12 Best Affordable Linen Sheets Reviewed By Our Editor
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
I’ve personally slept on and reviewed nontoxic bedding for years — these are my favorite linen sheets for this season that are sustainable, breathable, and affordable, too.
On the hunt for those perfect bedsheets that’ll have you longing to slip into bed every night? You’re probably overwhelmed by the choices. Percale, washed cotton, sateen, bamboo — the options feel endless. But during the warmer months, linen is our unparalleled favorite for outfitting our beds so we stay cool and comfortable despite the heat.
Below, we’ll shine some light on linen sheets for you — from their sustainability credentials to how they feel compared to other sheets and their price points. Spoiler alert: All of the options below are great since we’ve tested them to make sure they’re soft, cooling, and durable.
Plus, take a look at some of the photos below. We’re swooning over the earth-inspired tones and dreamy color palettes!
Why consider linen sheets?
Linen is one of the oldest and most beloved textiles in the world — prized for its durability, breathability, and understated elegance. It’s made from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), a resilient and fast-growing crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years. The process of turning flax into linen is both traditional and eco-friendly, making this fabric a great choice not only for comfort and performance but also for sustainability.
Flax is usually grown in cooler climates like parts of Europe and Canada, where it thrives without the need for excessive irrigation or synthetic pesticides. In fact, flax requires significantly less water to grow compared to cotton, and the plant is naturally pest-resistant, reducing the need for chemicals. Once harvested, the entire flax stalk is used — there’s virtually no waste — which makes linen one of the most environmentally responsible fabrics available today.
After harvesting, the flax stalks undergo a process called retting, which involves exposing the stems to moisture through dew, rain, or water soaking. This loosens the fibers from the woody inner stalk. Once retting is complete, the flax is dried and scutched, or beaten, to separate the usable fibers. These fibers are then combed, spun into yarn, and woven into fabric — either by machine or, in some artisanal cases, by hand.
The final product is a textile that is distinctly tactile, with a slightly coarse, crisp texture that becomes progressively softer and more supple with every wash. Unlike cotton, which starts soft and may wear out over time, linen develops a beautiful lived-in quality that actually improves as you use it. With proper care, your linen sheets will soften significantly while retaining their durability and strength.
From a performance perspective, linen is unparalleled when it comes to breathability and temperature regulation. Its fibers are naturally hollow, allowing for superior airflow and moisture-wicking abilities. This means linen keeps you cool and dry in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter — a year-round win for your bedding. Compared to other textiles, polyester ranks lowest in breathability, while cotton offers decent ventilation, especially in percale weaves. But linen takes the crown, offering a crisp, cool feel that’s perfect for hot sleepers or anyone living in a variable climate.
Not only is linen breathable, but it’s also naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Plus, its heavier weight and sturdy weave give it a luxurious drape and a sense of timeless sophistication that many other fabrics can’t match.
How to know if linen sheets will be comfortable for you:
Wondering if linen sheets will be comfortable for you? It really comes down to personal preference and a few key details. Linen has a naturally crisp, textured feel — some people describe it as slightly scratchy at first — which can be a refreshing change from ultra-smooth cotton. If you love that cool, breathable, just-right weight in your bedding, linen might be a perfect fit. Plus, here’s the good news: High-quality linen only gets softer with time. Look for sheets made from 100% flax linen, ideally stonewashed or pre-washed, as these processes help break in the fibers before they ever hit your bed. Over time and with every wash, linen sheets become more supple and lived-in, like your favorite worn-in T-shirt. If you’re still unsure, try starting with a single pillowcase or a linen-blend option to test the texture. With a little patience, linen transforms into something truly cloudlike — durable, breathable, and impossibly cozy.
How to wash your linen sheets:
Start by checking the care label, but most linen sheets can go straight into the washing machine. Use cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle with a mild, liquid detergent (skip the bleach and fabric softeners, which can weaken the fibers). It’s best to wash them separately from heavy items like towels to avoid abrasion. When it comes to drying, air drying is ideal to preserve the natural texture and longevity, but you can also tumble dry on low heat — just remove them while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles. And if you’re into that relaxed, lived-in look, no ironing is necessary. With each wash, your linen sheets will grow softer, cozier, and more uniquely yours.
Our methodology & criteria:
The Good Trade was sent linen sheets for review and I’ve personally tested all of the options below, sleeping on them for one night each and seeing how they softened and held up in the washer and dryer, too. All of the options meet the criteria outlined in the section below. Read on after that for my notes on how each brand did.
- ORGANIC | All of the sheets included here are made from organic flax and other natural plants that were grown without any harmful chemicals to keep you, the workers who make your sheets, and the earth safe.
- SUSTAINABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY | Each brand is thoughtful about how its linen sheets are produced, from sustainably sourced materials to eco-friendly manufacturing processes to treating their employees fairly.
- AFFORDABLE | Most linen is produced ethically in Europe, making it one of the more expensive fabrics. We’ve included options at various price points, starting at less than $200 per set, so you can find something great within budget. Note that the pricing for each set includes a queen-size top sheet, a queen-size fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
- COMFORT | Linen is known for its breathability. But besides that, I was also noticing the texture of each sheet — its weight and how soft it was (linen is notoriously rough pre-washing).
The best night’s sleep starts with a solid foundation, so be sure to take a look at our organic mattress and organic pillow guides. And if you want to add more linen texture to any room of your home or your wardbone, check out our favorite linen curtains and linen clothing brands.
Table of Contents
- Best For Lightweight, Airy Linen Sheets: Brooklinen ($359)
- Best All-Around Choice: SIJO ($295)
- Most Affordable Linen Sheets: Quince ($180)
- Most Softened Linen Sheets: Cultiver ($480)
- Best For Sustainably Sourced Linen Sheets: Coyuchi ($325)
- Best For Fun, Patterned Linen Sheets: Piglet in Bed ($395)
- Most Thoughtful Business Practices: Kotn ($325)
- Best For Made-To-Order Linen Sheets: 3HLinen ($314+)
- Best For Softer Linen Sheets Blended With Lyocell: Under The Canopy ($226)
- Best For Delightfully Crumpled Linen Sheets: West Elm ($267+)
- Best For Swatch Availability: The Citizenry ($299)
- Best For Custom Sizing: MagicLinen ($267)
1. Brooklinen
Best For | Lightweight, airy linen sheets
Materials | Linen
Prices Starting At | $359 for a queen set
Made in Portugal of 100% European flax, Brooklinen’s washed linen sheets are lighter weight than many other options, and that makes them feel so cozy to the touch. While they aren’t the silkiest feeling on the list (that would be Cultiver, up next!) they have this plushness that makes you want to wrap up in them, and they’re nice and airy with a weight of 155 gsm. The sheets are garment-washed and dyed in small batches to minimize shrinkage (which is why you might see some color variation), and I loved the cream option I went with — the color was bright and warm without being too yellow to match the rest of my bedroom. The sheet set has all the little details that I so appreciate in bedding, like envelope closures on the pillowcases and “long” and “short” side tags on the fitted sheet. The bedding is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, and, like all Brooklinen products, is designed to maximize quality and minimize price.
Customer Review | “This is our first time splurging on pure linen bedding and we are thrilled with the quality and comfort of the Brooklinen collection. We’ve purchased two full sets in various color combos to mix and match. We are beyond happy with our decision. Brooklinen all the way.” – John H. (Read all reviews.)
2. SIJO
Best For | Best all-around choice
Materials | Organic linen
Prices Starting At | $295 for a queen set
SIJO hits an impressive sweet spot between quality and price — and we’ve had a crush on their bedding for a while. That’s kind of their whole thing — high-quality, sustainably-made bedding that’s as affordable as possible — and their linen sheets are no exception. They were fairly soft to the touch since they come stone-washed, but they’ll still soften even more over time. They have a fairly heavy weight, too, for those who like an extra cozy bedding situation. SIJO sources their small batch hand-crafted linen yarn from Normandy, France, and the sheets are woven in Shanghai, China. We love their trendy color options, too, and the company donates 1% of each purchase to a nonprofit of your choice.
Customer Review |“The texture and fabric of the product feel truly high-quality, and I believe it’s a very reliable choice for health. It not only looks great but also offers the comfort and safety I value.” – Seno S. (Read all reviews.)
3. Quince
Best For | Affordable linen sheets
Materials | Linen
Prices Starting At | $180 for a queen set
The most affordable option on this list, Quince’s linen sheet set is made of 100% European flax, just like the others. But the company is all about keeping prices as low as possible, and they even have a transparent price breakdown showing all the costs that go into the product. The sheets feel just as high-quality as any on this list, with a soft, washed finish and medium weight. They already feel buttery and lived in when they get to you, and they’ll only get softer with time — these were some of the softest linen sheets I’ve felt, so you’re definitely getting bang for your buck. Note that they do shed a bit in the wash. The fitted sheets fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep, and the sheets come in 32 different timeless colors and patterns. While the brand doesn’t have the most transparent sustainability specs of the options on this list, its manufacturing partners are committed to responsible production and the bedding came in minimal packaging — just one plastic bag.
Customer Review | “Sheets are so comfy – get softer with every wash. I love them so much! Bought 2 sets! Great for hot sleepers – I haven’t been hot since I have them! Great price!” – Kirsten B. (Read all reviews.)
4. Cultiver
Best For | Softened linen sheets
Materials | Linen
Prices Starting At | $480 for a queen set
Cultiver chooses the best European flax from all over to be woven into sheets by their manufacturing partners in Portugal and China, but that’s not what makes these so soft (the softest I tried!) — it’s the enzyme wash that does it. This gives them a leg up, making them feel like they’ve been used for years even when they’re brand new. They avoid that slight crunchiness you’ll find with many new linen sheets, and instead start with a nice drape and a silky feel. These have a medium weight of 165 gsm (grams per square meter) and come in a nice wide range of color options, too (17, to be exact!). All of their colors are made with safe dyes since this woman-owned company prioritizes safe working conditions in the making of all its products. Note that there were some loose threads on one pillowcase after washing, but it didn’t seem to compromise the quality at all.
Customer Review | “I’ve heard about the benefit of linen sheets for a while, and now I can’t believe I waited so long to try it. These sheets are fantastic. And they get better with every wash. Highly recommend.” – Lisa F. (Read all reviews.)
5. Coyuchi
Best For | Sustainably sourced linen sheets
Materials | Organic linen
Prices Starting At | $325 for a queen set
Made with flax grown in France and woven into linen sheets in Portugal, Coyuchi’s sheets are one of the more luxurious options on this list. They’re super breathable and cool to the touch yet strong, with a heavier weight than most linen sheets on the market at 185 gsm. So while they don’t feel quite as soft and cozy to the touch as others, they’re designed to soften with each wash and last you for years and years. The sheets have deep, 15-inch pockets and are GOTS-certified, and the company itself has some impressive sustainability specs, too, supporting fair trade initiatives, and regenerative agriculture. Since flax can only be grown sustainably on the same plot of land once every seven years, they support their flax farmers during off years.
Customer Review | “Sheets feel amazing. Best sleep I have had in many years!! Worth every penny.” – Evelyn (Read all reviews.)
6. Piglet in Bed
Best For | Fun, patterned linen sheets
Materials | Linen
Prices Starting At | $395 for a queen set
Started in 2017 from a garden shed in rural England, Piglet in Bed now makes a wide range of bedding and home goods with a focus on sustainable materials like linen. The sheets in their linen sheet set are made of 100% French flax linen that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but that’s not the best part — their linen sheets and duvet sets come in so many different fun colors and patterns. Along with trendy solid colors, you’ll also find ginghams, plaids, and stripes, and the brand encourages shoppers to mix and match. In fact, your duvet cover, fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcase can all be different colors and patterns. The linen sheets are made in Portugal, and their softness rivals any on this list, too. The sheets are a satisfying medium weight, and those bright colors held up well when I washed them — besides a bit of fuzz, my vibrantly striped sheets looked exactly the same before and after laundering.
Customer Review | “I’m a huge fan of Piglet in Bed. I took the plunge two years ago and bought my first set of 100% linen bedding and have been replacing my bed linen with Piglet in Bed ever since. The service is excellent and everything arrives beautifully packaged.” – Lisa (Read all reviews.)
7. Kotn
Best For | Thoughtful business practices
Materials | Linen & cotton
Prices Starting At | $325 for a queen set
Known for their ethically made cotton loungewear, Kotn has a line of linen sheets that are similarly sustainable and high-quality, too. They’re 65% linen and are blended with 35% long-staple Egyptian cotton to increase their softness and durability. Buttery to the touch but stiffer than most linen sheets, these ones will definitely take a few washes to soften up — but they’re really designed to last, and they felt the coolest to the touch of any sheet I tried. And they’re a fairly heavy weight, making them great for cooler climates, too. Kotn’s certifications back up their sustainability claims, too — not only are they B-Corp certified, they have the fourth highest B-impact score of any North American apparel brand. They source their cotton from family-run farms in Egypt and partner with small manufacturers, too, for sheets (and clothing) customers can feel good about.
Customer Review |“The colour is beautiful and the quality is really nice. The linen is fairly stiff when it arrives but over time and with washing, I know it will get softer. These sheets keep you pretty cool in the summer heat.” – Percy M. (Read all reviews.)
8. 3HLinen
Best For | Made-to-order linen sheets
Materials | 100% pure European flax linen
Prices Starting At | $314 for a queen set
Handmade in Europe from 100% European flax, 3HLinen’s sheet sets have that perfectly lived-in feel that only gets better with time. The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter, making them a dream year-round. We’re especially obsessed with the stonewashed finish — it gives the sheets a relaxed, slightly rumpled look, like you just casually tossed together the most effortlessly stylish bed. 3H Linen offers a range of sizes, including the elusive California King, plus custom sizing if you need something more specific. We tested the twin set for our guest room makeover, and let’s just say our visitors have been raving about how comfy they are. Even better, each set is Oeko-Tex certified, so you can rest easy knowing they’re free from harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for sheets that feel as good as they look, these are an easy yes.
Customer Review | “I love my linen sheets. These remind me of my grandmother’s flat in Berlin. They are perfect. The custom fit encompasses my extraordinarily deep pillow top with featherbed mattress. It is like sinking into a welcoming cloud.” – J J Loughran (Read all reviews.)
9. Under the Canopy
Best For | Softer linen sheets blended with lyocell
Materials | Linen & lyocell
Prices Starting At | $226 for a queen set
Another favorite of our editors, Under The Canopy also makes a part-linen, part-something-else sheet set. Their linen eucalyptus sheets are 40% linen and 60% lyocell, a semi-synthetic fabric made from eucalyptus wood. The sheets’ makeup gives them the look and feel of linen with a slightly softer, silkier touch — kind of like linen that’s been well-washed, but that hasn’t pilled or shed in the process. They’re just as breathable and cool as linen sheets, and their lyocell keeps the price down, too, making them one of the more affordable options on the list without any noticeable decrease in quality. Under The Canopy’s vertically integrated supply chain also helps keep costs down while retaining certifications like Oeko-Tex and FSC. And if you want to know more about the brand’s other products like their duvet cover and cotton blankets, check out our full Under The Canopy review.
10. West Elm
Best For | Delightfully crumpled linen sheets
Materials | Linen
Prices Starting At | $267 for a queen set
West Elm’s European flax linen sheet set is one of the softest on this list — the sheets come garment washed and have an effortlessly chic, crumpled, lived-in look. They come in a fairly wide range of calming, nature-inspired colors so you’re sure to find a match for your bedroom. Their pricing is on the more affordable side as far as linen sheets go, and they’re made out of European linen in a certified Fair Trade factory in China. These were some of my favorites in feel, soft enough to have a fantastic drape. They’re pretty lightweight, and this subtle pale pink color, while not done justice by the photos, is so gorgeous — it’s feminine yet elevated at the same time.
11. The Citizenry
Best For | Swatch availability
Materials | Linen
Prices Starting At | $299 for a queen set
The Citizenry’s supremely soft stonewashed linen sheets are handwoven by the oldest family-run linen mill in Portugal. These Oeko-Tex certified French flax linens have a medium weight of 160 gsm, and come in 17 different soothing colors. You can even mix and match colors and add linen extras — your linen sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover, or quilt can all be different colors. The brand even offers $3 linen bedding swatches if you’re having trouble deciding between different colors (linen sheets are an investment, after all). These sheets were impressively soft — among the softest I tried — with an airy weight perfect for summertime and a plush feel that reminded me of the Brooklinen sheets. They had some fuzzies after coming out of the wash, but nothing super noticeable. Like all of The Citizenry’s products, the linen sheets are made in a fair trade certified factory, and the brand even pays the fair trade wage requirement. Read more about their sustainability and ethics practices here.
Customer Review |“We all love to crawl into bed every night, but these sheets make that thought irresistible! They are so soft and breathable, they make your bed a little sanctuary 🙂“ – Season G. (Read all reviews.)
12. MagicLinen
Best For | Custom sizing
Materials | Linen, or linen & cotton
Prices Starting At | $267 for a queen set
What was once a small Etsy shop is now MagicLinen, a 20+ person team making some of our favorite linen bedding and apparel from their production facility in Lithuania. Everything from design to finishing touches is done in-house, which supports the local economy and helps keep carbon emissions low. With a weight of 190 gsm, their linen sheets are some of the heavier ones on this list — and they’re noticeably heavier to the touch. The weight makes them feel less soft than the softest options here, but they’re still stonewashed so they certainly aren’t stiff. The brand also makes a linen blend sheet set, which is 55% linen blended with 45% cotton. Their fitted sheets come in regular (10-inch) and deep (18-inch) options, and their color options are vibrant and varied — I loved this neutral striped option to add some visual interest to a bedding situation while keeping the color palette soft. MagicLinen even offers custom sizes for duvet covers, pillowcases, and sheets, and you can pick up a fabric sample set for $5 if you can’t decide on a color.
Customer Review | “I was trying to think of a good review title to describe how it feels to sleep on these sheets. No words can describe. They are simply the best sheets I have ever slept in. The temperature control of linen is very interesting. Keeps you warm when the room is cold, and cool when it’s hot. Amazing!” – Dee F. (Read all reviews.)
Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. Since 2022, she has been reviewing the top sustainable home, wellness, fashion, and beauty products, sharing her honest opinion on the best finds. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!
