What is the difference between cotton and linen bedding?
Cotton or linen?
Many people sleep under cotton bedding. Who doesn’t have a cotton duvet cover from Ikea or Hema? Cotton bedding is also soft, inexpensive and available in many colors and designs. But why should you choose a linen duvet cover and not cotton?
The difference no.1
What is the difference between cotton and linen?
The difference no 1: sustainability
The difference between cotton and linen already starts with the growth of the plant. Cotton is made from a cotton plant and linen is made from a flax plant. The flax plant grows in the coastal areas of Europe (the Netherlands, Belgium, France), the plant needs little water and no pesticides to grow well. And therein lies the big difference if you compare it with cotton but also with other textiles. The cotton plant grows in India, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh, among others. A cotton plant needs a lot of water, is sprayed with (often prohibited) pesticides and fertilizers are also used. Many chemicals are also needed in the later process of manufacturing the cotton.
The process of making linen is much more environmentally friendly. Little water, no pesticides and the entire plant is processed into linen. Nothing is thrown away. The process is more labour-intensive, which is also the main reason that linen is more expensive than cotton or other textiles.
The difference no.2
Sleeping under linen or cotton
The difference no. 2: Sleeping comfort
Linen is a light fabric, lint-free and can absorb more moisture than cotton without the fabric itself becoming damp. That is a big advantage, especially for people who perspire a lot. Linen is also stronger than cotton. It is a ventilating fabric, it feels cool in summer and warm in winter. Your body stays at the right temperature, so you will fall asleep quickly.
Due to the structure of the fabric, dust mites do not thrive on linen. An ideal fabric for people and children who are allergic. In addition, it is also antibacterial, you have the feeling that you are stepping into a freshly washed bed every day.
Both fabrics feel soft and comfortable.
The difference no.3
Washing linen and cotton
The difference no. 3: Maintenance
The washing instructions differ from each other, so you can wash cotton at a higher temperature, where you have to be careful not to wash it too hot the first time, because otherwise it will shrink. Linen, on the other hand, does not (may) be washed at a high temperature. Maximum 40 degrees. If you wash it at too high a temperature, the fibers can break. Because linen does not contain dust mites and is antibacterial, you can also clean your linen bedding well at 40 degrees. And washing at a low temperature is also sustainable!
What do you choose?
We love linen
In short: Linen is the most environmentally friendly textile in the world. During the growth (100 days) the flax plant needs little water. The use of pesticides is not necessary. In addition, the entire plant is processed into linen, so there is no wastage of materials. Compared to cotton, hardly any chemicals are needed to produce the linen. The linen is stronger than cotton and therefore lasts for years (and stays beautiful!).
Do you prefer cotton or linen?
So there really is a difference between cotton and linen in terms of sleeping comfort, durability and maintenance. Each fabric has its own properties and appearance.
Decide for yourself which fabric, appearance and properties suit you best. Cotton or linen bedding? What is your budget? Do you have an allergy or do you perspire a lot? Is sustainability important to you? Do you like sleek and neat or cool and exclusive? All issues that you can include in your choice!
