The Best Linen Sheets

Linen is a strong fabric that is made out of the fibers of the flax plant. One of the key qualities of linen is that it is highly absorbent and can hold up to 20 times its weight in moisture. This makes it an ideal fabric for warm weather. Another benefit is that linen dries quickly, much faster than cotton. It’s a perfect fabric for bedsheets because of its ability to keep you cool and dry. Its temperature-regulating properties ensure that you’re able to sleep comfortably without overheating.

Linen has a tendency to wrinkle. While this may seem like a negative aspect to some, it’s actually part of its aesthetic. It brings a kind of casual and relaxed look to any bedroom and fits in well with any type of décor. Linen also has a natural elasticity that makes it highly durable. Unlike wool or cotton, linen becomes softer with every use and wash. The material also has anti-static and anti-bacterial properties, so it is comfortable and clean.

When you’re looking for linen sheets, aim for 100% linen instead of a blend with another kind of fabric. This will give you the best moisture-wicking properties. Some linen sheets come pre-washed. This means they are ready to use and will be soft from the start. If they are not pre-washed, they may be coarse in the beginning. After a few uses and washes, they will soften.

Linen is a long-lasting and durable fabric if it’s cared for correctly. Avoid washing it in hard water or water that has a high lime content. You may need to use a softening agent in some areas. Many people hand wash their linen, but it can be cleaned in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Air drying will yield better results, though you can also use the low setting on the machine dryer.

• When you’re looking for the perfect linen sheets, note the thread counts and weight. Unlike cotton, you don’t need to aim for a high thread count to get luxurious bedding. The ideal thread count for linen is 80-120. This is because it has thicker fibers that cannot be woven too tightly. Many linen brands do not mark their thread counts on the packaging. Instead, they mark the weight. In this case, aim for a weight of 175 to 190 grams per square meter.
• Many shoppers choose linen sheets because of their softness. Do not be surprised if they are not soft right out of the packaging. Instead, some linen sheets require a couple of rounds of washing before they begin to soften over time.
• Note that with linen, shrinkage can sometimes be an issue. Even if your sheets are pre-washed or pre-shrunk, you can expect them to shrink another 5% after washing. As a result, you’ll want to look at the pocket depth of fitted sheets to make sure they will fit your mattress after shrinking.
• Select a color and style of linen sheets that complement your bedroom décor. Most linen bedding comes in neutral or soft colors, so it will blend in with your comforter, curtains, rugs and other textiles in your room. It will work with almost any aesthetic, from vintage to post-modern.
• One of the characteristics of linen sheets is that they will wrinkle. It’s an inevitability. Do not iron your sheets on a hot setting, as this will damage the fibers in the fabric. You can leave the sheets wrinkled for the natural look. If you do want to iron your sheets, do it at a warm setting instead.