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Let’s Settle This Once & for All—Cotton or Linen Sheets?
The great bedding debate rages on.
Of all the things we’re passionate about here at Home52 (wiping the sink every day, flipping the toilet paper over the top of the roll, sourcing vintage rugs, etc.), possibly the most fiercely debated topic? Bedsheet material.
We’ve been around the block for a bit, which means we’ve had the chance to test, try, feel, smell, and wash just about all the bedding you can imagine. We even tested almost a dozen sets (!) to find the best ones. Given that the average American spends a third of their lifetime in bed, quality sheets are tantamount to a healthy sleep routine. Just think about it—would you get a more restful sleep in crisp, white hotel sheets, or the polyester blend that still plagues your childhood bed?
That said, sheets can be a daunting investment, and there’s a bit of background information to know before you take the plunge.
Firstly, to be blunt—thread count is kind of a scam. What used to be an indicator of quality is now largely a packaging ploy to get consumers to spend more. Anything with a thread count higher than 500 starts to get suspicious, and may be composed of multi-ply threads of cotton (counted as individual threads), instead of single ply threads. This is an indicator of lower quality cotton or materials, as the multiple-ply threads strengthen lower-grade cotton. Instead of thread count, look for threads made of long-staple fibers and thin, single ply threads.
Secondly, another thing you’ll see a lot about are weaves. The most common cotton weaves (yup, like a basket) you’ll see are percale and sateen. Percale is a one-over, one-under weave that feels cool and crisp, looks matte, and gets softer with every wash. Sateen is a three-over, one-under weave that’s super soft, smooth, and looks slightly shiny. Both are highly wrinkle-resistant, even if you leave them in the dryer long after they're done.
Linen has a whole other set of standards, which are fuzzier than the ones governing cotton. Thread counts are much lower for linen, as the flax fibers are thicker and the weave is usually visible, whereas with cotton, it’s difficult to see the tiny individual fibers. Linen is also commonly advertised as “stone-washed” or “enzyme-washed” which usually means the breaking-in and multiple washing process is mostly done for you—i.e. the linen comes to you soft, not stiff.
Read on for our (passionate) pros and cons for each bedding material.
Caroline, the Cotton Fiend:
So before we get into it: I grew up in a house of polar bears. My parents kept the thermostat at 64 degrees at night, so my adapted sleep preference is for the room to be so cold that if my hand were to slip out, it might go a little numb. I know I’m not the only one who likes to be cold while sleeping, so for all of you who run hot out there, I’m here to preach the percale sheet gospel.
If you’ve ever luxuriated in crisp, white sheets at a hotel, it was probably a set of cotton percale sheets. The other kind of cotton sheets (my second favorite weave) is sateen, which is more tightly woven, buttery soft, and less likely to wrinkle. Percale is always my go-to though because it’s got that satisfying flip-the-pillow-over-in-the-night freshness. If I’m even the slightest bit overheated in the night, I toss and turn, and have trouble falling back asleep, but with percale sheets, I can always roll over to a new cold spot and snuggle in.
The refrain with linen sheets is that they’re great for summer and hot climates because they’re breathable, but I personally would rather have 100 percent cotton (also a breathable fabric!) that not only lets heat out, but also stays cool to the touch. My other main gripes with linen? They take a bit to break in (mine were super scratchy for a good five washes) and they release so much dust. I find myself wiping down all the surfaces in my bedroom constantly when linen is on my bed.
Arati, Linen's Biggest Fan:
I wasn’t always a linen fan, preferring cool, crisp, doesn’t-try-too-hard cotton. However, over the last few years, as the demand for linen bedding grew (making it more accessible) and brands began getting better and better with colors, weight, and durability, I started shuffling over to the other camp.
So, why do I love linen so much? Well, first, I love linen’s breathability, despite its weightiness. The airflow through the weave leaves them cool and dry no matter how long they are in use—and I would know because my partner and I are both hot sleepers (not always fun, but hey, at least we’re compatible).
Linen sheets have also taught me an important life lesson, which is to embrace the imperfect. The feature I first reacted most viscerally to—the creases and wrinkles—became a prompt for me to not sweat the small stuff. Linen wrinkles—it’s what the fabric is supposed to do.
Oh, and can I just say saturated colors just work so much better on linen? Prints don’t quite catch on, but I was never a printed sheet gal anyway.
Caroline:
Cotton may be my favorite material to sleep in, but aesthetically, linen sure is beautiful. The casual crinkles, the marled fibers, the effortlessness it exudes—it’s why I often actually have a linen duvet cover. I love how durable and weighty it is, so long as I have a cotton top sheet to protect me. Linen also looks beautiful with a casual wrinkle, but cotton just looks messy when it’s not pressed—and I'm not one to press my sheets.
The other major drawback to cotton sheets is that they don’t last nearly as long as linen sheets, or at least mine haven't. Cotton sheets usually max out at about two years of regular use, but I've heard that good linen sheets can last generations, making them a really great investment.
Arati:
So, I’ll be the first to admit that linen sheets aren't the softest when they arrive—you’ve got to give ‘em time to shine (like...multiple washes—even with the “broken-in” kind), so I understand that this can be off-putting to some. Look, linen sheets are never going to be the same kind of soft as cotton, so I’ve learned not to expect that—they break in differently.
Linen is also heavier than cotton, so it might not suit someone who doesn't like extra weight on them while they sleep. I have an extra set of cotton bedding for any guests who might run too hot at night. To linen’s defense, they do absorb perspiration better though.
And finally, yes, linen can be expensive because the quality of linen matters. Purchasing a softer, more weighty linen sheet set could run up your budget, and it’s important to know if it works for you before you invest. However, because linen is so durable (and the better the quality, the more durable), it can last years and years. Belgian linen, in particular, is thought to be among the highest quality types of linen, and is virtually an heirloom. (Tip: look for a tighter weave if you want it your linen to last.)
So, yes, I’m what I’d call a realistic lover of linen. And because I see all sides of its personality, I’d like to think that just makes me a more cautious and pragmatic linen shopper.
1. Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets, $49.50+
“I have several sets of the percale bedding from Brooklinen, and they're truly reliable, durable, and always crisp. I recommend Brooklinen for anyone looking to invest in their sleep and bedding. It's got a range of colors and patterns, including seasonal limited-edition runs like a limoncello-inspired yellow and a floral watercolor designed by artist Alexandra Karamallis. You can buy them as sheet sets or à la cart, so if you want to start with just a duvet or just a few pillowcases, you can surely do so.”—Caroline
2. Schoolhouse Gingham Cotton Percale Sheet Set, $159+
“Is there anyone who isn't drawn in by the rustic charm of gingham? Not me. This 100 percent cotton percale set in timeless mini checks will add comfort and polish to any bedroom. Available in two colors—Russet and Juniper—this set will go with any style, any space. For extra flair, throw on this vintage-y cotton quilt and these popcorn chenille shams.”—Arati
3. L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set, $119+
“I know, it seems wild that one of my favorite percale sheet sets is from an outdoor retailer, but I swear, these are some of the coolest sheets I've ever slept on. They're soft without losing crispness, and cool without being made of ice somehow? I don't know how L.L.Bean does it.”—Caroline
4. Parachute Linen Sheet Set, $189+
“Crafted in Portugal with 100 percent European flax, these sheets just feel both incredibly comfortable from the get-go—and durable (that weight we spoke of!). They also wash incredibly well—and trust us, not all linen sheets are created equal that way.”—Arati
5. Hawkins New York Stonewashed Linen Bedding, $78+
“Hawkins does jewel-toned linen like no one else (I've been looking for an excuse to treat myself to that gorgeous rust! Or was it terracotta? Maybe mustard?). In the end though, no matter what color you get, you're assured supple, breathable linen that lasts and lasts.”—Arati
6. Flax Home Linen Separates, $80+
“This linen really stands out for its softness and weight—which means it's somehow both cozy and cool at the same time (reason enough for me to get this linen bathrobe in a sunny marigold)! And while I have a fondness for the pebble stripes variant, what I love most is mixing and matching colors. My preferred combo? A fitted sheet in Dove, a Sage flat sheet, and pillows in Pebble Stripes. The brand also has a 30-night return policy, which means that if you don't love it, it'll take it back, no questions asked. Hi, cotton lovers, thinking of converting yet?”—Arati
Written by: Caroline Mullen
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45 Comments
Much more of this it's goodbye Food52. Are you ladies even paying attention?
Since I only buy goose down comforters made in Denmark, the U.S. size duvet covers don't fit as all of my goose down comforters are 135cm X 220cm. The U.S. twin size duvet covers are way too big for my goose down comforters as my Danish ones are to sit on top of the mattress and not hang all over the sides of it like the ones here in the U.S.
As far as linen goes, I much prefer linen in a fitted sheet and only buy my linens from www.linoto.com. To me, it's well worth the wait. They custom make each order. They will also do custom sizes.
As for linen softening up, I just throw my linen pieces into the dryer with two unscented Bounce dryer sheets and by the second or third washing/drying, they're soft. They also soften up more over time.
However, my biggest gripe about sheets is that none actually fit anymore.
It used to be that mattresses were a uniform thickness and sheets all fit that thickness. Yes, I'm showing my age.
Now, with mattress companies trying to out do each other, sheets are "one size fits all", meaning they don't fit any well.
It infuriates me to spend a fortune on sheets only to have them sag, bag and wrinkle uncomfortably under me as they move with me instead of staying snug. No sheet preference, cotton, linen or otherwise will feel good under those miserable circumstances.
I'm a fan of linen all the way, totally worth the extra $$$. Like this article says, it's a long-term investment. If linen wraps were good enough for Egyptian Pharaohs, I should be able to make mine last for at least 30-40 years without having to bury them in the sand, right?
Red Land sounds interesting and I’m going to check them out next.
See what other Food52 readers are saying.