
Crafted from Belgian flax and treated for an authentic lived-in look, this sheet set from Belgian flax is known for its breathability. Perfect for summer heatwaves as well as winter warmth, each wash softens it further to keep you cool or warm depending on the season – plus every piece comes complete with flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases! Set includes flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcases!
Pariso found great comfort sleeping on these sheets, which were soft right out of the package and got even softer with each wash. She particularly appreciated their crisp natural texture which went perfectly with her organic duvet cover.
Product Description
Linen sheets are known for their breathability, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter while offering crisp natural textures that soften with each wash. While cotton usually feels soft out of the package, linen may take several washes before becoming soft again – once broken in though, its comfort stays longer than cotton sheets!
Linen is more environmentally sustainable than cotton, requiring less water for cultivation, while leaving no waste behind when harvested. Plus, linen can be reused in other applications like clothing or home textiles – perfect for reuse at West Elm where these Belgian flax sheets have been washed for an aged appearance! Breathable yet soft with both queen and king sizes available.
We conducted tests of linen bedding and evaluated each sheet based on price and quality. We evaluated how soft, durable (in terms of pilling and snagging resistance), temperature-regulating capabilities and moisture wicking performance, ease of making beds as well as wrinkle formation/colorfastness were.
West Elm sheets performed admirably overall. Though not quite as luxuriously soft as those from Parachute, they were still significantly softer than many other sets we tested. Although some loose fibers from packaging surfaced upon first wash, these soon dissipated after numerous washes. Furthermore, we found no signs of wear after multiple washes; no snags or tears occurred either!
These sheets are machine-washable on a gentle cycle with non-chlorine bleach. Before placing them in the dryer, we advise fluffing them first to speed drying time and prevent shrinkage. They’re an affordable way to get into linen sheets!
However, we wish these sheets were more pliant upon opening. They were quite rough on our testers’ skin when first worn but eventually softened up after repeated washes. Furthermore, their fabric is slightly heavier than others we’ve tested.
Material
Linen is a natural fiber considered both durable and luxurious, as well as more breathable and temperature regulating than cotton. However, linen tends to wrinkle more easily than its cotton counterpart but will soften with repeated washings and use. We looked for linen sets which felt luxurious right out of the box while still remaining comfortable after multiple washes; in addition, we wanted sets that had either an OEKO-TEX or GOTS certification which indicated their fabric wasn’t harmful in any way.
Cultiver linen sheets were among the best we tested in terms of both comfort and design, providing an immediate soft feeling out of packaging that held up over multiple washes. Their affordable pricing made them more suitable than Parachute sheets while their wider color selection made them more user-friendly. Simple & Opulence sheets also provided immediate softness upon opening packaging with beautiful satin-stitched piping on its edge, as well as certification by both OEKO-TEX and GOTS as well as user-friendly features such as labels for long and short sides of fitted sheet edges.
Saatva, an eco-focused mattress start-up, introduced their linen sheets in 2022 as part of their luxury bedding offering. Marketed as “thick and airy in a luxurious way”, strategist senior editor Crystal Martin found them initially rough coming out of their minimalist packaging but after being washed they softened considerably over time. Martin notes that material used is less fluid compared to Parachute sheets but makes for an excellent introduction into linen bedding for anyone wanting to try linen for themselves.
Citizenry sheets were among the softest in our test, and smelled incredible straight out of their attractive packaging. Their light fabric made them great for summer weather while their softness held up well during our review – though perhaps not quite as supple as Cultiver linen sheets we reviewed. With four sizes to choose from and a range of colors to choose from they didn’t quite meet all our specifications for perfect sheets sets we tested.
Style
As the bed is often the center of any home, investing in a set that looks as good as it feels is important. Sheets come in an assortment of colors and patterns designed to complement other forms of bedding like duvet covers and pillow cases; their color, texture, finish, thickness, feel and ability to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter are equally crucial components.
While linen sheets have an unfortunate reputation of feeling harsh against the skin, with each wash they actually become softer. Strategist senior editor Crystal Martin was delighted by how soft this set felt; all 21 colors use eco-friendly dyes and its organic cotton sateen weave. For optimal results she recommends washing it using the gentle cycle with cold water temperature and non-chlorine bleach before placing in the dryer.
West Elm offers an ideal entryway into the world of linen bedding: this set from West Elm provides all of the essentials – fitted and flat sheets as well as two pillowcases – at a great value. Plus, its minimalist packaging and care instructions make it simple to get started, making for an easier start than competing options such as Parachute’s linen sheet set and matching duvet cover.
Linen sheets tend to be more costly than cotton ones, but there are ways you can reduce costs. Cultiver’s linen set is OEKO-TEX certified for chemical safety and comes prewashed for extra softness from day one. You can purchase just one fitted sheet or pair of pillowcases at first before committing to a full set.
Keep your sheets looking their best by washing them in cold water with mild detergent and using a hot dryer to avoid pilling. Fluff them after every wash for optimal results. Adding additional layers can enhance their look as well as cozy your sleep – Coyuchi’s premium European organic cotton blanket offers breathability while Garnet Hill’s citrus-inspired cotton quilt adds color.
Value
High-quality linen sheet sets may be more costly, but they will last much longer than cotton ones and tend to look better over time – not only that but most also become softer with every wash! We tested several luxury sets; among the Simple & Opulence sheets were our favorites for their softness out of the box and with subsequent washes; in particular they feature satin stitched piping on their top sheet to elevate its aesthetic; however they come at slightly higher cost at $345 for twin or twin XL sets (which include flat sheet, fitted sheet, fitted sheet plus two pillowcases).
Linen is known for its durability, making it an excellent option for people looking for long-term sheets. Furthermore, linen offers superior breathability over cotton while being woven using lower thread counts without losing strength – resulting in lighter feel sheets with wrinkle-resisting capabilities. While linen may take more effort and care in its cleaning processes than cotton does to maintain, this problem can easily be addressed with regular washing cycles and proper care.
West Elm sheets were an excellent starting point for anyone exploring linen. While more cost-effective than premium options from Parachute, they still offered great value for the money. We were particularly drawn to how light and airy Parachute’s set was; their lightweight fabric made them an excellent option for warmer climates. Plus, after multiple washes they didn’t pill or develop loose threads – though perhaps not quite as softly. However, they did not offer as many color choices as some of the other brands we tested; therefore if you prefer more variety we recommend looking into Magic Linen or Avocado as alternatives. These companies sell linen bedding in a range of colors and offer duvet covers that coordinate with their sheets for an added touch. You may also wish to check out Linoto’s offerings, which offer more color choices than either brand.