The Best Editor-Tested Linen Sheets You Can Buy Now (for Every Budget)

When it comes to cozy home upgrades, your bedding is the perfect place to start. Given that we spend up to one-third of our lives in bed, it’s only natural that we’ve become more invested in making it as downright dreamy as possible. And what better way to invest in your sleeping space than to find ultra-comfy and long-lasting sheets that transport you to a luxury hotel experience as soon as your head hits your pillow?

Linen sheets might just be one of the best bedding investments you can make, and, if the personal experience of some of our editors is any indication, once you go linen, you may never look back.

So, why all the hype? To put it plainly, when made well, linen sheets are luxuriously soft, hold up extremely well, and get better with age. They’re easy to care for (a softly wrinkled look is the goal), breathable, and have superior temperature regulation — keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Because they get softer with time, linen sheets also won’t pill, nor will they need to be replaced in just a couple of years. Oh, and they’re environmentally friendly. They’re basically the perfect piece of year-round bedding — but unfortunately, unlike other best things in life, they don’t come cheap.

One hundred percent linen bedding is costly, but so very worth it if you’re able to make the investment. We spent months testing linen sheets from a wide range of brands, price points, and manufacturing processes and narrowed down the field to bring you the best of the best. If you’re ready to take the plunge into linen (which we highly recommend that you do) or upgrade your current set, check out our favorites below.

Linen sheets have become somewhat of a status symbol in recent years, thanks to social media showcasing their effortlessly relaxed aesthetic, but also because of their higher price point. So, what exactly is the difference between linen and cotton, and how do you choose what’s best for you? If this is your first foray into purchasing linen sheets, here’s everything you need to know.

Linen is made from flax, a strong plant with long, sturdy fibers that make it easy to spin into thread. Two times stronger than cotton, linen textiles are known for their durability and can last for years, if not decades.

Because linen fibers are thicker than cotton, thread count is lower in linen sheets and the weave is often visible. This looser weave, along with linen’s natural moisture-absorbing and -wicking properties, makes linen sheets supremely breathable (hence why it’s such a great fabric for summer clothing).

Linen is ideal for hot sleepers and warmer climates, but it also regulates temperature well, keeping you warm and cozy in winter also. Essentially, linen makes a great year-round choice — another reason the investment can be well worth it. On top of that, linen is hypoallergenic and bacteria-resistant, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Linen is also wonderfully sustainable: flax requires very little irrigation (rainwater is enough for it to grow), doesn’t require pesticides to yield a healthy crop, and linen processing expends a low amount of energy. Plus, quality linen sheets are so durable that you won’t have to replace them very often, reducing waste. And once they do eventually need to be retired, they are fully biodegradable.

With so many benefits, are there any downsides? Of course. Linen textiles have a casual, laidback look that is part of their appeal and charm, but if the visible wrinkles aren’t your style, this could be a drawback. That said, some heavier-weight linen sheets combat this expectation, and you can always wave a steamer over your sheets if you like an extremely neat bed.

It’s important to note that flax fibers are rougher than cotton — and more durable — so if you’re dreaming of downy-soft bedding right out of the package, these may not be for you. Even high-quality linen is a bit grainy or textured at first, with a heavier weight that can take getting used to if all you’ve ever known is airy cotton bedding.

But it’s important to keep in mind that linen will get softer with each wash and use — often the opposite of other materials, which can pill or weaken over time. Many modern retailers try to speed up the aging process by pre-washing their linen bedding to make it softer, and while it’s possible for this to impact the sheets’ long-term quality, being ready for immediate use is definitely nice in terms of enjoying the luxury of linen sheets right away.

All this to say, don’t be afraid of roughness at first, especially with organic, unwashed, or raw linen and even the most expensive sets.

Flax is mostly grown in Western Europe — particularly Belgium and France, but can also come from Ireland, Lithuania, and Portugal, among other places. Belgian flax is known for being the highest quality because of the particular climate and soil properties found there.

Although many retailers source their flax from Europe, they may actually produce their linens or assemble their bedding in other places, such as China or the United States. This shouldn’t be assumed as an indication of worse quality, as the type of looms and mills the linen is produced with have a much greater bearing on the end result of quality rather than where it’s produced.

One of the benefits of linen is that it’s easy to care for, so take a “less is more” approach. Use a mild detergent (you don’t need a lot), and skip the fabric softener and bleach. Wash in cold or warm water, as hot water will harm the fibers over time. Air drying is best, but if that’s not feasible (oh, you don’t live in a farmhouse?), tumble dry on low, and pull the sheets out just before they’re fully dry to avoid major wrinkling.

Using wool dryer balls can help increase fluffiness. Most of all, embrace that effortlessly relaxed look: Wrinkling is to be expected, so you can skip the ironing. If you must iron, we recommend taking the sheets out of the dryer before they’re fully dry, and iron on low heat right away.

In short, flax is more laborious to harvest, linen is more time-consuming to weave, and most of the world’s flax supply is centered in one specific area of Europe, so it’s less abundant. We have a great, more in-depth explainer on it here. To be honest, if you find a linen sheet set priced lower than $100, it’s probably too good to be true. It might last you for a short period of time, but the quality simply isn’t there, and you’ll likely deal with shredding sooner rather than later.

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Products are free of harmful synthetics and dyes.
• Made in Green by OEKO-TEX: Materials used in products are traceable and have been tested for and are free from harmful substances.
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Products align with the Global Organic Textile Standard, which defines the worldwide recognized requirements for organic textiles.
• Made Safe: Products are nontoxic and made with safe ingredients/materials.
• Fair Trade Certified: Products are created in alignment with the economic standards in place for manufacturers to equitably distribute the benefits of ingredient, material, or product trade.
• Better Cotton Initiative partner: The production process uses fewer synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, increases cotton yields, reduces water usage, improves soil health, and applies decent work principles.
• Climate Neutral: Products created by a company that actually offsets more carbon emissions than they generate, making them carbon negative.

We tested a wide range of linen sheets, judging them on the following criteria:

• Feel: How do the sheets feel out of the box? Are they heavy and rough or airy and soft? Are they comfortable to sleep on?
• Durability: Do the sheets feel thick enough to prevent shredding? Do they get softer with time and washing?
• Availability: Can the sheets be purchased as a set or only individually? Are there options for removing the top sheet?

Available in an impressive 40 colors, Pottery Barn’s Belgian Flax Linen Sheets were the best of the best when it came to weight, comfort, and quality. They’re just right for transitional weather, and keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s warm.

“I’ve never had linen sheets before, and I was expecting them to feel too rough, but I was surprised at how comfy these were,” says former commerce editorial assistant Morgan. “They’ve been really cozy when my room gets cold, but they aren’t too hot either. I can see myself using them year-round. Plus, they look so luxe!”

Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, these durable and breathable sheets are made from 100% Belgian flax linen that gets softer with every wash. The set comes in full, queen, and king, and California king sizes and includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.

Read our full review of the Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Sheets.

Who It’s Best For: Those who want good quality linen sheets that are ideal for newcomers as well as linen loyalists; those looking for linen sheets to use all year long; those who want a wider color availability in linen sheets.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% Belgian flax linen
• Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
• Colors: 40 colors
• Pocket Depth: 16 inches
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Fair Trade Certified

If you love the cozy appearance of lived-in bedding, the Silk & Snow Flax Linen Bed Sheets will give you that and more. The set comes with a pair of pillowcases and a fitted sheet that fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep. The sheets are also European Flax-certified, which means the premium fibers can be traced back to Western Europe, where they were farmed. In other words, they’re the real deal.

“People who don’t like the look of wrinkly linen sheets won’t like these, but I like that organic look. I also love the light pink color of my set. They are stiff but lightweight, so they feel almost papery, but they have a beautiful crisp finish,” says former shopping writer Nikol.

“I recently got a 20-inch thick mattress and had to get rid of most of my fitted sheets because they no longer fit, but I was so happy that my Silk & Snow fitted sheet still fit because it’s my favorite. In other words, this set can accommodate a variety of mattress sizes. They’re also durable and have held up after multiple washes.”

Read our full review of the Silk & Snow Flax Linen Bed Sheets.

Who It’s Best For: Those who want organic linen sheets without a hefty price tag.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% European flax linen
• Sizes: Full, queen, king
• Colors: 10 colors
• Pocket Depth: 15 inches
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and European Flax

When it comes to linen luxury, it doesn’t get much better than Coyuchi’s Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets. Made from 100% organic French flax linen, these heavyweight sheets are breathable and temperature-regulating to keep you comfortable all night. They also come in 10 shades to match any bedroom aesthetic. The set comes with a fully elasticized fitted sheet (the ultimate convenience), and it’s finished with a plant-based fabric softener for a gentle feel.

“These linen sheets have been so clutch during this transitional weather we’ve had on the East Coast,” says shopping director Jada. “They’re cool and stay that way throughout the night, so I don’t overheat, but they’re not like cotton percale or sateen sheets that can be cold to the touch, so I don’t get too chilly either. The sheets also have a nice heft to them, so they don’t bunch up like other linen sheets I’ve had.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer weighty linen sheets; those who sleep on thick mattresses.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% organic French flax linen
• Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
• Colors: 10 colors
• Pocket Depth: 15 inches
• Certifications: GOTS

If you’re a hot sleeper looking for something more durable, the Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set is the way to go. These stone-washed linen sheets are cooler than traditional cotton and made from GOTS-certified organic flax fibers, so they’re 100% free of any harmful chemicals, pesticides, and GMOs. This best-selling set can be purchased with or without a flat sheet and comes in eight colors, including a beachy pinstripe.

“As far as linen sheets go, I think the quality on this set is top-notch,” says editor-in-chief Charli. “The color, quality, shape and durability of the set seemed on par with what anyone would desire when looking for a great set of linen sheets.” If you can’t get enough of Sijo’s linen bedding, you can elevate your sheets with a matching duvet cover.

Who It’s Best For: Those wanting organic linen sheets; those wanting a variety of colors for their sheets; those looking for less expensive linen sheets that don’t sacrifice quality.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% organic French flax linen
• Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
• Colors: 8 colors
• Pocket Depth: 16 inches
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GOTS

If you like the look of linen, but love the feel of cotton, a linen blend sheet set gives you the best of both worlds. Piglet in Bed’s Linen Blend Sheets are made from 55% European flax linen and 45% long-staple cotton, giving you the perfect mix that results in a slightly lived in look, but without as many wrinkles or creases. In what might be a blend made in heaven, these sheets are soft, breathable, and durable, making them a must for year-round use. They’re also pre-washed, so they have an extra soft feel. You can get the sheets in 15 colors and patterns, from solid hues to gingham to stripes.

Who It’s Best For: Those who want soft, breathable, and durable sheets that you can use year-round; those who want linen sheets that aren’t as prone to creases or wrinkling.

Good to Know: To better prevent creases or wrinkling, remove the sheets from the washer as soon as they’re done, shake them out, and air dry them.

Specifications:

• Material: 55% European flax linen and 45% long-staple cotton
• Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
• Colors: 15 colors
• Pocket Depth: 14 inches for twin, full, queen; 15 inches for king
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Securing some great breathable sheets is a must in the summer. Enter: Boll & Branch’s Linen Sheets. Made with 100% European flax linen, this light and airy linen sheet set is naturally cooling for the warmest sleepers.

The sheets are also finished with a proprietary four-step garment wash, which gives them a relaxed look and ensures optimal softness upon arrival. However, the more you wash them, the softer they’ll get.

“I love these linen sheets, they’re perfect for those in-between temps where it’s not too hot or too cold,” says Jada. “They’re almost as soft as silk and stay cool to the touch throughout the night.” The sheets fit mattresses up to 17 inches thick and have a fully elasticized fitted sheet to help keep them in place.

Who It’s Best For: Those who are warm sleepers looking for cooler sheets; those looking for lighter bedding.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% Eropean flax linen
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
• Colors: Five colors
• Pocket Depth: 17 inches
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Fair Trade Certified

Brooklinen has taken the bedding space by storm, and its Linen Core Sheets live up to its name. If you’re looking to upgrade your go-to sheets, this light and cozy linen sheet set is the perfect place to start.

“Bottom line is that these sheets are comfortable, seem high quality based on a handful of washings, and I have really liked the feel of them,” says home projects director Megan. “I have had linen duvet covers but not linen sheets, and I wasn’t sure how I’d like them. Sometimes linen does not feel that soft! But these were pretty soft out of the package and have only gotten softer after each wash.”

This set comes in 10 shades and patterns. And these sheets are stone-washed before you buy them to achieve what they call a “perfectly imperfect” relaxed feel. 

“They’re really bright white, which is what I prefer of my sheets. If you’re looking for something that is more off-white, you’ll want to select the cream tone,” Megan suggests. “My specific sheets have remained pretty white with wear and I have not noticed any snags.”

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for bright white linen sheets; those looking for a luxury sheet investment; those looking for softer linen sheets.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% European flax linen
• Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
• Colors: 10 colors
• Pocket Depth: 16 inches
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100

If you’re looking for linen sheets that come in bright colors, neutrals, and patterns you’ll want on your bedscape all year long, look no further than Bed Threads Flax Linen Sheet Set. These soft and breathable sheets have a cozy weight of 175 GSM, and are pre-washed before being shipped in a linen storage sack. They’re also anti-static, anti-bacterial, and temperature-regulating.

“This is my first experience with this quality level of linen sheets and I really love them,” says culinary producer Rachel. “The color options are great, and I love that you have options to mix and match bedding sets to create a custom color story. I’m interested to see how they hold up over time, but they do seem to get softer as you use them. My partner is a very hot sleeper, and he noticed a big difference using linen sheets. We actually liked them so much we bought a second set ourselves so we can interchange them!”

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for stylish linen sheets that can be slept in all year long.

Good to Know: The Queen Special includes a queen-size fitted sheet and king-size flat sheet.

Specifications:

• Material: 100% French flax linen
• Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
• Colors: 20 colors
• Pocket Depth: 16 inches
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100