Linen vs Cotton Sheets, Difference Explained

Linen and cotton have been top contenders of the textile market, always being pitched against each other to decipher which material is better. Both these materials promote luxury, style, comfort and elegance and have been used in making textile goods like white linen curtains, bedspreads and sheets for centuries. Both these fabrics are derived from natural fibers and due to this they’re high-quality, durable, sustainable and most importantly comfortable. Although both these fabrics have their own properties and key differences, people often get dubious on which fabric they should opt for. In this article you will find detailed information about both the fabrics and also a comparison of their properties so that you can decide which fabric meets your liking and preferences.

What is Cotton?

Cotton fibers are obtained from the fluff grown on the cotton plant, handpicked from the plant these cotton balls gain strength from the process of spinning and turned into yarn and then that yarn is weaved into fabric. Cotton fabric is famous for its versatility, comfort, lightness and suppleness. The most widely used material in the textile industry has been known for almost 7000 years now. The best quality cotton is made in Egypt called the Egyptian cotton. Other countries like Pakistan, Greece and Turkey also produce good quality cotton. Cotton fabric is less labor extensive thus has a lower price point. The main reason for the popularity of cotton is the fact that it’s extremely versatile, used in making an eclectic range of textile goods like bed runners, white linen curtains, bedspreads, bed sheets and among others.

There is a common misconception about the quality check of cotton; people tend to believe that the higher the thread count is the superior the quality is. Whereas the thread account only contributes 10% in a finished product other factors take the front stage and actually determine the quality of the end product. The quality of the cotton, where is the source of the cotton, origin of the country, yarning technique, weaving process and presence of other material to blend in the final product all contribute to the quality.

There are many different types of cotton and weaves like top notch Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, Regular cotton, Percale weave, Sateen weave, Twill weave and Flannel weave all have different properties and so is the end product.

What is Linen?

Linen is derived from the flax plant which is tall, straw like; the fibers are made from the cellulose present inside of the stalks of the plant. These fibers are twice as strong as the cotton fibers. Linen fabric is known for its durability, luxurious feel, lovely drape and sturdiness. Linen fabric has been a sign of royalty, luxe and luster for centuries now. The finest and the best quality linen are produced in Europe, specifically Belgium. Belgian linen gets the best natural conditions, optimal climate and rich alluvial soil that makes strong, durable flax. The reason linen is so popular among people is its uncanny ability to adjust to any weather. Linen adapts to its climatic conditions and provides what the user needs in summer and winter months.

Linen is used in diverse and heterogeneous textile products like tablecloths, bed runners, towels, clothing, bedspreads, white linen curtains, bedding covers and many more souvenirs you can’t even fathom. Linen is also available in different types namely, flax linen, Linen blends and Irish linen. As told earlier people generalize the quality with thread count, but linen fibers are strong and it’s difficult to weave them tightly, resulting in a lower thread count. In order to see the quality of linen, GSM (grams per square meter) is used; the heavier the linen is the superior quality it has.

 Linen vs Cotton

Robustness and Imperishability

When it comes to durability and sturdiness of linen there are no second thoughts about it. It is 30% stronger than cotton. It means that linen sheets will last you a much longer time and due to this they have been hand-me-downs from one generation to another. Linen fibers are much longer than cotton fibers so they can be interlaced more meticulously. Cotton fibers get even weaker when wet so in terms of longevity linen is a clear winner.

Texture   

When you rub your hand against cotton it will feel soft, supple and less textured, whereas linen feels coarser, grainier and more textured. Linen does soften over the years and becomes much more luxurious but initially, just out of the packet cotton takes the prize here and beats linen if you want instant gratification.

Insulating Properties  

Linen has natural insulating properties due to the fibers which are hollow and naturally spaced out. This allows them to have a better flow of air and moisture as compared to the thin fibers of cotton. Due to this amazing quality, linen is able to adjust in summer and winter months, providing the user the best and most comfortable circumstances to relax. Cotton is a lot better in insulating as compared to synthetic fibers but linen is winning this round by far.

Eco-friendly fabric

Linen is acquired from a very environmental friendly crop called flax. This crop requires very less irrigation and in some areas no irrigation at all. It also uses less pesticides and insecticides that are harmful for the atmosphere. Linen is also made with less surface area and even the waste of the plant has so many uses like oil pressing from seeds and the minced seeds and stalks can be used as animal fodder. As compared to linen, cotton requires much more water, pesticides and care; it also has much more wastage than linen so no need to say the winner here.

Cost Effective

The making of linen is a very labor extensive and a back breaking process. The manufacturing of it is more involved due to the long processes of obtaining fibers from the flax plant stalks. This cost is passed to the final consumer with a heftier price tag. On the other hand cotton is made in huge quantities by many countries; it’s more industrialized than linen thus comes with a reasonable price point.

Summary

In this war of fabrics, linen is a clear winner in terms of bed linen and textiles but in the clothing department cotton is preferred. Both the materials have their own set of advantages and disadvantages but both materials are natural, durable, soft, and resilient, absorb moisture and feel luxurious.