The 12 Best Linen Sheets That Will Give Your Bedroom a Rumpled, Carefree Look

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·11 min read

If you’ve scrolled Pinterest, Instagram or home decor sites recently, you’ve probably noticed an uptick in the amount of linen bedding displayed in almost every minimal, Scandi-chic bedroom. Not only does the textured fabric have the ability to make any space look more lived in—even a stark, modern abode—it’s also naturally cooling, making it an absolute dream to sleep on, especially in the summer. (Plus, since it’s supposed to look rumpled, you never have to worry about ironing your sheets ever again.) Ready to jump on the bandwagon? Here are 12 of the best linen sheets money can buy.

Benefits of Linen

  • Breathable: Linen is a go-to fabric for keeping cool. The fabric's unmatched breathability is thanks to the fact that it's loosely-woven from flax fibers, and flax fibers are very hollow (more hollow than cotton fibers), which allows air to circulate more freely.

  • Durable: While linen is incredibly breathable, it's super strong, too. In fact, it's known as the world's strongest natural fiber. It's technically slightly heavier than cotton, but that makes it approximately 30 percent stronger, too. This is a material that's made to last.

  • Absorbent: A major reason why linen is the one of the coolest fabrics is due to its absorbency. It can absorb up to 20 percent of its weight in moisture, and it dries quickly too, leaving a fabric that's both dry and super soft.

  • Low Fuss: Since it's so durable, you hardly have to worry about upkeep. Linen can be tossed in the washing machine with cold water when it's time for a wash, and there's no need to iron your linen sheets, either, since they're supposed to look wrinkly and low effort.

  • Sustainable: Linen is inherently more sustainable than cotton because flax plant cultivation requires very little water, and every single part of the flax plant is used when making products, so there's very little that goes to waste. Linen fabric is recyclable and biodegradable, too. So, even though it's strong enough to last you a couple generations, if you do decide to dispose of your linen sheets, know that you can do so in an eco-friendly way.

The Best Linen Sheets at a Glance

RELATED: Here’s Why You Should Swap Out All Your Bedding for Linen

1. Brooklinen Linen Hardcore Sheet Bundle

Best Overall Linen Sheets

  • Value: 18/20

  • Functionality: 18/20

  • Ease of Use: 18/20

  • Aesthetics: 20/20

  • Comfort: 20/20

  • TOTAL: 94/100

You’d think that after testing a few different brands of linen sheets, everything would start to feel the same after a while. But Brooklinen’s buttery soft Linen Hardcore Sheet Bundle truly stood out from the competitors. Senior editor, Brianna Lapolla is a die-hard fan of percale sheets, but these made her a total convert to linen. She says, “I love the slightly undone look of linen sheets, but I love the crisp, soft feel of cotton. I was slightly apprehensive about trying something different, but Brooklinen’s sheets are so soft, and not the least bit scratchy (which is what I was picturing). They give my room a bit more of a carefree, California vibe—I feel more relaxed just looking at them.”

Buy It $533 ; (From $360)

2. The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Duvet Cover

Best Linen Duvet Cover

  • Value: 18/20

  • Functionality: 19/20

  • Ease of Use: 18/20

  • Aesthetics: 19/20

  • Comfort: 18/20

  • TOTAL: 92/100

If you’re the type of person who just can’t give up the crisp feel of cotton, but like the look of linen, may we suggest going for a linen duvet cover rather than a whole sheet set? The Citizenry’s is ultra-soft thanks to the brand’s stonewashing technique. Senior manager of strategic partnerships, Brynn Conway notes that the functionality of these are great, too. “This duvet cover is my favorite, because it includes a button closure at the bottom and interior corner ties, which keep the duvet insert from bunching and swimming around inside,” she says. “If you know me, you know that’s my biggest annoyance with duvet covers, so the extra secure hold on this one is much appreciated.”

Buy It ($275)

3. West Elm Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Set

Best Linen Sheets for Cotton-Lovers

  • Value: 18/20

  • Functionality: 18/20

  • Ease of Use: 18/20

  • Aesthetics: 19/20

  • Comfort: 20/20

  • TOTAL: 93/100

“These West Elm sheets have all the benefits of linen (more breathable and lightweight) but still maintain a dreamy, smoother texture similar to cotton,” says account manager, Katie Russell. The result? A tight weave that creates a creamy feel versus the sometimes-scratchy finish than linen can have. There’s a great variety of colors as well, from crisp white to midnight blue. “I personally have the frost gray set, which just seems to get better with use,” Russell adds.

Buy It ($270)

4. Parachute Linen Venice Set

Trendiest Linen Sheets

  • Value: 18/20

  • Functionality: 18/20

  • Ease of Use: 18/20

  • Aesthetics: 19/20

  • Comfort: 17/20

  • TOTAL: 90/100

Parachute’s linen sheets are definitely the trendiest on this list, due to both their chic color options and convenient bundles (the blush and terra hues are always sold out). This set comes with everything you need—a fitted sheet, duvet cover and two pillowcases—plus the option to add a flat sheet or not. Lapolla, who has clearly leaned into the linen lifestyle, also felt that this set deserved a spot on the list. She says, “When I first pictured my bed covered in linen sheets, I envisioned a pink, marshmallowy cloud of goodness. And that’s exactly what Parachute delivered. The blush hue skews on the neutral side, so they coordinate with a lot more than I’d originally anticipated. I also grabbed a few shams in the terra color to use as an accent, and I’m obsessed. They had a bit more of a starchy feel when I first got them, but they get a little softer every time I throw them in the wash.”

Buy It ($529)

5. Buffy Soft Hemp Sheets

Best Alternative Fabric Linen Sheets

  • Value: 17/20

  • Functionality: 18/20

  • Ease of Use: 18/20

  • Aesthetics: 17/20

  • Comfort: 17/20

  • TOTAL: 87/100

You might think that linen sheets are just that—linen sheets. They’re typically made with flax, but this set is made with hemp, which just happens to be a more eco-friendly alternative. Fashion director, Dena Silver is obsessed with them saying, "If you want something slightly heavier (and a touch less wrinkle-proof) than cotton linen, give Buffy's Hemp Linen sheets a try. It's just as breathable but far more earth-friendly—and the brand rightfully brags that their version is also more durable, thanks to hemp's extra-long staple fiber length." Just note: Buffy’s sheets only come in soft white and two earthy tan options.

Buy It $279 ; ($237)

6. Magic Linen White Linen Sheet Set

Most Cooling Linen Sheets

  • Value: 15/20

  • Functionality: 18/20

  • Ease of Use: 19/20

  • Aesthetics: 19/20

  • Comfort: 18/20

  • TOTAL: 89/100

"Disclaimer: I had never tried linen sheets before this MagicLinen set, so I don't have much to compare them to. But ever since I started using linen, I can confidently say that I would never go back,” says Angela Pares, editorial director of branded content. She goes on, “These sheets take a bit of getting used to at the beginning—as you can imagine if you've slept on cotton sheets your whole life. But after one night, all unfamiliarity fades away and you'll just melt into a cool and comfy slumber. The sheets get better (and softer) with each wash, and the fact that they're supposed to look tousled is a huge bonus for my type-A personality."

Buy It ($284)

7. Snowe Home Linen Sheet Set

Most Durable Linen Sheets

  • Value: 18/20

  • Functionality: 20/20

  • Ease of Use: 19/20

  • Aesthetics: 20/20

  • Comfort: 20/20

  • TOTAL: 97/100

“Yes, these sheets are incredibly expensive, but they turn my bed into a cozy haven,” says associate editor Abby Hepworth. “They’re ridiculously soft, help me stay cool in the summer and make me feel like I’m sleeping at a luxury resort (instead of my tiny NYC apartment). I was initially worried about my two kitties tearing them apart, but other than a few punctures, they’ve actually held up really well.” It’s worth noting that Hepworth did dock a few points for value, because of the cost. “To be honest, I love my $25 sheet set from Amazon just as much. While I highly recommend these, I’d say only get them if you truly have the cash to spare or if you’re filling out your wedding registry,” she adds.

Buy It $345 ; ($242)

8. Saatva Linen Sheet Set

Best Hypoallergenic Linen Sheets

These airy sheets by Saatva are crafted from 100 percent premium Belgian flax. Saatva promises that its linen is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, breathable and long-lasting. It's also OEKO-TEX certified, so you can breathe deeply and sleep peacefully at night knowing that these sheets are free from any harmful chemicals. Lastly, since it's linen, the fabric will get softer and more relaxed with every wash.

Buy It $375 ; ($330)

9. The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Bed Bundle

Best Luxury Linen Bundle

  • Value: 14/20

  • Durability: 19/20

  • Quality: 19/20

  • Aesthetics: 19/20

  • Comfort: 18/20

  • TOTAL: 89/100

We already gave the Citizenry’s Stonewashed linen duvet cover a shoutout, but we also reviewed the brand's linen bed bundle, and we were duly impressed. These sheets are not cheap, but you can rest assured (literally) that you’re paying for a high-quality product. The linen bed bundle includes a sheet set, duvet cover and two extra pillowcases—the whole shebang. These sheets are made in Portugal and, according to the website, the Citizenry is so renowned for its linen sheets that they are often given as the standard wedding gift in the country. If you’re looking to splurge on a luxury bed bundle—or looking to add to your wedding registry—the Citizenry is a great choice.

Buy It ($544)

10. Coyuchi Organic Chambray Sheet Set

Best Chambray Linen Sheets

Chambray sheets are infinitely gorgeous, and chambray sheets in linen add that extra layer of luxury. These sheets are woven from organically grown French flax and are crafted using traditional water-saving techniques—this is a great sustainable choice. Coyuchi is celebrated for its high-quality, minimally-processed linens. One of our favorite features of these sheets, however, is the relaxed chambray color palette that Coyuchi says is inspired by the coast—perfect for channeling your inner Coastal Grandma.

Buy It ($558)

11. Made In India Pure Luxury Sheet Set

Best Embroidered Linen Sheets

We had to include something for our Maxxinistas. This set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet and two pillowcases. It also features simple but unique embroidered details for a little extra flair. But don't worry, they're still classic enough to match any bedroom setting and vibe. Made In India promises sheets that are just as low-fuss as they are elegant—all you have to do is throw them in the washing machine on laundry day to freshen them up.

Buy It ($130)

12. Nordstrom Linen Sheet Set

Best Simple Linen Sheets

This breathable sheet set is deliberately designed to be simple—it lets the 100 percent linen fabric do all the talking. Fanciful designs and intricate embellishments may be fun and all, but are they really contributing to your best night’s sleep? This sheet set comes with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, two pillowcases and absolutely zero gimmicks.

Buy It ($199)

RELATED: 23 Linen Dresses to Keep You Effortlessly Cool (and On-Trend) All Summer

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