Home Decorating Bedroom Decorating The 10 Best Linen Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed We tested 15 linen sheet sets and found the very best for every budget and style. By Hannah Baker Hannah Baker Instagram Website Hannah has been writing for over 10 years and started her career in media as an assistant project manager for Henninger Media Services. She then worked for The Daily Muse as both an online community manager and columnist and later joined the Brides team in 2014. For five years, Hannah produced and pitched wedding style content for the bimonthly magazine. In 2019, she joined Rachael Ray in Season and Reveal Magazine as the home editor. Her other bylines include Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Muse, and Martha Stewart Weddings. She is currently the home editor at Rachael Ray in Season and Reveal Magazine. Hannah went to the University of Georgia and graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in sociology. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 10, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Linen sheets have grown increasingly popular over the past few years thanks to their temperature-regulating properties, as well as the effortless “undone” look they provide. Linen has a very different texture compared to traditional cotton sheets though, so you might feel unsure which set will feel the best for you. To help make the shopping process less stressful, we researched and tested 15 linen sheet sets, evaluating them on texture, quality, breathability, durability, and overall value. “Linen’s natural properties make it an excellent choice for bedding,” says Katie Elks, Director of Design and Product Development at Brooklinen. “It is effortlessly breathable and has exceptional moisture-wicking properties that keep you cool when you’re hot and warm when you’re cold.”Our top picks include light and airy sets that are perfect for hot sleepers, as well as linen-blend sheets that are just right for those who aren’t quite ready to make the jump to linen. Our Top Picks Best Overall Linen Sheets: Parachute Linen Sheet Set at Parachute Jump to Review Best Budget Linen Sheets: Quince Linen Sheet Set at Onequince.com Jump to Review Best Cooling Linen Sheets: Saatva Linen Sheet at Saatva Jump to Review Best Lightweight Linen Sheets: Bokser Home French Linen Sheet Set at Target Jump to Review Best All-Season Linen Sheets: Brooklinen Linen Sheet Set at Brooklinen Jump to Review Best Heavy Linen Sheets: Sijo Linen Sheet Set at Amazon Jump to Review Most Durable Linen Sheets: The Citizenry Linen Sheet Set at The-citizenry.com Jump to Review Best Colorful Linen Sheets: Piglet in Bed Linen Sheet Set at Pigletinbed.com Jump to Review Best Linen-Cotton Blend Sheets: Southern Living Linen & Cotton Sheet Set at Dillards.com Jump to Review Best Linen-Bamboo Blend Sheets: Kassatex Linen-Bamboo Sheet Set at Kassatex.com Jump to Review Best Overall Linen Sheets Parachute Linen Sheet Set 4.9 Parachute View On Parachute Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4.9/5 Durability 4.9/5 Value 4.5/5 Breathability 5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for a linen sheet set that’s soft right out of the box, yet still durable enough for long-term use. Also, people looking for a linen sheet set that is top sheet optional. Who it isn’t for: People who want a thicker sheet set for the higher price. When it comes to linen sheets, our first recommendation is the Parachute Linen Sheet Set. Firstly, these sheets look and feel very high quality, from the rich colors to the noticeable texture. We also noted that these sheets were very soft overall, even before they had been washed, which isn’t always the case with linen. Although sometimes that initially soft feel means that the linen is prone to tearing over time, we found these sheets to be exceptionally durable—and they didn’t shrink at all after washing. Plus, they even held up well against stains, with makeup and coffee spills easily washed out. These sheets proved to be above average in terms of moisture-wicking, and stayed breathable while sleeping through the night. Another thing we like about these sheets is that they come with the option to add a top sheet, which is great news for those in the no-top-sheet club. Another great feature is the envelope-style pillowcases, which ensure that your pillow won’t move around while you sleep. We also like that these sheets come in a variety of earthy colors so there’s something for everyone, from basic neutrals like Cream and Fog to more vibrant tones like Melon and Clay. Overall, we found that these Parachute sheets looked, felt, and tested impressively compared to all of the sheets we tested. Because of their soft texture, they’re a great option for both linen sheet beginners and experts. Price at time of publish: $329 for queen Material: European flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: Free within 60 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Linen Sheets Quince European Linen Sheet Set 4.2 Quince View On Onequince.com Our Ratings Quality 3.8/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 3.9/5 Value 4.9/5 Breathability 4.3/5 Who it’s for: People who don’t want to spend a lot on linen sheets, especially those who are new to linen. Who it isn’t for: People who don’t need deep-pocket sheets. These Quince sheets are also offered as a set with or without a flat sheet, and they come in a whopping 18 colors to choose from. We noted that these sheets came out of the box very soft, so they’re a fantastic option for those who are new to linen. Plus, they’re priced way below average compared to most linen sheets, so they’re a great value if you’re not totally sure you want to commit to an expensive linen sheet set. Despite the lower price, these sheets performed exceptionally well. We were pleased at how they kept us feeling cool and comfortable through the night, even for hot sleepers, and they held up well after several weeks of washing. There are, however, a few cons to these sheets. First, the pillowcases seemed to be sized rather large and did not have any type of enclosure, so we found that the pillowcases ended up significantly shifting over our pillows through the night. We also noted that the fitted sheet seemed to be quite deep, which meant that extra fabric tended to bunch up. If you have a deeper mattress or sleep with a mattress pad, however, this shouldn’t be a problem. Overall, we think these sheets are a great value. Price at time of publish: $110 for queen Material: European flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: Free within one year Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Cooling Linen Sheets Saatva Linen Sheet Set 4.7 Saatva View On Saatva Our Ratings Quality 4.9/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.7/5 Value 4.3/5 Breathability 4.5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for linen sheets that have a good weight to them for year-round use, yet remain cool and comfortable all night. Who it isn’t for: Those who want more color options. While these sheets only come in three colors, we loved the quality and feel of them. These sheets actually have a little weight to them, which is a good sign that they’re durable and will last a long time. Despite this extra weight, we found that these sheets kept us cool all night long—even for those who slept hot. We found that they were impressively moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, making them especially great for those looking for year-round cooling sheets. We noticed that these sheets were a little rough out of the box, but after even one wash they softened up a lot—and are sure to continue doing so over time. Unsurprisingly, these sheets are also quite durable and held up extremely well in the wash. It’s also worth noting that these sheets are OEKO-TEX certified, so you can be sure they’re free of harmful chemicals. They’re expensive, but definitely worth it for those looking for high-quality linen sheets. Price at time of publish: $375 for queen Material: Belgian linen | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: 45 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Lightweight Linen Sheets Bokser Home French Linen Sheet Set 4.8 Target View On Target View On Bokserhome.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4.8/5 Durability 4.4/5 Value 5/5 Breathability 4.8/5 Who it’s for: People looking for super light and airy sheets for hot weather. Who it isn’t for: Those looking for twin or full sizes. These linen sheets come in nine colors (including a striped option, which we like for a more textured look). We were particularly struck by the softness of these sheets, and found them to feel luxuriously lightweight and airy. This is probably due to the fact that they’re garment-washed before leaving the manufacturer, so they arrive already feeling soft and comfortable. Still, they weren’t too light, and still managed to keep us cozy on cooler nights. We also found that they had excellent breathability and kept us sweat-free while we slept. These sheets come with a strong elastic in the fitted sheet as well as long and short labels, making it as easy as possible to make the bed. Plus, they washed well, with the color never changing after several washes. On the other hand, we have some doubts about the long-term durability of these sheets, since they’re so lightweight and show a slight pilling over the areas where we lay the most. Still, we highly recommend these sheets, as they reminded us of our favorite linen shirt—lived in, super soft, and oh so breezy. Price at time of publish: $268 for queen Material: French flax | Size Range: Queen-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: Not listed Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best All-Season Linen Sheets Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set 4.6 Brooklinen View On Brooklinen Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4.4/5 Durability 4.7/5 Value 4/5 Breathability 4.5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for temperature-regulating sheets that are suitable for year-round use. Who it isn’t for: People who want thicker linen sheets. Much like other linen sheets, we found that these Brooklinen sheets were initially a bit rough out of the box, but softened up significantly after a few washes. We also found that these sheets were quite durable, managing to look new and crisply white after several weeks of use. But most importantly, these sheets proved to be perfect for both cool and warm weather. They were impressively temperature-regulating, keeping us cool and sweat-free in warm weather and cozy and comfortable on chilly nights. These sheets also have some very user-friendly features. There are labels for the long and short ends of the fitted sheet so you won’t get frustrated when you’re making the bed, and the pillowcases have an envelope closure so you won’t wake up with your pillow falling out. Brooklinen also has a very generous return policy: All returns are free within one year of purchase, and there’s an additional one-year warranty to ensure you’re happy with your sheets for a long time. Price at time of publish: $299 for queen Material: European flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: Free within one year Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Heavy Linen Sheets Sijo French Linen Sheet Set 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Wayfair Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 4.3/5 Breathability 4.3/5 Who it’s for: People looking for substantial linen sheets that still remain breathable. Who it isn’t for: People who want extremely soft sheets right out of the box. These thick, luxurious linen sheets stood out to us because of their high-quality construction. There were no loose threads, snags, or pills after numerous washes, and they managed to look like new over a span of several weeks. This durability can be attributed to the slightly heavier weight of these sheets, as well as the fact that they’re made in smaller batches to ensure quality. Although these sheets are a little heavier in feel than other linen sheets, we found that they were still very breathable. They had a crisp, cooling feel, and while they weren’t the softest sheets we tested, they were still plenty comfortable. These sheets are stone-washed (which literally means they’re washed with stones) to make them as soft as possible upon arrival, and they’ll continue to soften up as you use and wash them. These sheets come in seven shades (including a pinstripe pattern) so you have plenty of options to choose from, and you can also choose to forgo a top sheet when purchasing. Price at time of publish: $255 for queen Material: French flax | Size Range: Full-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: 30 days Most Durable Linen Sheets The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set 4.2 The Citizenry View On The-citizenry.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 3.5/5 Breathability 3/5 Who it’s for: People looking for incredibly durable sheets that don’t skimp on softness. Who it isn’t for: People who want a longer return policy. With twelve solid colors and three subtle patterns to choose from, these linen sheets from The Citizenry are not only gorgeous—they’re also one of the highest-quality sheet sets we tested. We also love that all the muted solid color options work well for mixing and matching, should you want to buy a couple of sets or a set of pillowcases in a different color. In our testing, we found that these sheets exhibited no wear and no fading, even with the ivory/light tan color. There was also no staining, and no loose threads or snagging. In fact, when we tested these sheets for durability the outcome was pretty impressive. We rubbed sandpaper on these sheets 50 times, and were deeply impressed that there was quite a lot of fabric depth remaining. Therefore, we feel pretty confident that these sheets will last a very long time without tearing or getting too thin. And if you’re worried about softness, fear not—we found these sheets to feel incredibly soft and comfortable right out of the box. Price at time of publish: $299 for queen Material: French flax | Size Range: Full-California king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Return Policy: Free within 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Colorful Linen Sheets Piglet in Bed Linen Sheet Set 4.4 Piglet in Bed View On Pigletinbed.com Our Ratings Quality 4.3/5 Texture 4.8/5 Durability 4.4/5 Value 4/5 Breathability 4.5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for colorful, mid-weight linen sheets. Who it isn’t for: People looking for very durable sheets. If you love out of the ordinary bedding or just want the option to fully mix and match your bedding, Piglet in Bed is the brand for you. We tested the Warm Clay colorway, but there are a whopping 19 solid colors to choose from, as well as six patterns. There is also the option to build your own bedding, so you can choose a different color or pattern option for your duvet cover, flat and fitted sheets, and pillowcases. In terms of breathability, we found these sheets to be very comfortable. They aren’t as breezy and airy as other linen sheets, but they’re just right for someone who needs a good balance of cozy and cool. We also like that the pillowcases have envelope closures, which ensure that pillows don’t wiggle out of their cases in the middle of the night. Although we found that these sheets didn’t hold up particularly well to our sandpaper durability test, there was also no shrinkage or color fading after washing and drying. Price at time of publish: $289 for queen Material: European Flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 15-16 inches | Return Policy: 90 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Linen-Cotton Blend Sheets Southern Living Heirloom Linen & Cotton Sheet Set 4.8 Dillards View On Dillards.com Our Ratings Quality 4.9/5 Texture 4.8/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Breathability 4.5/5 Who it’s for: People who want to save on linen sheets and people who aren’t ready to make the leap from cotton to linen. Who it isn’t for: Those looking for more color and sizing options. Thanks to the combination of cotton and linen, these sheets from Southern Living’s Dillard’s collection provide the best of both worlds (Southern Living is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith). The cotton makes the sheets a little softer than 100 percent linen sheets, while also driving the overall cost of the set down. The linen helps with temperature regulation and moisture-wicking, and we didn’t notice ever feeling too hot or cold when testing these. We also found that these sheets are quite durable, with no real damage done after we took sandpaper to them for our durability test. The major downside of these sheets is the lack of options to choose from. They’re only available in three neutral colorways (light gray, ivory, and white), and just two sizes (queen and king). Still, we think these sheets are a good choice for those on a budget or those who are new to linen sheets, since they have that linen look but at a less expensive price point. Price at time of publish: $125 for queen Material: 55% linen, 45% cotton | Size Range: Queen, king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Linen-Bamboo Blend Sheets Kassatex Linen-Bamboo Sheet Set 4.7 Kassatex View On Kassatex.com Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4.8/5 Breathability 5/5 Who it’s for: People looking for ultra soft sheets. Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for more color and sizing options. If you love the look of linen but don’t love the rougher feel, these sheets may become your new favorites. Made from a mix of 60 percent linen and 40 percent rayon made from bamboo, these sheets are remarkably soft without being slippery, like bamboo can be, or too airy, like linen can be. These sheets are naturally antimicrobial, temperature-regulating, and environmentally-friendly (flax and bamboo are both resilient crops that can be grown without nearly as much water as cotton). We also noticed that these sheets have a slightly stretchy quality, which makes them very easy to make a bed with. We didn’t notice any shrinkage after washing and drying, and the only real quality issue we encountered during testing was some loose threads that could be easily snipped off. The only real issue we found was the lack of sizing and color options. These sheets only come in four shades (white, sand, dark gray, and blush pink) and two sizes. Price at time of publish: $170 for queen Material: 60% linen, 40% rayon from bamboo | Size Range: Queen, king | Pocket Depth: 15.5 inches | Return Policy: Within 60 days from the delivery date Real Simple / Rachel Marek Final Verdict Overall, we think the Parachute Linen Sheets are the best overall linen sheets, because of their high quality construction, breathability, and durability. Not only do they hit the sweet spot of being soft and lightweight yet also durable, but they also come in a range of colors and sizes—and you can even forgo the top sheet when you order. Our Testing Process We tested 15 linen sheet sets, both in our testing lab and with real world testers. First, we evaluated the quality of the newly opened sheet sets, looking out for any loose threads, snags, discolorations, or any other imperfections. Then, we washed and dried all the flat and fitted sheets per each manufacturer’s instructions. Next, we applied staining agents to each top sheet and one pillowcase: coffee, foundation, and oil. We then washed all the flat and fitted sheets twice more, setting aside the pillowcases for comparison. Once all washing was complete, we compared the pillowcases with the washed sheets. We examined the areas where staining agents were applied, and noted any color fading, loose threads, snags, or other imperfections. We also evaluated any difference in texture between the unwashed pillowcases and the washed sheets. We also measured the washed sheets to identify any shrinkage. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Next, we administered a moisture-wicking test. We used a dropper to administer one drop of water to a taut section of each sheet, analyzing how quickly the drop of water expanded. We then measured the width of each expanded drop, keeping in mind that a larger drop means the fabric is better at moisture-wicking. Then, we made up a bed with each sheet set, taking note of how easy the process was and how the bed looked after making it. Finally, we measured each sheet set’s durability by brushing sandpaper against the sheet 50 times and comparing the abraded area with the rest of the sheet. After lab testing was complete, we sent each sheet set home to real world testers, who used the sheets over a span of two months. How to Shop for Linen Sheets Like a Pro Material and Feel You might be wondering—what exactly is linen? “Linen is a natural material crafted from the fibers of the flax plant,” says Katie Elks, the Director of Design and Product Development at Brooklinen. “It’s naturally absorbent, insulating, and incredibly breathable. It’s great for year-round use, as it keeps you bundled in cold temperatures but breezy in warmer weather.” If you’re used to cotton sheets, linen might take some getting used to. The best quality linen starts out feeling a bit rough but then gets progressively softer as it’s used and washed. This type of linen bedding is extremely durable and will last for many years, making the higher price tag more worth it. Nowadays though, many retailers put their linen sheets through a pre-washing process so they feel softer right out of the box. You have to be careful with immediately soft and airy linen though, as sometimes that can point to a lower-quality product that will tear easier and not last as long. A good middle ground is a linen sheet that has a nice mid-weight feel. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Pocket Depth Pocket depth refers to the mattress depth that the sheets will fit. Most standard-pocket sheets are around 15-16 inches, which is plenty of room for most mattresses so the sheets will stay tucked under and not roll up during the middle of the night. If you have a particularly deep mattress or mattress pad you may want to look into deep pocket sheets instead. While all of the sheets we recommend have a pocket depth around 15-16 inches, we noticed the Quince Linen Sheets had a lot of extra room to suit taller mattresses. Return Policy Make sure you look into the return policy before you purchase, especially if you’re new to linen and want to make sure you can return if needed. Most brands offer free returns within 30-90 days, with some (like Brooklinen) offering returns or exchanges within 365 days. More Linen Sheets to Consider West Elm European Flax Linen Sheet Set: We found that these sheets had a sturdiness to them that made them feel less gauzy and airy than other linen sheets, leading us to believe that they’re high-quality and should prove to be quite durable. They wrinkled much more than other sheets we tested though, although keep in mind that linen in general is more wrinkly than cotton. Cozy Earth Linen Sheet Set: We thought that these sheets were another good contender for the bamboo-linen blend category. They didn’t quite stack up to the Kassatex sheets but were a close second, feeling super soft and lightweight. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask What are the pros and cons of linen bedding? First and foremost, linen is an excellent bedding choice for hot sleepers who need breathable and moisture-wicking sheets. While linen is a fantastic choice for summer bedding, it can definitely be used year-round since it’s also temperature-regulating, keeping you cool in warm weather and comfortable on chilly nights. Plus, according to Elks: “Linen has an elegant yet casual look that looks amazing in any bedroom—think of it as a perfectly imperfect aesthetic.” While Elk says that linen has a wonderfully light and airy feel, it’s worth remembering that it does wrinkle more easily than cotton, so it may not be a good fit for someone who can’t stand the sight of wrinkly bedding. Also remember that most linen sheets will need to be washed a couple of times before they feel extra soft, which might not be worth it for some people. Does linen shed? “Yes, linen can shed! It’s important to know that this is totally normal and expected when purchasing a 100 percent linen product,” says Elk. “Thankfully, once your linen is broken in through use and laundering, shedding should lessen over time.” What’s the best way to take care of linen sheets? To best lengthen the life of your linen sheets, make sure to closely follow your product’s specific care instructions. Usually the brand will call for washing in cold water and drying on low or medium, as high temperatures can damage the flax fibers. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Hannah Baker, a freelance writer and editor with a decade of experience researching and writing about home products. She’s written about products for Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Apartment Therapy, Brides, MyDomaine, Shop TODAY, and Drew and Jonathan Reveal, to name a few. To write this article, we tested 15 popular linen sheet sets, evaluating them on texture, quality, breathability, durability, and overall value. Hannah also spoke to Katie Elks, Director of Design and Product Development at Brooklinen, for more information on what to expect with linen bedding. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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