What's the Difference Between Linen & Cotton Sheets?

When it comes to luxury bedding, the fabric of the sheets, blankets, duvets, and pillows you choose, truly makes all the difference in the world. The sheets, especially, since you lay between the two, should be made from the most comfortable fabric and materials available, which most people consider to be cotton and linen.

Both of these high-quality fabrics are excellent choices when it comes to luxury bedding options for your home. To decide if linen vs cotton sheets would work better for you, it’s important to first learn some of the differences between the linen and cotton fabrics, as well as the pros and cons of linen vs cotton sheets.


What's the Difference Between Linen and Cotton Sheets?

Though both are excellent luxury bedding choices, many of you may still be wondering - are linen sheets and bedding better than cotton? If so, let’s compare linen vs cotton sheets to see the differences between the luxury sheet sets.

  • What are Linen Sheets? – Linen is an all-natural fiber made from the stalks of the flax plant. Luxury linen sheets have been the go-to for decades for upscale bedding. Linen sheets offer a smooth and comfortable feel due the intricate woven structure of the fabric, which is typically thicker and longer than cotton fabric. These durable sheets get softer with each washing and last through the years.
  • What are Cotton Sheets? – Luxury cotton sheets have been used for centuries and are still quite popular today. Super soft and comfortable, cotton sheets are made from the fluff from the cotton plant and get their durability from the weaving of multiple cotton fibers into yarn. The soft and inviting feel of cotton sheets offer pure comfort that people adore.

When it comes to linen vs cotton sheets, here are some of the most popular questions the luxury bedding experts at Peacock Alley get from customers:

What is More Breathable, Cotton or Linen?

While cotton sheets and linen sheets both really do offer excellent breathability, some people feel that linen bedding sets may have a slight edge when it comes to keeping you cooler in warmer temperatures. Both of these highly breathable fabrics are also absorbable, which means that you stay cooler longer due to their superb wicking qualities. If your main concern is breathability, linen vs cotton sheets may work best for you, however, if you prefer a softer sheet, cotton is for you.

Does Cotton or Linen Keep You Warmer?

Cotton sheets and linen sheets are both great choices for cool weather. Cotton will make you feel warmer at first, but you may end up getting a little too warm, which is the case for many. Linen sheets, however, will retain the heat from your body, making you feel nice and cozy. Linen sheets feel heavier than cotton sheets and are about 30 percent stronger yet offers better breathability. For those who tend to get a little warm when sleeping, linen sheets are a perfect luxury bedding choice.

Is Linen Good for Bedding?

Linen is an excellent choice for luxury bedding items such as sheets, duvets, pillows, and more. In fact, it is a top choice of many hotels and vacation rental homes due to its durability and hypoallergenic qualities. Below are some of the pros and cons of linen sheets and cotton sheets so you can see how linen vs cotton sheets compare and which one will work best for your bedroom.

Pros and Cons of Linen Sheets

Things We Love About Linen Sheets

  • Durability – Linen sheets are some of the most durable sheets around and will last for years with proper care.
  • Hypoallergenic – Most healthcare professionals consider linen sheets to be naturally hypoallergenic. This means that most people can comfortably use linen sheets with no issues, which is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
  • Moisture Wicking – Linen sheets offer natural moisture wicking abilities and excellent breathability, leaving them cool for great sleeping conditions.
  • Eco-Friendly – Linen sheets are considered to be environmentally friendly because they are made from flax seeds, they last longer than most other sheets, and are biodegradable when you are finished with them.

Things We Want to Improve About Linen Sheets

  • Fewer Color Options – Linen sheets are not typically available in the variety of colors, patterns, and designs as many other luxury sheets, limiting creative design options and themes for your bedroom decor.
  • Coarse Feel at First – New luxury linen sheets are not optimal for use right out of the package. Even the finest linen sheets need to be washed several times to feel as smooth as cotton sheets.
  • Higher Upfront Cost – While luxury linen sheets do come with a higher price tag compared to other sheets, the investment will be worth it due to their longevity, since you are likely to have them for many years.
  • Wrinkle Easy – The linen fibers in these sheets do not have very much resilience or elasticity, so this means that they do tend to get wrinkled easily. This can often give a crumpled appearance.

Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets

Things We Love About Cotton Sheets

  • Wide Variety of Design Options – Luxury cotton sheets are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures to match any bedding ensemble or design décor.
  • Different Weaves – Since cotton can be woven into a variety of different types of weaves, cotton sheets come in uniquely different sheet styles like sateen, percale, and Supima that offer luxurious comfort.
  • Durable – Luxury cotton sheets get their strength from the complex woven structure used in their creation, making them durable sheets that are made to last.
  • Softens with Each Wash – Cotton sheets wash very well and actually get softer each time they are washed.

Things We Want to Improve About Cotton Sheets

  • Easily Wrinkled – Cotton fabric does tend to wrinkle quite a bit, so luxury cotton sheets may need extra attention and care to avoid excessive wrinkling.
  • Less Durable - While cotton sheets do offer exceptional durability, these popular sheets may have a slightly shorter life than linen sheets, depending on the weave and quality.
  • Shrinkage – Unfortunately, cotton sheets do shrink. It’s simply the nature of the fabric. Washing your luxury cotton sheets in cool water will help keep shrinking to a minimum.

Luxury Sheets and Bedding are Our Specialty at Peacock Alley

Are linen sheets better than cotton? Now that you know the unique differences, as well as the pros and cons of each of these popular types of sheets, only you can decide which luxury sheets will work best with your bedroom ensemble and your preference for comfort.

Peacock Alley offers an amazing selection of fine linen bedding options as well as a variety of different types of cotton sheets and luxury blankets for your home. We invite you to browse our luxury sheets and bedding options for the comfortable bedding you’ve been dreaming of.

What's the Difference Between Linen and Cotton Sheets?

Though both are excellent luxury bedding choices, many of you may still be wondering - are linen sheets and bedding better than cotton? If so, let’s compare linen vs cotton sheets to see the differences between the luxury sheet sets.

  • What are Linen Sheets? – Linen is an all-natural fiber made from the stalks of the flax plant. Luxury linen sheets have been the go-to for decades for upscale bedding. Linen sheets offer a smooth and comfortable feel due the intricate woven structure of the fabric, which is typically thicker and longer than cotton fabric. These durable sheets get softer with each washing and last through the years.
  • What are Cotton Sheets? – Luxury cotton sheets have been used for centuries and are still quite popular today. Super soft and comfortable, cotton sheets are made from the fluff from the cotton plant and get their durability from the weaving of multiple cotton fibers into yarn. The soft and inviting feel of cotton sheets offer pure comfort that people adore.

When it comes to linen vs cotton sheets, here are some of the most popular questions the luxury bedding experts at Peacock Alley get from customers:

What is More Breathable, Cotton or Linen?

While cotton sheets and linen sheets both really do offer excellent breathability, some people feel that linen bedding sets may have a slight edge when it comes to keeping you cooler in warmer temperatures. Both of these highly breathable fabrics are also absorbable, which means that you stay cooler longer due to their superb wicking qualities. If your main concern is breathability, linen vs cotton sheets may work best for you, however, if you prefer a softer sheet, cotton is for you.

Does Cotton or Linen Keep You Warmer?

Cotton sheets and linen sheets are both great choices for cool weather. Cotton will make you feel warmer at first, but you may end up getting a little too warm, which is the case for many. Linen sheets, however, will retain the heat from your body, making you feel nice and cozy. Linen sheets feel heavier than cotton sheets and are about 30 percent stronger yet offers better breathability. For those who tend to get a little warm when sleeping, linen sheets are a perfect luxury bedding choice.

Is Linen Good for Bedding?

Linen is an excellent choice for luxury bedding items such as sheets, duvets, pillows, and more. In fact, it is a top choice of many hotels and vacation rental homes due to its durability and hypoallergenic qualities. Below are some of the pros and cons of linen sheets and cotton sheets so you can see how linen vs cotton sheets compare and which one will work best for your bedroom.

Pros and Cons of Linen Sheets

Things We Love About Linen Sheets

  • Durability – Linen sheets are some of the most durable sheets around and will last for years with proper care.
  • Hypoallergenic – Most healthcare professionals consider linen sheets to be naturally hypoallergenic. This means that most people can comfortably use linen sheets with no issues, which is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
  • Moisture Wicking – Linen sheets offer natural moisture wicking abilities and excellent breathability, leaving them cool for great sleeping conditions.
  • Eco-Friendly – Linen sheets are considered to be environmentally friendly because they are made from flax seeds, they last longer than most other sheets, and are biodegradable when you are finished with them.

Things We Want to Improve About Linen Sheets

  • Fewer Color Options – Linen sheets are not typically available in the variety of colors, patterns, and designs as many other luxury sheets, limiting creative design options and themes for your bedroom decor.
  • Coarse Feel at First – New luxury linen sheets are not optimal for use right out of the package. Even the finest linen sheets need to be washed several times to feel as smooth as cotton sheets.
  • Higher Upfront Cost – While luxury linen sheets do come with a higher price tag compared to other sheets, the investment will be worth it due to their longevity, since you are likely to have them for many years.
  • Wrinkle Easy – The linen fibers in these sheets do not have very much resilience or elasticity, so this means that they do tend to get wrinkled easily. This can often give a crumpled appearance.

Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets

Things We Love About Cotton Sheets

  • Wide Variety of Design Options – Luxury cotton sheets are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures to match any bedding ensemble or design décor.
  • Different Weaves – Since cotton can be woven into a variety of different types of weaves, cotton sheets come in uniquely different sheet styles like sateen, percale, and Supima that offer luxurious comfort.
  • Durable – Luxury cotton sheets get their strength from the complex woven structure used in their creation, making them durable sheets that are made to last.
  • Softens with Each Wash – Cotton sheets wash very well and actually get softer each time they are washed.

Things We Want to Improve About Cotton Sheets

  • Easily Wrinkled – Cotton fabric does tend to wrinkle quite a bit, so luxury cotton sheets may need extra attention and care to avoid excessive wrinkling.
  • Less Durable - While cotton sheets do offer exceptional durability, these popular sheets may have a slightly shorter life than linen sheets, depending on the weave and quality.
  • Shrinkage – Unfortunately, cotton sheets do shrink. It’s simply the nature of the fabric. Washing your luxury cotton sheets in cool water will help keep shrinking to a minimum.

Luxury Sheets and Bedding are Our Specialty at Peacock Alley

Are linen sheets better than cotton? Now that you know the unique differences, as well as the pros and cons of each of these popular types of sheets, only you can decide which luxury sheets will work best with your bedroom ensemble and your preference for comfort.

Peacock Alley offers an amazing selection of fine linen bedding options as well as a variety of different types of cotton sheets and luxury blankets for your home. We invite you to browse our luxury sheets and bedding options for the comfortable bedding you’ve been dreaming of.

What's the Difference Between Linen and Cotton Sheets?

Though both are excellent luxury bedding choices, many of you may still be wondering - are linen sheets and bedding better than cotton? If so, let’s compare linen vs cotton sheets to see the differences between the luxury sheet sets.

  • What are Linen Sheets? – Linen is an all-natural fiber made from the stalks of the flax plant. Luxury linen sheets have been the go-to for decades for upscale bedding. Linen sheets offer a smooth and comfortable feel due the intricate woven structure of the fabric, which is typically thicker and longer than cotton fabric. These durable sheets get softer with each washing and last through the years.
  • What are Cotton Sheets? – Luxury cotton sheets have been used for centuries and are still quite popular today. Super soft and comfortable, cotton sheets are made from the fluff from the cotton plant and get their durability from the weaving of multiple cotton fibers into yarn. The soft and inviting feel of cotton sheets offer pure comfort that people adore.

When it comes to linen vs cotton sheets, here are some of the most popular questions the luxury bedding experts at Peacock Alley get from customers:

What is More Breathable, Cotton or Linen?

While cotton sheets and linen sheets both really do offer excellent breathability, some people feel that linen bedding sets may have a slight edge when it comes to keeping you cooler in warmer temperatures. Both of these highly breathable fabrics are also absorbable, which means that you stay cooler longer due to their superb wicking qualities. If your main concern is breathability, linen vs cotton sheets may work best for you, however, if you prefer a softer sheet, cotton is for you.

Does Cotton or Linen Keep You Warmer?

Cotton sheets and linen sheets are both great choices for cool weather. Cotton will make you feel warmer at first, but you may end up getting a little too warm, which is the case for many. Linen sheets, however, will retain the heat from your body, making you feel nice and cozy. Linen sheets feel heavier than cotton sheets and are about 30 percent stronger yet offers better breathability. For those who tend to get a little warm when sleeping, linen sheets are a perfect luxury bedding choice.

Is Linen Good for Bedding?

Linen is an excellent choice for luxury bedding items such as sheets, duvets, pillows, and more. In fact, it is a top choice of many hotels and vacation rental homes due to its durability and hypoallergenic qualities. Below are some of the pros and cons of linen sheets and cotton sheets so you can see how linen vs cotton sheets compare and which one will work best for your bedroom.

Pros and Cons of Linen Sheets

Things We Love About Linen Sheets

  • Durability – Linen sheets are some of the most durable sheets around and will last for years with proper care.
  • Hypoallergenic – Most healthcare professionals consider linen sheets to be naturally hypoallergenic. This means that most people can comfortably use linen sheets with no issues, which is perfect for those with sensitive skin.
  • Moisture Wicking – Linen sheets offer natural moisture wicking abilities and excellent breathability, leaving them cool for great sleeping conditions.
  • Eco-Friendly – Linen sheets are considered to be environmentally friendly because they are made from flax seeds, they last longer than most other sheets, and are biodegradable when you are finished with them.

Things We Want to Improve About Linen Sheets

  • Fewer Color Options – Linen sheets are not typically available in the variety of colors, patterns, and designs as many other luxury sheets, limiting creative design options and themes for your bedroom decor.
  • Coarse Feel at First – New luxury linen sheets are not optimal for use right out of the package. Even the finest linen sheets need to be washed several times to feel as smooth as cotton sheets.
  • Higher Upfront Cost – While luxury linen sheets do come with a higher price tag compared to other sheets, the investment will be worth it due to their longevity, since you are likely to have them for many years.
  • Wrinkle Easy – The linen fibers in these sheets do not have very much resilience or elasticity, so this means that they do tend to get wrinkled easily. This can often give a crumpled appearance.

Pros and Cons of Cotton Sheets

Things We Love About Cotton Sheets

  • Wide Variety of Design Options – Luxury cotton sheets are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures to match any bedding ensemble or design décor.
  • Different Weaves – Since cotton can be woven into a variety of different types of weaves, cotton sheets come in uniquely different sheet styles like sateen, percale, and Supima that offer luxurious comfort.
  • Durable – Luxury cotton sheets get their strength from the complex woven structure used in their creation, making them durable sheets that are made to last.
  • Softens with Each Wash – Cotton sheets wash very well and actually get softer each time they are washed.

Things We Want to Improve About Cotton Sheets

  • Easily Wrinkled – Cotton fabric does tend to wrinkle quite a bit, so luxury cotton sheets may need extra attention and care to avoid excessive wrinkling.
  • Less Durable - While cotton sheets do offer exceptional durability, these popular sheets may have a slightly shorter life than linen sheets, depending on the weave and quality.
  • Shrinkage – Unfortunately, cotton sheets do shrink. It’s simply the nature of the fabric. Washing your luxury cotton sheets in cool water will help keep shrinking to a minimum.

Luxury Sheets and Bedding are Our Specialty at Peacock Alley

Are linen sheets better than cotton? Now that you know the unique differences, as well as the pros and cons of each of these popular types of sheets, only you can decide which luxury sheets will work best with your bedroom ensemble and your preference for comfort.

Peacock Alley offers an amazing selection of fine linen bedding options as well as a variety of different types of cotton sheets and luxury blankets for your home. We invite you to browse our luxury sheets and bedding options for the comfortable bedding you’ve been dreaming of.

Explore our Other Bedding & Bath Guides

More Guides