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Linen vs. Cotton: What’s the Difference?
Whether you’re in the market for bedding, kitchen linens or fabric decor for your home, you’ve likely noticed that many items are available in linen or cotton. So which is the better choice? It all depends on what you need, what you’re buying and your personal preferences. We’ve broken down all of the key differences between linen and cotton to help you choose.
Cotton vs. Linen: What’s the Difference?
Though cotton and linen differ in a few key areas, both fabrics have similarities. They’re mindfully made and used for bedding, pillows and bath towels. They’re known for their versatility, as well as their ability to absorb moisture. Our cotton is all natural and our European Flax Linen is Fair Trade Certified™, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re buying only the best.
But the two fabrics differ in a few key ways. Read on to learn about the attributes of linen vs. cotton.
Appearance and Feel
The most obvious difference between cotton and linen has to do with the physical look and feel of the two fabrics.
Softness
New cotton is softer to the touch than new linen. However, linen softens after each wash and lasts as it’s a durable fiber, whereas cotton will slowly wear thin over time. For something like a baby blanket, which you may want to keep for sentimental reasons, linen is a good option for softness and longevity.
Texture
Linen is more naturally textured than cotton since it’s made from flax fibers and has a looser weave. The texture of linen has more depth and is on trend with items like linen curtains, bedding and napkins—all of which will soften after each wash.
Temperature
Both linen and cotton will keep you warm, but linen does a great job of keeping you cool when it’s hot. Flax fibers are hollow and light, and the loose fabric weave makes linen breathable—allowing air to circulate freely while the fabric wicks away moisture.
Cotton is soft and breathable, but it’s also an insulator. It can have a denser weave than linen, making it slightly warmer. In the winter, consider switching to a heavy cotton curtain to help prevent drafts while adding style and texture to the room.
Quality
Neither cotton nor linen is particularly delicate, so they’re both excellent choices for items that are more likely to experience a bit of wear and tear. When it comes down to picking the perfect fabric for you, your choice will depend on the feel of the fabric and how it looks in your space.
Longevity
Both cotton and linen are durable fibers. However, linen is stronger than cotton: on average, cotton sheets will last a few years and linen sheets will last even longer. Be sure to follow the care instructions to get the best use out of your cotton and linen.
Flexibility
Cotton fabric has a bit more flexibility than linen, which has a bit more heft. However, neither are truly “stretchy.” As a result, cotton is often used in softer sheets, like cotton jersey, which can feel like your favorite old T-shirt.
Maintenance
Both cotton and linen tend to wrinkle easily—this is more common with linen, thanks to the rigidity of its flax fiber makeup. Cotton fibers are a bit softer, but they’re also weaker, which means that cotton fabrics have a tendency to pill. However, so much of this depends on the quality—for example, our garment-washed organic cotton sheets will keep you cool for years to come.
When caring for your cotton and linen bed sheets, remember to wash and dry them to the manufacturer’s instructions. This also means not overdrying them—this leads to the fibers wearing out more quickly.
Function
Finally, cotton and linen offer different functional advantages that make them prime candidates for different items throughout your home.
Absorbency
Both cotton and linen are very absorbent. In fact, both cotton and linen fibers are actually stronger when wet, unlike synthetic fabrics like polyester or rayon. For items designed to absorb moisture, like bath towels or washcloths, cotton is the optimal choice—especially when woven into a terry cloth towel, cotton can absorb water in no time.
Moisture-Wicking Properties
While 100% natural cotton is very effective for absorbing moisture, it doesn’t wick that moisture away—it traps it, remaining damp for a longer period of time. Linen, on the other hand, not only dries more quickly but actively draws moisture away from the skin.
So if you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll want to opt for sheets made of linen or a cotton blend, since materials like polyester or rayon can be used to create a moisture-wicking version of cotton fabric.
Hypoallergenic Properties
When it comes to the fabric itself, both cotton and linen are natural fibers; our cotton is also part of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), a global system for cultivating more sustainable cotton. The tighter weave of cotton fibers makes it more likely to trap dust and particles, whereas allergens will simply pass through the loose weave of breathable linen.
When to Use Linen and Cotton
The differences laid out above should help you understand why cotton and linen are different. Once it comes time to start shopping, you’ll have all the info you need!
Sheets and Pillowcases
Linen sheets and pillowcases will be as soft or softer than cotton after a few washes and can last four or five times as long. Linen will also trap fewer allergens and will wick away sweat to keep you cool at night.
On the other hand, cotton bedding is usually more affordable, and while linen will soften after a few washes, cotton sheets will be softer. Though 100% cotton sheets won’t wick away moisture, this will really only be a problem for particularly hot sleepers or especially humid climates.
Comforters and Duvets
If you’re looking for a cold-weather comforter or duvet, cotton is the way to go. The insulating properties of the fabric will work in combination with the blanket’s filling to keep you even warmer. You can also use a thick cotton duvet with a warm- or all-weather duvet insert to stay warm in winter without having to purchase a separate comforter for the season.
If allergens are an issue for you at night, a linen comforter or duvet may help ease your breathing since the loose-woven fabric traps fewer particles than cotton or blends. Linen can also be a good choice if you’re seeking a more textured bedcover look.
Towels and Washcloths
With its hydrophilic (or water-attracting) properties, cotton is the most practical choice for items made for drying like bath towels, kitchen towels and washcloths. However, linen is almost as absorbent—it holds about 20% of its weight in water, which is almost as much as cotton’s 25%.
Cotton is softer, so those with sensitive skin might prefer cotton over linen for things like bath towels and washcloths. Linen dries faster than cotton, so those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen may prefer the convenience of quick-drying linen dish towels.
Blankets and Throws
Cotton is the way to go for anything you want to be soft and fluffy, so if you’re looking for a cuddly addition to your couch, a cotton throw blanket may be a good fit. If you’re more focused on aesthetics, linen throws offer a wider variety of textures that can help complete your living room look.
If you have a particularly busy household, you may find that that linen decor is better for keeping things clean and fresh. Cotton blankets and throws should be washed more often since they trap more dust and particulates.
Curtains
Since curtains don’t experience nearly as much wear and tear as fabrics that are handled every day, both linen and cotton are equally good choices. In warmer weather, linen curtains allow more airflow, while cotton curtains can help insulate your home during colder months.
Decorative Pillows
Like throw blankets, throw pillows will be softer and fluffier if they’re made of cotton and easier to keep clean if they’re made of linen. If your house is often filled with happy, messy kids or pets, linen pillows may be better at withstanding the wear and tear of daily life on the couch. If you’re looking for something soft and fluffy to the touch, however, a cotton throw pillow may be the way to go.
Placemats and Napkins
Depending on how messy your table gets, the fabrics you use to protect and clean food and spills need to be more durable than most. If you’re looking for items that can withstand long-term, frequent use, linen is likely to last longer before it begins to wear thin. However, cotton is a great choice for less messy tables or for less frequent use, since it’s softer and more absorbent.
Cotton and linen’s different properties make them better suited to different jobs around the house. However, both are durable and comfortable enough that they can be used for most situations. So if you’re in love with the print of a cotton placemat or there’s a linen blanket you simply must have, don’t let our recommendations hold you back. Simply being aware of your fabrics’ strengths and weaknesses will help you make sure they have the longest lifespan possible.
