When shopping for any new bedding, the age-old dilemma (and question) always arises: How do I choose the right bedding set for me? There are so many bedding options to consider. Two of the most popular are linen bedding and cotton bedding. And we cannot tell a lie—there is a clear winner between the two!
By far, linen bedding is better than its cotton bedding competitors for many reasons. Let’s break down the benefits of linen bedding, which you will enjoy for years to come!
What is Linen?
Linen is a textile made from flax plant fibers. As a fabric, it has been used for thousands of years (going back to at least 8,000 BC!) and has been popular with generations of customers for its strength and durability. Even the ancient Egyptians used fine linen when burying their mummies!
Fine linen bedding is known for its undeniable style. Whether you choose linen sheets, pillowcases, or bedskirts, you will have soft, soothing comfort in any bedroom.
What is Cotton?
Cotton is a material made from cotton plant fibers. As a fabric, it has also been used for thousands of years. As one of the world’s largest crops grown all over the world, cotton is plentiful, making it a popular choice for many fabric products, including cotton bedding.
Let’s Compare: Linen Bedding vs. Cotton Bedding
While there are some similarities between linen and cotton (including the fact that both are some of the most prevalent bedding options to choose from around the world), there are also some distinct differences between linen bedding and cotton bedding.
Durability: Cotton fibers are shorter and more flexible than linen fibers, which are very rigid and tightly wound. This means that cotton sheets are a bit stretchy, making them less strong and durable than linen sheets. Hands down, this category belongs to linen bedding.
Texture and Softness: At first glance, you might think cotton bedding wins the softness card. However, you’re probably confusing this detail thanks to the thread count—or how tightly the cotton fibers are woven together. While cotton sheets are soft to the touch immediately, their fibers break down after just a few years. While a little rougher to the touch initially, linen sheets consistently get softer with each wash; also, linen sheets can last decades, giving linen the overall win.
Warmth: This category really comes down to personal preference, but you should strongly consider the benefits of linen. Cotton bedding is known to insulate, making it a good choice for those who sleep cold. Thanks to the hollow flax linen fibers, linen is a great choice for those who sleep warm or hot, although it might need to be layered with another option (like a linen duvet cover coupled with a linen bedspread or coverlet) during colder months.
What are the Benefits of Linen Bedding?
Now that we have covered a few of the differences between them, it’s time to highlight the benefits of linen. Here are the top reasons why linen bedding is better than cotton bedding for your home:
- It’s breathable and moisture-wicking
- It’s hypoallergenic
- It’s eco-friendly
Linen is Breathable and Moisture-Wicking
Although you can’t see it with the naked eye, linen keeps you cool because of its porous fibers. Every fiber has thousands of holes, and when woven together, the linen material has natural gaps that allow air to pass through. These holes are the secret to breathability, increasing the airflow in your linen sheets and helping you stay cool at night.
Linen also absorbs about 20% of its weight in moisture before you even notice it feels wet! That means if you get hot and sweaty when you sleep, you won’t feel it with linen sheets. This also helps you stay cool while you sleep if you live where there is high humidity. Even better, thanks to these breathable, moisture-wicking properties, your linen sheets will dry quickly as well—getting you back to a better night’s sleep as soon as possible!
Linen is Antimicrobial and Hypoallergenic
Allergy sufferers of all sorts and stripes know linen bedding is the right choice because it’s antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. Linen’s natural, porous fibers actively repel mold and allergens from adhering to your linen sheets, meaning it’s the only fabric to choose to ensure a safe and peaceful night’s sleep.
Of course, these properties extend to all of your linen choices! While you’re fast asleep, your linen bedskirt is fighting hard against those dust bunnies under the bed.
Linen is Eco-Friendly
We love to use linen because it means we’re supporting an eco-friendly industry that uses natural fibers, reducing plastic fibers and synthetic waste. Linen sheets also last for a long time (thanks to the strength of the flax linen fibers they are woven with), reducing the need for new purchases every year.
Linen’s long-lasting qualities greatly decrease the amount of fabric thrown away on an annual basis. However, when it is time for a refresh, linen sheets are recyclable and biodegradable, meaning they won’t outstay their welcome in a landfill.
How to Care for Your Linen Bedding
It’s important to follow our care instructions precisely to maximize the life of your fine linens. Remember to keep in mind:
- Spot clean or pre-treat stains before washing
- Wash with similar materials and like colors to prevent color bleeding
- Wash on a cold or lukewarm cycle
- Use a mild liquid detergent and a gentle cycle setting
- Dry on low heat only with a gentle cycle setting
- Iron on very low heat when needed
You’ll want to wash your linen sheets at least once a week for maximum cleanliness. However, you can wash your linen duvet covers or other larger linen bedding items once every couple of weeks for best results.
Shopping for Your Linen Bedding
While cotton bedding has many good attributes to consider, it’s not the best choice you could make for your stylish dream home. Choosing the perfect linen bedding for your family makes all the sense at the end of the day!
