If you’re asking yourself if linen sheets are good for summer, the answer is a resounding yes! Linen sheets are breathable and ideal for hot sleepers during the warmer months. In this article, we’ll explore what makes them the perfect sheet for the summer and how their cooling properties work.
What Are Linen Sheets?
Linen sheets, made from the woven fabric of the flax plant's stalks, are renowned for their breathability. This all-natural material, grown without pesticides and fertilizers, enhances soil quality and ensures a comfortable and cool sleep experience.
With its distinctive "crinkled" look, linen offers a relaxed sophistication with a history that stems from many old-world civilizations. Ancient Egyptians viewed it as a coveted material, only using linen for their pharaohs and priests. The fabric has stood the test of time, too, literally!
The linen from the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb (reigned c. 1333–24 BCE) is still well-preserved and available for viewing at The Met. The world's oldest dress, the Tarkhan Dress, also came from Egypt and is believed to date back to between 3482 and 3103 B.C.
Benefits of Linen Sheets for Hot Summer Weather
Luckily, in today's modern world, you don't have to be royalty to enjoy the benefits of linen sheets for summer. Here are a few reasons why linen bedding is perfect for the summertime.
- Breathability: Linen sheets have a looser weave, allowing air to circulate freely at night. The fiber is also lightweight, so it won't weigh you down with additional heat.
- Moisture-Wicking Properties: When coming into contact with your skin, linen effectively draws heat away from your body. The nodes in the fibers also draw up the moisture and then release it into the air away from you.
- Temperature Regulation: Sometimes, summer nights can turn quickly, like after a thunderstorm, leaving your bedroom chilly. Linen fabric has incredible temperature regulation properties, adjusting to hot and cold weather. It has excellent heat retention capabilities on colder nights, trapping in the warmth to keep you snug.
- Durability and Longevity: As noted above, linen sheets are some of the most durable bedding and can last for years (even centuries!) with proper care.
- Allergy-Friendly: Because they're naturally hypoallergenic, linen sheets are ideal for people with allergies and sensitive skin.
- Sustainable: All parts of the flax plant can be used when making flax, helping to contribute to its zero waste life cycle. Growing flax also requires no irrigation, and the fabric is biodegradable.
European-Washed Linen: What Makes It Special?
While flax can be grown in nearly every part of the world, approximately 80% of flax fibers come from Europe. The material is most commonly produced in Southwestern European countries. France is the current global leader of flax, but other countries include France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Portugal.
European linen is often touted as one of the best fabrics in the world because of its unparalleled quality. The mineral-rich soil of the European continent contributes to its extra-long fibers, which are noticeably strong, soft, and breathable. Plus, the European Flax Standard certification ensures linen bedding is authentically and ethically produced.
Europe has also been making linen for centuries. While Egypt is credited for being the first to use linen cloth, Europe has a long history of growing flax plants for linen, with the first textile factories built in the Ancient Roman Era.
European-Washed Linen
Washed linen undergoes a specific process to soften the fibers further and reduce the risk of shrinkage. European-washed linens are known for their immediate softness and comfort, not needing additional washing to soften the sheets before use. One way linen is "pre-washed" is by undergoing a meticulous stonewashing method. As the name suggests, this process involves washing stones with the linen fabric.
European Washed Linen Sheet Set
European Washed Linen Pillowcases
Why Linen Sheets Are Ideal for Hot Sleepers
Linen sheets have a high "capillary action," which means they can move liquid (or sweat) through tiny channels within the fibers. This action draws the moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool during sleep.
Linen fibers also have a low moisture retention rate, meaning they don't hold onto moisture and, instead, dry quickly. When the pulled moisture reaches the fabric's outer surface, due to the loose weave, it has plenty of space to dry out. This space allows moisture to quickly evaporate into the surrounding air, keeping the sheets dry.
But don't sweat too much about the science behind the cooling properties of linen sheets. Instead, check out some first-hand accounts on why linen sheets work well for hot sleepers, like Lee D, a verified buyer who says that Peacock Alley's washed linen sheet set is wonderful in humid weather. "Worth every penny because these sheets are much cooler to sleep on in hot, humid weather," they say, pointing out that they live in an un-airconditioned cottage by the ocean and get often have nights with 85-100% humidity.
Comparing Linen Sheets with Other Summer Bedding Materials
If you're still deciding whether linen sheets are the summer bedding for you, here's a helpful comparison with other popular warm-weather materials.
Linen vs. Cotton
Linen and cotton sheets both offer fantastic breathability, but linen bedding sets tend to keep you cooler in warmer weather. They're also better at overall regulation if temperatures drop during a sudden cold spell (blackberry winter, anyone?). Linen sheets are more expensive than cotton sheets, but they're uber-durable. Some may find them to have a courser feel compared to cotton, though. They have a crinkly look, while cotton sheets are crisper and may require more special care when cleaning.
Linen vs. Bamboo
Like linen, bamboo is marketed as eco-friendly. However, the processing can sometimes involve harsh chemicals. Bamboo is also breathable and moisture-wicking, although less effectively than linen. However, its texture is where it does shine, initially softer and smoother than linen sheets.
Linen vs. Silk
Both silk and linen are hypoallergenic. However, silk sheets may be the best option for sleepers with severe skin sensitivities because of its allergen-resistant surface. Silk's smooth, buttery feel is also synonymous with luxury and a more wrinkle-resistant option. However, silk will likely cost more than linen and require more delicate care.
How to Care for Your Linen Sheets
Although similar to cotton, linen sheets have weaker fivers and need special handling. Follow these tips when caring for your linen sheets to ensure they stay clean and comfortable for years to come.
- Cleaning Frequency: Switch out your linen sheets weekly in the summer or every few weeks in cooler weather. You can also air them out to keep them fresh between washes.
- Washing: To wash luxury linen bed sheets properly, use a gentle, natural detergent in cold water. Avoid hot water, which can shrink the fabric.
- Stains: Treat any stains promptly with a gentle stain remover. Blot the stain with a clean cloth and avoid harsh rubbing.
- Drying: Whenever possible, air dry your linen sheets. Hang them outside on a clothesline or drying rack on a sunny day (avoid direct sunlight for extended periods). Or toss them in the dryer on low heat to gently tumble dry.
- Making the Bed: Give your linen sheets a solid shake to loosen any wrinkles and fluff them up before making your bed.
- Storage: When not in use, store your linen sheets in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause mildew.
Indulge in the Luxury of Linen with Peacock Alley
Linen sheets are an investment that can truly improve your summer sleep experience. At Peacock Alley, our linen sheets are light and breathable, making them perfect for warmer months. Experience a new kind of old luxury with our European Washed Linen Sheet Set. Made in Portugal from 100% certified European flax, it offers the perfect balance of breathability and softness for the summer season.
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