Cotton vs Linen Sheets: Which Is Better For Your Bed?

Shopping for new sheets and torn between cotton and linen? You’re not alone. Both are breathable, comfortable, and made from natural fibres—but they feel totally different once you’re in bed.

Cotton is smooth, soft, and easy to care for. Linen has that breezy, lived-in texture that keeps things cool and casual. Which one’s right for you? That depends on how you sleep, your style, and how much upkeep you’re okay with.

This guide walks you through the key differences between cotton vs linen—feel, breathability, warmth, durability, and more—so you can choose the fabric that suits you best.

Key Insights: Linen vs. Cotton Sheets

Need a quick breakdown before we dive deeper? Here are the key differences between cotton vs linen sheets at a glance.

This table gives you the essentials, but keep reading for a closer look at how each fabric performs and feels in everyday use.

What are Linen Sheets?

Linen sheets are made from flax, a natural plant fibre known for its strength, breathability, and texture. Unlike cotton, which is spun into smooth yarn, linen is thicker and less uniform, giving it that signature airy, textured feel. It’s prized for its relaxed look, natural temperature regulation, and incredible durability.

With proper care, linen softens with every wash and can last for years—even decades. It's especially popular in warmer climates or for those who want a breezy, lived-in look that still feels luxurious.

Pros and cons of linen bedding

Here’s what to love—and what to consider—when it comes to linen bedding.

• Highly breathable and moisture-wicking
• Naturally temperature-regulating—stays cool in summer, warm in winter
• Softens over time without losing durability
• Casual, relaxed look with a tactile finish
• Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly

Cons:

• Can feel rough at first (especially lower-quality linen)
• Wrinkles easily—adds to the look, but not for everyone
• Typically more expensive than cotton
• Needs extra attention during washing and drying

Shop our favourite linen bedding

If you're ready to experience the laid-back luxury of flax fibre, start with these customer-loved pieces from our pure linen bedding collection:

• Pure linen duvet cover set – Made from 100% prewashed French linen, this set offers lightweight breathability with a naturally soft, relaxed texture. Matching shams included.
• Pure linen decorative cushion – Add texture and relaxed elegance to your bed or sofa with this natural linen cushion.
• Pure linen euro sham – The classic simplicity of 100% linen brings a calming, natural look to your bedroom.

What are Cotton Sheets?

Cotton sheets are a staple in bedrooms everywhere—and for good reason. Made from natural cotton fibres, these sheets are soft, breathable, and easy to care for. Depending on the weave and thread count, cotton bedding can feel crisp, smooth, or even silky.

From everyday basics to luxury collections, cotton sheets are available in a wide range of styles and price points. They’re especially popular for their versatility and comfort in every season.

Pros and Cons of Cotton Bedding

Here’s what to consider when choosing cotton bedding.

• Soft and breathable year-round
• Available in percale, sateen, and flannel weaves for different feels
• Easy to wash, dry, and care for
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Budget-friendly options available

Cons:

• May wrinkle depending on the weave
• Quality and softness vary by thread count and cotton type
• Lower-quality cotton may wear out faster

Shop our trending cotton bedding

These customer favourites combine softness, quality, and timeless style—perfect for creating a restful, polished bedroom look.

• Hotel five star luxury duvet cover – Made from 100% combed cotton with a 400 thread count and a smooth sateen finish, this duvet cover delivers hotel-level comfort at home.
• Swiss dot duvet cover set – Woven from 100% Egyptian cotton with a 350 thread count, this set feels silky-smooth and breathable.
• Haute couture sheet set – Soft, silky, and effortlessly elegant, this 300-thread-count cotton sateen set brings a smooth finish and gentle sheen to your bed.

Which Is More Breathable, Cotton or Linen?

Both cotton and linen are naturally breathable, but the sleep experience they provide is quite different. Here’s how they stack up when it comes to airflow, warmth, texture, skin feel, and long-term comfort.

Which keeps you warmer—cotton or linen?

Cotton generally feels warmer than linen, especially in higher thread counts or sateen weaves. It holds heat closer to the body, which makes it a great choice for cooler nights or year-round comfort in moderate climates.

Linen, on the other hand, is more temperature-regulating. Its looser weave and moisture-wicking properties help it stay cool and dry—even in humid conditions. It adapts well to the season but tends to feel cooler than cotton overall.

Texture, feel, and what’s best for your skin

Cotton sheets come in a range of textures depending on the weave—percale is crisp and lightweight, while sateen is smoother and silkier. You’ll also find cotton flannel (ideal for winter) and jersey cotton (soft and stretchy, like a favourite T-shirt). Most cotton bedding is soft right away and gentle on sensitive skin.

Linen has a more textured, slightly coarse feel at first, but softens significantly with each wash. It’s breathable and naturally hypoallergenic, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin who don't mind a bit of initial texture.

Are linen or cotton sheets better for allergies and bacteria?

Both cotton and linen are naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, which helps reduce the buildup of allergens. However, linen has the upper hand when it comes to resisting bacteria and moisture. It dries faster and is less likely to retain odours or dampness, which can be helpful for allergy-prone sleepers.

Cotton, especially when used with breathable pillowcases and protectors, still performs well for most people and is often easier to wash frequently.

Which lasts longer and irritates less over time?

Linen is incredibly strong and durable. If cared for properly, it can last for decades and actually improve in feel over time. While it may start off a bit rougher than cotton, it becomes softer with age and washing. It’s a great long-term option, even for those with sensitive skin.

Cotton is also durable, though it may wear out faster than linen, especially at lower thread counts or in blended fabrics. High-quality cotton sheets, however, remain soft and gentle over time and can last many years when well cared for.

Linen or Cotton: What’s the Right Choice for You?

Still unsure which to choose? Here's a quick way to decide based on your preferences and lifestyle.

• Choose linen if you:
  • Sleep hot or live somewhere warm
  • Prefer a natural, airy, textured look
  • Want a fabric that gets softer over time
  • Don’t mind wrinkles or a more casual finish
  • Value durability and long-term use
• Choose cotton if you:
  • Like a smooth, soft finish right away
  • Want something that’s easy to wash and care for
  • Prefer a more polished or crisp appearance
  • Want fabric options for both cool and warm sleepers
  • Are shopping for a wide range of price points and styles

For many, the ideal setup is a mix—cotton sheets with a linen duvet cover or vice versa, depending on what feels best to you. If you’re looking to sleep even better, check out our tips on how to naturally improve your sleep.

Wrapping up

Choosing between cotton and linen sheets really comes down to what works best for you. Linen is breezy, textured, and built to last. Cotton is smooth, versatile, and easy to care for. Both are breathable, comfortable, and available in a range of styles.

Think about your sleep habits, climate, and how much upkeep you’re comfortable with. If you’re after a relaxed, natural look with durability to match, linen might be your go-to. If you prefer a softer, sleeker feel and simple maintenance, cotton won’t disappoint.

Either way, both options bring comfort and quality to your sleep space—and both are available in a wide range of bedding styles, from sheet sets to pillowcases and shams. Explore our full bedding collections for more coordinated looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to sleep on linen or cotton?

Both are breathable and natural, but the feel is different. Linen is textured and airy—great for hot sleepers or summer. Cotton is smooth and soft, ideal for a classic feel and works well year-round.

Which is more eco-friendly: linen or cotton?

Linen generally has a smaller environmental footprint. Flax (the plant linen comes from) requires less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton. Organic cotton is a more sustainable option if you prefer cotton.

Do linen sheets last longer than cotton?

Yes—linen is one of the most durable bedding fabrics and often lasts for decades with proper care. Cotton is also long-lasting but may show signs of wear earlier, depending on quality.

Is linen or cotton better for hot sleepers?

Linen is the better option for staying cool. Its looser weave and moisture-wicking properties make it ideal for warm climates and hot sleepers.

Which is cooler: linen or cotton sheets?

Linen sleeps cooler due to better airflow. Cotton is still breathable, especially in a percale weave, but retains slightly more heat than linen.

Are linen sheets softer than cotton?

Cotton feels softer right away. Linen starts out more textured but softens significantly over time—some people even prefer that lived-in feel once it's broken in.

Can I mix linen and cotton bedding?

Absolutely. Mixing textures adds depth and comfort to your bed. Try cotton sheets with a linen duvet cover, or layer linen pillowcases with a cotton quilt for a balanced, breathable setup.