Some people steer clear of linen because it has a reputation for being rough and scratchy. However, those undesirable characteristics are typically an issue only with low-quality linen. The best linen sheets are soft, absorb moisture away from the body and dry quickly. Hot and sweaty sleepers in particular may benefit from linen sheets since the lightweight material is breathable and dries faster than cotton. Our top pick is the Buffy Linen Sheet Set because its smooth, comfortable feel is enough to turn anyone into a true fan of the material, but we’ve also included a list of other cozy choices.
The best linen sheets will keep you cool and offer wicking, breathable comfort all night long.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
The most important consideration when looking for linen sheets that aren’t scratchy is the quality of the material. Beyond quality, there’s also color, weight and plenty more to consider, which is why we tested a roundup of linen sheets to distinguish the most comfortable picks from the not-so-cozy. Here is our list of the best linen sheets to help you get your deepest sleep, scratch-free.
Buy if: You’re looking for a smooth, soft linen sheet.
Skip if: You have a split king mattress.
The Buffy Linen Sheet Set has been a favorite of mine for years and is the set that converted me to liking linen sheets (I was a longtime skeptic of the material). These linen sheets are not scratchy and have a smooth and slick feel, likely due to the long-staple fibers that are used to make them. The sheets soften with each wash, and Buffy offers a seven-day trial in case you don’t love them as much as I do. The set typically comes in nine colors, ranging from neutral white and two tan tones to a brighter orange and blue. Just note that the sizes are a little limited: It’s available only in full, queen, king and California king. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just looking to dip your toes into linen, this set is a fantastic choice.
What our testers say: These linen sheets are the ones that convinced me that not all linen is rough and scratchy. I love the smooth feel of these sheets, and they have a slick feel that’s unique to the Buffy sheets. Lindsey Vickers, a Forbes Vetted contributor, also really enjoyed these sheets and thinks they’re a great set for folks who want to try linen but want to avoid the scratchy texture it can have.
Expert tip: Wash these a few times to get rid of any finishes on the fabric, which will make them softer.
Pros:
Smooth feel
Soft and not scratchy
Free seven-day trial
Cons:
Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
Best Smooth Linen Sheets
A Stonewashed Set That’s Soft And Smooth To The Touch
Sijo
Sijo LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set (Queen)
Fabric: 100% linen | Key features: Stonewashed for softness, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
Buy if: You want a linen sheet that feels more substantial than many others.
Skip if: You prefer a lightweight linen sheet.
The LuxeWeave Linen Sheet Set from Sijo is made from 100% linen and is also stonewashed, making them soft straight out of the package. The company claims they have that “good heavy” feel, so they could be a great choice for sleepers who like a bit of substance to their sheets. The set is available in eight soft colors, in sizes full, queen, king and California king.
What our testers say: I’ve slept on these sheets previously and found them soft and smooth. They had a heavy feel but not overwhelmingly so, and they were still breathable.
Expert tip: Wash these a few times to get rid of any excess lint.
Pros:
Heavy, substantial feel
Soft and breathable
Stonewashed for added softness
Cons:
Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
Best Organic Linen Sheets
Avocado’s Linen Sheets Are 100% Organic And GOTS Certified
Avocado
Avocado Organic Linen Sheets (Queen)
Fabric: 100% organic linen | Key features: Organic; GOTS certified; prewashed to prevent shrinking, losing shape and fading
Buy if: You’re looking for a lightweight and organic linen sheet.
Skip if: You’re looking for something budget-friendly.
Avocado specializes in organic mattresses and bedding, and these sheets are in line with the brand’s general approach. They’re made with 100% organic linen and hold a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. The GOTS certification is issued by a third party and demonstrates the sheets meet a set of ecological and social responsibility criteria. They are a great option for someone who wants a thinner sheet and could be a stellar choice for those who sleep hot. Like others on this list, the set is not available in smaller sizes; it comes only in full, queen, king and California king.
What our testers say: I’ve slept on these sheets, and they have an airy, soft, cotton-like feel and are slightly see-through. I especially love them for the summer. They are so light and absorb moisture well, which keeps me dry from sweat and moisture.
Expert tip: It’s best not to use fabric softeners, bleach or whiteners with any linen, but especially with this sheet set because the material is thinner.
Pros:
Made with organic linen
Lightweight and airy
GOTS certified
Cons:
Available in only two colors
Best Rough Linen Sheets
A Set Of Sheets For Those Who Prefer Textured Linen
Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle Linen Sheet Set (Full)
Fabric: 100% linen | Key features: Extra-strong elastic to keep them in place, 16-inch pockets, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
Buy if: You prefer a stiffer linen sheet.
Skip if: You like a soft or smooth linen sheet.
If you want your linen sheets to have a bit of substance and a rougher texture, this set from Tuft & Needle satisfies those preferences. I’ve used these previously and they are much sturdier than others, with a thick, almost canvas-like feel. As with other linen options, they soften somewhat over time, though you can expect them to maintain more texture even with use and washing. The set comes in a full range of sizes, including twin, twin XL and California king.
What our testers say: These linen sheets are thick and best for someone who likes a sturdy sheet. Their medium-weight feel makes them suitable for year-round use, but they still help regulate body temperature in any season.
Expert tip: If these are too stiff, try adding some laundry or tennis balls to the drying cycle to help break them in faster.
Pros:
Structured feel
Good for year-round use
Soften over time
Cons:
Some people may not prefer the stiff feel
Best Luxury Linen Sheets
Upgrade Your Linen Sheets To This Set With A Piped Border
Buy if: You’re looking for a soft linen sheet with extra detailing.
Skip if: You dislike a casual sheet set with a lived-in look.
Add a touch of luxury to your bedroom with this sheet set from Cultiver. It has a piped border that gives it a lavish look without any compromise in terms of the quality of the sheets. The sheets have a substantial feel while remaining breathable. If you’re hesitant about them, Cultiver offers the option to order a sample swatch so you can touch and see the fabric before buying. (The company doesn’t offer a trial, though, so you can’t sleep on the sheets before making a final decision.) The set is limited when it comes to sizes and is available only in queen and king.
What our testers say: This is one of my favorite linen sheet sets for its soft feel, plus the set looks relaxed but not disheveled. I had never heard of Cultiver before testing these linen sheets and was impressed with how cozy and luxe they felt.
Expert tip: Immediately take these from the dryer when they are finished for a less lived-in look.
Pros:
Soft feel
Relaxed look
Sample swatches are available
Cons:
Only three color options
Particularly prone to wrinkling
Best Linen-Blend Sheets
A Set That Offers The Best Of Linen And Viscose
Cozy Earth
Cozy Earth Linen Bamboo Sheet Set (Queen)
Fabric: 70% viscose from bamboo, 30% linen | Key features: Unlikely to pill, available in split king sizing, 20-inch pocket
Buy if: You want a cozier, softer linen sheet.
Skip if: You prefer a linen sheet with more texture.
With this option from Cozy Earth, you no longer have to decide between linen or bamboo viscose sheets because the set is made with a fabric that blends both: 70% viscose from bamboo and 30% linen. This makes them breathable and airy, perfect for hot sleepers, but softer than your traditional linen. If you have a thick mattress, you can appreciate the 20-inch deep pocket, which is sufficient to accommodate the tallest beds.
What our testers say: They have a very cozy feel while still being breathable and moisture-wicking. Thanks to the viscose component, these look and feel smoother than 100% linen sheets, so they’re great for someone who wants a less-wrinkled look.
Expert tip: Since this is a blend of two different fibers, be sure to follow the care instructions to help maintain the sheets.
Pros:
You get the benefits of the linen with the smooth feel of viscose
Does not wrinkle as much as 100% linen sheets
Accommodates mattresses up to 20 inches deep
Cons:
Only two colors are available
Best Lightweight Linen Sheets
An Airy, Barely-There Feel With Breathable Comfort
The Citizenry
The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set (Queen)
Fabric: 100% linen | Key features: Eyelet detailing along some borders, 15-inch deep pockets, lightweight feel
Buy if: You like the feel of a barely-there sheet.
Skip if: You’re looking for a heavier sheet.
The Citizenry’s linen sheets have a lightweight and airy feel for those who prefer the vibe of a barely-there sheet. The stonewash process helps these sheets feel soft from the beginning, and having slept on these sheets, I found they get even softer with each use. The set is available in an array of muted colors and also a thin striped pattern.
What our testers say: When I tested these sheets, they stood out for their soft, lightweight feel and quickly became one of my favorite sets of linen sheets. Vickers says, “I love the feel of the Citizenry’s linen sheets. They’re lighter than many linens I’ve tried, but still have that slight texture you expect from the material. The deal is sweetened by the company’s partnership with a Portuguese linen mill, and the overall ethos of transparency, fair trade and wage standards.”
Expert tip: Wash these sheets separately from other items for the first few washes to prevent lint from shedding and sticking to anything else.
Pros:
Lightweight
Very breathable
Available in 13 solid shades and two striped colorways
Cons:
Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
Best Mid-Weight Linen Sheets
A Well-Priced Set That’s Sure To Please
Bed Threads
Bed Threads 100% French Flax Linen Bedding Set (Queen)
Buy if: You’re looking for a year-round linen sheet set.
Skip if: You prefer a lightweight linen sheet set.
The set from Bed Threads strikes an ideal balance: It’s high-quality, affordable and has a middle-of-the-road weight. It’s a great choice for folks looking to purchase their first set of linen sheets. The set has a moderate GSM (grams per square meter) value, at 170—putting it squarely in the mid-weight category for linen. This means the sheets offer a bit more heft than thin options, but not so much that they’re not practical for year-round use. The set has a soft feel initially, and they get even better with use and time.
What our testers say: These sheets are a solid pick for a medium-weight linen sheet for year-round use. Vickers says these linen sheets are some of her all-time favorites: “The set has a relaxed but not overly rumpled appearance, and feels great overnight. They are the Goldilocks sheets for me: not too thick, but not too thin, either. I also love Bed Threads’ colorways. The Pink Clay immediately brightened up my bedroom. I’ve slept on my share of linen sheets, and these strike a fantastic balance in more than one way. I can’t recommend them enough.”
Expert tip: Wash in cold water and tumble dry on low to help extend the life of the sheets.
Pros:
Great for year-round use
Get softer over time
Medium weight is a nice balance of not being too thick or thin
To put together this list, we relied heavily on knowledge from previously having tested dozens of linen sheets, as well as the author Jamie’s educational and professional background and experience in textiles. She has worked in product development and quality assurance at a home textiles company as well as at Nike, and also has degrees in apparel and textile design and mechanical engineering.
When choosing the best linen sheets we sorted through dozens of sheets online. We looked at popular sets and well-known brands. We also searched sites like Amazon that carry numerous options from plenty of brands. To narrow the list down, we chose options that the author has tested or ones that editors and contributors have personally slept on and that have proven to be reliable and of high quality.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve spent countless hours researching, discovering, learning about and testing the best sleep products. From mattresses to pillows, we can tell you a thing or two about the products that help you slumber.
The author of this story, Jamie Ueda, has extensive experience with testing sleep products, especially bedding. Ueda also has expertise in fabrics and other textiles. Forbes Vetted contributor Lindsey Vickers has spent years covering sleep for various outlets, including USA Today and Healthline. In other words: We put our best people to the task of choosing linen sheets. All the picks were first recommended by staff and contributors then tested to find the very best ones.
What You Need To Know About Linen
Linen begins with flax. It’s made using the stem of the plant, which is processed into fiber and then spun into yarn, then fabric and finally sheets or clothing. Linen is known for being absorbent, breathable and able to help regulate body temperature. You can amplify the material’s inherent breathability by looking for a more open weave, which makes the fabric lighter and allows more air to circulate through the sheets.
When researching linen sheets I found that, unlike other types of sheets, many linen options don’t advertise thread count or the exact weight of the fabric. Thread count isn’t as important as with other sheet materials, like cotton, as most people buy linen sheets for their ability to keep them cool. In fact, a lower thread count may be better for those who want a light and airy sheet. Occasionally, GSM (grams per square meter) is advertised, but not typically. This just refers to the actual weight of the fabric. If you want a heavier linen sheet that’s less see-through, look for around 185 GSM; if you like a lighter sheet that is more gauzy, look for about 160 GSM.
What To Consider When Shopping For Linen Sheets
Linen sheets have a few special considerations that you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop for your next set.
Wear And Sensation Over Time
Linen has a stiffer feel than cotton, but it softens over time with use and laundering. Unlike many sheets, linen sets’ feel and texture actually improve with use and wear. However, linen is also unusual in that it has low elastic recovery, which is a fabric’s ability to return to its precise original shape after use or washing. Because linen has a low elastic recovery, wrinkles tend to form easily—and stay put. This is what gives the fabric its well-known “relaxed” or “lived-in” look. If you’re not a fan of that appearance, you may want to steer clear of linen and opt for a cotton set instead.
Fabric Texture
Linen gets a bad rap for being scratchy or rough, however high-quality linen sheets should be soft and smooth (unless you prefer a rougher sheet and specifically seek one out). While it’s hard to tell without feeling the linen yourself, if you want a softer sheet you’ll want to choose one that’s stonewashed, garment-washed or prewashed, which increases the chances the material will be soft from the get-go. These processes have another bonus: They can also help prevent the sheets from shrinking.
Lint Shedding
Linen tends to shed lint, so make sure to wash your sheets a few times initially to avoid this. I found that a few wash and dry cycles will get rid of most lint shedding. However, if the sheets are heavily shedding, they may need more than two or three runs through the washing machine and dryer. Even after these washes, you might find bits of lint fluff around, especially when you strip or make the bed.
It’s best to launder linen sheets separately to avoid lint shedding on other items. And finally, be sure to check the lint screen after you dry linen sheets, since these shed during the dry cycle, and the screen may fill up faster than it would otherwise.
Quality
French and Belgian flax linens are often considered the best-quality linens because they are smooth and not scratchy. These types of linen also often come with a higher price tag. While the origin of the linen can be a helpful indicator, it shouldn’t be used as the sole criterion in deciding whether a linen sheet is of good quality. Other factors and preferences also play a role, such as the weight of the sheets, the available color options and whether you prefer a cleaner or more “lived-in” look.
Trial Or Return Policy
Shopping for linen sheets can be tricky, since it’s hard to tell if you’ll like them from just a brief online description, especially given the variations in linen’s texture. That said, look for brands that offer trial periods and/or return policies that work for you. Also, remember to wash the set a few times, as washing can significantly change the feel of linen sheets.
What Are The Benefits Of Linen Sheets?
Many people who are hot sleepers like linen sheets’ breathability, absorbency and ability to regulate body temperature. Linen generally has a more textured appearance and feel than cotton. This makes the material popular with folks who prefer sheets with texture (from either a visual or tactile standpoint) as opposed to options that are perfectly smooth, crisp or soft.
That feature also lends linen one of its main characteristics: a lived-in look. With its slightly rumpled appearance, linen bedding can give your bedroom a more relaxed vibe.
Why Are Linen Sheets So Expensive?
Linen sheets are expensive because the raw material costs more than other popular fabrics, like cotton. It’s also more labor-intensive to harvest the fiber, which comes from flax. In addition, the linen manufacturing process is more complicated than some others—it involves fermentation, drying, crushing and more to transform flax from a plant fiber into the textile you put on the bed.
How Do You Wash Linen Sheets?
Most linen sheets can be washed on a delicate cycle in cold to lukewarm water and then tumbled dry on low. However, it’s best to always check and follow the care label on your sheet set for detailed, individual instructions, as they can vary from brand to brand. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines helps keep your sheets in the best shape possible for years to come.
