Cotton and linen are two of the most popular choices for the best bed sheets — and for a good reason. Praised for its natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties, linen is the favorite pick for hot sleepers or those in warmer climates. On the other hand, cotton sheets are popular for their signature soft feel and ease of care. Both fabrics bring varying characteristics to the table in terms of comfort and design, but which is better: cotton or linen?
In this article, we’ll compare cotton and linen sheets side by side, looking at important factors like how they feel, how they manage temperature, durability, and more. We also consulted with Martin Bide, a professor in the department of textiles at the University of Rhode Island, to find out exactly how these sheets differ.
What are cotton sheets?
Cotton is made from natural cotton fibers, which are harvested from the fluffy seed pods of the cotton plant. Similar to linen, cotton has been used by humans for thousands of years, with its history in fabric-making dating back to around 3,000 BC.
Cotton is a popular choice for bedding because of its comfort, breathability, and versatility. It naturally promotes good air circulation, making it a great option for staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter. One of the big reasons people love cotton sheets is how easy they are to care for — most can be tossed in the washer and dryer with no hassle. Cotton is also quite durable, and high-quality sheets can last for years when properly maintained. It’s also known for its versatility, which means there’s a wide range of options and something for every preference and budget.
Types of Cotton Sheets
- Egyptian cotton: Originating from Egypt, this type of cotton is known for its luxurious softness and durability. It’s considered a luxury bedding option with a matching price tag.
- Pima cotton: First produced in the U.S., Pima cotton is also known for its softness and durability, with the added benefit of being more affordable than Egyptian cotton while still offering a luxurious feel.
- Upland cotton: The most common type of cotton worldwide, Upland cotton is more budget-friendly but has shorter fibers, making it less soft and durable compared to Egyptian or Pima cotton.
- Organic cotton: This refers to cotton that’s grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It’s a sustainable option that still offers cotton’s signature softness and comfort.
Cotton weaves
- Percale weave: This is characterized by an extra breathable weave and a matte finish. It’s fit for all-weather use, though it is prone to wrinkles.
- Sateen weave: This has a tighter weave that produces a silky, smooth feel with a subtle sheen. It’s one of the most luxurious types of cotton fabrics and is often used as fine bedding sheets. Percale vs sateen weaves are similar, but sateen tends to be considered more luxurious.
- Twill weave: Its diagonal pattern gives it its signature pattern and texture. It’s a very durable and wrinkle-resistant fabric, making it a good choice for clothing and upholstery.
- Jersey weave: Made by knitting rather than weaving, jersey cotton is soft and stretchy, making it a popular choice for casual wear.
Cotton pros and cons
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy care: Most cotton fabrics are low maintenance and machine-washable. | Environmental impact: Cotton farming and production require large amounts of water and pesticides, which can have a lasting environmental impact. |
| Soft: Cotton is known for its softness, making it gentle against the skin and comfortable for sleeping or wearing. | Prone to wrinkling: It tends to wrinkle easily, especially after washing. |
| Variety: Cotton is versatile and comes in a wide range of prices, weaves, and styles, making them accessible to different budgets and preferences. | Can shrink: Depending on how it’s washed, cotton sheets may shrink over time. This is especially true if exposed to high heat during drying. |
What are linen sheets
Linen sheets are woven from the natural fibers of flax plants, one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. It’s often prized for its durability and breathability, making linen one of the best cooling sheets and a great bedding choice for hot sleepers or those in warmer or tropical climates. According to Bide, linen sheets are absorbent, so they won’t leave you feeling “clammy” and instead have a “cool” feel.
Although breathable, linen has a rougher, more textured feel at first. However, it gradually softens and becomes more comfortable with each wash, still maintaining its signature textured look. Additionally, linen is considered very durable and highly sustainable to make, as the flax plant requires less water and fewer pesticides than cotton.
Europe, specifically Belgium and France, is known for its flax production, creating some of the world’s best linen sheets. This is because those regions have the optimal climate and soil for growing strong, fine flax fibers. Linen grows in a distinct atmosphere, meaning it can’t be grown everywhere, which is part of the reason why it’s so expensive. Harvesting the plants and weaving the fibers is quite labor intensive, which is another reason for the high cost of linen.
Types of linen sheets
- Pure linen: Pure linen is what they refer to as linen that’s entirely made from flax fibers.
- Blended linen: This linen is mixed with other fibers like cotton or denim, creating a smoother fabric that's more affordable while still keeping some of linen’s breathability.
- Washed linen: This refers to linen that’s been pre-washed to soften the fabric, achieving a relaxed, lived-in look and feel without the initial stiffness of traditional linen.
- Belgian linen: Made with Belgium-sourced flax, this type of linen is popular for its high quality and soft, luxurious feel. It’s often considered the gold standard of linen sheets.
- French linen: French linen is grown and processed in France, where it’s known for its slightly heavier weight, durability, and refined texture.
Linen weaves
- Plain weave: This is considered the most durable weave, thanks to its strong checkered pattern. Due to its durability, it’s good for both sturdy clothing and home decor.
- Satin weave: This weave has a silkier and smoother feel and finish than the plain weave.
- Loose/Open weave: Though not as durable as the plain weave, this type of linen is highly absorbent and is often used in reusable diapers and as kitchen napkins.
- Huckaback/Honeycomb/Waffle weave: These textured weaves add visual interest and extra absorbency, which make them a popular choice for towels and decorative linens.
Linen pros and cons
| PROS | CONS |
| Super breathable: Linen is excellent at temperature regulation and maintaining airflow. | Expensive: Depending on the quality, linen sheets are usually pricier than other bedding. |
| Moisture-wicking: Linen absorbs moisture naturally, which can help keep you dry and cool while you sleep. | Rough at first: Linen sheets can feel a bit rough out of the box, but they gradually soften with each wash. |
| Eco-friendly: It’s the more sustainable choice over cotton as flax requires less water and fewer chemicals to grow. | Needs special care: Linen requires specific care instructions to maintain its quality and durability. |
Cotton vs. linen: which is better
When it comes to sleep, linen and cotton offer unique sleeping experiences. Let’s compare linen and cotton so you can decide which one is the best fit for your bedroom.
| Linen | Cotton | |
| Feel | Rough and textured at first, but softens over time | Soft and smooth out of the box |
| Temperature regulation | Breathable; suitable for warmer weather and climates | Breathable, but depends on the type of weave |
| Durability | Durable and can last many years, but requires special care | Durable and low maintenance; may depend on fabric type and weave |
| Sustainability | More sustainable, requiring less resources | More resource-intensive to produce |
| Care | Requires special care | Low maintenance; usually machine-washable |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | Ranges from affordable to expensive, depending on the type |
FAQs
Does cotton or linen sleep cooler?
Between the two, linen feels cooler because of its looser weave, natural breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. While cotton can be breathable, it depends on the type and weave of the cotton.
Is cotton or linen softer?
Cotton feels softer out of the box, especially if it’s made with higher-quality types like Egyptian or Pima cotton. On the other hand, linen may start off slightly rougher, but it gradually softens after each wash. If immediate softness is a priority for you, cotton might be the better choice. However, if you prefer evolving comfort, linen is a fantastic option. Bide tells us that cotton is made from more fine natural fibers than linen, so cotton sheets may feel softer compared to the coarse feel of linen. He also says that you expect cotton sheets to “drape” over the body more than linen sheets would.
Does linen wrinkle more than cotton?
Yes, linen tends to wrinkle more easily than cotton. Linen’s natural fibers are more prone to creasing, which results in its signature relaxed, lived-in look. Cotton, depending on the weave, is more resistant to wrinkling.
Is cotton or linen more sustainable?
Linen has less of an environmental impact, as linen is made from flax plants, which require less water, fewer pesticides, and less energy to grow and process. Conventional cotton farming is more resource-intensive, though organic cotton offers a more eco-friendly alternative.
The bottom line
Linen sheets are an excellent choice if you want something breathable, durable, and moisture-wicking — perfect for hot sleepers or those in warmer climates. On the other hand, cotton sheets are your go-to if you value immediate softness, comfort, and low-maintenance care. Cotton’s versatility also makes it suitable for a wide range of budgets and preferences. Ultimately, the best sheets for your bedroom come down to your personal needs and sleep style. Consider what matters most to you — whether it’s feel, temperature regulation, or ease of care — when making your choice.
Our favorite cotton sheets
The L.L.Bean percale sheets feel amazing on your skin — simultaneously light, crisp, and soft — and prove that quality materials are more important than thread count.
If you take your sleep comfort seriously, the pampering touch and good looks of Brooklinen's Luxe Sheets will make you want to stay in bed longer. Plus, they get softer with wear.
Target's affordable Threshold sheet set is soft and holds up over time so you won’t have to worry about pilling or shrinking.
Our favorite linen sheets
Linen is known to be rough and itchy, but these linen sheets are remarkably soft, airy, cooling, and durable.
Made from 100% European flax, this soft and durable set comes in under $200.
Sijo gives you the option to purchase its cozy linen sheets with or without a top sheet. You'll save nearly $100 (and be making the clearly superior choice) by selecting "without."
