Comparing Popular Bedding Materials: Linen vs. Cotton Sheets

People have different preferences when it comes to their bedding - some prefer silk, others bamboo, and still others flannel. You will even find people who love synthetic fabrics like microfiber. However, the two fabrics at the top of every list are linen and cotton. So how are they different? How are they similar? Which one is better, if such a claim can even be made? Let’s answer these questions by comparing linen vs. cotton sheets and their unique characteristics.

The Basics of Linen and Cotton Sheets

Linen fabric is made from the fibres of the flax plant. The process involves harvesting the flax, retting (soaking) it to separate the fibres, and then spinning these fibres into yarn. Cotton fabric, on the other hand, is made from the fibres of the cotton plant. The cotton is harvested, ginned to remove seeds, and then spun into yarn. 

This means that both linen and cotton are natural materials with many beneficial properties, which we will discuss later. However, the quality of cotton fabrics is also very dependent on the type of cotton plant that is used. Regular cotton is made from the upland cotton plant, which makes up the vast majority of cotton fabric in the world. 

There are also premier types of cotton fabric which are made from Gossypium barbadense, a special species of cotton. Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton are the best-known types of cotton fabric made from Gossypium barbadense and are extremely valued as a material for bed sheets because these sheets are softer, smoother, and more breathable than regular cotton sheets. 

Thread Count and GSM 

We are comparing linen vs. cotton sheets, but the differences are not only based on the fabric, but how it is made. Thus, it is also important to understand what thread count and gram per square metre (GSM) are. Thread count is the number of cotton fibres that are woven into a square centimetre of cotton fabric; GSM is a measurement of the weight of a square centimetre of linen fabric.

In practice, both thread count and GSM can be used as measurements of the density of the fabric, which also imbues bed sheets with certain characteristics. For example, cotton or linen bedding with a high thread count, or GSM, will be more durable, typically softer, and better at retaining heat, but less breathable than bedding with a lower thread count / GSM. 

So, when you are choosing your ideal bedding, don’t just think about the material but also what properties you prefer and factor in the thread count and GSM.

Linen vs. Cotton Sheets: Comparing 3 Main Characteristics

Now, let's talk about linen vs. cotton sheets by comparing the 3 primary characteristics:

Softness

When it comes to the softness of linen vs. cotton bed sheets, cotton is the clear winner. Cotton sheets are well-known for their softness and smoothness and tend to get softer with use. Bed sheets made from premier types of cotton fabric, like Egyptian and Pima, only increase this difference. 

That is not to say that linen bed sheets are not soft, just not as soft as cotton sheets. Plus, linen sheets are crips and somewhat coarse when they are new and you need to wash them a few times before they become truly soft. However, even after a few washes, cotton will typically be softer than linen. 

Breathability

One of the most prized properties of linen is that it is highly breathable, so when it comes to the breathability of linen vs. cotton sheets, linen typically wins out. Linen sheets are a great option to keep you cool during warm nights, but that’s not to say that cotton sheets lag far behind. 

If you were to compare the breathability of linen sheets with a high GSM and regular cotton sheets with a low thread count, the results would likely be more or less equal. Additionally, one of the characteristics of Egyptian cotton is that it is highly breathable and comparable to linen sheets in this aspect.

Temperature Regulation

When it comes to keeping you warm, cotton is generally the better choice, but thread count and GSM also come into play here. Linen sheets with a high GSM rating will be just as good at temperature retention as cotton sheets with a low thread count. However, all else being equal, cotton sheets are the better choice for cold sleepers. 

Characteristics Linen and Cotton Sheets Share

Although we are comparing linen vs. cotton sheets to find the differences, there are many properties these materials share. There are good reasons why both are often considered some of the best materials for bed sheets by people around the world. Namely, both linen and cotton sheets are:

• Durable - regardless of which type of bedding you get, both linen and cotton are very durable and you can expect your sheets to last for years;
• Moisture-Wicking - linen and cotton have natural moisture-wicking properties that will remove sweat from your skin and allow it to dry faster, making these materials excellent choices for sleepers who tend to sweat a lot; 
• Hypoallergenic - as natural materials, linen and cotton are hypoallergenic, so they are less likely to cause allergic reactions than other types of materials;
• Easy to maintain - both of these materials are easy to maintain and do not require special care other than the care instructions stated on the label;
• Easily available - finally, linen and cotton are some of the most popular bedding materials, so they are easily available.

Where Can You Buy High-Quality Sheets?

This article has compared linen vs. cotton sheets and we hope it will help you decide what the best bed sheets are for you. When you do make your choice, you will find what you need at Manchester Collection. Simply browse our collection of luxury bed sheets and place your order online - we will deliver them right to your doorstep. We also invite you to visit one of our stores if you would like to feel the quality of the sheets for yourself. Finally, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or need assistance, we will be happy to help.