A set of the best sheets is the crucial for anyone who values their sleep setup.
What I've yet to cover in any great depth is what type of high-quality bed sheets you should spend your hard-earned paycheck on. After having slept on Parachute's linen sheets for a month, though, I'm comfortable recommending them over sateen or percale sheets as the ones you should have on your bed during from the spring time through the early fall — or if you generally sleep warm. Read on to see why Parachute's linen is the best cooling pick in our best linen sheets guide.
These ultra-thin sheets are a hot sleeper's dream: cooling, breathable, and a lightweight feel that only gets softer over time.
- Soft feel that gets softer with each wash
- Cooling
- Washes well
- A little thin
- Doesn't come with a storage bag
About linen
This sheet set is made of linen, which is the ideal fabric for hot sleepers. "Linen is a great fabric for summer or those who live in hot and humid climates," Parachute's founder and CEO Ariel Kaye told me. "This is because linen fibers are hollow, allowing air and moisture to move throughout. Ancient Egyptians prized the fabric for its wicking properties and breathability. Because of its hollow fiber, linen is also great for winter. It acts as a natural insulator, retaining your body warmth in cold weather."
Without getting too technical, linen fabric is made from the cellulose fibers that grow inside the stalks of the flax plant. "Not only does the flax plant require a lot of attention to grow, the fibers are also very difficult to weave. Both of these factors contribute to the higher price tag," Kaye told me. "But once you've slept on linen, you understand why it's worth every penny." I don't have much disposal income to my name, yet I'm inclined to agree with her. My nights sleeping on Parachute's linen sheets have been some of my most comfortable in recent memory.
In reading up on the benefits of linens beyond comfort, I learned it is moth-resistant and that it repels dirt, prevents bacterial growth, and wicks perspiration away from the skin. Kaye told me it's also the fabric of choice among those with allergies or skin conditions and that it's the most durable natural fiber in the world. "When you purchase linen, you're investing in bedding that will last a long time."
Design-wise, you can buy Parachute's linen sheets in a set or separately. You can also choose your desired pillowcase style from a back envelope to a side open. For those who'd like something quick, easy, and all-encompassing, I suggest you go with the Linen Venice Set, which includes a duvet cover, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. (My only gripe is that the flat sheet is available too, but at an additional cost.) For those who'd prefer to customize their sleep experience, you should check out Parachute's separates section, which lets you create your set piece by piece.
Our review of the Parachute Linen Sheet Set
Comfort and breathability
As someone who easily overheats at night, I was skeptical when I initially opened the linen sheet set I ordered from Parachute. The fabric was much thicker and heavier than the sateen sets I normally made my bed with — seemingly too heavy for something that positions itself as providing users a cool sleep experience, or so I thought.
I'm happy to report, though, that my doubts were unfounded. True to its nature, the linen material was light and airy. It's incredibly breathable, which will help keep you dry and cool on hot-and-sweaty nights. The sheets look good, too. I enjoy the casual, lived-in look of linen.
Care
Parachute's Linen Sheet Set is machine washable, which is definitely a bonus. I also didn't notice any issues like fading, tearing, or pilling after washing. They held up well to washes, maintaining their soft feel and cozy look.
Value
Linen sheets are, in general, more expensive than cotton sheets. The set from Parachute is no exception.
Parachute's linen sheet sets are considerably more expensive than their sateen and percale ones. A queen-size linen sheet set goes for $349 (with a top sheet), whereas its percale and sateen counterparts go for about $90 less. "The process of producing and manufacturing linen is much more arduous," Kaye explained to me.
Parachute has a 2-year warranty on their linen sheets, which is longer than the 1-year warranty for their cotton sheets. If you notice any production defects in your sheets within 2 years of purchase, Parachute with either replace them or refund your money.
Cons to consider
If you're a cold sleeper, you might think that these sheets are too cooling and airy. Since they're so breathable, it's difficult to retain heat. I also found that these sheets were thin, so they're not best for staying warm.
As I mentioned above, these sheets are pricey. While we totally think the cost is worth it, it's definitely not a budget pick. Also, expensive sheets usually come with a storage bag, but the Parachute Linen Sheet Set did not. It's minor, but still important to note when considering their price.
What are your alternatives?
For the best linen sheets on a budget, I recommend the Quince European Linen Sheet Set. These sheets are super soft and durable, which is impressive at a price tag under $200. For a sheet set that will last you through the seasons, the Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set from the Citizenry is versatile enough to stay on your bed regardless of the weather.
If you are looking for the best cooling sheets but aren't sold on linen, the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is a great option. Out of all the sheets we've tested, the Sijo set has the best cooling capabilities.
For other recommendations, check out our guide for the best sheets.
The bottom line
If you're a hot sleeper, I highly suggest checking out Parachute's linen collection. It's more expensive than percale and sateen cotton, but the prices are on par with the best linen sheet sets. I've found Parachute's linen durable, comfortable, and beautiful. They offer a 60-day return policy for you to try them out and fall in love too.
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