Anika Begay
I fell inside love of linen bedding years ago. I purchased a bright yellow linen comforter that I knew would make my bedroom look prettier. The yellow was just a phase, but sleeping on linen took effect immediately. Linen has a rougher texture and a worn look, which can put some people off sleeping on it. But the fabric is breathable and dries quickly, so you’ll stay cooler while you sleep and avoid sweaty sheets. (That’s why linen clothing is popular in the summer.)
Linen is also strong and durable, softening (slowly) after each wash without becoming thinner or weaker. Linen tends to be more expensive, and because high-quality linen lasts a long time, a linen sheet set is an investment in not only staying fresh while you sleep (which is very important for sleep quality), but also in beautiful bedding that you can enjoy for years.
I love sleeping on linen, as long as it’s not pure rough, which is one of the many things I looked for when testing and researching the best linen sheets. I also looked for breathability and airflow, the weight of the sheets, and any other texture or temperature concerns beyond linen’s infamous roughness. I also researched where each manufacturer sources its linen and where it’s made (which can impact both quality and price). These are the best linen sheets I’ve ever slept on, all tested for at least seven nights and at least two washes. I always wash my sheets before my first night of testing, and I tend to rotate my sheets every few nights. (All prices in this guide are for queen-sized sheets.)
Read our guide to the best sheets if you prefer something a little softer, and check out our other bedding buying guides, including the best pillows, best mattresses, best cooling mattresses, and whether you need a duvet.
Updated August 2024: We’ve added test notes on The Company Store’s linen sheets, as well as more details on linen weight for all picks in our guide.
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What’s so special about linen?
Photograph: Judy Davidson/Getty Images
Linen is a woven fabric made from flax plants. It is a highly breathable material, so it keeps you cool during the summer months since it does not retain heat. It is great for those who sleep in the heat. It will initially feel rougher than a simple cotton sheet set, but should soften up the more you wash it. Linen is often priced higher than other sheets, but it is generally more durable than percale or other cotton fabrics, so a good set of sheets should last a long time.
It’s not for everyone, but if you love linen clothing, you’ll probably love linen sheets. If you’re unsure, start with a single piece (like a comforter or flat sheet) and see what you think. Most of the options we recommend come in a linen set, but you can also buy many of these pieces separately, allowing you to try out a linen pillowcase or fitted sheet before diving into an all-linen bed.
