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A person standing at a bed, holding some white sheets. Credit: Reviewed/Betsy Goldwasser

The Best Linen Sheets of 2023

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

A person standing at a bed, holding some white sheets. Credit: Reviewed/Betsy Goldwasser

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Editor's Choice Product image of Buffy Linen Sheet Set
Best Overall

Buffy Linen Sheet Set

Buffy's sheets are good if you're looking for cool-sleeping bedding. Even with some shrinkage, these sheets could still fit nicely onto a mattress. Read More

Pros

  • Free trial
  • Smoother, cooler feel
  • Easy to care for

Cons

  • Some shrinkage
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Cultiver Linen Sheet Set With Pillowcases
Best Upgrade

Cultiver Linen Sheet Set With Pillowcases

These were our favorite for a splurge. They're light-weight and soft. Read More

Pros

  • Soft to the touch
  • Not much shrinkage
  • Company will send a fabric swatch

Cons

  • None that we could find
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Quince European Linen Sheet Set
Best Value

Quince European Linen Sheet Set

These linen sheets are affordable and comfy. They are light weight and sweat-wicking. Read More

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Soft after washing
  • Less wrinkly

Cons

  • Did shrink after washing
4
Product image of Sijo French Linen Sheet Set

Sijo French Linen Sheet Set

They're great for people who like a crisp-feeling sheet. They are thin, with a slight see-through appearance, making them feel breathable. Read More

Pros

  • Less shrinkage
  • Breathable and cool

Cons

  • Tend to wrinkle
5
Product image of Avocado Organic Linen Sheets

Avocado Organic Linen Sheets

Comfortable to sleep on with a cotton-like and airy feel. They have a relaxed look but do wrinkle a bit. Read More

Pros

  • Comfortable, relaxed look
  • Soft to the touch

Cons

  • Wrinkle

A good set of linen bed sheets are always comfortable, but they can be especially great for hot sleepers or warm weather. We’ve tried out plenty of bed sheets and found that quality linens feel light, airy, and soft to the touch, but lesser linens can feel coarse, scratchy, and stiff. Because linen sheets tend to cost more than other fabrics, we’ve tested the most popular options to find some worthy of your slumber.

After weeks of testing, our results found the Buffy Linen Sheet Set (available at Buffy) to be the best linen sheets. This set combines softness and durability with good value. For a truly luxurious upgrade, the Cultiver linen sheets are worth the splurge.

A person puts Buffy linen sheets on a bed.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

The best linen sheets we tested from Buffy keep you cool and feel soft to the touch.

Best Overall
Buffy Linen Sheet Set
  • Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% long-staple hemp
  • Thread count: 102 single-ply thread count
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 15” deep

Buffy’s balance of quality and value made it our top pick for linen sheets. Their 100% hemp fabric feels slick when fresh out of the packaging. It’s not as cottony, fuzzy, or coarse as some of the others. This is ideal for someone who’s choosing linen for a smoother, cooler feel.

After five washes, this Buffy set lost some of its initial slickness, but was still the smoothest linen set we tested. It held up in our stain tests, as well, leaving behind only a faint pomegranate juice stain after laundering with no pre-treatment. Finally, they shrank some in our wash tests, but were cut so amply that they still fit our mattress.

Buffy’s seven-day free trial is also unique in that they put a hold on the charge while you test the sheets. If you return them during that 7-day window, the transaction won't even post on your account.

Pros

  • Free trial

  • Smoother, cooler feel

  • Easy to care for

Cons

  • Some shrinkage

A closeup of the Cultiver logo on a set of linen sheets.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

Though among the priciest we tested, the Cultiver linen sheets impressed us with their airy softness from first use.

Best Upgrade
Cultiver Linen Sheet Set With Pillowcases
  • Sizes: Twin, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% European flax
  • Weight: 165 GSM
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 46 cm/18.11” deep Cultiver’s linen sheets felt luxurious—lightweight and soft like cotton. They have a translucent, gauzy appearance and breathability that makes their heavier weight a little surprising.

That weight is a key indicator of quality, and it also prevents them from wrinkling as much as other linens. They lay nicely on the bed—the edges didn’t curl up or pucker like many others we tested. They also shrank so little that it didn’t affect how well they fit a thick mattress.

These are the most expensive linens we tested, but for the price you get a luxe linen experience. If you’d like to sample the fabric’s feel or color options before committing, you can order a product swatch first.

Pros

  • Soft to the touch

  • Not much shrinkage

  • Company will send a fabric swatch

Cons

  • None that we could find

A closeup of the tag on a set of white linen sheets from Quince.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

Quince linen sheets offer a good value for their lightweight softness.

Best Value
Quince European Linen Sheet Set
  • Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% European flax
  • Weight: 150 GSM
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 16” deep Quince’s linen sheets are the least expensive and the lightest we tested, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t well-made. Instead, that lightness feels breathable and smooth to the touch, while wicking away moisture. This isn’t scratchy or rough like you’d expect from “cheaper” linen. What’s more: after washing, these sheets appeared significantly less wrinkly than some of the others that we tested.

There are a few drawbacks. They did shrink some after a machine wash and tumble dry, though they’ll still fit most mattresses. We also wonder if the lighter fabric may affect the overall lifespan. Still, this is a well-made option, for all its lightness and surprising affordability.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Soft after washing

  • Less wrinkly

Cons

  • Did shrink after washing


Other Linen Sheets We Tested

Product image of Sijo French Linen Sheet Set
Sijo French Linen Sheet Set
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% European flax
  • Weight: 175-180 GSM
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 16” deep In terms of comfort, Sijo linen sheets landed near the top of the list, feeling smooth and comfortable to sleep on right out of the package. They feel distinctly crisper than the others, so if you like a crisp sheet you’ll want to try these. The fabric has a thin, slightly see-through appearance making them feel breathable. They also shrank less than many sheets on this list.

The only noticeable downside to these sheets is that they tend to wrinkle around the edges after washing—a similar “lived-in” look that we saw in all but our Upgrade and Value picks.

Pros

  • Less shrinkage

  • Breathable and cool

Cons

  • Tend to wrinkle

Product image of Avocado Organic Linen Sheets
Avocado Organic Linen Sheets
  • Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% certified organic flax
  • Weight: 130 GSM
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 16” deep Avocado’s thin linen is a double-edged sword. They’re light and breathable, with a comfortable, cottony texture and an airy feel. They have a relaxed look with some wrinkling around the edges, similar to most other linen options.

The downside is that these are some of the thinnest, most see-through sets we tested. They’ll leave your mattress clearly visible through the sheets. They also shrank a lot, though they still fit an extra-thick mattress.

Pros

  • Comfortable, relaxed look

  • Soft to the touch

Cons

  • Wrinkle

Product image of The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set
The Citizenry Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set
  • Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% French flax
  • Weight: 160 GSM
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 15” deep Initially, these sheets were scratchy enough to make sleep uncomfortable, but like many linen sheets they became softer over time. The fitted sheet fits loosely, making it easy to get on the mattress, and these sheets shrank less than many others.

However, like many other linens, these sheets are wrinkled around the edges, looking either lived-in or messy, depending on your perspective. More significantly, these sheets were still linty enough to cause sneezing after five washes.

The Citizenry sells a sample swatch for a few dollars, which is a great option if you would like to feel the fabric or compare colors instead of buying a set sight unseen.

Pros

  • Less shrinkage

Cons

  • Scratchy

  • Wrinkle

  • Company charges for fabric swatches

Product image of Morrow Heirloom Linen Sheet Set
Morrow Heirloom Linen Sheet Set
  • Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% French and Belgian flax
  • Weight: unlisted
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 15” deep Morrow’s French and Belgian linen sheets are light and airy. Unfortunately, they felt stiffer and scratchier than our top performers. Testers were able to sleep without too much discomfort, but they were far from ideal.

These sheets didn’t shrink much in the wash, but they held onto the pomegranate juice stain more than some others.

Pros

  • Didn't shrink much

Cons

  • Stiff and scratchy compared to others

  • Held onto stains

Product image of Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set
Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% European flax
  • Weight: 145 GSM
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 16” deep

Brooklinen’s percale and sateen sheets are both at the top of their class. Unfortunately, the Brooklinen linen core sheets weren’t as impressive. They felt rough to the touch, and neither sleeping on them nor washing them five times seemed to help. These sheets are breathable like most linen sets, but their unfortunate prickliness makes them difficult to recommend.

Pros

  • Breathable

Cons

  • Rough and scratchy

Product image of Parachute Linen Fitted Sheet
Parachute Linen Fitted Sheet
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% European flax
  • Weight: Unlisted
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 16” deep Parachute offers a broad, fun range of colors. Unfortunately, they also made one of the roughest linen sets we tested. Although they were lightweight and airy, it was hard to get past the feel, and neither washing nor sleeping on them softened them up.
Product image of Tuft & Needle Linen Sheet Set
Tuft & Needle Linen Sheet Set
  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: 100% European flax
  • Weight: Unlisted
  • Pocket depth: Fits mattresses up to 14” deep We love Tuft & Needle’s mattress offerings, but these sheets weren’t as impressive. Their thicker, more substantial feel made them come across like a thin canvas. They felt weighty and stiff, and even after five washes, they were still scratchy. These sheets also shrank the most of all we tested, though their roomy cut meant we had no problems fitting them back on the bed.

Pros

  • Will easily fit on a mattress, even after washing

Cons

  • Weighty

  • Stiff-feeling


How We Test Linen Sheets

A person shaking out a linen sheet to put it on a bed.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

We tested linen sheets just as you might: by putting them on a bed and sleeping on them.

Our linen sheet testing process started with researching established, popular and well-reviewed brands across the Internet, then selecting a group of testing samples from that research. Finally, our tester’s textile expertise helped her test and evaluate which linen sheets might be worth considering for your home.

The Tester

Hi, I'm Jamie Ueda. After spending years working for various apparel and textile companies, I pride myself on helping Reviewed readers make smart purchasing decisions for everything fabric-related—including flannel sheets and other bedding, clothing, and more.

I’ve spent a lot of time evaluating fabrics and apparel, which means I’m a stickler for quality materials and good design. This is especially true when it comes to bedding. Though I’m embarrassed to admit it, I spend a lot of time in bed, whether I’m watching TV, relaxing, or actually sleeping—and nothing beats a good night’s rest.

The Tests

Our tester sleeps on each set of linen sheets for two to three nights, assessing the feel and overall experience. All of our sheet testers have textile experience, and are well-equipped to evaluate the stitching.

They consider the fit of the fitted sheet, and measure each flat sheet before and after washing and drying them to determine how much they shrink. Finally, we perform a stain test by dropping pomegranate juice on the sheet and let the stain set overnight before washing it and evaluating how well the stain came out.

Afterward, the linen sheets are sent to our lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Reviewed’s team of scientists perform further tests. They measure the weight of the sheets, comparing their data to the advertised weight. Then, they perform a simplified rendition of the Martindale test: They place a swatch of each fabric under an orbital sander with a felt pad for 10 minutes to observe pilling.

Are Linen Sheets Worth It?

Linen has a lot to offer. The coarser fibers mean that you can get a substantial fabric with a lower thread count than cotton, and it tends to be more durable. Linen is always great for hot sleepers. It’s an airy, breathable material that’s great for wicking away sweat and regulating temperature in the night.

Historically, linen was the first fabric used for sheets, but its scratchy roughness primed it to be replaced by cotton, and later by synthetics like rayon and microfiber. That said, modern linen fabrication methods now create less-scratchy fabric, especially for the top picks that we’ve selected here.

Some linens may take a few washes to reach their smoothest, softest selves, but some even feel smooth right out of the package. That’s a great indicator of high-quality linen, and it’ll likely feel even better as time goes by.

A closeup of a linen sheet.
Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser

Great linen sheets have nice drape and feel soft on your skin.

What Linen is Best for Sheets?

Generally speaking, European linen is the best regarded. European flax—especially from France and Belgium—tends to have longer fibers. When that flax is spun into linen, it tends to be stronger, and more resistant to breaking and pilling.

How to Wash Linen Sheets

Pre-wash your linen sheets a few times to soften them up before use. After that, routinely wash your pillowcases, top sheet, and fitted sheet as often as you would any other set of bedding, typically once a week. Be gentle with them to help preserve the fibers. Like any laundry, opt for mild temperatures, mild detergents, and delicate wash cycles.

One thing to watch out for is lint shedding. Linen sheds more than regular cotton sheets, and some sets shed a lot. It’s best to wash your linens by themselves. Otherwise, you may end up with lint on your clothing that could be hard to get off.

Meet the tester

Jamie Ueda

Jamie Ueda

Apparel Staff Writer

Jamie writes about clothing, shoes, and accessories for Reviewed. She loves apparel and doesn't like to sacrifice fashion, comfort, or quality in whatever she wears.

See all of Jamie Ueda's reviews

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