:strip_icc()/bhg-product-parachute-linen-sheet-set-dburreson-002-1-1-1a3679edfb0b484aafb03a4f79686e31.jpeg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "The 5 Best Linen Sheet Sets for a Cool Night’s Rest")
Linen is known for its breathability, lived-in look, and textured feel that softens over time. While the material is great for clothing, it also makes for great sheets, especially for those who are warm sleepers.
When it comes to sheets, linen can be a polarizing material. “People who use linen sheets, who experience them, either really love them or they don’t, there’s no in between,” says Deborah Young, a textile expert based in Los Angeles.
One reason for this is that there can be major differences in the way linen looks and feels from brand to brand. “Linen is really interesting,” Young adds. “There are qualitative differences to the thickness and thread count. It can be quite crisp or light and amazingly gauzy; there are different textures.”
All this can be hard to decipher which linen set is the best option for your home. Fortunately, we’ve tested hundreds of the best sheets in our testing lab and right at home for up to six months. In addition to Young, we also consulted Saana Baker, another textile expert, and Jennifer Woodson, a textile developer with over 15 years of experience, for more information on what to look for in a set of linen sheets.
What We Tested
We evaluated nine sets of linen sheet sets on their quality, texture, and breathability, durability. For more information on how we tested linen sheets, check out our testing process below.
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When we first took the Bokser Home French Linen Sheet Set out of its packaging, we observed that the fabric was a little on the thicker and rougher side. But these 100% French linen sheets softened up dramatically. Over time, they became almost broken-in feeling, and extremely comfortable and luxurious to sleep on.
During lab testing, we didn’t notice any post-wash imperfections, loose strings, or color fading (a good thing, since the brand offers so many lovely color options). These sheets proved impressively durable, too, with stains from coffee and makeup coming entirely clean, and only some residue left behind from an oil spill.
The fabric also performed well in our abrasion test, with no holes emerging after the area was swiped 50 times (some pilling did occur, though).
These are quality sheets, with some beautiful details. The fitted sheet comfortably slipped on the mattress and remained firmly in place at the corners; we appreciated the large seams, strong elastic, and handy top and bottom tabs—making the bed is a breeze. The fabric is nice and breathable, too.
The texture of this linen is slightly heavy, which makes these sheets perfect for both warmer and cooler nights. The fabric is breathable and didn’t cause us to overheat, but still feels comforting.
Worth mentioning: These are linen sheets for people who like linen sheets. While they do soften up with time, the material is more textured than your typical cotton sheets. If you’re drawn to smooth, crisp sheets, these wouldn’t be the best option for you.
How They Performed After Six Months
These linen sheets are on the pricey side, but we found them to be a great value. They got softer with each wash and after six months of use at home, we’d continue to recommend them highly. Over time, the fabric continued to feel worn, soft, breezy, and so luxurious, like a comforting hug.
Product Details: Pocket Size: 16 in. | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Key Terms to Know
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a label given to products that have been made without substances deemed harmful by Oeko-Tex.
- Flax: Linen is made of flax fibers from the flax plant. Flax is a thicker fiber than cotton, which gives linen sheets their thicker texture.
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Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
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![Close up of the Bokser Home French Linen Sheet Set]()
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Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
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Why You Should Get It
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Lightweight, breathable, and durable, these are truly wonderful linen sheets.
“Just right” was one of our first thoughts when we opened the Quince European Linen Sheet Set. Made of 100% European linen and Oeko-Tex certified, these sheets are soft and comfortable without being slippery or rough. Overall, we found these to be ideal year-round sheets.
If you tend to be a little rough on your bedding, these linen sheets would be an especially good option. They proved themselves to be reasonably stain-resistant in our lab tests. We couldn’t see any sign of the makeup or coffee stains, and the oil stain was almost fully removed. The abrasion test also didn’t result in any thinning of the fabric, which was notable. They washed well, too, and became a little softer afterward.
The fitted sheet in this Quince set isn’t as tightly fitting as some others on this list, but it still held up well to our tossing and turning. There were a few small loose threads on the seams. Other than this, though, there were no imperfections on these linen sheets. As a bonus, they’re available in more than 30 color options and some hard-to-find sizes, like split king.
We have very few criticisms of these linen sheets, but we might choose a lighter color in the future. Although the dark gray color we tested was mostly consistent-looking, upon opening the package, there was one small area that appeared lighter. Plus, after the abrasion test, the fabric that was swiped also looked a little lighter, which might not have been the case with a different color such as white.
How They Performed After Six Months
These sheets got even softer and airier with continued use, and have held up well to wear and tear—although the color faded somewhat, we haven’t experienced any stains, loose threads, or tears. The fitted sheet, which was originally very large, did shrink a bit, but now fits the mattress more snugly. The linen on these sheets thinned a little in certain places but remains nice-feeling and comfortable to sleep on.
Product Details: Pocket Size: 16 in. | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, and California king | Certifications: Oeko-Tex standard 100
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Parachute’s Linen Sheet Set is more expensive than other sets we tested, but if you’re willing to spend a little more, you won’t be disappointed with these high-quality sheets. Made of European flax in Portugal, they’re soft, breathable, and available in a range of calm neutrals, so they’ll look wonderful on a bed.
These sheets are clearly well-made, and we were impressed by the quality and appearance of the fabric. We observed perfect stitching, no loose threads, a lovely texture, and a dry pattern that was even throughout and provided soft, consistent color. The fitted sheet in this set is stretchy and comfortably hugged every corner on our mattress without coming off after tossing and turning.
This set also performed well during our moisture management test in our lab. The drop of water dispersed within two to three seconds, faster than many comparable products—and a clear indicator that these sheets are excellent at wicking away moisture.
The sheets themselves feel soft and lightweight, so this, combined with their moisture-wicking performance, would make them just right for hot sleepers.
Like many other linen sheets, some areas of the fabric seemed to have more “nubs” than others. We found this contributes to the relaxed look and feel, but this may not be a style that everyone appreciates.
How They Performed After Six Months
These linen sheets only got softer with regular use and frequent washing. They didn’t shrink after going through the wash, either, which is a nice plus. And they continued to look and feel wonderful on a bed and remained breathable and cool, perfect for the later spring and summer months or anyone who runs hot at night.
Keep in mind that because they’re so light, they might not be right for winter, especially if you live in a colder climate or a drafty house.
Product Details: Pocket Size: Not listed | Sizes: Full, queen, California king, and king | Certifications: Oeko-Tex
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Made from a comfortable blend of linen and bamboo, the sheets in the Cozy Earth Linen Sheet Set are lovely and well-made. Though not 100% linen, we loved the feel of these sheets; they’re soft and lightweight yet still cozy, with a slightly snubby texture like other linen sheets.
These Cozy Earth sheets are luxurious. When we opened the package, we observed the well-stitched seams and high-quality fabric, which had no loose threads or visible imperfections. The fitted sheet in this set is nicely made, and was easy to get on a mattress and stayed on well. Though it looked a little on the large side, every corner remained firmly in place after tossing and turning.
These linen sheets were already soft and cool to the touch, but they didn’t get much softer after going through the wash—still, they were so soft and comfortable to sleep on, we didn’t want to get out of bed. Like some of the other best linen sheets on this list, the fabric wrinkled quite a bit after being laundered, so you may opt to iron them if you dislike the look of wrinkles. Some loose threads did develop post-wash, though they weren’t major.
Stains came out of these sheets very well. After going through the wash, only a slight mark from the makeup stain remained, and the areas we tested with stains didn’t look any more worn than those that hadn’t been spilled on.
The fabric didn’t perform quite as well in the durability test, however: The abraded area thinned significantly and a hole began to form, so these may not be the best choice for pet owners. They also performed just OK in tests for airflow, though they still wick moisture nicely.
How They Performed After Three Months
After three months of regular use, these sheets still fit perfectly on the mattress. We liked how easy they are to get on and off, as well as the fact that the fitted sheet doesn’t slip around and has a firm hold. We washed them every few weeks on a normal setting with warm water, and the sheets held up nicely. With time, the somewhat rougher texture of this linen became softer to the touch.
Product Details: Pocket Size: 20 in. | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king and California king | Certifications: Not listed
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If you’re drawn to linen sheets with a heavier feel that can work year-round, West Elm’s European Flax Linen Sheet Set is a great choice. These sheets are sturdier than some of the more gauzy-feeling linen sheets on the market, and they’re beautifully made.
These linen sheets wowed us with their high-quality details. We didn’t spot a single loose thread, all of the seams are solid, and every folded edge seemed flat and aligned. The fitted sheet has a tight, snug fit and stays in place perfectly. Simply put, they look wonderful and can instantly elevate a bed.
These sheets also earned high scores for their durability. Most of the stains were removed after they went through the wash (only the makeup stain was about 10% visible), there were no color changes post-wash, and the abrasion test didn’t produce any visible thinning of the fabric. They also didn’t pill much at all—another plus.
As for the texture: These sheets aren’t rough, but they’re also not super soft. As mentioned, they’re a little heavier and more solid-feeling than some other linen sheets, but they did soften up after going through the wash and became less stiff. Like many other linen sheets, these wrinkled quite a bit after being washed and dried, so you may want to iron them if a wrinkly look annoys you.
The only real downside to their thicker texture is that these linen sheets aren’t quite as breathable as some other options. In our lab tests, we didn’t feel much airflow through the fabric. The water droplet did disperse quickly and evenly, though, suggesting that the material is still very moisture-wicking—a good quality for hot sleepers.
Product Details: Pocket Size: 16 in. | Sizes: Full, queen, king, and California king | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100
The Bottom Line
Overall, the best linen sheets are the Bokser Home French Linen Sheet Set. These 100% French linen sheets wowed us with their luxurious-feeling texture that got softer with time, and we appreciated the many color options.
Our Testing Process
To find the best linen sheets, we evaluated 15 sets on their quality, texture, breathability, and durability. Tests were conducted in our Des Moines, Iowa, testing lab, as well as in our own homes for several months.
Before washing the sheets, we inspected each set for loose and uneven threads, snags, discoloration, and other imperfections. Then, the sheets (not pillowcases) were washed on a cold cycle and dried on medium heat.
Next, we placed coffee, oil, and foundation on the sheets and let the stains sit for one hour. The sheets were then washed two more times and dried once on the same medium heat cycle.
After the sheets had been washed three times, we compared the look and feel to the unwashed pillowcases. We noted any imperfections and shrinkage, as well as if the stains were still visible.
To test breathability in the testing lab, we held the sheet four feet in front of a boxed fan. We secured the bottom and held the top in front of us, noting if we could feel any air coming through.
Then, we took a dropper and placed one drop of water on the sheets, noting how quickly it moved within 10 seconds. If it moved quickly, that meant the sheets had good moisture management.
To evaluate quality in the testing lab, we made the bed and went under the top sheet. We noted the feel of the fabric and how well the fitted sheet stayed secure on the mattress when we tossed and turned.
For our last test in the lab, we rubbed sandpaper on the sheet 50 times. We determined durability by how well the abraded area was able to stand up to the sandpaper.
After testing these sheets in our testing lab, we tried them at home for several months. During home testing, we evaluated the sheets on how well they washed, their durability, and their quality over time.
Credit:
Better Homes & Gardens
Other Linen Sheet Sets We Tested
The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set
We appreciated that the Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set successfully repelled all stains in lab tests, an achievement many of the best linen sheets didn’t earn. However, they weren’t as breathable as some of the other linen sheets we tested and also didn’t perform quite as well as some other options in our abrasion test. This, plus the fact that they’re more expensive than other sets on our list, meant these sheets didn’t earn a top spot in our list.
Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Sheet Set
The Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Sheet Set performed well overall in our tests, and there’s no question that they’re beautifully made. But the texture wasn’t as soft as some other options, and at more than $500 for a queen set, they had the highest price point of the sheets we tested, so we didn’t find them to be the best value.
Better Homes & Gardens
What to Know About Linen Sheets Before Shopping
Pocket Sizes
Before purchasing your linen sheet set, it’s important to measure the depth of your mattress to ensure a perfect snug fit. Each sheet’s product description should list the pocket’s measurements. And if you have a mattress topper, make sure to add a few inches to the mattress height.
Don’t worry if the fit is a bit big, though. “A fitted sheet with a pocket that is slightly larger than the mattress may require a bit of extra tucking, but will look better than having a partially exposed mattress,” Woodson says.
Care Instructions
Linen is a durable natural fiber that can typically withstand higher washing temperatures than other sheets. But keep in mind that higher temperatures can lead to more wrinkling, Young notes.
“These days, detergents have been reformulated to clean well in cold water, but higher temperatures will usually shrink and wrinkle, so keep it low, warm, or cool,” she says. Each sheet set is different, though, so when it comes to washing and taking care of your linen, it’s important to read the care label for detailed instructions.
A break-in period is pretty common for linen sheets, as they often start off feeling rough and soften after each wash. Over time, they may wrinkle less, too. For a comfortable sleeping experience, we recommend washing your new linen bedding before you indulge.
“Linen fabric has a bit of a hard hand to it but with time it wears really beautifully, so gets softer when you wash it,” says Baker. “The breaking-in period is shorter nowadays because most linens are stonewashed to start that process.”
Certifications
While shopping for the best linen sheets, you may notice several labels. The two most common certifications are GOTS and Oeko-Tex.
- GOTS: The Global Organic Textile Standard ensures that a product’s entire supply chain is organic. It is considered the gold standard when choosing organic products.
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: The certification ensures that the product is made without specific substances deemed harmful by the Oeko-Tex institute. Most options on our list have this label.
Whether or not to choose sheets that have these certifications is a matter of personal preference. “Linen is generally more sustainable than most cottons,” notes Young. “But certainly if you’re caring about sustainability, [these certifications] are a good choice.”
Credit:
Better Homes & Gardens
Types of Linen
Shopping for linen sheets can also be a little confusing due to the different types of linen you’re likely to see on the product labels. A few you might come across include French linen, Belgian linen, and European linen (this might refer to linen from Italy or Eastern Europe).
Experts say that many consumers won’t spot many differences between these different types.
“There are different grades of flax fiber, types of yarn, and qualities of linen fabric, so it would be challenging to state that the country of origin alone makes one set of linen sheets better than another,” notes textile developer Jennifer Woodson.
But in general, linen from a notable place of origin those above may feel higher quality. “It’s kind of like Pima or Egyptian cotton,” she explains. “They have longer fibers so they’re a little nicer.”
Your Questions, Answered
How much can I expect to spend on linen sheets?
Linen sheets are generally more expensive than cotton, with prices ranging between $179 and $558 with a median price of $285. The origin of the linen can also play a role in price, with linen from Belgium, France, and Lithuania being of higher quality and priced even higher.
In addition to the origins of the linen itself, you’ll also pay a premium for certain treatments and finishes, such as stonewashing, which softens the fabric, or beetling, which makes the weave more compact and luxurious-looking. “Linen is kind of like denim,” Young says, “it’s about the finishes that go into it.”
Our best splurge pick, the Parachute Linen Set, is made of European flax linen and is $389 for a queen set that includes a top sheet, a fitted sheet, and a set of pillowcases. The Quince European Linen Sheet Set, our best budget set, is $130 for a queen set that includes a set of pillowcases.
What are the benefits of linen sheets?
Linen is a breathable and airy material, which is ideal for hot sleepers and summer bedding. The breathable fabric also helps regulate moisture, so you won’t wake up sweaty and clammy. “They’re a really good choice for hot sleepers,” says Young.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you’ll also be happy to know that linen sheets are hypoallergenic.
The texture of linen sheets can vary from brand to brand, experts add, which means there’s often a type of linen sheet for everyone. “I have a linen that’s positively ephemeral and transparent,” says Young, “but linen ranges in weight, and can also be really thick and heavy.” Testing sheets in-store (or ordering a few different types to try at home) can give you a chance to touch the set you’re considering and make sure the texture is right for you.
Although more expensive than other materials, linen sheets are also quite durable and a long-lasting fabric. “Since flax is a long-staple natural fiber, it produces high-quality, durable yarns, and, subsequently, linen sheeting fabrics,” Woodson says. “Since the yarns spun with this long fiber are quite strong, they will generally yield a durable fabric that is less susceptible to rips or tears, and because the yarn is smooth, the fabric is less likely to pill.” We found that some sheet sets did feel a bit rough at first and required a break-in period, but they softened over time.
“Some people have linen sheets that they pass down,” says Baker. “There’s a character to them — if you love them, you love them. They have an interesting sort of personality.”
Who We Are
Kathleen Felton is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To make this list, she evaluated testing insights from at-home and lab testing. She also consulted several experts, including Deborah Young, a textile expert and founder of The Textile Expert based in Los Angeles; Jennifer Woodson, a textile developer with over 15 years of experience; and Saana Baker, a textile expert with 25 years of experience and the editor in chief at The Textile Eye.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.