Credit:
Reviewed/Betsy Goldwasser
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Credit:
Reviewed/Betsy Goldwasser
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
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Buffy's sheets are good if you're looking for cool-sleeping bedding. Even with some shrinkage, these sheets could still fit nicely onto a mattress. Read More
These were our favorite for a splurge. They're light-weight and soft. Read More
These linen sheets are affordable and comfy. They are light weight and sweat-wicking. Read More
They're great for people who like a crisp-feeling sheet. They are thin, with a slight see-through appearance, making them feel breathable. Read More
Comfortable to sleep on with a cotton-like and airy feel. They have a relaxed look but do wrinkle a bit. Read More
A good set of linen bed sheets are always comfortable, but they can be especially great for hot sleepers or warm weather. We’ve tried out plenty of bed sheets and found that quality linens feel light, airy, and soft to the touch, but lesser linens can feel coarse, scratchy, and stiff. Because linen sheets tend to cost more than other fabrics, we’ve tested the most popular options to find some worthy of your slumber.
After weeks of testing, our results found the Buffy Linen Sheet Set (available at Buffy) to be the best linen sheets. This set combines softness and durability with good value. For a truly luxurious upgrade, the Cultiver linen sheets are worth the splurge.
The best linen sheets we tested from Buffy keep you cool and feel soft to the touch.
Though among the priciest we tested, the Cultiver linen sheets impressed us with their airy softness from first use.
Quince linen sheets offer a good value for their lightweight softness.
Less shrinkage
Breathable and cool
Tend to wrinkle
Less shrinkage
Scratchy
Wrinkle
Company charges for fabric swatches
Didn't shrink much
Stiff and scratchy compared to others
Held onto stains
We tested linen sheets just as you might: by putting them on a bed and sleeping on them.
Our linen sheet testing process started with researching established, popular and well-reviewed brands across the Internet, then selecting a group of testing samples from that research. Finally, our tester’s textile expertise helped her test and evaluate which linen sheets might be worth considering for your home.
Hi, I'm Jamie Ueda. After spending years working for various apparel and textile companies, I pride myself on helping Reviewed readers make smart purchasing decisions for everything fabric-related—including flannel sheets and other bedding, clothing, and more.
I’ve spent a lot of time evaluating fabrics and apparel, which means I’m a stickler for quality materials and good design. This is especially true when it comes to bedding. Though I’m embarrassed to admit it, I spend a lot of time in bed, whether I’m watching TV, relaxing, or actually sleeping—and nothing beats a good night’s rest.
Our tester sleeps on each set of linen sheets for two to three nights, assessing the feel and overall experience. All of our sheet testers have textile experience, and are well-equipped to evaluate the stitching.
They consider the fit of the fitted sheet, and measure each flat sheet before and after washing and drying them to determine how much they shrink. Finally, we perform a stain test by dropping pomegranate juice on the sheet and let the stain set overnight before washing it and evaluating how well the stain came out.
Afterward, the linen sheets are sent to our lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Reviewed’s team of scientists perform further tests. They measure the weight of the sheets, comparing their data to the advertised weight. Then, they perform a simplified rendition of the Martindale test: They place a swatch of each fabric under an orbital sander with a felt pad for 10 minutes to observe pilling.
Linen has a lot to offer. The coarser fibers mean that you can get a substantial fabric with a lower thread count than cotton, and it tends to be more durable. Linen is always great for hot sleepers. It’s an airy, breathable material that’s great for wicking away sweat and regulating temperature in the night.
Historically, linen was the first fabric used for sheets, but its scratchy roughness primed it to be replaced by cotton, and later by synthetics like rayon and microfiber. That said, modern linen fabrication methods now create less-scratchy fabric, especially for the top picks that we’ve selected here.
Some linens may take a few washes to reach their smoothest, softest selves, but some even feel smooth right out of the package. That’s a great indicator of high-quality linen, and it’ll likely feel even better as time goes by.
Great linen sheets have nice drape and feel soft on your skin.
Generally speaking, European linen is the best regarded. European flax—especially from France and Belgium—tends to have longer fibers. When that flax is spun into linen, it tends to be stronger, and more resistant to breaking and pilling.
Pre-wash your linen sheets a few times to soften them up before use. After that, routinely wash your pillowcases, top sheet, and fitted sheet as often as you would any other set of bedding, typically once a week. Be gentle with them to help preserve the fibers. Like any laundry, opt for mild temperatures, mild detergents, and delicate wash cycles.
One thing to watch out for is lint shedding. Linen sheds more than regular cotton sheets, and some sets shed a lot. It’s best to wash your linens by themselves. Otherwise, you may end up with lint on your clothing that could be hard to get off.
Jamie Ueda
Apparel Staff Writer
Jamie writes about clothing, shoes, and accessories for Reviewed. She loves apparel and doesn't like to sacrifice fashion, comfort, or quality in whatever she wears.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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