day they arrived. 

Inside the packaging, you’ll find: 

• One fitted sheet (16 inches deep)
• One flat sheet 
• Two pillowcases 

Not only does the duvet cover come with pearl button closures, it looks great and works well with soft interiors. As long as you use a gentle (and cold) cycle and a low setting, you can even put them in the washing machine and dryer. If you look at reviews online, you’ll see that the sheets frequently get full marks for breathability, construction, and more. 

Tuft & Needle: The Best Fitted Sheets Review

We’ve seen full sheet sets and we’ve seen fitted sheets, and we’re now going to focus on the latter with a Tuft & Needle product that has captured the attention of many customers. Rather than the common Belgian option, the manufacturer has gone for the more affordable European flax. Despite the lower cost, the flax is just as soft and durable. With the balanced linen weave, warmth is captured without trapping either moisture or heat, and this is a huge advantage. As for the fabric itself, this is actually sewn and woven in India. 

The reason this fitted sheet is soft is because it’s actually pre-washed. As long as your mattress is under 14 inches, the 16-inch deep pockets will work perfectly for this fitted sheet. What’s more, those who move frequently through the night will be happy with the durable and strong elastic (no readjusting the sheet every single morning!). 

As we’ve seen before, the sheet works just as well in summer as it does in winter. If you have doubts, Tuft & Needle provide a two-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial. 

Merryfeel: The Best French Flax Linen Sheets Review

We come to the end of our list of products, and we find Merryfeel with their French flax linen. Available for a reasonable price, these sheets use pure French flax and are made softer by the pre-wash in the manufacturing process. With a 15-inch deep pocket design, they work with thick mattresses and they’re naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Also boasting a soft handle, the sheets work through the calendar and fit with all decors too. 

Luckily, Merryfeel have developed the products for all sizes between California king and twin (the only size missing is twin XL, but this is a less common size anyway). After several washes, customers have noted how the color stays strong, and this is because all impurities have already been removed from the dye during the pre-treatment phase of manufacturing. 

Finally, they go in the machine and you can even choose a warm setting for the tumble dryer. This being said, the company does suggest line drying as much as possible. 

Stone & Beam: The Best for Transition from Cotton Review

Designed especially for summer and those in a warmer climate, our next suggestion is particularly useful if you’re currently thinking about making the jump from cotton to linen. As a breathable option, it’s already smooth and crisp which means you don’t have to spend weeks wearing the material in and constantly washing. Although you’ll still feel the classic grainy texture that linen offers, it shouldn’t ever scratch the skin or feel uncomfortable. 

Stone & Beam have chosen Belgian flax seed, and this means breathability in the summer as well as durability. Two features we also like are the sizing (because they fit deeper mattresses) and the vintage look of the hemstitching. If you want to make the transition between cotton and linen a smooth one, we recommend this Stone & Beam product. It has a luxury appearance without a huge price tag, and customers love the sheet set. It has plenty of five-star reviews and the texture is a welcome one after a long session in the gym or a heavy day at work. 

Beflax: The Softest Option Review

This time, we’re off to France for the flax linen and it has been responsibly sourced in order to create this wonderful product. Threaded in Europe, it’s ideal for those with allergies as hypoallergenic sheets (while also remaining breathable). Over time, you also won’t have to worry about moisture or dust. Even if you have asthma, this is great news. 

Pre-washed with natural enzymes, the sheets are incredibly soft, and this makes it perfect if you’ve never tried linen bedding before. Rather than panicking about the scratchy reputation in the early days, you will have softness from the very first sleep. As you wash, it will continue getting softer (hard to imagine when you first feel the bedding!), and the mélange weave allows for weight, comfort, and durability. 

In terms of customer reviews, Beflax has done very well. It has five-star reviews in three categories; softness, durability, and cooling comfort. 

DAPU: The Best Year-Round Comfort Review

Sustainably sourced, this French flax linen sheets set has Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, as well as feeling comfortable for all users. With the high-quality material, you’ll be glad to know this is a soft option for infants, those with sensitive skin, and anybody who doesn’t like the rough side of linen. 

How does DAPU make it so soft? It all comes down to their stone washing process. Rather than using strong chemicals, DAPU uses the stone washing method and this softens the textiles significantly. As you put it through several washes, it will only get softer (while retaining its durability!). 

For us, the DAPU sheets are suitable for the full year for two reasons; the balanced weight and tight-knit weave. Before ever feeling wet, linen will actually absorb 20% of its own weight in moisture. Ultimately, this means you stay cool in the summer months and warm in the winter. 

Furthermore, we couldn’t talk about this DAPU product without mentioning the deep pocket fitted sheet design. Measuring 16 inches deep, it has elastic around the entire circumference which means an excellent fit for all mattresses. 

Finally, it has brilliant reviews from verified buyers. Not only does it get five stars for attractive weave design, it has earned the rating for quality craftsmanship and customer service too. 

King Linens: The Most Affordable Option Review

For those on a small budget, we like the effort from King Linens. Made with the deep pocket design we’ve seen before, as well as durable elastic, it will fit anything up to 14 inches while still offering all the normal benefits; this includes breathability and temperature regulation. 

If you partner this with another flat sheet, this fitted sheet will bring durability and quality, and proof of this comes with the Oeko-Tex certification. With the stone washing method that we’ve seen previously, the sheet will feel smooth against the skin and it’s almost impossible to shrink in the wash (good news for those with little experience using a washing machine!). Compared to cotton, both moisture absorption and heat conduction are higher. 

Once again, we turn to customer reviews and see that King Linens are loved for this product. They have five-star ratings in the following areas: 

• Softness
• Non-slip traction 
• Durable construction 

Pandatex: The Best for Linen Fabric Look Review

If you like the linen look but don’t actually want the material, you’re in good hands with Pandatex. It has the wonderful benefits of bamboo and cotton blend fabric while looking like true linen, and this is a combination most customers enjoy. With a 300-thread count weave, it brings together the two natural materials brilliantly.

Just as we’ve seen with real linen, this product will work through the calendar, and it is moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic by nature. You get the breathability that natural linen offers, the insulation of bamboo, and the soft feel of cotton - a winning combination.

As for the fitted sheet itself, it will fit any mattress up to 15 inches due to the deep pocket design. All around the bottom, there’s an elastic band that will hug the mattress. When in use, the sheet shouldn’t slip, and the four vertical stitching sections in the corners are another advantage. With all of these features in mind, there’s no surprise these sheets have positive reviews in the following categories; softness, temperature regulation, and breathability.

The Basics of Linen

We’ve said it before, but we really need to start caring more about our bedding, as a nation, considering we spend one-third of our lives asleep. If this shocks you, hopefully you now see the importance of feeling comfortable in bed. Linen is a brilliant choice because it works in both the summer and winter months, and this is something we’ve seen in the example products. In the second half of this guide, we’re going to learn more about the material and things to consider when spending your hard-earned money. 

Firstly, linen is a natural material and it all starts with the flax plant. Containing cellulose fibers, the plant is harvested, and the very best quality fibers are harvested by hand. The longer the fibers, the stronger and more durable the end product. From here, it’s dried and then the seeds are removed. 

At this point, the stalks are wetted to go through the ‘retting’ process; they’re then dried for a second time and cured. It’s not yet ready for bedding because all the tiny pieces of wood need to be removed through what’s called ‘scutching’. In fact, we’re not even done here because the fibers are then split and polished during the ‘heckling’ process. Only now is it spun into a thin yarn - quite the extensive manufacturing process, right? 

As you may know, yarn is woven using a loom and this is how we get to our bedding. Unlike other materials, quality doesn’t come from thread count. Instead, you should be looking for good harvesting and handling practices as well as overall fabric weight. 

Drawbacks of Choosing Linen Sheets

Sadly, not every material is perfect, and there are three drawbacks to choosing linen. 

Wrinkling: With bamboo and cotton, the inherent flexibility means that, when bunched together and folded, they will quickly spring back to the original position. Sadly, this doesn’t happen with linen. Instead, you will experience wrinkling and creasing. If you like to have smooth bedding, this characteristic of linen might be bothersome to you.

As the linen gets softer from more washes, there’s a chance that these wrinkles become less and less obvious. This being said, they will always be there in some capacity. If you aren’t sure, we urge you to give a linen sheet set a try because some people actually love the unique wrinkled appearance and the character it gives. 

Initial Rough Feel: There is a coarser feeling with linen when it first comes out of the packaging, and this is something that concerns many people. If you’re worried about this, either be patient until the sheets soften over time with washes or buy a pre-washed product so that you can enjoy the soft sheets from the start; however, you should be aware that these typically have a higher price point. 

Price: We saw the long manufacturing process from the flax plant to the sheet earlier, and this is one reason why linen bed sheets are more expensive. The fiber is extracted and goes through a long weaving process before it can be put to use on a bed. Not only this, but the fact that the fabric is eco-friendly and organic automatically increases the price since these features are in demand right now. However, don’t forget, linen bed sheets provide durability, so it’s more of an investment compared to other materials. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Linen Sheets

How do you buy linen sheets? How do you choose the right ones for your bed and for your needs? Here are our considerations! 

Size 

With the majority of linen bed sheets, they come in the same sizes as standard mattresses. This means you’ll find: 

• California King
• King 
• Queen 
• Full 
• Twin XL 
• Twin

If you have a mattress thicker than the standard, this is bad news because you may have a hard time finding a linen sheet set that fits. Above all else, look for sheets with deep pockets, and this should be mentioned in the product description. And, a 5% shrinkage is expected even when purchasing pre-washed sheets, so bear this in mind. 

Weight 

With linen fabric, weight is an important statistic because it tells you how thick and warm your bed sheets will be. Today, the best linen sheets have an average weight of around six ounces per square yard. If you want a medium weight, this comes with around 7.3 ounces per square yard. Finally, the thickest sheets offer a double weave and can measure 14 ounces per square yard. Waffle linens such as throws and towels will fall just under 12 ounces per square yard. 

Quality 

While it might not be as soft as other materials, linen can offer quality and, as a result, longevity. At the moment, the most luxurious linen fibers are collected in France. This being said, there’s nothing wrong with Chinese, eastern European, and Belgian linen. Linen is also grown in India; however, the heat will snap the flax (while also preventing long growth); ultimately, the end product isn’t as strong. 

In terms of the grading process, this is all based on the lack of pesticides used during plant growth and the length of the fibers collected. With each type of linen, you get a unique appearance and feel. Which quality level you choose will depend on your preference and how much you’re willing to spend. 

Softness 

If you want the softest possible linen from the packaging, this comes with a chemical wash or blended linen fabric. These might sound like good options, but chemically treated linen sheets will lose their softness after the first wash, and those blended with other materials won’t have the same durability. Plus, these two options aren’t eco-friendly, and they tend to be low in quality too. 

With genuine linen, it feels coarse at first, but the fabric becomes softer over time. If you don’t want the early transition period, wash your sheets a few times before using them. As long as the manufacturers aren’t using chemicals, it’s also a good idea to think about brands that use stone washing. You’ll get a rustic appearance, and the sheets will also be much softer from the packaging. 

Durability 

After buying a linen sheet set, you don’t want to be looking for another new product a couple of weeks down the line. Therefore, durability is a fantastic feature. With strong construction, fibers, and yarns, there’s no reason why you can’t get a full decade out of your linen bed sheets (with the right care, of course!). 

There are a few things that cause premature aging; the fiber quality, weave, and softening treatments. With the wrong fibers, you might experience tearing after a few uses. Don’t worry, all the products and brands we mentioned in our best linen sheets list use authentic and genuine sources for their linen. 

Thread Count 

Before we say anything, don’t pin all your hopes on the thread count when it comes to linen. It’s impossible to compare cotton and linen equally with thread count because the fibers from the flax plant are so much thicker. With linen, a lower thread count is actually a good thing; when the thread count is too high, it loses breathability. 

It might sound counter-intuitive, but going with the thicker yarn in linen provides more breathability and durability - some experts say up to TEN TIMES longer in life when comparing equal quality linen and cotton. In our opinion, anything between 80 and 150 is the norm. If you see a thread count above 150, this is probably a marketing ploy. 

Pattern and Design 

Unfortunately, there aren’t as many options with design, as you might find with synthetics and cotton. Although you might find some color options, they’re never really patterned. Ultimately, the color can vary greatly because some linen sheets will be garment dyed in small batches. 

Ease of care

We know that linen is durable and also resistant to friction, but this doesn’t prevent wrinkling. However, this is all part of the character and charm. 

In the past, plenty of linen owners have folded their sheets away only to then be disappointed when the folds don’t fade. Compared to other materials, linen will not spring back to life as easily. Although we recommend against ironing each and every wash, you can iron as long as you spray some clean water beforehand to strengthen the fibers. 

Just because the linen sheet set requires some care, this doesn’t mean we recommend a linen/polyester or linen/cotton blend instead. When you add cotton to linen, the positives of fewer wrinkles and a softer feel are overshadowed by the reduced breathability and durability. Sadly, cotton can never compete with linen for keeping the skin dry and cool. Meanwhile, polyester isn’t as eco-friendly and is a cheaper man-made material. 

Certification 

We used the term ‘Oeko-Tex’ in our best linen sheets list in the first section of this guide, but what does this actually mean? The term refers to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, which compares and reviews the textile used in the production of bed sheets and other materials. If a product has the Standard 100 certification, this means the material is completely safe and doesn’t contain any of the many harmful substances for which it has been tested. 

When you see this certification, you know that it’s a product you can trust. In the most recent update of the harmful substances, there are 17 groups dangerous to humans, so this certification really is important for the industry. 

Pricing 

We urge you to think about linen bedding as an investment; while you will pay more compared to other materials, most people keep their linen sheets for over a decade after caring for them properly. 

Returns Policy and Warranty 

As the final consideration, we can’t forget the returns policy and warranty on offer from the manufacturer. Just because a linen sheet set is perfect for most people, this doesn’t mean it will be perfect for you. Therefore, you need a 30-day money-back guarantee just in case your experience is poor. Additionally, there should be a warranty that protects you against manufacturing faults and defects. 

Linen Sheets Care and Maintenance 

With all the bedding options on the market these days, there’s really no reason to choose a set of sheets that doesn’t match your care and maintenance requirements. Assuming you’ve bought your sheets from a reliable manufacturer, they will come with care instructions, and this is the first step to successful maintenance. 

However, we’ll offer some general advice. If manufacturing is done properly, you shouldn’t have to worry about dry cleaning; you can either wash in the machine or by hand. If you use the machine, put them on a cold, gentle cycle because you can actually weaken the fibers with too much heat. In terms of products, we recommend castile soap (or another biodegradable soap) or a mild detergent. 

To extend the life of linen sheets, allow them to air dry. If you can’t wait, try a medium heat in the dryer for up to 15 minutes. When doing this, turn the pillowcases inside out and only put one sheet with one pillowcase at a time. If you put the whole set in, the center of the sheet will remain wet with the over-dried edges. 

Warning: You may weaken or discolor the fabric when using a detergent or bleach with color brighteners. If there are stains on the sheets, do the following: 

• ​Sprinkle some baking soda 
• Add a few drops of vinegar 
• Dab with a paper towel

From here, it’s a matter of personal preference whether you put your sheets back on the bed or iron first. If you’re storing your linen bedding, keep it a cool, dry place. Since the fabric naturally repels insects, there’s no need for plastic bags or cardboard boxes.

FAQs

Why does linen wrinkle?

In reality, all materials wrinkle at different speeds, and we’re going to blame the moisture-wicking properties for linen wrinkling so quickly. It’s hydrogen bonds that link the fabric polymers together, the very same bonds that link water molecules. Since linen absorbs water well, this moisture disrupts the polymer chains and the fabric changes shape. Compared to synthetic materials, natural fibers also inherently lack the elastic properties required to spring back into a smooth position. 

How durable is linen? 

We’ve spoken lots about the durability of linen, but the time you get with your sheets all depends on the care you provide, the work of the manufacturers, and the quality of the fibers. For most manufacturers, they will often limit their promises to three years. However, we know people who have had the same linen sheets for two or three decades (that’s right, DECADES!). 

If you want this sort of life from your linen sheets, look for the higher price points and the linen from France and Belgium. Also, follow the manufacturer’s washing and care instructions. This way, you prevent damage and keep the sheets in top condition. This includes not washing at a temperature that’s too high or ironing after every single wash. 

Should I try linen sheets?

We believe linen sheets are perfect for both allergy sufferers and hot sleepers. On the other hand, those who prefer lighter sheets should avoid linen since it’s heavier than cotton. 

How comfortable are linen sheets?

With the breathability on offer, linen provides a wonderful environment for sleep; it will boost airflow, take moisture away, and try to keep you cool in even the hottest months. Also, those with sensitive skin will love the naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic nature of the sheets. With temperature regulation, it works in all seasons and proves, more often than not, a solid investment. 

Does linen suit everybody? 

No, no material will ever work for every human on the planet. We understand that linen is unconventional, and this is why some sleepers will steer clear. Some people love the unique feel of linen, others get used to it after an adjustment period, and a small group never get used to it at all. 

If you’re planning to try linen for the first time, we recommend stonewashed or pre-washed products since they’re softer from the package; you don’t have to deal with the initial grainy texture. 

Why is this one of the most expensive materials?

Worrying about your budget is a fair concern with linen, but there’s a reason why it’s more expensive than most. In fact, there are many reasons, but it starts with the extensive manufacturing process. Since flax fibers are known to break (they lack elasticity), weaving is incredibly hard and takes time, skill, and patience. 

How easy is linen care?

Often, people are put off by the difference in care between linen and other materials. In reality, it’s actually quite easy. Most products can be washed and then tumble dried on a low heat (as long as you avoid strong detergents and harsh chemicals!). 

Linen has a bigger problem with wrinkling than most materials, so don’t allow your sheets to sit in the tumble dryer for long periods after finishing. If you use an iron, have it on a lukewarm setting. Otherwise, the breathability and durability should mean that you don’t have to wash too frequently. 

Why choose linen over cotton?

Finally, this is a debate that many have before spending their money. If we look at durability alone, experts believe linen to be 30% stronger. After a minimum of three years, cotton will start to break down and fade. With the right care, linen can surpass 10 and even 20 years (in fact, it will thrive as it keeps getting softer!). 

Throughout this guide, we’ve also pointed to the moisture-wicking properties and breathability of linen. If you perspire through the night, the linen will absorb it in an attempt to regulate temperature. This being said, it still has enough insulation to keep you warm in the winter. Elsewhere, linen is hypoallergenic, suits those with skin sensitivities, and has a rustic character than no other material can provide. This last point is actually why some people don’t iron at all. 

Summary

With this, you now know just as much about linen sheets and sheet sets as us. You know the benefits, the drawbacks, the main buying considerations, and you even have a list of products to start your search. We’ve focused lots on the sleep you’ll get, but we can’t ignore the environmentally friendly nature of the material. Not only is the flax plant a renewable raw material, it is processed using very little energy. What’s more, the natural fibers make it biodegradable. 

If you can make the sheets last over a decade, surely the extra investment is well worthwhile?