I received sheets from Quince at no charge with no specific obligation to review. This post contains affiliate links.
Are Linen Sheets Worth It?
Over the course of the last year, it seems as though every single person I follow on the internet has switched to linen sheets. My husband has even been followed around the web by targeted ads describing the benefits of linen bedding.
In soft shades, with a perfect crinkle, linen sheets give the appearance of a lifestyle that is both considered and easy-going. There’s certainly an aesthetic mood that’s being sold, but there are also ecological benefits to buying linen over other textiles commonly used for sheets.
Benefits of Linen
Linen is a useful textile for many reasons. On the ecological front, the flax plant, from which linen is derived, is less water-intensive and more hearty than cotton. It can also be grown with comparably fewer pesticides, though this is dependent on regional and company practice.
In terms of consumer use, linen is more durable and moisture-wicking than cotton. It is also praised for its temperature-regulating properties. Linen fibers, unlike cotton, are hollow, which is why linen is such a good option for warmer months. MasterClass points out that linen is also a great option for those who are allergic to other textiles.
That data point about temperature regulation seems to be the main draw of using linen in sheets. Unlike popular micro-fiber (read: polyester) sheets and even cotton, linen has the greatest odds of creating a neutral to cool sleeping environment.
Quince Linen Sheets Review
I selected Quince’s Queen Size Linen sheets in white. They now offer linen bedding in a range of colors, including terra cotta and a soft gray-blue.
Size
This set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two standard pillow cases. The fitted sheet is made for mattresses up to 16″ deep, which is more than enough room for our standard mattress. The flat sheet is long enough for a good tuck at the end.
Quality
Quince uses 100% Belgian linen with a weight of 150 grams per square meter (gsm). I would say it’s a light to medium weight fabric, thicker than most linen blouses I’ve tried, but still somewhat sheer. At a price point of $159.90, I would say that this is priced roughly equivalently to cotton sheets of a similar quality.
Comfort
One thing I should note about linen is that it’s not as soft as cotton or microfiber. It should be washed – ideally a few times – to soften up the fibers before using. I washed once and used wool dryer balls when drying, which Quince recommends.
In terms of the feel of linen, I would say that it’s fine on my body, but uncomfortable against my face. I ended up switching to a cotton jersey pillowcase after one night because it felt too scratchy against my sensitive facial skin.
In terms of temperature, though, linen sheets really are as temperature-regulating as advertised. I pile on the blankets during the winter months, which sometimes means I overheat at night. But the linen never feels too hot or too cold.
Six-Month Update: After the fourth or fifth wash, the sheets softened to a really nice texture and there have been no signs of wear. The sheets are particularly great during the summer months since they don’t hold a lot of heat.
So, are linen sheets worth it?
It really depends on why you want them. For softness, keep in mind that it will take a few months of use and several washes to get a lived-in feel. For temperature regulation and comparably good sustainability metrics, absolutely.
See Quince’s linen selection here
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Leah Wise
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.