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Headshot of author Lauren Fountain
By Lauren Fountain
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Linen is a popular bedding material for several reasons. Made from fibers of the flax plant, linen offers natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for warmer temperatures. Linen can also be quite durable. While the fabric has an initially crisp feel, it will gradually soften with subsequent washes and holds up very well with minimal pilling. Unlike other bedding materials, linen is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dirt. It is eco-friendly, as well, since flax requires very little irrigation and linen processing expends a low amount of energy.

Linen sheets are fairly expensive compared to bedding products made from other materials such as cotton or polyester. For a high-quality linen set in a queen size, you should expect to pay at least $250. However, the durability and performance of linen sheets makes them a worthwhile investment for many sleepers – especially those who prefer a crisper feel for their bedding.

Below, you’ll find our top eight picks for the best luxury linen sheets and pillowcases sold today. We’ve made these selections after reading reviews from verified owners and testing them firsthand. This guide also discusses how linen bedding is produced, what these items feel like, how much they cost, and where you can find them. Read on to learn more.

In-Depth Reviews

  • Pros

    1. Premium materials offer good durability

    2. Fine washed linen has a soft feel

    3. Available in a wide selection of colors and designs

  • Cons

    1. Stripe-patterned sets cost more than those with solid color palettes

    2. All returns incur a processing fee

Price

$269

Material

100% Linen from Belgian and French Flax

Weave

Linen

The Brooklinen Washed Linen Core Sheet Set is made from fine washed linen that has a soft feel. Derived from Belgian and French flax, the linen is also quite durable and should hold up well over time. The Linen Sheet Set is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including some limited edition shades.

Each component can be washed in a household machine. Brooklinen recommends line-drying to preserve the structure, but you can also dry in a machine on a low heat or low tumble cycle to save time. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 15 inches, making the set compatible with most mattresses sold today – though some popular high-profile models will be too tall, so be sure to measure your bed first.

The price-point for the Washed Linen Core Sheet Set is quite reasonable compared to other linen collections. Additionally, Brooklinen offers a 1-year trial period for testing out the sheets and pillowcases to determine if they are right for you. Shipping and returns are free, as well.

  • Pros

    1. 100% European flax sourced from Belgium and France

    2. Corner pockets fit mattresses up to 15 inches tall

    3. Available in a wide variety of color options

  • Cons

    1. Pocket depth limited to 15 inches

    2. Not available in twin, twin XL, or California king sizes

Price

$140

Material

100% European flax

Weave

Linen

The Flax Linen Sheets from Silk & Snow feature 100% European flax that’s sourced from Belgium and France. This set is stonewashed and designed to get softer with each use. People in warm climates and hot sleepers will appreciate that air flows easily through the fabric, ensuring that body heat isn’t trapped within the sheets.

Silk & Snow is transparent in how and where its sheets are manufactured. Eco-conscious and ethically minded shoppers can get a thorough sense of how their sheets were crafted. The Flax Linen Sheets have a competitive price-point that will appeal to value seekers, especially considering their top-notch quality. However, shoppers should note that the package does not include a top sheet, though one can easily be added on at checkout.

The corner pockets stretch to fit mattresses up to 15 inches tall, making these sheets compatible with most standard bed profiles. Shoppers can choose from 10 available colorways that include earth tones and neutrals. You can launder your sheets at home and should use dryer balls for best results.

Silk & Snow offers shoppers a 100-night sleep trial that begins upon delivery. Your purchase includes a 1-year warranty that covers faulty workmanship and materials. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Shoppers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canadian territories should expect additional shipping charges.

  • Pros

    1. 100% Belgian flax ensures a soft feel

    2. Ethically sourced and manufactured

    3. All orders include a 365-night trial

  • Cons

    1. Shoppers pay extra for a flat sheet

    2. Twin XL size is not available

Price

$170

Material

100% Linen from European Flax

Weave

Linen

The Quince European Linen Sheet Set is well-priced, soft, and comfortable. The sheets are woven from 100% Belgian flax and designed to get softer over time. Quince crafts its linen sheets according to sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices, including fair wages for factory workers. Conscious shoppers can find pricing and materials sourcing information readily available on the manufacturer’s website.

This linen set has a weight of 150 grams per square meter, making it a mid-weight sheet set that’s appropriate for all-season use. In addition to its soft hand-feel, the Belgian linen is designed to breathe as well as insulate. The set is pre-washed so that your sheets are soft the first time you use them.

There are a variety of earth-toned colors to choose from and four sizes ranging from twin to California king. The dyes and materials are free from harmful chemicals. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth is 16 inches, which should fit most standard and high-profile mattresses.

Quince recommends washing the set using your machine’s gentle cycle and tumble drying on low. The Quince European Linen Sheet Set comes with free shipping and 365-day free returns. This set is currently only available in the U.S.

  • Pros

    1. Linen is prewashed for an exceptionally soft feel

    2. Durable fabric resists wear and tear over time

    3. Available in five sizes and 11 colors

  • Cons

    1. Expensive pricing may be a barrier to shoppers with limited budgets

    2. No twin XL size option

Price

$359

Material

100% linen from French of Belgian flax

Weave

Linen

Linen sheets are renowned for exceptional breathability, but this type of bedding may sleep cold during chillier times of the year. The Morrow Heirloom Linen Sheet Set, on the other hand, is crafted for a drapey feel that sets it apart from other linen bedding. During production, the linen is prewashed to relax the fibers and reduce the material’s natural coarseness. The resulting sheets and pillowcases should sleep cool on hot and humid nights, but also absorb enough heat to provide insulation when the temperature drops.

You can choose from five sizes for your sheet set. Twin sizes consist of a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcase, while larger sizes feature all of these elements along with a second pillowcase. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth of 15 inches will accommodate most mattresses made today, but you should measure yours to ensure a proper fit — especially if you own a pillow-top model. The set is also available in 11 colors ranging from neutrals and earth tones to more vibrant hues.

Each component of the set is fully machine-washable. Wash in lukewarm water on a gentle cycle with similar colors, then tumble dry on low heat. Removing your bedding as soon as the laundry cycle is finished will help reduce wrinkles. You shouldn’t dry clean your sheets, nor use bleach for washing.

Morrow offers free ground shipping with each order. You may return the set for a full refund within 30 days of the purchase date, provided each item is undamaged with its original tags intact.

  • Pros

    1. All items composed of linen derived from premium French flax

    2. Thick elastic hem secures the fit

    3. Sold in 10 different designs

  • Cons

    1. Not available in twin or twin XL sizes

    2. Trial period limited to seven days

Price

$295

Material

Linen from French Flax

Weave

Linen

Linen sheets have a reputation for feeling coarser than other bedding fabrics such as cotton, silk, or microfiber. Thanks to a stone washing technique that relaxes the material, the components of the Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set are much softer than many linen bedding collections. Those who enjoy sheets that drape closely to the body but also sleep hot will likely enjoy this set, as the linen’s natural breathability makes the sheets and pillowcases well-suited to warm or humid climates.

Sijo offers the set in nine solid colors as well as a pinstripe pattern. You can also choose from full, queen, king, and California king sizes. Each set includes a fitted sheet and two pillowcases. You can also include a flat sheet with your purchase, or forgo this component if you don’t need one and want to lower the price. Alternatively, you can add a matching duvet cover to your set.

The fitted sheet’s pocket depth measures 15 inches, making it compatible with many low-, medium-, and high-profile mattresses made today. The set is fully machine-washable. Sijo recommends washing in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble drying on a low setting. You may also dry clean the sheets and pillowcases if you wish.

Ground delivery is free of charge for all orders of $65 or more, which applies to the set in each available size whether or not you include a flat sheet. Returns are permitted within 30 days of the date you receive your sheet set, and return shipping is free.

  • Pros

    1. Stonewashing process creates an exceptionally soft hand-feel for the fabric

    2. Excellent breathability and cooling

    3. Multiple set options include no flat sheet and a duvet cover

  • Cons

    1. Colors limited to four neutral options

    2. No twin, twin XL, or California king sizes

Price

$289

Material

100% stonewashed linen

Weave

Linen

Linen sheets aren’t known for being particularly soft, as this fabric tends to have a coarser hand-feel compared to other textiles like cotton or silk. Baloo’s Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set is a notable exception. The linen is stonewashed during production to loosen the fibers and make it silkier and smoother to the touch, but this process won’t affect the material’s natural cooling properties.

Baloo offers the set in full, queen, or king sizes. Each collection includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Customers may also purchase the flat or fitted sheet individually, and a matching duvet cover is available for an additional charge. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth of 16 inches makes the set compatible with most mattresses sold today.

Buyers can choose from four earthy, neutral colors for their set. Each item is fully machine washable. To clean the bedding, simply machine wash in a cool, gentle cycle with mild detergent and tumble dry on a low setting. To minimize wrinkling, be sure to remove the sheets and pillowcases from your dryer as soon as the cycle is complete.

Baloo backs each purchase with a 30-night trial period that is extended up to 3 months during the holiday shopping season, ensuring ample time for gift recipients to make a decision about their sheet set. Ground delivery is free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S.

  • Pros

    1. Viscose-linen blend is soft, smooth, and ultra-breathable

    2. Customers can mix and match the set’s different components

    3. Accessible pricing and free shipping for all U.S. orders

  • Cons

    1. Not sold in a California king size

    2. Fitted sheet’s pocket depth limited to 12 to 15 inches

Price

$227

Material

90% viscose derived from bamboo, 10% linen

Weave

Linen

Linen sheets offer unparalleled breathability and moisture control during hot and humid times of the year — but when temperatures dip, some sleepers need more insulation. Avec Goods’ Linen Classic Sheet Set features bedding crafted from a blend of linen and bamboo-derived viscose. The latter fabric also excels at cooling while giving the sheets and pillowcases more heft. This added weight makes the set cozy enough for chilly nights.

Viscose is a material prized for its softness and smoothness. Since the blend contains 90% viscose, these items feel much silkier and less coarse than many competing linen bedding sets. They also resist wear and tear well over time. You may wash and dry each component in your household appliances for quick, convenient care. Remove the bedding from your dryer promptly when the cycle is finished — this helps minimize wrinkling.

You can mix and match the flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases with different colors and sizes, or coordinate the items for a matching set. Four neutral palettes are available. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 12 inches in twin and twin XL sizes, and 15 inches for full, queen, and king sizes. We recommend measuring your mattress before buying to ensure the sheet will fit properly.

Approachable pricing and free shipping for all U.S. orders of $150 or more make the Linen Classic Sheet Set a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers. You may return the set within 30 days of the original order and receive a full refund minus a $10 processing fee.

Best Linen Sheets Video

Watch the video below to get an in-depth look at some of our top recommended linen sheet sets.

What is Linen?

Linen is a textile material derived from cellulose fibers of the flax plant (also known as linseed). Considered one of the world’s oldest fabrics, the production of linen dates back to prehistoric times. Today, linen is used to make a wide range of products, including garments, upholstery, tablecloths, and towels. It is also used to produce sheets and pillowcases, and is considered a more breathable alternative to cotton and polyester.

To produce linen, flax fibers are separated from the plant and spun into fine yarns, which can be woven or knit (most sheets and pillowcases are woven). Linen is commonly harvested by hand, a technique that often results in a highly durable material.

Linen offers a distinctly crisp hand-feel. Some sleepers love the texture of linen, while others find it a bit too coarse and scratchy. Linen is exceptionally breathable, as well, making it well-suited to warmer temperatures.

Interested in purchasing a linen sheet set? Check out our buyer’s guide below for more information about how much these items cost and what to look for when buying a new set.

How to Choose Linen Sheets

As with other bedding products, choosing a linen sheet set requires consideration and research on your part. We recommend comparison shopping with different brands and collections to get an idea about expected prices, available sizes and styles, and other important details. In the next section, we’ll cover the most important factors to take into account when shopping for a new linen set.

What to Consider When Buying Linen Sheets

Our most important considerations for linen sheet shoppers are outlined below. Keep in mind that a high price-point does not always equate high quality. Some luxury bedding brands use misleading jargon to market their products. While many high-end linen sets are a worthwhile investment due to their durability, breathability, and comfort, some are simply overpriced and may not perform well over time.

  • Feel: Linen feels very crisp and smooth at first, but the material will soften over time with subsequent laundry cycles. Some linen bedding feels initially softer due to certain manufacturing techniques, such as garment-washing or stone-washing. Linen blended with other fabrics like cotton or rayon from bamboo also tends to be softer than pure linen.
  • Fit: When browsing linen sheet sets, be sure to check the “pocket depth” measurement of the fitted sheet. This figure refers to how far the elasticated corners will stretch, and should accommodate the thickness of your mattress. For example, a fitted sheet with a 12-inch pocket depth won’t be deep enough for a 13-inch mattress. Also keep in mind that linen may shrink in the wash – though this won’t be an issue if you buy pre-washed linen.
  • Price: High-quality linen sets typically cost $200 or more in any size. For a queen size set, expect to pay between $300 and $600. More affordable linen sets are also available, but they may not meet the same standards for quality and durability. Blended linen usually costs less than pure linen.
  • Weight: The weight of linen sheets is expressed in grams per square meter, or GSM. According to general consensus among sleepers and sleep experts, the ideal GSM for linen sheets falls between 170 and 190. Heavier linen sheets provide more insulation during colder times of the year, but they may feel excessively warm when the temperatures rise. Lighter linen sheets are optimal for warmer weather but may feel too thin in colder climates.
  • Design, Color, and Pattern: Compared to sheet sets made from other fabrics, you may find a more limited color and pattern selection for linen items. Neutral and earth tones, as well as whites and off-whites, are most common. These shades complement most bedroom decors, but if you prefer more vibrant colors and patterns, then you may want to consider another bedding material.
  • Breathability: Breathability is considered one of linen’s biggest strengths. The material is very airy and light, making it ideal for sleep during hotter times of the year. At the same time, most linen sheets and pillowcases offer decent warmth and insulation from the cold.
  • Durability: Linen is quite durable, especially if the fabric comes from hand-harvested fibers. That said, linen tends to deteriorate over time if you wash and dry it in a machine too frequently. Many manufacturers recommend line-drying to preserve the material better. A higher GSM measurement may indicate the linen is more durable.
  • Ease of Care: Most linen sheets and pillowcases can be washed and dried in any household machine, though you should not wash these items too frequently; otherwise they will deteriorate more quickly. Most manufacturers discourage the use of chlorine bleach or fabric softener.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Linen Sheets?

Natural breathability and durability are considered two of linen’s biggest strengths. However, there are also some disadvantages associated with linen, such as above-average pricing and excessive wrinkles. In the table below, we’ll break down linen’s most notable pros and cons.

ProsCons
  • Linen is a naturally breathable material that wicks away moisture from your body and can help you stay cool during warmer months. It won’t trap heat like polyester and other synthetic fabrics, but heavier linens provide good insulation when the temperature dips.
  • The flax fibers used to create linen yarns are very durable. As a result, linen bedding products typically offer decent lifespans – provided you don’t wash them too often. Linen doesn’t pill like cotton or polyester, either.
  • Linen offers certain health benefits for users. It is naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for people with allergies. Linen is also resistant to dirt and won’t generate static.
  • Even for a natural fiber, linen is quite eco-friendly. Flax plants are renewable and their cultivation requires minimal irrigation.
  • Many sleepers enjoy the crisp hand feel of traditional linen, but some find it too coarse and scratchy at first. The material may soften over time, but other bedding materials – such as cotton and Tencel – offer more initial softness.
  • Linen sheets and pillowcases are prone to wrinkling, especially if you choose to line dry them. Fabric softener is generally discouraged, but you can iron them flat if excessive wrinkles occur.
  • Linen sheet sets tend to be fairly expensive compared to items made from other materials. A high-quality linen set will probably cost at least $250, and some exceed the $500 mark.

Who is Best Suited to Linen Sheets?

Linen sheets are ideal for people who normally sleep hot. Lightweight and breathable, the material does not trap body heat and helps you stay cool. Linen also has natural moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry. However, linen also provides good warmth and insulation when needed.

The feel of linen is best described as crisp, light, and somewhat waxy. People who prefer a coarser hand-feel for their sheets and pillowcases will probably feel very comfortable with linen bedding. On the other hand, you may find linen feels too rough and scratchy. If this is the case, we recommend softer bedding materials such as cotton, Tencel lyocell, and rayon from bamboo.

One of the biggest drawbacks about linen bedding is the sticker price. The average queen size linen sheet set costs about $250 to $400, and you’ll probably pay more for items made from organic linen. If these costs are outside your shopping budget, you may be able to find a linen blend set that is more affordable, but you may not feel the same crispness and breathability you’d get from pure linen items.

What Is the Ideal Thread Count for Linen Sheets?

The ideal thread count for linen is between 80 and 120. However, judging the thread count of linen can be a bit tricky. With other materials like cotton or silk, a higher thread count often corresponds to better quality. The opposite is true for linen because the fibers are thicker and more difficult to weave together. If the thread count is too high, the material will be bulky and not particularly breathable. Bottom line: be wary of any manufacturer or seller that touts a “high thread count” for their linen sheet set.

Many manufacturers of linen bedding do not list a thread count at all. Instead, they use grams per square meter, or GSM, to describe the material’s quality. The optimal GSM is 170 to 190, indicating a medium weight of about 0.3 to 0.4 pounds. These sheets and pillowcases will drape comfortably without feeling too heavy or hot. If you don’t see GSM listed on the website of a linen sheet set you’d like to buy, reach out to customer service.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Linen Sheets

What is the typical price range for linen sheets?

For a queen size linen sheet set, the average shopper will pay $250 to $400. The sticker price of a linen sheet set depends on whether the items are made from pure linen or a linen blend. The latter is usually more affordable. Linen sets priced below $250 are widely available, but quality is questionable in some cases. Additionally, the components of a sheet set can also drive up the price tag. A flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one to two pillowcases is considered standard, but some collections include other items such as duvet covers and pillow shams.

How long do linen sheets last?

With proper use and care, a linen sheet set can last years – even decades in some cases. The trick to preserving linen bedding items is to clean them sparingly. Avoid using chlorine bleach and other chemicals during the wash cycle, and consider drying the linen on a line rather than in a machine. Excessive washing can cause linen to develop holes and deteriorate more quickly.

How do I make my linen sheets feel softer?

High-quality linen will become softer over time with repeated wash cycles, but it will still retain its naturally crisp texture. If you prefer softness over crispness for your sheets and pillowcases, you may want to purchase a set made of linen that has been garment-washed or stone-washed during production. These techniques give the fabric a softer hand feel.

How do I wash and care for linen sheets?

Always defer to the care tag on your linen bedding when it comes to washing and drying these items. In most cases, you’ll be able to clean these sheets and pillowcases in any household machine. Machine washing in warm or cold water and tumble drying on low is usually recommended, and you should never use bleach or laundry additives. You should also wash linen bedding separately from other garments and items. Hot-ironing can damage linen, so use a warm iron setting when removing wrinkles. Linen is also very absorbent, so be sure to spot-clean stains and spills as quickly as possible.

Are luxury linen sheets worth the price?

You’ll probably pay at least $200 for a high-quality linen sheet set – and in some cases, the sticker price will be double or even triple this amount. The good news is that linen sheets are exceptionally durable as long as you wash and dry them infrequently. So while linen sheets and pillowcases may be significant up-front investments, you’ll be able to enjoy them for many years.

Still have questions?

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