Linen vs. Cotton Sheets: Which Is Right for You?

A good night's sleep starts with the right sheets, but with so many options available, choosing the best fabric for your bed can feel overwhelming. When it comes to natural fibers, linen and cotton sheets have long been the go-to for quality bedding, each offering impressive benefits. But which one is best suited for your needs?

Beyond just comfort, the fabric you choose can impact everything from your body’s temperature regulation to durability, maintenance and even sustainability. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between linen and cotton, helping you make an informed decision for your sleep space. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of which fabric aligns with your lifestyle and sleep preferences.

Linen sheets are made from the fibers of the flax plant, a natural material used for thousands of years. These fibers are longer and thicker than cotton, creating a distinctive texture that's durable and breathable.

What makes linen truly special is its hollow fiber structure, which acts as nature's climate control system. Hollow fibers allow air to flow freely through the fabric and actively wicks moisture away from your body.

Cotton sheets are woven from the soft fibers of cotton plants. To this day, they’re one of the most popular bedding choices worldwide. Cotton sheets offer versatility through their distinct weaving patterns, percale and sateen. Percale is a weave that gives you a crisp and cooling feel. Meanwhile, sateen offers a smoother, more luxurious finish.

The quality of cotton sheets can vary based on the cotton type and thread count. At Naturepedic, we use GOTS certified organic cotton for comfier, healthier sleep. 

Let’s explore the differences between these fibers that matter for your comfort and health. 

Your sheet’s temperature regulation can make or break a good night's sleep. Linen excels in warm climates. Hollow fibers and a loose weave create a natural ventilation system and help wick away moisture on humid nights – hot sleepers will love them!

Cotton is a more all-season fiber because of the versatility of its weave pattern. Crisp percale is great for warm weather, and smooth sateen is reliable in cooler weather.

When it comes to the longevity of your bedding, linen is often the winner. These sheets can last decades, becoming softer and more comfortable with each wash. Their natural strength means they resist wear and tear better than almost any other bedding material.

Cotton sheets typically serve you well for up to five years before showing signs of wear. Higher-quality sheets can last up to 15 years. While cotton keeps its initial softness (or even gets softer with each wash), sheets may begin to thin or pill over time. 

Breathable crib mattresses are a hot topic when it comes to baby safety. But did you know that adults can benefit from breathable bedding, too? Breathable bedding helps your body naturally regulate its temperature for a more comfortable, neutral sleep. This is beneficial for hot sleepers, whose bodies tend to retain heat. And, when combined with moisture-wicking, it is beneficial for cold sleepers, as sweating can lower your body temperature.

The great news is that, as most natural fibers do, both cotton and linen allow your skin to breathe – but they do it differently. Linen's looser weave creates exceptional airflow. Cotton offers more controlled ventilation thanks to its tighter weave. Many sleepers love cotton’s consistent comfort throughout the year, while linen might be best for hot sleepers and warm climates. 

For most of us, choosing the ideal bedding all comes down to a feeling. (If it's not comfortable, who cares about anything else?) Cotton welcomes you with immediate softness, like a warm hug from day one. If you have sensitive skin, you'll love how gentle cotton is. Plus, it maintains this reliable comfort level throughout its life.

Linen, on the other hand, starts crisp and gets better with time. Think of your favorite pair of jeans – they probably started out starchy and textured, and with washing and wearing they became soft and flexible. Linen is the same. Each wash softens the fibers, creating a sleep experience that only gets better as the sheets age.

Linen is the lower-maintenance bedding out of the two. While cotton can be pressed to perfection, linen has a more casual elegance and an intentionally lived-in look. Both materials handle machine washing well, but linen's natural antibacterial properties mean you can go longer between washes.

To extend the life of your cotton sheets, wash them in cool water with gentle, EWG VERIFIED® detergent and tumble dry on low. Linen can be air-dried for best results, but if you choose to use a dryer, remove it while still slightly damp to maintain softness and reduce wrinkles.

Besides the "big four" of bedding – temperature regulation/breathability, durability, comfort and maintenance – you might want to consider these additional factors when deciding between linen and cotton sheets.

Cotton sheets are often more affordable while linen requires a higher upfront investment. Over time, both materials offer excellent value – especially if you invest in organic options, which last longer than chemically-treated fabrics. 

For many people, this factor can be just as important as comfort: the vibe. Your bedding sets the tone for your entire sleep space. Linen brings natural texture and casual elegance that improves with age. Cotton, on the other hand, offers a cleaner, more polished look. Both materials age gracefully, but in different ways. 

The environmental impact of our bedding choices extends far beyond the bedroom. How these materials are grown and processed can mean the difference between protecting or depleting our planet's precious resources.

Linen production requires significantly less water than cotton farming and typically involves fewer pesticides. So, if you’re choosing between non-organic linen and cotton, linen is the better way to go.

Of course, we always recommend choosing organic for your health and the planet’s health. Because organic cotton is far more sustainable than conventional cotton, it narrows the gap between cotton and linen’s sustainability and makes either an excellent choice.

Remember: when shopping for bedding, look for certifications like GOTS, MADE SAFE® and GREENGUARD® Gold to ensure the products you bring into your home meet the highest standards for both environmental responsibility and human health.

Your perfect bedding choice should depend on several factors, including:

• Sleep temperature
• Aesthetic goals
• Budget considerations
• Mattress and bedding care routine
• Environmental priorities

Remember, there's no universally "best" choice (unless you’re choosing between organic and conventional!). Both linen and cotton can provide years of comfortable, healthy sleep when you choose high-quality, organic options.

Still not sold on the whole organic thing? Here are eight reasons to choose organic bedding.