8 Best Linen Sheets For a Sustainable Bedding Option

Last Updated on August 1, 2024

Have you ever slept on linen sheets before? They’re surprisingly soft and good at wicking away moisture, making them ideal for the warmer months.

You’ll spend 1/3 of your life rubbing up against your sheets. That’s why it’s important that they’re comfy and non-toxic.

8 Best Linen Sheets For a Sustainable Bedding Option

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Linen is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial. They’re also grown with less environmental impact (more on that later) than conventional cotton.

Justin and I LOVE linen sheets. Organic cotton is another good choice. But, I would definitely avoid polyester (plastic) sheets!

Here’s everything you need to know about linen sheets – and my favorite sustainable brands that sell them.

are linen sheets really good?

Yes, linen sheets are really good for a sustainable bedding option. Not only do they look beautiful, but they’re also easy to care for. Linen can be used to make sheets, pillows, and duvets.

On top of this, linen sheets are considered eco-friendly for several reasons.

biodegradable

Linen is a natural fiber that is both biodegradable and compostable at the end of it’s life, as long as it’s not combined with synthetic fabrics.

Unlike a synthetic fabric, such as polyester, it will return to the earth and fully break down at the end of its life. Polyester, like anything made from plastic, takes centuries to break down – and even then, it will still be there, as microscopic plastic particles. Whereas linen will fully break down and aid soil health within just a few years time.

FYI, this is not to say linen bed sheets will break down on you as you use them. This is after they’ve been used and composted/tossed out.

There’s also no risk of microplastics shedding in the wash, or onto you as you use them, because they’re a natural fabric.

durable

Linen sheets can last for years with proper care, which means less waste. They’re less likely to rip and tear and are surprisingly sturdy.

I’ve tried out linen sheets before and they still look good as new almost two years later. In fact, they’re even better now than when I first got them – linen naturally softens with each wash. So, it gets better and comfier over time, not worse.

sustainable cultivation

Flax, the plant used to make linen, can be cultivated in an eco-friendly way. Ideally, you’ll want to opt for organic linen, as this is grown naturally over a few weeks using only rainwater.

The flax plant doesn’t require much water or pesticides, making it more sustainable than even most organic cotton. Also, the entire flax plant can be woven into linen, so there’s almost no waste leftover.

However, be mindful that non-organic linen is soaked in acid or alkali to speed up the process, which can weaken the fiber. Non-organic linen may also be treated with additional chemicals like bleaches, dyes, and softeners.

It’s important to look for organic linen, or at least OEKO-TEX certified linen when choosing your linen sheets.

what are the disadvantages of linen sheets?

There are a few disadvantages of linen sheets, though the pros outweigh the cons.

Here are some I can think of off the top of my head:

Linen sheets may feel rough at first. But after several washes, this issue resolves itself. After use and repeat washes, linen naturally gets softer. Also, some brands will pre-wash the linen sheets for you to make sure they arrive softer!

Linen is typically more expensive than other fabric options for sheets. However, this varies from brand to brand. The most affordable brand on this list is Quince (more on them below).

Linen fabric is naturally wrinkly, so some people may not like its appearance.

pros to linen sheets?

Here are some pros to linen sheets as well:

It’s light and airy but will also keep you warm in the colder months. It can also absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture before feeling damp.

Linen is naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal. Flax contains silica, which prevents the growth of bacteria that can cause fermentation.

Linen is hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause allergies, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin.

As stated prior, linen sheets are often an eco-friendlier alternative than some other fabric options.

They’re non-toxic and plastic-free. They typically ship plastic-free too!

how often do you wash linen sheets?

You can wash linen sheets typically once a week, just as you would other bedding materials.

However, be advised to adhere to the cleaning protocol your linen sheets recommend.

For example, I always wash my linen sheets on the delicate setting using cold water and a mild liquid detergent, as this is what was recommended from the brand I went with.

Following the washing directions your linen sheet brand recommends will ensure the they last for years to come and look good as new.

is linen better to sleep on than cotton?

Linen is better to sleep on than cotton in terms of breathability. Also, linen will keep you much cooler at night because of its longer fibers and therefore, looser weave. Air can pass through linen more easily.

This is ideal if you notice you sweat a lot at night, or just simply live in a hot climate.

I also find linen to be softer than cotton after repeated use. Cotton feels a little bit stiffer than linen that has been washed and used on a consistent basis.

Sustainability wise, linen has less impact on the environment than cotton. Conventional cotton uses a heavy amount of pesticides, even though organic cotton uses less water and pesticides.

Organic cotton is a growing industry but still makes up less than 1% of all the cotton cultivated around the world.

Flax on the other hand is naturally pest resistant and requires less herbicides. However, it is a very labor intensive and costly fiber to produce.

Overall, flax is the more sustainable fabric choice, especially if you buy it organic. Though it is more costly, which isn’t accessible for everyone.

can you tumble dry linen?

Yes, you can tumble dry linen, but I recommend doing so on a delicate setting, or low heat. Make sure to inspect the care instructions before you attempt this though, as instructions may vary from brand to brand.

When in doubt, hanging it out to air dry is always a safe bet (and a sustainable choice because it doesn’t use electricity!).

gzw approved linen sheets

Here are some brands that sell linen sheets and get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. Some of these brands even utilize organic linen.

I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some key features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.

1. bedthreads

100% French flax linen bedding
All their pieces are OEKO-TEX 100 Certified
Dyed with eco-friendly dyes
Fully carbon-neutral business
Plastic-free packaging

These are comfy and beautiful! You can even customize your own bedding bundle for a discounted price! It’ll let you mix and match colors and even present you with a virtual 3D visual so you can get an idea of what it would look like on your bed.

2. april notes

Linen sheets are all certified to be free from artificial dyes + harsh chemicals
Handmade pieces made on-demand
Ensures fair wages + safe working conditions for the artisans
Corn-based packaging that is biodegradable and compostable