The best linen sheets of 2025, tested and reviewed

CNN

30-07-2025

The best linen sheets we tested
Best linen sheets: Parachute Linen Sheet Set
Best budget linen sheets: Casaluna 100% Linen Sheet Set We all spend a lot of time sleeping in our beds, so why not outfit them with the luxury of the best linen sheets? Though linen may not be as soft as cotton sheets at first touch, the way linen is woven together creates a cool, moisture-wicking fabric that only gets softer with each wash. Along with added durability, those characteristics make linen among the best sheets you can buy if you're looking for cooling sheets in the summer or layered bedding for temperature regulation in the colder months.
It might sound like a no-brainer upgrade, but there are many options available — along with numerous marketing claims that sound impressive — when it comes to linen sheets. To make your choice a bit easier, I tested 10 popular sets by sleeping in and washing them, while closely inspecting the feel and fit along the way.
While most were fine, two sets stood out for their performance and ordering options. No matter your budget or preference, one of these winners should work for you.
Parachute Linen Sheet Set
By finding the perfect balance of soft, crisp and breezy but comforting, Parachute's linen sheets emerged from a crowded group of quality sets. They're a durable value buy that will validate your investment as they break in more with each wash.
Casaluna 100% Linen Sheet Set
This Target exclusive sheet set feels almost too good to be true for the price, combining a smooth finish usually reserved for other fabrics with a heavy weight that's great for all seasons. Parachute's linen sheet set possesses all the qualities this fabric promises — softness, durability and airiness — while giving shoppers flexibility and confidence in their purchase. They're not a bargain, but they found a sweet spot in value among the sheets I tested.
Let's start with the makeup. Parachute's linen sheets come from 100% European flax linen and are made in Portugal. The material is certified according to the European Flax Standard and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 qualifications for safety. None of this is rare, but the sheets' newly increased weight of 175 grams per square meter (GSM) was a standout quality and an updated feature from Parachute's previous iterations. The result? A long-lasting construction that, despite being on the heavier end of the spectrum for linen, is still mighty light and breathable.
Sleeping in Parachute's linen sheets is a delight. Their softness exists somewhere in the middle of all the sheets I tested. There were rougher sets in my testing pool, and there were smoother. But linen provides a luxurious and unique feel compared to cotton sheets or flannel sheets — one that only improves with each wash — and Parachute's occupancy of a middle ground made it a winner. There's no shortage of quality bedsheets on the market, but this is what I would recommend to any hot sleepers desperate for bedding that doesn't turn up temps when you're trying to get some shut-eye.
There's no denying linen can give your bedroom a sophisticated look, and Parachute's color and size options open up possibilities to match just about any aesthetic. The set comes in four sizes, ranging from full to California king, and 13 colors. There are neutral tones, such as the Toast color I tested, and more vibrant hues like Marigold and Cobalt. The standard set includes a fitted sheet, a top sheet and two pillowcases. Every piece is available for individual purchase. If you prefer a duvet cover, the Venice set swaps one in for the top sheet.
While I tested multiple linen sheet sets that were pricier than Parachute's, this set is no small investment. Pricing starts at $349 for a full and reaches $389 for king and California king sizes. To ease the stress of spending that much dough, I love that Parachute backs its bedding with a one-year warranty and a 60-day return period. Give the sheets a couple of months to see if they're truly the upgrade you expected, and if you don't like them, no biggie — though my experience says they'll be keepers.
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Linen can be scratchy. It can also be expensive. So I was wowed by the softness and relative affordability of Casaluna's 100% Linen Sheet Set, one of the most comfortable sets in my pool of contenders that came at less than half the cost of almost every other brand.
Target doesn't label these with a GSM weight, instead specifying their 106-thread count, which isn't usually the best metric for classifying linen. But these sheets are denser and more significant than many of the others I tested, while still retaining premier softness and the breathability that makes linen such a useful material for bedding. They're also a great choice for year-round use, not just a summery standout for hot sleepers.
Users with particularly deep mattresses won't have to worry about the Casaluna sheets struggling to stay snug at the corners, to either. Designed to fit up to 18-inch-deep mattresses and outfitted with an additional strap on the interior of each corner, these sheets had no trouble fitting over my mattress and its chunky topper.
Sizing for the Casaluna set spans from full to California king, and the sheets come in 11 colors. Additional sets of pillowcases are available separately, though you'll have to spring for an entire new set if you need more of the top sheets or fitted sheets. This feels like a fine trade-off considering Casaluna is one of Target's in-house brands and not a direct-to-consumer specialty bedding company like many of the other options I tested.
Had I pulled off the labels and blindly judged these sheets, I would've thought the resúmé of Casaluna's linen sheet set belonged to something far more expensive. Yet, you could buy two of these sets for less than one of nearly every other brand I tested. For anyone looking to stock their linen closet or see if linen sheets are the remedy to sleepless nights, your money will go a long way here.
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The following criteria guided my evaluations while testing each set of linen sheets:
Feel: The main reason to opt for linen sheets is that they provide a different feel compared to basic cotton sheets. I assessed how each set felt while I slept in it, noting the texture and softness compared to other sets.
Weight: You'll often see three letters used to describe the weight of linen sheets: GSM. This stands for grams per square meter, a common measurement of weight in textiles such as bedding and clothing. I took note of any claims regarding GSM and translated them to how that affected the weight of each sheet set during use.
Breathability: Typically, a lighter sheet is better for hot sleepers who don't want much insulation from their sheets. I evaluated how hot I slept while using each sheet set.
Fit: Does the fitted sheet slip off the corners of the mattress, and can it cover a mattress equipped with a topper? Do the pillow cases stay put? Just how big is the top sheet? I tested queen-sized sheets for every set to see how compatible they were with my mattress.
Change after washing: Quality sheets that strike all the right notes on the above evaluations need to retain those characteristics after washing. I sent each set through a washing machine and dryer multiple times, following the recommended care guidance each time. The best sheets got even better with more use, developing a worn-in feel without falling apart.
Sizes: Whether your space only has room for a twin or you've splurged on a California King, the best linen sheets had to work for different-sized mattresses.
Colors: I noted how many colors each sheet set was available in. Some were available in only three or four colors, while others were available in upwards of 20.
Replacements and extras: Can you order additional pillowcases without going for an additional complete set? Can you forgo a top sheet if you're not interested? The retailers that offered the greatest flexibility for shoppers earned an edge here.
Value
Price: Quality bedding rarely comes cheap, but what's too expensive? I accounted for the pros and cons of each set to see if it lived up to its price tag.
Warranty: Your bedding is one of the most-used products in your home, so you want it to last. I compared warranties to see which brands backed up the quality of their product the longest.
Return policy: While you always hope to keep the sheets you buy, stuff happens. Perhaps the color doesn't look right in your room once you put it on your bed, or maybe you bought several sets of sheets to see which you liked the most. I valued flexible return policies that gave buyers options.
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Transparent materials
I don't mean you want to be able to see through the linen, although you usually can because of the way the fibers are constructed. I'm talking about what it's made of. Linen is made from flax, which is most commonly sourced in Europe. Countries such as Belgium, France and the Netherlands are common producers of the plant.
To be sure you're getting what you paid for — genuine linen — look for detailed material descriptions from wherever you're buying your sheets. Chances are, it will be described as 100% linen, meaning the manufacturer isn't interweaving cheaper materials.
Why does it matter? For all the reasons linen is a great fabric for bedding. Its loose fibers are breathable yet stronger than the cheap bonds of cotton. It wicks away moisture, making it ideal for sweaty sleepers. You want your sheets to be made of those qualities entirely, not at a diminished percentage.
Don't let wrinkles or lint scare you off
That same structure can lead to two byproducts that might make you think there's something wrong with your linen sheets if you didn't know better. For one, they will wrinkle. It was the case with every set I tested. If presentation matters to you, follow your set's guidance for ironing … or consider other kinds of sheets.
Next, don't worry if the first several times running your sheets through the dryer totally fills up your lint trap. No, your sheets are not withering away. This is normal and will lessen over time.
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A previous edition of this guide labeled Cultiver's set as our most luxurious pick. I can't disagree, as there's hardly a trace of roughness to the linen. Just be prepared to pay for it. Look away from the dollars, and you'll be hard-pressed to find negatives with Cultiver's linen. It weighs in at 165 GSM, slightly lighter than my top pick from Parachute, yet still comparable in that it's a great balance of a worn-in feel and breathability. These were some of the softest sheets I tested and certainly lived up to the price tag.
Cultiver offered 17 different colors and patterns as of this writing, second only to Brooklinen, and five different sizes. Each item is selected separately, which is especially helpful for picking replacements down the road.
But that brings me to the most troubling evaluation of Cultiver: The brand lacks a warranty or guarantee and almost goes as far as to predict you'll need to buy replacements, suggesting you buy two fitted sheets so they don't wear out too fast. Transparency in lifespan is great to see, but that kind of warning generates a bit of hesitancy in me for something this expensive.
Brooklinen Washed European Linen Core Sheet Set
One of our favorite bedding brands just revamped the construction of its linen. It's a more attractive pick if you can time your purchase during a sale. Brooklinen debuted a new generation of its linen sheets in April. Though I hadn't tested the older version, this update — with improved durability thanks to 155 GSM and what the brand says is a higher-quality flax and a better pre-washing process — has shown promise. That new weight is on the lighter side of the sheets I tested, and it's obvious from the touch. More so than the heavier options in this guide, this Brooklinen set is a strong pick for those who shop for linen because they sleep hot.
Variety is another strength here. With 19 colors and patterns as of this writing, Brooklinen gives shoppers the most choices of any brand I tested. Though I, ultimately, feel that other options provide better softness and more bang for your buck, anyone new to Brooklinen should be able to secure 15% off. That discount, or Brooklinen's robust warranty coverage and return policy, could be enough to sway you.
Thuma Linen Sheet Set
Crisp without qualifying as scratchy, Thuma's linen sheets come at a more approachable price and include a generous return window if you aren't convinced. You may know Thuma from its viral minimalist bed frame, which we recently tested. How about some matching sheets to go with it? Thuma's linen offering starts at a palatable $275. I found these sheets to be crisper than most, boasting a midweight feel without an advertised GSM. They kept me cool during several July nights as well.
Six sizes are available, including Twin XL and California King, though you'll only get to pick from six muted earth tones. No bright colors here. And the brand's generous 100-day return policy will give you more than enough time to see if these sheets are best for you.
Buffy Belgian Linen Sheet Set
If a price that starts with a three just isn't in your budget, Buffy's linen sheets are certainly light. They're also on the rougher side. The coarseness that linen has a reputation for came through the most with Buffy's Belgian Linen Sheet Set. It's not my cup of tea, but there's nothing wrong with that being the reason why you're considering linen sheets. That rough feel pairs with a lightness that's a fine value at this price. You'll get 14 colors from which to choose and the option to add a duvet cover.
Buffy also had the best commitment to its customers. It offers a seven-day free trial, so you get a week with only a temporary $0 charge on your payment method before committing. Beyond that, the brand's return policy extends to 50 days, and its three-year warranty against defects topped every other brand's backing.
Mellanni 4-Piece Flax Linen Sheet Set
This affordable option was one of the roughest we tested right out of its packaging, but it softened after several washes. While some budget sheets start soft and reveal a lack of durability after extended use, this offering from Mellanni was the opposite. I was quite opposed to their feel out of the box, as they were sandpaper rough and not comfortable. But one cycle through the laundry completely transformed them, and subsequent washes revealed a breezy, pill-free linen construction. If not opting for this particular set — which ranked last in size and color options — at least let it be a reminder that any new linen sheets should be washed to show off their true quality.
Baloo Stonewashed Linen Sheets
Baloo's Stonewashed Linen Sheets are a worthy option if you want a weighty linen sheet. You won't get much of a choice when it comes to colors, though. Baloo's Stonewashed Linen Sheets are competitively priced, coming in under my top pick from Parachute. They don't boast a specific GSM, but they feel significantly heavier than most of the competition. That weight was comforting during sleep, and if you like a hefty top sheet under your comforter, this is a fine choice. A lack of options, though, ultimately held Baloo from claiming a top spot.
Though this was the only brand that offered a split King size, the set comes in only four similar colors: White, Dove Grey, Oatmeal and Charcoal. Each piece is available for separate purchase.
Ettitude Linen+ Sheet Set
Ettitude's bamboo-hemp material imitates the luxury of linen well while feeling softer than everything else I tested. Sustainability is a major positive, but it comes at an even bigger price. Ettitude achieves the look of linen without flax, using a 70% bamboo, 30% hemp combination. The result is a lightweight and smooth feel I loved on warmer nights. These sheets lack the roughness some linen can possess, feeling closer to an elevated cotton blend than the 100% flax materials I tested; instead, they felt premium and delicate. A stitched pattern on the pillowcases was also a nice touch.
The brand takes sustainability seriously too, providing transparent details about how they water and harvest the natural materials that go into the sheets. However, limited options and a steep price held Ettitude back in my rankings. Queen, king and California king are the only available sizes, and the color is capped at three neutral choices: Stone, Honey and Ink.
Simple & Opulence 100% Washed Linen Sheet Set
The sheets in the Simple & Opulence 100% Washed Linen Sheet Set held their own in comfort and design, with a soft feel out of the box. These linen sheets from Simple & Opulence were our previous pick for the best budget linen sheets, and although the Casaluna set took that spot in this round of testing, these are still a quality buy. There's a lovely satin-stitched piping along the edge of the top sheet, and the set has the weight of much more expensive sheets but comes at nearly half the cost.
Are linen sheets worth it?
Are linen sheets worth it?
We think the luxurious feel and versatility of linen sheets makes them worth it. While they are almost always going to be more expensive than cotton sheets, the added benefits of the long fibers in linen — which provide a more tangible texture, better cooling capabilities and lasting durability — will win out in the long run. The best linen sheets I've tested will give you immense value, especially at discounted prices during sales.
What are the disadvantages of linen sheets?
What are the disadvantages of linen sheets?
The cost and rougher feel of linen sheets aren't for everyone. While we believe the benefits of linen make the price worth it, you can still get great sleep on affordable cotton sheets. And though plenty of the linen sheets we tested were mighty comfortable, there's no denying that linen can be scratchier than cotton because of the structure and stiffness of its long fibers.
How long do linen sheets typically last?
How long do linen sheets typically last?
Linen sheets should last for several years, especially if you follow the advised care instructions. My top pick from Parachute estimates a lifespan of three to five years (or more) for its linen sheets if they're used every day. More delicate materials like sateen are graded to have a shorter shelf life.
Are linen sheets softer than cotton sheets?
Are linen sheets softer than cotton sheets?
No, not normally. But that doesn't mean linen is going to be sandpaper rough. The coarseness of linen sheets varies from brand to brand and often gives your bedding a deluxe feel that cotton can't achieve. And what linen sacrifices in terms of softness benefits the sheets' breathability and durability.
CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products in our testing guides and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this guide, associate writer Joe Bloss pitted 10 set of linen sheets against one another to see which provided the most value. Bloss is constantly testing and reviewing household products, including down comforters, slot toasters and pet vacuums.