You’ve put a lot of thought into finding and buying one of the best mattresses for your sleep needs. You found one that is perfect for you, both comfortable and supportive. Great! You’re not finished creating the right sleep environment just yet. You still need to look into finding the right sheets.
Buying quality bedding can be a confusing task. The options seem nearly endless, and the differences can seem minimal —but don’t overlook them. Outfitting your new mattress with the right sheets plays a major role in how well you sleep and thus your overall health. Much of that decision comes down to the material they’re made of. Two of the most popular options are cotton and linen.
What Is Cotton Bedding?
The cotton plant produces the natural fibers used in cotton sheets and other linens. You can get all types of bedding— duvet covers, pillows, and more — in this soft material. The natural, breathable, and skin-friendly properties of cotton have made it a popular fabric for thousands of years. Different styles and weaves are available, including sateen and percale. You can find 100% cotton bedding and cotton blends that contain elements like polyester.
Many of the most comfortable and best sheets are made of cotton. The thread count and length of the cotton fibers are two factors that determine the quality of the bedding. Compared to short-staple cotton, long-staple cotton (e.g., Pima or Egyptian) is softer and lasts longer. Fabrics with higher thread counts tend to be softer and stronger.
Pros & Cons of Cotton Bedding
When you lie down on cotton sheets, you'll experience a gentle sense of comfort. On hot summer evenings, cotton will keep you cool thanks to its excellent breathability. For those who perspire heavily when slumbering, this is an excellent choice. The durability and longevity of cotton bedding is yet another major perk. With proper maintenance, high-quality cotton bedding will retain its softness and strength for many years.
One drawback to cotton bedding is how easily it wrinkles. You might need to iron the sheets every time you wash them to provide a smooth bed surface. You must also be careful how you clean the sheets. If you don't use gentle cycles and mild detergents, cotton of lower grade may feel harsh after several washings. Plus, bedding crafted from long-staple cotton, in particular, can be rather pricey.
What Is Linen?
You’ve probably heard bedsheets described as “linens” before. This is common, but not quite correct. You can have sheets that are linen, but not all are. This is because linen is actually a specific material.
Linen is an extremely strong, lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. The word “linen” comes from the Latin name for flax, “linum usitatissimum.” Linen is a natural fiber that’s woven together like cotton, but it takes longer to harvest and produce due to the tough nature of flax fibers. These fibers are often stored for extended periods to soften them, contributing to linen’s status as a luxury item.
Pros & Cons of Linen Bedding
When comparing linen bed sheets vs. cotton, one key difference lies in the materials themselves. Linen is a kind of bedding woven from flax fibers. Being one of the most breathable textiles, it aids in temperature regulation, so you can sleep cool and dry. It's also well-known for its durability and the fact that it grows softer with each wash. The natural texture of the material lends an air of casual coziness to beds.
Upon first use, linen bedding may feel rougher than cotton. The loose fit and rough surface can be off-putting to some. It also wrinkles even more easily than cotton. And because linen takes longer to produce and lasts longer, it tends to cost more than cotton.
Cotton vs. Linen: What Is the Difference?
Cotton and linen are both breathable, soft fabrics derived from natural fibers, but they’re not interchangeable. Here are some of the main differences:
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Durability: Cotton has more stretch but less long-term strength.
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Softness: Cotton feels softer at first use.
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Texture: Cotton is smooth, while linen has a natural, textured weave.
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Appearance: Linen wrinkles more easily than cotton.
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Hypoallergenic: Linen is slightly better for allergy sufferers.
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Absorbency: Cotton holds slightly more moisture.
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Water Wicking: Linen wicks and dries faster.
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Breathability: Both are breathable, but linen often outperforms.
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Warmth: Linen is cooler — ideal for summer, less so for winter.
Ready to Sleep Better?
When looking for sheets and linens, it is important to consider how these differences will affect your comfort, health, and sleep quality. Do you suffer from allergies? Linen may be the ideal choice. Do you want a polished, smooth bed with minimal upkeep? Cotton could be your winner.
City Mattress carries high-quality bedding in both linen and cotton materials. When you’ve decided which option is right for you, it’s easy to shop online and find exactly what you’re looking for. We carry top brands, such as American Blossom Linens, Malouf, and Purecare. If you’re looking for sheets that are truly the best of the best, you’re looking for SFERRA luxury bedding.
With the right sheets paired with your ideal mattress, you’ll climb into bed and sink into a comforting cloud. Sleep will be easy to achieve!
