There are lots of reasons to love linen sheets. They look chic and effortless, are temperature-regulating, and last a long time. Understandably, these perks (and others) make linen the most popular choice of bedding material.
Linen comes from the stem of the flax plant. It's not completely eco-friendly, but it is a more sustainable choice since the material is biodegradable, grows rapidly, and requires less water to process than cotton. Linen production is also more laborious than other textiles, even with the inclusion of modern technology.
This means linen sheets are not exactly cheap, so it's worth knowing where your money is going. After sleeping on more than a few great bedding sets, we've rounded up six of our favorite linen options, tried, tested, and approved by our sleep editor. They're great quality (but relatively affordable) and will earn you extra style points in the bedroom.
If you're after the linen bedding set of your dreams, these are the ones to invest in.
Best linen sheets 2023
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Best linen sheet set overall
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
Colors: 18
Type: European flax
GSM: 165 GSM
+ Soft enough to use straight out of the packaging
+ Tons of colors
+ Sustainably made in Australia
- Sheds a bit and produces lots of lint
Very few linen sheet sets are soft enough to go on the bed straight out of the packaging, but Cultiver's are cozy and comfy from the get-go. Available in plenty of colors, the fabric is both weighty and breathable, making it suitable for year-round use. The envelope closure design of the pillowcase keeps your pillow secure too — a nice touch.
Best cheap linen sheets
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king
Colors: 11
Type: European flax
GSM: 150 GSM
+ Affordable
+ Fits deep mattresses
- Takes a few washes to get soft
- Only available as a set
Linen sheets are definitely an investment, but Quince has managed to take away the sticker shock with more than affordable European flax bedding. If you're in love with a set from a big-name brand, you can get around $100 off by picking these just-as-chic sheets. You'll have to give them a wash before you put them on the bed though as they're a little stiff at first, but they get softer with each wash, trust us.
Best looking linen sheet set
Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal king
Colors: 18
Type: French flax
GSM: 160 GSM
+ Beautiful hem detail
+ Sustainably sourced
+ Pattern options available too
- May shed
Not only are The Citizenry's sheets sourced from one of the oldest family-run mills in Portugal in a fair trade environment, but they're also stonewashed for added softness. The hems of the flat sheet and pillowcases also have a beautiful eyelet detail. In addition to the pretty colors, they're also available in chic gingham and stripe, too.
Softest linen sheet set
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Colors: 13
Type: European flax
GSM: 145 GSM
+ Super soft and airy
+ Available in various sets and colors
+ Individually garment dyed
- Sheer in some lights
Brooklinen's linen falls more on the lightweight side, making them great for the summer. They do get significantly softer with each wash and are OEKO-TEX certified and made in Portugal. The core color options are pretty neutral, but the limited edition shades are often a little bolder (and sell out fast). If you get a light color, just note they can look a little sheer if your comforter or duvet has any color or logos on it.
Best linen sheets for summer
Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal king
Colors: 7
Type: French flax
GSM: 165 GSM
+ Super lightweight
+ Sustainably produced
+ Great price
- Prone to shed
The 100% flax linen is sustainably sourced in small batches from Burgundy, France and then made in Shanghai. It's stone washed for added softness, making it perfectly lightweight for use even in the hottest of heatwaves. Though I'm team top sheet, you can decide whether you want it in your set or not. Skipping out on it does lower the price significantly.
Best colorful linen sheets
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
Colors: 19
Type: European flax
GSM: 165 GSM
+ Great range of bright color options
+ Eco-friendly packaging
- Can shed some lint
- More expensive
Along with a beautiful color selection, we're impressed by the eco-efforts at Magic Linen. They're OEKO-TEX certified and arrive in a protective linen drawstring bag. Most items are made to order to minimize overproduction, too. Better yet, they look beautiful on your bed, though the fitted sheet did shed lots of lint. I had to get out my hand vac to clean it up, which is a pain considering the price.
Real Homes review process
Slept under by our sleep specialist, these linen sheets have been tested by our editor who knows what makes the best bedding. Used for several nights, and where possible, during a variety of weather conditions, we’ve got a good idea of which linen sets are best in each season. We’ve put them in the washing machine more than once, dried, tumble-dried, and even stored away to mimic everyday use. This is an updated guide, and some bedding sets have stayed their place as best, but you might want to check back to see how long they last.
Jaclyn, our former sleep editor and current ecommerce editor at Homes & Gardens, knows her stuff when it comes to great bedding. She's tested some of the best mattresses, duvets, and comforters out there. When it comes to duvet covers, she's tried, tested, and recommended only the best. She loves linen sheets, in particular, and the top choices are the ones she's picked as her favorites.
A little bit more about linen
- Linen origin: Most of the world's linen comes from places in Europe like France and Belgium. We like to see transparency around flax's origins.
- Breathability: Linen is naturally breathable and temperature-regulating by design.
- Durability: Linen is an extremely durable fiber, but GSM can also denote better durability.
- Feel: Linen does get softer over time with each wash, but stonewashed designs have been pre-washed for added softness.
- Color and size options: With linen being considered a specialty item, you'll want to confirm that your bed size is available, paying attention to extra depth if you have a thick mattress. Some brands offer a tight color edit while others will offer an entire rainbow.
- GSM: You may have noticed in our specs that we list the GSM. GSM or grams per square meter is a measure of textile weight. When it comes to linen, we've found that a GSM between 140 and 190 provides adequate softness and heft; though a lower GSM may feel more breathable than a heavier one.
How to care for linen sheets
Linen sheets will typically follow the wash care instructions of the bed sheets you're used to sleeping on. In general, you'll want to wash on a delicate setting in lukewarm water and avoid any bleach, harsh detergent, or any particularly heavy items like denim or towels. Of course, a few tips and tricks will prolong the life of your sheets for the better.
Magic Linen offers a wonderful linen care guide (opens in new tab) with expert tips on caring for it. In the event of a stain, be sure to get it out as soon as it develops. Any dirt, oil, or grease can immediately absorb into linen fibers and become difficult to remove.
The brand also advises removing your sheets from the dryer when they're still slightly damp. Then hang them out to dry or lay them out flat if possible to finish. This can help reduce wrinkles and keeps them from getting too stiff. Linen should also be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Use the included linen bag or store it in a pillowcase, as opposed to a plastic bag or container.
Are linen sheets worth the money?
In short, yes. If you can afford the initial investment for linen, you get bedding that is durable, softer with every wash, and generally made to higher sustainability standards than other materials. On top of this, you also benefit from the temperature-regulating properties of linen that make it great for summer nights (yet still cozy enough come fall).
