Linen vs Cotton: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer | Parachute Blog (2024)

Both linen and cotton have been around for thousands of years and are used to make clothing, bedding, home decor items and more. While there are a number of similarities between linen and cotton, the differences below will help you decide which fabric is the right choice for you.

1. They Come From Different Plants

Linen and cotton are both natural fibers that come from plants. However, linen takes longer to harvest and turn into fabric than cotton because working with flax fibers can be more involved. Once the fibers are extracted from the flax plant, they must be stored for long periods of time so they can soften.

2. Cotton Is Softer from the Start

Once woven into fabric, linen retains some of its crispness and stiffness longer, needing repeated use and washes to reach its full softness. Sateen cotton tends to be smoother to the touch, and percale has more of a crisp, cool feel. Brushed cotton, which is exceptionally soft but is also more insulating than the other types of cotton.

3. Linen Lasts Longer

Flax fibers found in linen are more durable than the fluffy fibers found in cotton fabric. As a result, linen tends to be more resilient than cotton through prolonged use or wear. Thicker percale is often the most durable cotton fabric, while sateen is the least durable.

4. Linen Is a Bit More Breathable

While both cotton and linen are extremely breathable, linen does offer a bit more breathability thanks to its hollow fibers and looser weave.

5. Thicker Cotton Is More Comfy

Both cotton and linen are quite comfortable in spring and summer when the temperatures are warm. For cold weather use, cotton is usually preferable because it’s still soft and flexible even when woven into a thicker, more insulating fabric.

6. Cotton Resists Wrinkles Better

Cotton and linen are both very attractive fabrics for clothing and bedding. However, linen does tend to wrinkle a bit more easily when worn, folded, and stored. Cotton can be more wrinkle resistant depending on the weave. However, cotton is also more prone to pilling over time.

7. Cotton Is Smoother

Linen has a rougher texture in terms of both appearance and feel. The woven texture in linen is usually more apparent. Cotton’s texture is minimal and smooth.

8. Cotton Is Easier to Care For

Both linen and cotton are relatively easy to care for, though some linens may be labeled as dry clean only. To avoid shrinking, cold or cool water washing is always a good idea, as is drying on a low heat tumble setting.

Linen vs Cotton: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer  | Parachute Blog (2024)

FAQs

Linen vs Cotton: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer | Parachute Blog? ›

Linen Lasts Longer Than Cotton

Is cotton or linen better for bedding? ›

Linen sheets are more breathable and last longer than cotton sheets. However, their coarser feel and more wrinkled look may not appeal to everyone. Cotton sheets are available in a larger variety of colors and patterns. They are often more affordable than linen sheets, but they may not be as durable.

What are the downsides of linen sheets? ›

A potential downside of using linen for bedding is that, unlike cotton and blended fabrics, it doesn't have much stretch. However, it shouldn't shrink in the wash, so you don't have to worry about fitting it onto your mattress, pillows or duvets.

Is linen bedding really worth it? ›

Is Linen Good for Bedding? Linen is an excellent choice for luxury bedding items such as sheets, duvets, pillows, and more. In fact, it is a top choice of many hotels and vacation rental homes due to its durability and hypoallergenic qualities.

Why choose linen over cotton? ›

Linen clothes also offer the same temperature-regulating properties and supersoft comfort. In fact, research has shown that people wearing linen perspire less than those wearing cotton. Linen clothes are quick to dry and lightweight too, making them a great choice for travelling.

Is linen more luxurious than cotton? ›

Yes, linen is generally considered a luxury fabric. It is pricier than many natural and synthetic fabrics. It's also more durable, breathable, and absorbent than many natural fabrics. Moreover, it has a distinct, rough texture and lavish look, making it a popular fabric for high-end textiles.

Do hotels use cotton or linen sheets? ›

What fibers do luxury hotels prefer in their high-quality bedding? Hotels look for a fiber and natural materials that are durable, easy to care for, and comfortable. Overwhelmingly the common types of fibers 5-star hotels will choose are cotton or a blend of cotton and polyester.

What is the main disadvantage of linen? ›

Crinkly: linen fabric gets wrinkled very quickly. However, it's becoming more and more common to wear linen clothing just like that instead of ironing it all the time or obsessing over it; Bleaching and dying: when linen fabric is bleached or dyed, it can lose its biodegradable properties.

When should you not wear linen? ›

The traditional thinking is, never wear linen clothing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. While most people adhere to this, there really is no reason – especially in Southern California – not to wear it year round. So, get your “summer” linens out and enjoy the light, airy feeling of this natural fabric.

Why is linen so scratchy? ›

Linen comes from flax, which is a bast fiber. "Bast fibers are typically coarse natural fibers, meaning they aren't going to be super soft initially," says Sarah Wang, the head of research and development with Tricol-Everplush.

Can linen sheets go in the dryer? ›

So, can you put linen in the dryer? Low-maintenance linen bedding can be tumble-dried on a low heat setting. However, many people opt to air-dry linen sheets partially, if not completely. Air-drying helps preserve linen and supports the textile's long-term durability.

What sheets do most hotels use? ›

Hotel buyers in the know most often choose percale sheets over sateen or other weaves. Hotels want white. White sheets are bright, clean-looking, and give a feeling of newness, even though they may have been laundered multiple times. Hotels don't want patterns, colors, or designs that may fade or stain easily.

What type of linen is best for bedding? ›

French and Belgian flax is generally regarded as the highest quality. Our linen bedding range is made from French flax. Linen has natural breathability and insulation properties and therefore, offers excellent temperature regulation all year round.

Why did cotton replace linen? ›

Despite being less durable than linen, cotton was easier and cheaper to produce at scale, and so became the preferred textile for the industrial era. From the 1850s, the European linen industry went into decline.

Why is linen not used as frequently as cotton? ›

Today, linen is less common because of cotton and synthetic fibers are less expensive, but linen remains one of the most resilient and comfortable fabrics for warm climates.

What are the three major factors to consider when buying linen? ›

Here are a few things to consider when you are choosing your bed linens:
  • Size. Make sure you have the right size of linens before you purchase them. ...
  • Thread Count. Learn about thread count before you hit the store. ...
  • Amount. ...
  • Color and Style. ...
  • Material. ...
  • About the author :

Is cotton or linen best to sleep in? ›

Linen is far superior to cotton in so many ways. Firstly, it's naturally thicker and up to three times stronger. This makes it more durable, but also more breathable and comfortable to sleep in. This is because it allows your skin to breath, unlike cotton. Linen is more sustainable to produce vs cotton.

What is the best bedding material to be used? ›

Tencel
Sheet TypePros
CottonWidely available and easy to maintain Breathable and absorbent
LinenBreathable and moisture-wicking Natural and hypoallergenic
FlannelSoft and warm feel Easy to care for and often reasonably priced
PolyesterInexpensive and easy to maintain Wrinkle-resistant
4 more rows
May 3, 2023

Is linen or cotton bedding better for summer? ›

Of all bedding materials, linen is also the most cooling one because of its looser weave. And since it's incredibly moisture-resistant, too — it can absorb up to 20 percent of its weight — linen bedding is ideal for those who live in warmer climates or those who prefer to stay cool at night.

What is the most comfortable fabric for bedding? ›

Cotton is one of the most popular, well-known options for bedding. Organic cotton is best for breathability, and the fabric is also moisture-wicking and durable. Cotton thread count is important, with higher thread counts resulting in a softer fabric though coming with a higher price tag.

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