Cotton vs Linen Bedding: Which Is Better for Your Sleep?

When you’re choosing bedding, you’re not just picking fabric—you’re picking how you sleep. cotton bedding, a soft, breathable fabric made from cotton fibers, is the most common choice for beds worldwide. Also known as standard bed sheets, it’s easy to care for, widely available, and feels familiar under your skin. But linen bedding, made from flax fibers, is cooler, stronger, and gets softer with every wash. It’s been used for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to modern minimalist bedrooms. So why do some people swear by linen while others stick with cotton? It comes down to climate, skin sensitivity, and how much you care about longevity.

Let’s break it down. Cotton absorbs moisture but holds onto it, which can make you feel damp on hot nights. Linen, on the other hand, wicks sweat away faster and dries quickly—perfect for summer or if you run hot. Cotton is softer right out of the package, but linen starts rough and grows smoother over time. If you’ve ever slept in linen after a few washes, you know it feels like silk and cotton had a baby. Linen is also more durable. A good cotton sheet might last 3–5 years. A well-made linen set? It can last 20 years or more. That’s not a guess—it’s what people who own linen bedding tell you after a decade of use.

There’s a myth that linen is high-maintenance. It’s not. You don’t need to iron it. In fact, most people love the natural wrinkles—it looks lived-in, not sterile. Cotton wrinkles too, but it looks messy. Linen wrinkles look intentional. And if you’re sensitive to chemicals? Linen is usually grown with fewer pesticides than cotton. Organic cotton exists, but it’s pricier. Linen, even conventional, is naturally resistant to bacteria and dust mites, which helps if you have allergies.

So who’s it for? If you want softness, affordability, and easy care—go cotton. If you want to sleep cooler, reduce laundry frequency, and invest in something that lasts longer than your couch—try linen. Neither is better overall. They’re just different tools for different nights. The best bedding isn’t the most expensive one. It’s the one you actually want to crawl into.

Below, you’ll find real-life advice from people who’ve switched, stuck with, or compared both. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your sheets, deal with night sweats, or just want to know what’s worth the hype—these posts cut through the noise.