We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding & Bath Product Reviews The 9 Best Linen Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed We tested 19 linen sheet sets and found the very best for every budget and style. By Hannah Baker Hannah Baker Hannah is the Senior Home Editor at REAL SIMPLE magazine. She's worked in media for over a decade and previously worked at BRIDES magazine, Rachael Ray in Season magazine, and Reveal magazine. Her other bylines include Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, Shop TODAY, Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart Weddings, and more. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 14, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Linen sheets have grown increasingly popular over the past few years thanks to their temperature-regulating properties, as well as the effortless “undone” look they provide. Linen has a very different texture compared to traditional cotton sheets though, so you might feel unsure which set will feel the best for you. To help make the shopping process less stressful, we tested 19 linen sheet sets both in the Des Moines lab and at home for up to six months, evaluating them on texture, quality, breathability, durability, and overall value. “Linen’s natural properties make it an excellent choice for bedding,” says Katie Elks, director of design and product development at Brooklinen. “It is effortlessly breathable and has exceptional moisture-wicking properties that keep you cool when you’re hot and warm when you’re cold.”Our top picks include light and airy sets that are perfect for hot sleepers, as well as linen-blend sheets that are just right for those who aren’t quite ready to make the jump to linen. Our Top Picks Best Overall Linen Sheets: Parachute Linen Sheet Set at Parachute $349 Jump to Review Best Budget Linen Sheets: Quince European Linen Sheet Set at Onequince.com $130 Jump to Review Best Cooling Linen Sheets: Saatva Linen Sheet at Saatva $395 Jump to Review Best Lightweight Linen Sheets: SALE Lands' End Garment Washed Flax Linen Sheet Set at Landsend.com $270 $189 Jump to Review Best All-Season Linen Sheets: Brooklinen Linen Sheet Set at Brooklinen Jump to Review Best Heavy Linen Sheets: Sijo LuxeWeave French Linen Sheet Set at Amazon $205 Jump to Review Most Durable Linen Sheets: The Citizenry Linen Sheet Set at The-citizenry.com Jump to Review Best Colorful Linen Sheets: Piglet in Bed Linen Sheet Set at Pigletinbed.com $196 Jump to Review Best Bamboo-Linen Blend Sheets: Quince Linen Bamboo Sheet Set at Quince.com Jump to Review Best Overall Linen Sheets Parachute Linen Sheet Set PHOTO: Parachute $349 at Parachute Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4.9/5 Durability 4.9/5 Value 4.5/5 Breathability 5/5 What Stands Out They are soft right out of the box yet still durable enough for long-term use, with no shrinkage. What Could Be Improved Some might find the fitted sheet to be too loose on the mattress. When it comes to linen sheets, our first recommendation is the Parachute Linen Sheet Set. Firstly, these sheets look and feel very high quality, from the rich colors to the noticeable texture. We also noted that these sheets were very soft overall, even before they had been washed, which isn’t always the case with linen. Although sometimes that initially soft feel means that the linen is prone to tearing over time, we found these sheets to be exceptionally durable—and they didn’t shrink at all after washing. Plus, they even held up well against stains, with makeup and coffee spills easily washed out. And after three months of nightly use, there was no change in texture. These sheets proved to be above average in terms of moisture-wicking abilities, and stayed breathable while sleeping through the night. Another thing we like about these sheets is that they come with the option to add a top sheet, which is great news for those in the no-top-sheet club. Another great feature is the envelope-style pillowcases, which ensure that your pillow won’t move around while you sleep. We also like that these sheets come in a variety of earthy colors so there’s something for everyone, from basic neutrals like Cream and Fog to more vibrant tones like Melon and Clay. We did find that the fitted sheet would loosen up a bit over the course of a week, but they always bounced back after we wash them. Overall, we found that these Parachute sheets looked, felt, and tested impressively compared to all of the sheets we tested. Because of their soft texture, they’re a great option for both linen sheet beginners and experts. Material: European flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: Free within 60 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Linen Sheets Quince European Linen Sheet Set PHOTO: Quince $130 at Onequince.com Our Ratings Quality 3.8/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 3.9/5 Value 4.9/5 Breathability 4.3/5 What Stands Out They're available in 21 colors and can keep even hot sleepers cool and comfortable. What Could Be Improved The pillowcases are sized rather large and don't have any type of enclosure, so they're prone to shift a lot. These Quince sheets are also offered as a set with or without a flat sheet, and they come in a whopping 21 colors to choose from. We noted that these sheets came out of the box very soft, so they’re a fantastic option for those who are new to linen. Plus, they’re priced way below average compared to most linen sheets, so they’re a great value if you’re not totally sure you want to commit to an expensive linen sheet set. Despite the lower price, these sheets performed exceptionally well. We were pleased at how they kept us feeling cool and comfortable through the night, even for hot sleepers, and they held up well after six months of washing. There are, however, a few cons to these sheets. First, the pillowcases seemed to be sized rather large and did not have any type of enclosure, so we found that the pillowcases ended up significantly shifting over our pillows through the night. We also noted that the fitted sheet seemed to be quite deep, which meant that extra fabric tended to bunch up. If you have a deeper mattress or sleep with a mattress pad, however, this shouldn’t be a problem. Overall, we think these sheets are a great value. Material: European flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: Free within one year Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Cooling Linen Sheets Saatva Linen Sheet PHOTO: Saatva $395 at Saatva Our Ratings Quality 4.9/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.7/5 Value 4.3/5 Breathability 4.5/5 What Stands Out They have a bit of weight, making them quite durable and ideal for year-round use. What Could Be Improved There are only four color options. While these sheets only come in four colors, we loved the quality and feel of them. These sheets actually have a little weight to them, which is a good sign that they’re durable and will last a long time. Despite this extra weight, we found that these sheets kept us cool all night long—even for those who slept hot. We found that they were impressively moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, making them especially great for those looking for year-round cooling sheets. We noticed that these sheets were a little rough out of the box, but after even one wash they softened up a lot—and have continued to do so over six months of regular washings. They’ve even held up to pet claws digging around in the sheets, and muddy paw print stains have washed right out. It’s also worth noting that these sheets are OEKO-TEX certified, so you can be sure they’re free of harmful chemicals. They’re expensive, but definitely worth it for those looking for high-quality linen sheets. Material: Belgian linen | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: 45 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Lightweight Linen Sheets Lands' End Garment Washed Flax Linen Sheet Set PHOTO: Lands' End $189 at Landsend.com Our Ratings Quality 4.7/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 4.7/5 Value 4.5/5 Breathability 4.8/5 What Stands Out The garment-washed linen is breathable, cooling, and surprisingly sturdy. What Could Be Improved Slight pilling developed after the first wash. Breathability is already a quality that’s synonymous with linen, but the Lands’ End Garment Washed Linen Sheets proved to be the most breathable and lightweight of all those we tested, making it the perfect summer bedding option. The 100% Belgian flax material felt cool to the touch, and though it warmed up slightly, we never felt hot or stuffy underneath it. The sheets are garment washed, so they arrive already feeling soft and comfortable. They also proved to be very moisture-wicking in our tests, so we’re confident that they’ll keep you sweat-free throughout the night. After washing, there was some pilling, but no other visible wear and tear. And despite their lightweight construction, the sheets held up well to being abraded with sandpaper—only a small amount of material came up, and there were no holes to speak of. Like most linen sheets we tested, the fitted sheet felt loose on the mattress, adding to the “lived-in” look that is signature to the fabric. The extra material also provided plenty of wiggle room to move around in the bed without the corners sliding up the mattress. And if you have a particularly tall mattress, the fitted sheet can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches deep. Material: Belgian flax | Size Range: Twin-king | Pocket Depth: 18 inches Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best All-Season Linen Sheets Brooklinen Linen Sheet Set PHOTO: Brooklinen View on Brooklinen Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4.4/5 Durability 4.7/5 Value 4/5 Breathability 4.5/5 What Stands Out The brand offers a very generous one-year free return policy and an additional one-year warranty. What Could Be Improved Some might find the sheets too thin. Much like other linen sheets, we found that these Brooklinen sheets were initially a bit rough out of the box, but softened up significantly after a few washes. We also found that these sheets were quite durable, managing to look new and crisply white after three months of use. But most importantly, these sheets proved to be perfect for both cool and warm weather. They were impressively temperature-regulating, keeping us cool and sweat-free in warm weather and cozy and comfortable on chilly nights. These sheets also have some very user-friendly features. There are labels for the long and short ends of the fitted sheet so you won’t get frustrated when you’re making the bed, and the pillowcases have an envelope closure so you won’t wake up with your pillow falling out. Brooklinen also has a very generous return policy: All returns are free within one year of purchase, and there’s an additional one-year warranty to ensure you’re happy with your sheets for a long time. Material: European flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: Free within one year Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Heavy Linen Sheets Sijo LuxeWeave French Linen Sheet Set PHOTO: Amazon $205 at Amazon $295 at Nordstrom $217 at Wayfair Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 4.3/5 Breathability 4.3/5 What Stands Out They’re produced in smaller batches to ensure quality and durability. What Could Be Improved They're not as soft as some of the others. These thick, luxurious linen sheets stood out to us because of their high-quality construction. There were no loose threads, snags, or pills after numerous washes, and they managed to look like new over a span of three months. This durability can be attributed to the slightly heavier weight of these sheets, as well as the fact that they’re made in smaller batches to ensure quality. Although these sheets are a little heavier in feel than other linen sheets, we found that they were still very breathable. They had a crisp, cooling feel, and while they weren’t the softest sheets we tested, they were still plenty comfortable. These sheets are stone washed (which literally means they’re washed with stones) to make them as soft as possible upon arrival, and they’ll continue to soften up as you use and wash them. These sheets come in seven shades (including a pinstripe pattern) so you have plenty of options to choose from, and you can also choose to forgo a top sheet when purchasing. Material: French flax | Size Range: Full-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: 30 days Most Durable Linen Sheets The Citizenry Linen Sheet Set PHOTO: The Citizenry View on The-citizenry.com $329 at The Container Store Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 3.5/5 Breathability 3/5 What Stands Out All the muted solid color options work well for mixing and matching. What Could Be Improved They’re not the most breathable option. With twelve solid colors and three subtle patterns to choose from, these linen sheets from The Citizenry are not only gorgeous—they’re also one of the highest-quality sheet sets we tested. We also love that all the muted solid color options work well for mixing and matching, should you want to buy a couple of sets or a set of pillowcases in a different color. In our testing, we found that these sheets exhibited no wear and no fading, even with the ivory/light tan color. There was also no staining, and no loose threads or snagging. In fact, when we tested these sheets for durability, the outcome was pretty impressive. We rubbed sandpaper on these sheets 50 times, and were deeply impressed that there was quite a lot of fabric depth remaining. They didn’t start out the softest, but after six months of regular use and washing, they’ve grown softer and more comfortable. We do think these sheets would be better suited to warmer seasons, as they were not the most breathable. Material: French flax | Size Range: Full-California king | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Return Policy: Free within 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Colorful Linen Sheets Piglet in Bed Linen Sheet Set PHOTO: Piglet in Bed $196 at Pigletinbed.com Our Ratings Quality 4.3/5 Texture 4.8/5 Durability 4.4/5 Value 4/5 Breathability 4.5/5 What Stands Out You have the option to build your own bedding, so you can choose a different color or pattern option for your duvet cover, flat and fitted sheets, and pillowcases. What Could Be Improved The sheets are not as durable as others. If you love out of the ordinary bedding or just want the option to fully mix and match your bedding, Piglet in Bed is the brand for you. We tested the Warm Clay colorway, but there are a whopping 19 solid colors to choose from, as well as 12 patterns. There is also the option to build your own bedding, so you can choose a different color or pattern option for your duvet cover, flat and fitted sheets, and pillowcases. In terms of breathability, we found these sheets to be very comfortable. They aren’t as breezy and airy as other linen sheets, but they’re just right for someone who needs a good balance of cozy and cool. We also like that the pillowcases have envelope closures, which ensure that pillows don’t wiggle out of their cases in the middle of the night. Although we found that these sheets didn’t hold up particularly well to our sandpaper durability test, there was also no shrinkage or color fading after washing and drying. Material: European Flax | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 15-16 inches | Return Policy: 90 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Bamboo-Linen Blend Sheets Quince Linen Bamboo Sheet Set View on Quince.com Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 3.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Breathability 4.6/5 What Stands Out Remarkably soft without being slippery and naturally temperature-regulating, the slightly stretchy material guarantees easy bed-making. What Could Be Improved They're not very moisture-wicking. If you love the look of linen but don’t love the rougher feel, the Quince Linen Bamboo Sheets may become your new favorites. Made from a mix of 30 percent linen and 70 percent rayon made from bamboo, these sheets are remarkably soft without being slippery, like bamboo can be, or too airy, like linen can be. The sheets are naturally temperature-regulating, and we found them to be cool to the touch. We also noticed that they have a slightly stretchy quality, which makes them very easy to make a bed with, yet the fitted sheet still remained in place when we tossed and turned. After washing, there was no detectable change in texture, although there was slightly less sheen than before. They didn’t prove themselves to be very moisture-wicking, however—the water droplet took a long time to expand on the fabric. But otherwise, this is an extremely soft and comfortable sheet set for anyone new to linen or who wants some of the breathability and look of linen without the stiff, rough texture. Not to mention, Quince offers the sheets in 21 different colorways, as well as free returns within a year of purchase. Material: 30% linen, 70% rayon from bamboo | Size Range: Twin-California king | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Return Policy: Free within one year Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict Overall, we think the Parachute Linen Sheets are the best overall linen sheets, because of their high quality construction, breathability, and durability. Not only do they hit the sweet spot of being soft and lightweight yet also durable, but they also come in a range of colors and sizes—and you can even forgo the top sheet when you order. For a more budget-friendly option, the Quince Linen Sheets come soft right out of the box, making them an excellent option for anyone new to linen. And despite their low price point, they held up well to six months of use and kept us cool and comfortable all night long. Our Testing Process We tested 19 linen sheet sets, both in the lab and at home for up to six months. First, we evaluated the quality of the newly opened sheet sets, looking out for any loose threads, snags, discolorations, or any other imperfections. Then, we washed and dried all the flat and fitted sheets per each manufacturer’s instructions. Next, we applied staining agents to each top sheet and one pillowcase: coffee, foundation, and oil. We then washed all the flat and fitted sheets twice more, setting aside the pillowcases for comparison. Once all washing was complete, we compared the pillowcases with the washed sheets. We examined the areas where staining agents were applied, and noted any color fading, loose threads, snags, or other imperfections. We also evaluated any difference in texture between the unwashed pillowcases and the washed sheets. We also measured the washed sheets to identify any shrinkage. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Next, we administered a moisture-wicking test. We used a dropper to administer one drop of water to a taut section of each sheet, analyzing how quickly the drop of water expanded. We then measured the width of each expanded drop, keeping in mind that a larger drop means the fabric is better at moisture-wicking. Then, we made up a bed with each sheet set, taking note of how easy the process was and how the bed looked after making it. Finally, we measured each sheet set’s durability by brushing sandpaper against the sheet 50 times and comparing the abraded area with the rest of the sheet. After lab testing was complete, we brought each sheet set home and used them nightly for up to six months, providing updated insights as to how well they held up to long-term use. How to Shop for Linen Sheets Like a Pro Material and Feel You might be wondering—what exactly is linen? “Linen is a natural material crafted from the fibers of the flax plant,” says Elks. “It’s naturally absorbent, insulating, and incredibly breathable. It’s great for year-round use, as it keeps you bundled in cold temperatures but breezy in warmer weather.” If you’re used to cotton sheets, linen might take some getting used to. The best quality linen starts out feeling a bit rough but then gets progressively softer as it’s used and washed. This type of linen bedding is extremely durable and will last for many years, making the higher price tag more worth it. Nowadays though, many retailers put their linen sheets through a pre-washing process so they feel softer right out of the box. You have to be careful with immediately soft and airy linen though, as sometimes that can point to a lower-quality product that will tear easier and not last as long. A good middle ground is a linen sheet that has a nice mid-weight feel. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Pocket Depth Pocket depth refers to the mattress depth that the sheets will fit. Most standard-pocket sheets are around 15-16 inches, which is plenty of room for most mattresses so the sheets will stay tucked under and not roll up during the middle of the night. If you have a particularly deep mattress or mattress pad you may want to look into deep pocket sheets instead. While all of the sheets we recommend have a pocket depth around 15-16 inches, we noticed the Quince Linen Sheets had a lot of extra room to suit taller mattresses. Return Policy Make sure you look into the return policy before you purchase, especially if you’re new to linen and want to make sure you can return if needed. Most brands offer free returns within 30-90 days, with some (like Brooklinen) offering returns or exchanges within 365 days. More Linen Sheets to Consider West Elm European Flax Linen Sheet Set: We found that these sheets had a sturdiness to them that made them feel less gauzy and airy than other linen sheets, leading us to believe that they’re high-quality and should prove to be quite durable. They wrinkled much more than other sheets we tested though, although keep in mind that linen in general is more wrinkly than cotton. Cozy Earth Linen Sheet Set: We thought that these sheets were another good contender for the bamboo-linen blend category. They didn’t quite stack up to the Kassatex sheets but were a close second, feeling super soft and lightweight. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask What are the pros and cons of linen bedding? First and foremost, linen is an excellent bedding choice for hot sleepers who need breathable and moisture-wicking sheets. While linen is a fantastic choice for summer bedding, it can definitely be used year-round since it’s also temperature-regulating, keeping you cool in warm weather and comfortable on chilly nights. Plus, according to Elks: “Linen has an elegant yet casual look that looks amazing in any bedroom—think of it as a perfectly imperfect aesthetic.” While Elk says that linen has a wonderfully light and airy feel, it’s worth remembering that it does wrinkle more easily than cotton, so it may not be a good fit for someone who can’t stand the sight of wrinkly bedding. Also remember that most linen sheets will need to be washed a couple of times before they feel extra soft, which might not be worth it for some people. Does linen shed? “Yes, linen can shed! It’s important to know that this is totally normal and expected when purchasing a 100 percent linen product,” says Elk. “Thankfully, once your linen is broken in through use and laundering, shedding should lessen over time.” What’s the best way to take care of linen sheets? To best lengthen the life of your linen sheets, make sure to closely follow your product’s specific care instructions. Usually the brand will call for washing in cold water and drying on low or medium, as high temperatures can damage the flax fibers. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Hannah Baker, senior home editor at REAL SIMPLE magazine. She’s written about products for Martha Stewart Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Apartment Therapy, Brides, MyDomaine, Shop TODAY, and Drew and Jonathan Reveal, to name a few. To write this article, we tested 19 popular linen sheet sets, evaluating them on texture, quality, breathability, durability, and overall value. Hannah also spoke to Katie Elks, director of design and product development at Brooklinen, for more information on what to expect with linen bedding. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.