The best linen sheets

The best linen sheets are light, airy, and breathable for a truly luxurious feel. Linen gets a bad reputation for being rough and scratchy, but real linen lovers know that the material gets softer and more relaxed with each and every wash. Linen is made with fibers from the flax plant, which is thicker, longer, and requires intricate weaving than cotton. While pricier than other materials, I believe that the best sheets are made from linen, especially for spring, summer, and fall.

After sleeping on 14 sets of linen sheets, my best overall pick is the Brooklinen Washed European Linen Core Sheet Set. They're soft, breathable, and luxurious. If you're shopping for linen on a budget, I recommend Quince's Linen Sheet Set. It's a fraction of the price of other options on our list, but still has that signature airy feel. It comes in colorful shades and patterns, too.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.

Our top picks for linen sheets

Best overall: Brooklinen Washed European Linen Core Sheet - See at Brooklinen

Runner-up: Cultiver Linen Sheet Set - See at Cultiver

Best budget: Quince Linen Sheet Set - See at Quince

Softest: West Elm European Flax Linen Sheet Set - See at West Elm

Best all-season: The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set - See at The Citizenry

Best organic: Sijo LuxWeave Linen Sheet Set - See at Sijo

Best heavyweight: Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets - See at Coyuchi

Best overall

Brooklinen's linen sheets are soft and cozy straight out of the bag. While most of the linen sheet sets I tried claimed to be soft, some still had an underlying roughness or stiffness, but that was not the case with the Brooklinen Washed European Linen Sheet Set. There was no itchiness and I saw these sheets only got softer with each wash. I thought the original version was pretty great; Brooklinen perfected it this time, with a slightly weightier construction with enhanced durability.

They're lightweight. The weight and breathability makes them a top pick for people seeking cooling sheets. Typically, linen sheets indicate a heavier material that leaves some people feeling trapped and overheated. But Brooklinen's 100% European Flax improves the fabric's weight while maintaining a cool temperature throughout the night. Some lightweight sheets can feel flimsy, but these had a high-quality feel that held up nicely without any rips or tears. These felt much durable than previous Brooklinen sheets I've slept in. I noticed no snagging or pulling, even after running them through the wash.

Brooklinen introduces new seasonal colors throughout the year. The colors are not as varied however as the offerings we've tried from brands like Cultiver or Quince, and availability does fluctuate. The set comes with the standard essentials: a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, but Brooklinen also sells individual pieces and sets without a flat sheet if that's your preference.

Read our Brooklinen Washed Linen Sheets review for more information.

Runner-up

Cultiver specializes in linen. The Australian company makes products with European Flax, specifically, which should appeal to linen purists. They have a textured feel that can take a moment to adjust to, especially if you're used to the silky smoothness of sateen sheets. I found the Cultiver Linen Sheet Set needed about three washes to get to my ideal softness, but after that, I couldn't believe it was the same scratchy set I had first slept on.

These are premium sheets. They feel expensive both in their luxurious feel and their construction. You can also purchase pieces individually. Though lightweight, Cultiver sheets don't feel thin or flimsy, and they have a nice weight that adds to the overall high-end experience. While my bed was full of little fibers at first, the shedding eventually ceased, and I was left with a set that felt like I was sleeping in a fancy hotel every night. They were soft and comfortable

Some reviewers don't like the size, but I love it. A lot of people found them to be too big and difficult to keep on the bed, but I love the extra fabric that allows for a nice, snug tuck under the mattress. Plus, they can accommodate thicker mattresses or mattress toppers without any issues. The fitted sheet has a 16 inch depth while the flat sheet is sized to fit both queen and king size beds, making it oversized for queen sized users.

Best budget

These sheets look and feel great. When it comes to color options, Quince's Linen Sheet Set reign supreme, with over 30 different shades to snuggle under. From a deep Bordeaux to the ultra-airy sage or a timeless terracotta and white stripe, there's a color for every taste and bedroom aesthetic, even stripes and gingham. They're also one of the few brands to offer twin sizing, and you can opt to forgo the flat sheet if you don't need it.

They're soft but sleep warm. These sheets have a soft feel that falls directly in between Brooklinen's Washed Linen Core Sheets and Sijo's LuxeWeave Linen Sheets. The material was quite luxurious and inviting, albeit a bit warm. So, if you sleep on the hotter side, you might want to give these thicker sheets a pass.

They don't pill. The fitted sheet comes with those handy top and bottom tags, and both layers went through the wash without pilling. For those who like a monochromatic look, Quince also has duvet covers in the same color options as the sheets.

And Quince has a 365-day return policy. So if these linen sheets aren't your cup of tea after trying them out, you can return them within a year for a full refund. Sadly, I don't consider these sheets the most durable; after a year in my bedding rotation, washing these sheets twice a month, the top sheet eventually split down the middle, and when I was sleeping, no less.

Softest

West Elm's linen sheets are the softest you'll find. You'll find none of that classic linen roughness with the West Elm European Flax Linen Sheet Set. Made from 100% European flax and certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, these sheets have a noticeable softness right out of the package that only gets cozier with each wash.

They're breathable and cooling. Even though they're incredibly soft, I never overheated when sleeping on these sheets. I was also pleasantly surprised by how well these sheets held up in the wash — no pilling or shrinking issues to be found.

I'm a little concerned about long-term durability. Putting on the fitted sheet was easy, but the elastic band felt a bit flimsy and loose. There were also some loose threads on the pillowcase, another indicator that these sheets may not be able to withstand heavy usage.If you're willing to overlook those concerns for the sake of ultimate softness, then these linen sheets are a great option.

Best all-season

These sheets are perfect for summer and winter nights alike. The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set weighs 160 gsm and is ideal fr those looking for a linen sheet set that can handle the thick humidity of July and the blustery cold of January. They're available in 17 colors, including stripes, and the flat sheet and pillowcases have a pretty eyelet detail.

It has a middle-of-the-road texture. I wouldn't put it in the category of ultra-rough linen as it has some softness to it, but it's definitely not like curling up in a pile of marshmallows. However, the material feels durable and high-quality, giving you confidence that these sheets will hold up well over time.

They don't wrinkle or shrink, but hot sleepers might find them a little warm. They're easy to put on your bed without any major wrinkling or shrinking post-wash. And speaking of washing, they come out looking and feeling great with each cycle. One downside to these sheets is that they do sleep slightly warm. It's not unbearable (especially when the temperatures drop), but it could be an issue for those who run extra-hot at night.

Best organic

Sijo's organic sheets have a traditional linen feel. They're not immediately soft. In fact, I found them rough, stiff, and slightly itchy. They do, however, get softer with each wash, and they feel durable, like they will last for the long haul. Others across the Business Insider Reviews team who've slept on the Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set for years described the Sijo sheets as "the right balance of comfort, coolness, durability, and price." They were previously our top pick for the best linen sheets — only to be edged out by Brooklinen for their out-of-the-packaging softness.

They feel well-made. Despite the initial fuzzies and loose, white strings I found when making the bed, the sheets held up well after washing without any pilling or loose threads. Putting on the fitted sheet was easy, and it stayed in place throughout the night, but I did find myself wishing for top and bottom tags as a reference point, like with our overall pick from Brooklinen.

I love the vibrant color options. I opted for the forest green, but there are eight total shades to choose from, and the set comes with the standard essentials. Linen is known for its temperature-regulating properties, and I found these sheets to be neither too hot nor too cold. So if you're a neutral sleeper looking for a more durable linen option, the LuxeWeave Linen by Sijo is worth considering.

Best heavyweight

These heavyweight sheets are perfect for cold nights. The Coyuchi Relaxed Linen Sheets — which come in 10 neutral colors — feel heavy and substantial but still breathable enough to prevent waking up in a pool of sweat. While the Sijo and Coyuchi sets are both organic and durable, the Coyuchi definitely feels more heavy-duty. If you're looking for a linen sheet to get you through the chilly winter nights, Coyuchi may be your best bet.

They're rough at first, but get softer after washing. Immediately out of the package, these linen sheets felt like linen sheets: stiff and a little rough. But the fabric definitely felt durable, and overall, the set was easy to make on the bed. I did notice a few pilling spots and loose threads on the fitted sheet, as well as a lack of top and bottom tags.

Coyuchi prides itself on its sustainable practices. The sheets are made from GOTS-certified 100% organic French flax. Overall, if you're looking for a luxurious and organic linen option that will last longer than most, Coyuchi's Relaxed Linen Sheets are worth considering. Just be prepared to spend a bit more on quality and sustainability.

Our top picks, compared

What else we tested

Parachute Linen Sheets:Parachute's linen sheets are cool and comfortable. However, since we've tested, they've reformulated their design to an increased 175 GSM, which the brand says retains the signature garment washed softness with enhanced durability. Keep these changes in mind as your mull through our Parachute Linen Sheets review and we'll update you accordingly once we get our hands on the latest edition.

BedThreads: Honestly, BedThreads were a very close contender, and are sold in sets with or without a flat sheet. The deep 16-inch pocket on the fitted made a big difference in how they fit on a bed and stayed put through the night. One of my favorite things about these sheets is how soft they become after multiple washes. Initially, they were stiff and had that sandpaper feel that many linen novices fear. However, after a few cycles in my washing machine, they softened into a lovely texture that made it hard to get out of bed in the morning. BedThreads also offers customizable bundles to mix and match a set across its 20 colors.

MagicLinen Linen Sheet Set: Linen is the only thing you can buy from MagicLinen, which handcrafts its bedding in Vilnius, Lithuania. The linen is stonewashed — a softening process that's completely natural and non-toxic — and OEKO-Tex certified. They come in a range of colors and prints. MagicLinen's sheets aren't the softest out of the bag, but after two years of use, they've aged well, getting softer and cozier with every wash. MagicLinen offers a 30-day trial, but return shipping is the responsibility of the customer.

Rough Linen Orkney Linen Sheet Set: Rough Linen has that grainy texture that linen purists will love, but this heavyweight linen was not for me. I couldn't get past how heavy and coarse they felt, even after a few washes. If you like textured bedding however, you may love these. They're also very expensive, over $500 for a set, but available in regular and deep pocket fits that fit mattresses up to 19 inches thick. You can order a sample card to try the fabric before ordering, and Rough Linen also offer a 30 day trial for you to figure try the sheets yourself.

Garnet Hill Relaxed Linen Sheets: It's very rare to find linen sheets in patterns besides your typical stripes, but Garnet Hill offers unique designs like wildflowers and birds. We tried Garnet Hill's Relaxed Linen Sheets for our best patterned sheets guide but the author of the guide felt the sheets were rough, even after washing, and the fitted sheet was very loose on the bed.

What to look for in linen sheets

Not all linen sheets are created equal. So we consulted with Frej Lewenhaupt, textile expert, co-founder, and CEO of Steamery, on the telltale signs that a set of linen sheets is worth investing in.

Fiber Content: Lewenhaupt says a good rule of thumb is that the fewer synthetic fibers on a label, the better. If a brand lists out more than four fibers in its blend or doesn't advertise specific percentages, that's a red flag. Aim for linen sheets made with 100% flax.

Flax Origin: Linen is constructed out of the flax plant — and where that plant is grown can make a huge difference in the quality of the final product. Flax linen is typically soft, durable, temperature-regulating, and absorbent.

Weight: Linen's weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM.) A high GSM will typically result in a denser fabric, while a lower GSM might feel more lightweight. Linen tends to be either lightweight or medium-weight. For example, a lightweight linen may be about 130 GSM, while a medium-weight linen could be 150 to 350 GSM. The higher the GSM, the warmer the linen sheet might feel while sleeping.

Certifications: Look for certifications like Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which confirms that a product is free of harmful chemicals.

How we tested linen sheets

Our testing methodology

To determine which linen sheets are really worth your while, I tested 14 of the most highly-rated sets and slept on them for multiple nights to measure their feel, weight, durability, and overall comfort. Each set was tested for three nights in a row and washed and dried once. I also consulted with experts, like Frej Lewenhaupt, a textile expert, cofounder, and CEO of Steamery, and Martin Bide, a professor in the department of textiles at the University of Rhode Island, for insights on which factors I should pay special attention to. These are the factors I took into consideration when testing each set:

Immediate softness: Linen gets a bad rap for being rough and scratchy, but that's not always the case. I noted how soft each set felt upon first touch and snooze.

Weight: I considered the weight (GSM) of each set. The higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the material. I kept the weight of each set in mind and whether it resulted in a hotter or cooler sleep experience.

Post-wash feel: Some sheets come out of the dryer looking and feeling like they've been through a war. Others, not so much. After washing and drying each set, I looked for any signs of pilling, shedding, shrinking, or wrinkling.

Ease of use: We've all wrestled with a fitted sheet at some point. I noted how easy (or difficult) it was to get each set onto the bed without any significant wrinkles, creases, or bunching.

Durability: Linen's durability is a big selling point for many, as the textile can last years if properly cared for. I looked for signs of wear and tear and how durable the material felt.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Shannon Ullman, freelance contributor: I cover sheets at Business Insider Reviews, with a focus on linen sheets. I've been working in digital media for 12 years and specialize in home and sleep products.

Linen sheets FAQs

What is linen?

Linen is an all-natural fiber from the flax plant. Its long and strong fibers make it a more durable fabric that is also highly absorbent, naturally moisture-wicking, and dries quickly compared to other options like cotton.

Why is linen so expensive?

Linen is expensive because it can only be grown in certain locations, and the production process is labor-intensive. Flax plants prefer cooler climates and are typically grown in European locations like Belgium. The growing and processing of flax plants into linen is time-consuming and labor-intensive, which drives up the price.

How to care for linen sheets?

Linen sheets aren't exactly high maintenance, but there are a few tips for keeping your linen sheets well-cared for. When washing linen sheets, avoid hot water that could break down the fibers. Instead, opt for warm water and a delicate wash setting. Try to avoid harsh chemicals in laundry detergents that could break down linen fibers and cause discoloration. Consider air-drying linen sheets to preserve durability, but using a dryer on a low heat, tumble setting should work just fine.

Why buy linen sheets?

Other than enjoying the aesthetic, Bide recommends linen sheets for hot sleepers or anyone who enjoys a cooler sleep since linen is absorbent and has a "cool" feel. They're also known to be durable and long-lasting, a set that will last you for years.

Linen sheets vs. cotton — What's the difference?

Lewenhaupt says linen is typically more durable than cotton as the fibers have a longer and more open structure. This structure makes linen more absorbent, which is what gives them that cooling sensation. For more on the differences, read our linen vs. cotton sheets article.

Are linen sheets good for hot sleepers?

According to Bide, yes. He says that linen is known to be absorbent, hence its use for dish towels and old-fashioned handkerchiefs. You're unlikely to get that "clammy" feeling from a linen sheet, making it a great option for hot sleepers.

What is the best quality linen?

Linen made from Flax grown in France or Belgium is the highest quality, according to Lewenhaupt.

Do hotels use linen sheets?

Some hotels use linen sheets, but most use high-quality cotton sheets in their bedding.

Why aren't there many linen sheets in twin size?

Since linen is more expensive, you're more likely to find it in queen and king sizes. Its luxury status also means it's much more common in large sizes than twin or twin XL. Cultiver, Quince, Bed Threads, and MagicLinen offer twin sizing.

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