Linen Vs Cotton: What is Better Linen or Cotton
Consumers often find it difficult to choose between fabrics. The confusion is especially profound when the fabrics have some similar properties. The primary example is the comparison of Linen Vs Cotton.
Before you make the buying decision, it's a good idea to go through this comparison. By the end of this post, you can make an informed choice.
Linen Vs Cotton - History
According to Wikipedia, Linen, in some form or another, has been around for thousands of years. In present-day Georgia, traces of fabrics made from dyed flax fibers dated 30,000 years ago were found.
As for Cotton, Wikipedia states that it has been in use since 5000 BCE. That means humans have been using Linen for longer than Cotton.
But why does the origin matter?
That's because if a fabric has been around for ages, it must have many advantages. This is where Linen wins.
Linen Vs Cotton - Texture & Feel
The origin of the fabric might be important, but what matters is its texture and feel. Below, we will compare not just the texture and feel but also the comfort each fabric offers.
Texture & Feel
Linen has a crisp but silky feel. Of course, it is not the softest, but with each wash, the fabric becomes softer as the thread walls break down. So, the more you use it, the softer it becomes.
Cotton does have a softer feel right from the start, but there is a catch. It doesn't feel cooler to touch. That's because Cotton isn't as breathable as Linen.
Comfort
Ultimately, it all comes down to comfort. Linen wins here because It is cooler to touch.
While it's a pretty close call, Linen has an edge when it comes to the texture and feel of the fabric.
Linen Vs Cotton - Breathability
On the face of it, both Linen and Cotton are breathable, which one is more breathable?
The short answer is Linen. That's because Linen is less dense than Cotton. The less-dense structure means more air can move through the fabric, which makes it more breathable.
The result is that it's cool to touch, as highlighted above. According to a post by the Georgia Institute of Technology, Linen facilitates better external airflow because it doesn't cling to the body due to its rigid structure.
In theory, Cotton is breathable. However, in real life, its breathability is drastically reduced. That's because the moisture it wicks is retained longer in the fabric. The breathability suffers because of this.
Thus, in this aspect, Linen scores over Cotton.
Linen Vs Cotton - Durability
Good quality pure Linen can last for decades. But before you pick up any sheets, it's important to understand that we are speaking about high-quality Linen sheets and bedding like the ones we sell here.
Any Linen sheets or bedding that is a blend of different fabrics has a drastically reduced life, but even then, they can last for 3 to 5 years.
Cotton, on the other hand, can last just 2 to 5 years. Thus, when it comes to durability, Linen certainly has an advantage.
Linen Vs Cotton - Moisture Absorption
Linen fabric can absorb water equal to 20% of its weight. That's because the flax fibers used to make Linen are hollow which aids absorption.
Cotton in comparison, can absorb water up to 25% of its weight. You might think that this gives Cotton an advantage, but there is a caveat.
Cotton dries slowly. Consequently, sweat absorption might be quick, but you will have to deal with dampness. That certainly means sleeping on Cotton sheets isn't that comfortable, especially in the summer. Cotton is slow to dry because its dense fibers make them less breathable.
On the other hand, Linen is less dense, meaning there is more space for air to pass. That helps Linen dry out quickly. So, Cotton's advantage when it comes to absorption is entirely nullified.
Linen Vs Cotton - Care & Maintenance
Merely checking the properties of the fabric isn't enough. You need to consider the care & maintenance routine you need to follow. Check the section below to understand which out of the two is easier to maintain.
Washing & Drying
Linen can be washed in cold water with a mild liquid detergent. Cotton, on the other hand, can be washed with warm or cold water. Linen can be air-dried. To dry it in the machine, use the lowest setting.
Cotton, on the other hand, can be tumble-dried in the machine, but it must be dried at low heat; otherwise, it will become stiff.
Wrinkle Resistance
While Linen is prone to wrinkling, it attains a look of its own when wrinkled, so you need not worry about ironing it repeatedly.
Problem here is that Cotton too is prone to wrinkles. However, wrinkled Cotton sheets don't look that great. Therefore, you will have to iron them out.
Stain Resistance
While Cotton has a slight edge in the above two aspects, Linen scores huge in this aspect. Simply put, Linen has higher stain resistance because it's less porous than Cotton. That's why stains are less likely to penetrate, making Linen easy to clean.
So, both fabrics can experience stains, but with prompt cleaning, you can eliminate spots from Linen easily.
Ironing
Simply put, Linen can handle high temperatures. However, you need to ensure it's slightly damp to remove the wrinkles. Cotton on the other hand can be ironed at lower temperatures and the wrinkles can be removed faster. So, Cotton has a slight edge.
When it comes to care & maintenance, it's a mixed bag with no clear winner.
Linen Vs Cotton - Eco-friendly
Of course, when making a new purchase, choosing a more eco-friendly option is better. That's why it's important to compare the two fabrics on this parameter.
Sustainability
According to a post by the University of Wisconsin, the flax plant from which Linen is made requires less water and less pesticides than Cotton.
According to a report by WWF, up to 29,000 liters of water is required to produce 1 kg of Cotton. Most other fabrics, like Linen, just require 150 liters of water to make 1kg of fabric.
This means that Linen is a more sustainable option.
Carbon Footprint
Cotton's carbon footprint is much higher due to higher use of pesticides. Additionally, the higher water requirement means more energy is required to irrigate Cotton crops, which once again expands its carbon footprint.
The flax plant from which Linen is made uses fewer pesticides, fertilizers, and less water. Thus reducing its carbon footprint.
When it comes to eco-friendliness, Linen is miles ahead of Cotton.
Linen Vs Cotton - Cost
On the face of it, Linen might seem more expensive, but you need to understand which one is more economical.
Cotton can last 2 to 5 years, and Linen can last for decades. So, in the long term, Linen is much more economical, especially pure Linen fabric like the sheets we sell.
It means once you buy Linen bedding or Linen sheets from us, you won't have to replace them anytime soon.
So, Linen is a winner here.
Linen Vs Cotton - Applications
While some applications of both fabrics overlap, there are plenty of differences.
Linen has applications like:
- Clothes
- Bedding
- Art Canvas
- Fashion Accessories
- Handbags
- Home Decor
- And more.
Applications of Cotton include:
- Clothes
- Activewear
- Bedding
- Upholstery
- Medical textiles
- Backpacks
- Quilting
In a nutshell, both have plenty of applications, which means there is no clear winner in this regard.
Linen Vs Cotton - Availability
Till a couple of decades back, Cotton was more widely available. Therefore, Cotton by-products were more widely available.
However, this difference does not exist now.
The primary reason is that ecommerce stores like ours have made high-quality pure Linen widely available. That means, no matter which part of the world you are in, both the fabrics and their by-products are readily available.
So, there is nothing much to pick on this count.
While Linen Vs Cotton might seem like a difficult comparison but when you take all the factors into account, Linen is the clear winner. That's because of its durability, high strength, wide applications, and plenty of other natural properties.
Faqs on Linen Vs Cotton
Is Linen Cooler Than Cotton?
According to the Washington Post, Textile scientists have unanimously concluded that Linen is cooler. The reasons for this include Linen's excellent breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and temperature-regulating effect. However, you can enjoy all these properties of Linen only when you buy pure Linen from a store like ours.
Is Linen for Summer or Winter?
Linen is associated with summer. That's because it can absorb sweat very well, is quick to dry, and is breathable. However, you can use it in the winter season as well. The only caveat is that you might need added layers along with Linen.
Shop Quality Linen Today
So, if you were in two minds about Linen vs. Cotton, Linen is the clear winner. Instead of wasting more time comparing both fabrics, it's better to check out our Linen bedding collection to buy the pure Linen delivered right at your doorstep.
