Linen vs Cotton

Choosing the right bedding fabric is about more than style, it’s about comfort, breathability, and how your space feels at the end of each day. Two timeless favourites, linen and cotton, both bring their own qualities to the bedroom. Here’s a closer look at how they compare, and how to decide which is right for you.

Where Linen Comes From

Linen is made from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops. Inside the flax stalk are long, natural fibres that are gently separated, spun, and woven into fabric.

Flax is primarily grown and processed in Europe, where the cool, temperate climate produces exceptionally fine fibres. The result is a strong, breathable fabric that softens beautifully over time, the foundation of Aspen & Fern’s Linen Bedding collection.

Where Cotton Comes From

Cotton is derived from the soft fibres surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium L). Grown in warmer regions, cotton is known for its versatility and has become one of the most widely used fabrics in the world.

When woven well, cotton can feel smooth and cool, but it often requires chemical treatments and more water to produce compared to flax linen.

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Linen vs Cotton: Key Differences

1. Breathability & Comfort

Both fabrics are naturally breathable, but linen has the advantage when it comes to airflow and temperature regulation. Flax fibres are hollow, helping to wick away moisture and keep you cool in summer and cosy in winter. Cotton is soft and lightweight, but it can hold onto heat and moisture more easily than linen.

2. Feel & Texture

Linen has a slightly textured hand-feel that relaxes with every wash, part of its charm and natural beauty. Cotton is smoother to start with but tends to lose softness over time, while linen continues to become more supple.

3. Durability

Linen is one of the strongest natural fibres available, known to last for decades when cared for properly. Cotton can fray or thin over time, especially lower thread-count weaves. If you prefer bedding that grows softer but remains resilient, linen is the more enduring choice.

4. Care & Maintenance

Both fabrics are easy to care for, but linen’s low-maintenance nature makes it especially appealing. There’s no need to iron, its relaxed creases are part of its timeless look. Simply wash gently, line dry, and enjoy. Cotton tends to wrinkle more sharply and benefits from ironing for a polished finish.

5. Sustainability

Flax linen is naturally low-impact: it requires minimal water, few (if any) chemicals, and nearly every part of the plant is used. Cotton, while natural, generally requires more water and pesticides unless certified organic. For a fabric that treads lightly on the planet, linen stands out as the more sustainable choice.

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The Verdict: Linen Sheets vs Cotton

Both fabrics have their merits, cotton offers familiarity and versatility, while linen delivers breathability, durability, and quiet luxury.

If you love bedding that feels crisp yet soft, improves with age, and reflects a slower, more natural way of living, linen is the best bedding fabric for you.

Each Aspen & Fern piece is woven from high-quality flax fibres and prewashed for softness, so your bedding feels lived-in from the first night and only gets better with time.

Discover the full Linen Bedding Collection to find your perfect set. 🌿