Our Testers Have Spoken: These Are the Best Linen Sheets on the Market (2024)

• Our Picks

• How We Tested

• What to Look For

• Why Trust The Spruce

Parachute's Linen Sheet Set is our top overall pick, thanks to its soft feel, breathability, and design-forward color options. We were impressed with the appearance and quality of the sheets in our lab testing. As is characteristic of most linen sheets, we found this set to be moisture-wicking and cool all night long.

Unlike other linen bedding, these sheets have a pleasantly soft feel right out of the box. Although the fabric wrinkles easily, we'd argue that this adds to the set's laid-back appearance, and folding the sheets right when you remove them from the dryer can help minimize the crinkly look. We also appreciate that the sheets fit snugly over the bed without slipping or shifting, which we attribute to the stretch of the fabric.

When conducting our lab tests, we were surprised to find that the unwashed sheet was softer than after running it through the wash. However, we didn't observe any shrinkage after washing. Plus, coffee and makeup stains came right out in the wash, and an oil stain was only slightly perceptible, which suggests that these are a practical choice that won't be ruined by everyday stains.

After three months of using these sheets consistently in our homes, we appreciated that the texture and color of the material didn't change, with no signs of wear or fading during the long-term testing period. Linen tends to be a bit stiffer than other types of sheets, but we still found these to be consistently comfortable, and we even noted that they have a light and airy feel.

The fitted sheet reliably stayed in place on a 14-inch-deep mattress, even when used by a restless sleeper. We noticed after several days of use, that the fitted sheet stretched out a bit, leading to some bunching (which we've observed with other linen sets, as well). It bounced back to its normal size after washing, though.

You can pick from 11 earthy, neutral color options that are sure to match a wide range of decor styles. We also like that you can forgo the top sheet if you want to save money (a queen set with a top sheet will set you back an extra $120) and prefer to sleep without one.

_{Material: European flax linen | Weave: Plain square | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low}

While linen sheets don’t exactly come cheap, the Bokser Home 100 Percent French Linen Sheet Set offers a ton of bang for your buck. While testing this set, we raved about its high-quality construction and top-notch breathability. The sheets have a medium weight and offer effective temperature regulation, making them a great choice for year-round use.

Upon arrival, the sheets were a bit stiff and coarse (which tends to be standard for linen in general). However, by the third or fourth wash, we noticed a significant shift, as the sheets felt softer and more luxurious. After making the bed, we were impressed with how casually elegant these sheets looked, as they fit securely and snugly without any issues. Even when we tossed and turned in bed, the fitted sheet didn't come off the mattress. (They also have top/bottom labels to make putting them on easier.)

Over six months of using these sheets at home, the set continued to get better in time. We even noted increased sleep quality after using these sheets for a few weeks, as they kept us cool and comfortable. The sheets provide enough airflow to prevent overheating, and they still provide adequate warmth on colder nights.

Throughout the testing period, we noticed some stretching, as well as slight color fading and pilling, on the parts of the sheets we slept on the most. However, these were hardly noticeable and didn’t compromise the overall texture or quality of the material. Despite these minor flaws, we think that these sheets come at a fairly reasonable price, considering their luxurious construction, breathability, and overall quality.

_{Material: French linen | Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: 110 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

The Citizenry's Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set is made from flax fibers grown in France and loomed in a family-run mill in Portugal. As the name suggests, they're stone-washed, which means they're pre-washed with stones to ensure softness out of the box. We still found them to be a bit scratchy at first, but they grew softer with time.

We were immediately impressed with the overall construction quality of these sheets, and because of their considerable sturdiness, they were fairly wrinkle-resistant (which is rare for linen). The Citizenry's Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set is a bit thicker and heavier than the other options we tested, which is a great sign of their durability. However, that means a longer break-in period and less breathability, compared to some competitors.

After six months of use, the linen became softer and more comfortable—a significant reprieve from its initial scratchiness. Apart from the softer feel, we didn't notice any changes in texture or quality. They aren't the most breathable option on this list, so we would recommend them for cold sleepers, or as a warmer option for cooler seasons.

These sheets come in 16 chic designs, from classic white to beach-inspired stripes. Though the price is undoubtedly high, compared to other sets in our roundup, it's not as steep among similar high-quality European linen options.

_{Material: French flax linen | Weave: Plain square | GSM: 160 | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash gentle, tumble dry}

If you’re looking for a lightweight linen sheet option with a plethora of elegant color options to match your decor, Quince might just be your best bet. Off the bat, we were immediately impressed with just the cozy texture of these sheets, as they felt much softer than other linens we’ve tested. While other linen sheets may take a while to “break in,” these felt great upon arrival.

The fabric is pre-washed for immediate softness and feels exceptionally durable leading us to think the sheets will last for years. While the sheets looked great on the bed, we found the 16-inch-deep fitted sheet was a bit too roomy for our 10-inch mattress, and the excess fabric caused the sheet to move around a bit.

The linen sheet set is woven out of 100 percent European flax fibers. This makes it slightly more lightweight than others in its category while offering breathability, absorption, and temperature-regulating abilities to keep you comfortable and dry throughout the night.

Even after six months of at-home use, we found these sheets to be extremely lightweight and airy, making them the perfect option for those who tend to overheat at night. However, for those who prefer linen that’s a bit sturdier and stiffer, these may be too thin for your liking.

_{Material: European flax linen | Weave: Plain square | GSM: Not indicated | Sizes: Twin, Full, queen, king, Cal king | Care: Machine wash cold/delicate, tumble dry low}

If you’re willing to shell out a bit more money on luxury sheets that look and feel exceptionally high-quality, then look no further than the Saatva Linen Sheet Set. This sheet set earned impressive scores during our lab tests, and we think its construction makes the higher price tag well worth it.

Upon arrival, we were impressed with the sturdiness of these sheets, as they felt well made without being overly heavy. While the sheets had a rougher texture out of the box, they immediately felt softer after the first wash, and after consistent use, they only got better. When placed on the bed, the sheets had a refined look, and despite the 16-inch-deep fitted sheet being a bit roomy to accommodate larger mattresses, we found it easy to tuck in any extra material.

These sheets are a great pick for those who overheat in their sleep, as they are incredibly breathable and temperature-regulating, with the ability to keep even the warmest sleepers cool and comfortable all night long. Our at-home testing also confirmed that the sheets have a lovely lightweight construction that can help keep night sweats at bay.

After abrading the material with sandpaper in the lab, we observed a hole begin to form, raising some concerns about the product's durability. However, after testing this sheet set in our homes for six months, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the sheets held up incredibly well despite a puppy digging into the fabric.

_{Material: Belgian linen | Weave: None listed | Thread Count: None listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

While linen sheets may be known for having a rougher, more textured feel than traditional cotton sheets, there are still options that feel exceptionally soft and smooth without having to break them in. The Southern Living Heirloom Linen & Cotton Sheet Set at Dillard's is made with a blend of linen and long-staple cotton, which offers the best of both worlds. (Southern Living is owned by The Spruce’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.)

These sheets earned high marks during our testing, and for good reason. While the sheets may not be made from pure linen, we were immediately impressed with their overall construction, as they felt wonderfully soft and pleasantly lightweight. The cotton blend allows for a texture that’s less rough and scratchy than pure linen, which is a plus for those who prefer a balance between texture and smoothness.

After six months of use, these sheets got even better in time—we just loved how silky soft they felt. They also proved very durable, as they held up wonderfully with no signs of wear or color fading during our long-term testing. We weren't blown away by the breathability of these sheets in lab testing, so we sent them home with a hot sleeper, who noted that they feel light and airy in spring, fall, and winter. But we wouldn't recommend them as cooling sheets for hot sleepers.

If you’re looking for a soft set of sheets made with linen, these are a worthy pick. While we love these sheets overall, note that they only come in queen and king sizes.

_{Material: Linen and cotton | Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Queen, king | Care: Machine washable}

The Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set boasts a wonderfully airy and breathable construction without sacrificing durability and high-quality craftsmanship, making it a great pick for those who prefer lightweight bedding.

We were initially impressed with just how light the sheets felt, as the weave almost felt sheer. At night, these sheets offered an excellent balance between cozy and cooling. The looser weave allowed for more airflow, which prevented overheating. Even on chillier nights, they still provided adequate warmth without becoming too hot.

And despite the sheets’ breezy construction, they proved to be very durable. We also loved just how clean they looked on the bed, as the all-around elastic provided a very secure fit over the mattress.

Over three months of use at home, we noted significant softening of this sheet set's linen material, and we observed no quality issues. They continued to feel breathable and durable, and we think they're a great choice for all-season use. We used them in a home with a playful cat and restless sleeper and they could handle everything from sheet pulling to cat claws (an impressive feat!). We were using the white version of these sheets, and they continued to look great after multiple months. We were also able to get stains out of the fitted sheet using a stain remover.

_{Material: European flax linen | Weave: Not listed | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

Sheets with temperature-regulating properties can be especially helpful for those with night sweats, and the West Elm European Flax Linen Sheet Set is both breathable and moisture-wicking, with a high-quality construction. These exceptionally soft sheets felt sturdy and durable upon arrival, and after a few washes, they became even more comfortable. During our lab test, we noticed these sheets wrinkled more than some of the other options we tested, but you can steam or iron them for a cleaner, crisper look.

Despite the heavier weight, we were pleasantly surprised by the sheets’ temperature-regulating properties. Made from heirloom-quality flax, the fabric is breathable and absorbent. It does an amazing job of allowing air to pass through, helping to regulate your body temperature while you doze.

We love that this set comes in over 20 different hues, and you can even choose from a few striped options. Made-to-order colors may take longer to ship, but we think it’s worth it if you’re looking to curate a design-forward bedscape.

_{Material: European flax linen | Weave: Plain square | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low}

If you prefer to opt for organic sheets, this set from Coyuchi is a great option. The sheets are made with 100 percent organic linen that's certified by Global Organic Textile Standard. For those who sleep on the colder side or prefer a heavier sheet, the Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Sheets offer a surprisingly hefty construction while still maintaining the breezy and relaxed nature of classic linen.

When we unboxed the sheets, we could immediately tell that they had a substantial weight and felt heavier than many of the other options we tried out. They felt almost warm to the touch in a cozy way. They are a bit stiffer than some of the other options we tested, but the sheets got a bit more flexible and developed more of a broken-in texture the more we washed them.

While the sheets were definitely cozy and will keep you warm at night, they provided enough breathability to prevent overheating and regulate your body temperature. However, they might just be too heavy for some people to use as spring and summer approaches.

And because of their sturdy construction, we suspect these sheets will last you longer than more lightweight options. These are the most expensive sheets on this list, even pricier than our best splurge pick, the Saatva Linen Sheet. However, these luxury sheets strike the perfect balance of softness, sturdiness, and breathability—these qualities, combined with the organic materials, warrant the price tag.

After using these sheets for six months, we were impressed that they held up exceptionally well, with no visible signs of wear. Unfortunately, during long-term testing, we found some stains that didn't fully wash out. The ones that set weren't too noticeable, but it's worth keeping in mind that this sheet set isn't the most stain-resistant option.

_{Material: French linen | Weave: Plain | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal king | Care: Machine wash gentle/delicate, tumble dry low, hot iron or steam as needed}

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Parachute Linen Venice Sheet Set, which earned high marks from our tester for its buttery-soft feel, top-notch breathability, and lived-in look. We also recommend the Bokser Home 100% FRENCH LINEN SHEET SET, our best value pick, which boasts a luxuriously cozy texture and gets softer with every wash.

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