Linen is generally on the more expensive side, easily wrinkled, and can be a bit rough to the touch at first—but it gets softer with every wash. We’ll take a more breathable, natural-fiber sleeping experience over a perfectly creased bed sheet any night. “In addition to being anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, linen is extremely absorbent and very breathable,” says Suzanne Martinez, vice president of product development at Sferra. “[It’s] the perfect choice for those with allergies, sensitive skin, and warm sleepers.” Martinez adds that, “linen upholds a reputation as the most luxurious sleep experience, no matter the climate.” We asked interior designers, bedding experts, and sleep coaches to help us find the best linen sheets. Our pick for the best linen sheets overall is the Parachute Linen Sheet Set for its affordability, focus on sustainability, and wide color range. Here are the best linen sheets. Keep in Mind: A top sheet is optional for extra cost. Alex Savy, certified sleep science coach and the founder of Sleeping Ocean, also named the Parachute sheets his personal favorite. “These sheets feel super soft yet sturdy, offering both comfort and durability,” he says. “I also appreciate the color variety the company offers. As sheets can be a big part of interior design for some people, Parachute makes sure there’s a suitable color for almost any sleeper.” In addition to their wide color selection, they also come in six different sizes. The set doesn’t include a flat sheet, but you have the option to add one for an additional charge. Price at time of publish: Starting at $189 Product Details: Material: 100% European flax | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Weave: Not listed | Pieces Included: Fitted sheet, two pillowcases (option to add flat sheet) | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 | Care: Machine washable Keep in Mind: Quince doesn’t list any certifications for these sheets, but the company does focus on sustainability and chemical- and toxin-free production. Price at time of publish: Starting at $130 Product Details: Material: 100% European flax | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Weave: Not listed | Pieces Included: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases | Certifications: None listed | Care: Machine washing recommended and line dry or tumble dry on low Keep in Mind: The sheets are currently only available in white and sold separately, rather than as a set. Price at time of publish: Starting at $387 for one fitted sheet Product Details: Material: 100% linen | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King | Weave: Not listed | Pieces Included: Sold individually | Certifications: None listed | Care: Machine wash warm and tumble dry low Keep in Mind: There are only two colors available. Price at time of publish: Starting at $469 Product Details: Material: 100% organic Belgian flax linen | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split Queen, Split King, Split California King, European King, European Queen, Olympic Queen | Weave: Not listed | Pieces Included: Flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases | Certifications: Certified organic | Care: Machine wash on warm and tumble dry low Keep in Mind: There’s no twin size available. Price at time of publish: Starting at $460 Product Details: Material: 100% French flax | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King | Weave: 160 GSM | Pieces Included: Flat sheet, fitted sheet, duvet cover, four pillowcases | Certifications: Oeko-Tex, Fair Trade | Care: Machine wash gentle and tumble dry low Keep in Mind: There is no Twin size option. Price at time of publish: Starting at $279 Product Details: Material: 100% long-staple hemp linen fiber | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King | Weave: Not listed | Pieces Included: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases | Certifications: None | Care: Machine wash cold and line or machine dry Keep in Mind: The higher weave count makes this set feel weighty. Price at time of publish: Starting at $538 Product Details: Material: 100% organic linen | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King | Weave: 185 GSM | Pieces Included: Flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two corresponding pillowcases | Certifications: Made Safe Certified | Care: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle and line dry or tumble dry low Keep in Mind: This set comes with a lot of components, so if you don’t need a full refit, you may be better served buying individually. Price at time of publish: Starting at $432 Product Details: Material: 100% flax linen | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King | Weave: 170 GSM | Pieces Included: Duvet cover, fitted sheet, flat or second fitted sheet, four pillowcases | Certifications: Oeko-Tex | Care: Machine wash cold and line drying is recommended If you want to dip your toe into the linen sheets world but aren’t sure about the prices, Quince offers the best linen sheets on a budget, and you won’t be disappointed by their deep pocket, soft feel, and plentiful colors options.
What to Know About Linen Sheets Before Shopping
Material
Sheets made from 100% linen are better quality and more durable than blended fabric styles. But not all linen is created equal. Martinez suggests checking for your linen’s country of origin; European linen is known for being the best. “Flax from this region is grown in the ideal climate conditions to produce extra-long staple fibers,” she says. “Also, while natural slubs are a characteristic of linen, if possible, check the fabric for any irregularities in the actual weave of the cloth.”
Weave
The weave for linen sheets usually isn’t included in product descriptions and doesn’t tell you much about this particular category, so you don’t need to worry about it too much. “Shoppers should also know that thread count isn’t a useful indicator of quality for linen sheets, so you may not see it listed,” says Light.
Pieces Included
Many manufacturers will bundle a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases. Some can also add a duvet cover for a more comprehensive bundle, while others sell components individually.
Certifications
Nearly all of our experts recommend looking for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certifications. A GOTS certification means that a product is made with organic fibers and meets a set of both ecological and societal criteria throughout all processing stages, backed by third-party certification. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label means that every component of the item has been tested for and found free of substances harmful to human health. You can also note whether the sheets are Fair Trade certified to make an informed, ethical purchase.
Care
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to get the most out of your sheets. Most of our best linen sheets are machine washable (though you should be careful with your settings). Tampasis recommends that you avoid hot water and bleach. Don’t twist or scrub the fabric, and if you use the dryer, dry on low heat and remove sheets when still somewhat damp. Linen is infamous for its tendency to wrinkle at the slightest breeze, but many of the best linen sheets can be ironed if you’re seeking those perfectly pressed corners. (Again, check this against the manufacturer’s instructions.)
Your Questions, Answered
How long should linen sheets last?
“With proper care and storage, linen sheets will last for many, many years, and one of the great qualities of linen sheets is that the more they are washed, the softer they become,” says Martinez. Most of our experts give the best linen sheets a lifespan of roughly three to five years, “especially if you regularly switch them around so they suffer through less wearing down,” says Mallory. Wash them in cold water and skip the dryer whenever you can.
What kind of sheets are best for hot sleepers?
Martinez believes that pure linen is the best option for hot sleepers. “They are cool to the touch and ultra-breathable, offering unparalleled comfort,” says Martinez. She also recommends percale for year-round comfort, as it’s cool and dry to the touch as well as soft and lightweight. Percale may also be preferable to linen if you prefer a crisper feel to your bedding.
What’s the difference between flax linen and French linen?
“Both are actually made from flax except that French linen is made with flax specifically grown, harvested, and manufactured in a specific way—like Champagne,” says Mallory. “If you put a flax linen fabric side by side against French linen, you’ll notice that the French linen is so tightly woven there is practically no give.” Those longer fibers make French linen softer, more durable, and longer-lasting. It may feel a bit rough to the touch at first, but will soften up as you use and wash it. “French linen takes things a step further by using long staple flax—a type of flax that has longer fibers of about 2 inches in length,” says Flieger. Those longer fibers become higher-twist yarn, which in turns makes for sturdier fabrics with a better drape. “So if you’re looking for a luxurious fabric that looks great and holds up well over time, then French linen might be just the thing you’re looking for.”
Who We Are
Rena Behar has been reviewing household accessories and other products for outlets including Wirecutter, Reviewed.com, Better Homes and Gardens, Apartment Therapy, and more since 2014. She also surveyed multiple interior designers and bedding experts, including: Kamila Flieger, the founder of Green Snooze; Stephen Light, CEO/co-owner of Nolah Technologies and a certified sleep science coach; Janette Mallory, a Los Angeles-based interior designer at Janette Mallory Interiors; Suzanne Martinez, Vice President, Product Development at Sferra; Alex Savy, a certified sleep science coach and the founder of Sleeping Ocean; and Jennifer Tampasis, interior designer and CEO of Jennifer Lynn Interiors.
