We can’t deny the long list of benefits flax linen and silk have that make them ever so adored by sleepers everywhere!
Both are luxurious fabrics that provide comfort, breathability and even sustainability.
But which material takes the cake for our bed sheets and pillowcases? Do we opt for linen from the flax plant or go for mulberry silk?
It’s one thing to buy a good mattress, and it’s another to buy the highest-quality bed sheets that won’t ruin a good night’s rest.
With that said, let’s go through each benefit of linen sheets and silk bedding.
The Value behind the Premium Cost
The price question usually comes after carefully considering the pros and cons.
But what we wish to highlight is how buyers of flax linen and high-quality silk have fallen head-over-heals despite the price tag.
Compared to cotton sheets, it’s evident that you’ll be dishing out more for both linen fabric and silk. Both come from natural fibres that undergo a careful production process before they end up as your premium sheet sets.
While linen is one of the most desirable fabrics in history and is more expensive than Egyptian cotton, silk is even more costly with its unmatched beauty and nobility.
And while linen has texture and depth to its fibres that are completely on-trend, luxurious homes boast silk sheets.
Clearly, both have high-quality natural fibres that elevate them to their premium status. So which will steal your heart? Let’s try to compare the selling points.
Appeal to the Senses
Linen is known for its breathability. It has a rough texture with a crinkle-crushed effect that is calming to the touch and creates a rustic appearance.
Wrinkling is linen’s inherent charm. And although this creasing factor is a concern for some, its natural elements and organic vibe are cherished by others. And even if linen is prone to wrinkle, it softens with each use and wash.
The highlight of bed linen is its extraordinary heat conductivity that can withstand high temperatures.
A good night’s sleep on linen sheets keeps you fresh and cool in warm weather and snug-as-as-rug in the winter. So whatever the climate, expect those linen sheets to keep you comfortable.
On the other hand, silk sheets are buttery soft, light, and elegant. Moreover, they provide an unmatched luxurious experience with their fineness and silky feel.
“But what about the thermal properties?” you might ask. Silk’s relatively low conductivity allows heat to be retained close to the skin. In addition, its absorbency makes it comfortable for the skin in warm conditions. However, it will generally remain cool against your skin due to its high emissivity for infrared light.
Silk’s ultra-soft lustre offers a kinder experience than linen sheets; the slipperiness of silk puts less tension on your hair and skin, making it even more appealing.
Beauty, Health, and Hygiene
As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So whatever trend or style you adhere to, both bed linen and silk sheet sets can work with your interiors.
Linen does not allow bacteria to accumulate since it dries more quickly. The fact that it naturally repels dirt, stains, is hypoallergenic, and is moth-resistant makes it a family-friendly option.
Did you know that linen is a preferred fabric for healing? According to Japanese researchers, bed-ridden patients don’t develop bedsores when resting on linen bed sheets. In addition, it helps reduce fever as it provides a healthy air exchange, therefore effective in dealing with inflammatory conditions.
Silk also has its own remarkable hygienic properties. It prevents dust mites, is antimicrobial, and is hypoallergenic as well.
Beauty enthusiasts obviously prefer silk as it helps reduce rosacea, frizz and wrinkles. It’s even suitable for those with skin asthma or with sensitive/dry/eczema-prone skin.
If you’re one of those with sensitive skin, it’s worth investing in silk pillowcases and sheets.
So what’s the difference if linen sheets and silk bedding both resist bacteria and are hypoallergenic? Honestly, there’s not much disparity in their health properties. But we can say that silk leans more on the beauty and luxury aspects.
Linen, for its part, is quite the breathable fabric while not giving up much in the softest bed threads department.
Sustainability, longevity, and maintenance
There’s an increasing focus on living more consciously these days, especially when it comes to homewares. So how do both silk and linen line up regarding sustainability?
The journey of linen from the flax plant to the bedroom is considered the most eco-friendly process among the popular fibres. The cultivation of flax is the least water and energy-intensive part of a linen garment’s lifecycle (especially with dew retting, which is the method behind Ecosa’s flax linen bedding).
Regarding consumer use and care, it’s relatively easy to take care of linen sheets as they are quick to dry, durable and not easily damaged. You can pass the fabric down through generations, and it can last for up to three decades!
After all, linen is considered a long staple in the world’s strongest natural fibre department and is regarded in Europe as the best quality material for sleep, and among the most durable and quite frankly, the same can be said in Australia!
The durability of silk fibre is one of its strengths, especially with proper bedding storage. However, it’s not as durable as linen.
Silk bed sheets need specialised treatment and care. They stain easily, have poor resistance to water, and are prone to tears.
It’s best to hand wash silk bedding with cool water. Using a washing machine, you can also opt for a gentle spin cycle. It would help if you looked after it per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Best Sheets to Buy?
Buying bed sheets can be confusing with the myriad of online and in-store options. That’s why it pays to make informed choices for sustainable living and comfortable sleep.
Plus, it’s a valuable exercise to get to know the materials you might sleep in before, you know … inviting them into your bed. Consumers are becoming more attuned to what they can do to improve their sleep habits.
While linen and silk sheets have unique characteristics, some of their selling points are similar. As we already covered, the main differences lie in feel, aesthetics, longevity, and cost.
Shop wisely; it’s your call to make.
