Cotton, Bamboo, Silk or Linen? What's the Best Fabric to Sleep On.
Posted: 14 August 2025
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, the material of your bedding matters more than you think.
The fabric you sleep on can impact your skin, temperature regulation, and overall comfort, all of which influence your sleep quality and wellbeing.
Styled with our 100% French Flax Linen Sheet Set in Sky Blue
Why Fabric Choice Really Makes a Difference
Fact: Your skin is your body’s largest organ. So the materials you sleep in should honour this, being breathable, natural, gentle... and look good while ticking all the above.
The healthiest bedding fabrics share a few important traits:
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Hypoallergenic and non-irritating
- Naturally temperature-regulating
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Durable and long-lasting
Let’s compare some of the most common bedding fabrics and how they stack up.
Styled with our 100% French Flax Linen Quilt Cover Set in Sky Blue
Cotton
Pros: Cotton can be soft, affordable, and breathable
Cons: May retain moisture, can wear thin over time
Cotton is one of the most popular choices for bedding. It’s soft and breathable, but not all cotton is created equal. Conventional cotton can involve heavy pesticide use, and it tends to absorb and retain moisture, which isn’t ideal for hot sleepers or sensitive skin.
Featuring our French Flax Linen Flat Sheet in Sky Blue
Bamboo
Pros: Silky feel, moisture-wicking
Cons: Often chemically processed
Bamboo is often marketed as a natural fabric, but the truth is more complicated. Most bamboo bedding is made from rayon, which undergoes heavy chemical processing. While it can feel soft and breathable, it may not be the cleanest or most sustainable option.
Featuring our 100% French Flax Linen Pillowcase Set in Sky Blue
Silk
Pros: Luxurious feel, great for skin and hair
Cons: Expensive, high maintenance, less breathable
Silk is praised for being gentle on the skin and reducing friction, but it can trap heat and isn’t ideal for warmer climates or those who tend to sweat at night.
Styled with our 100% French Flax Linen Quilt Cover Set in Sky Blue
Linen
Pros: Breathable, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, sustainable, temperature-regulating
Cons: Naturally wrinkles… but that’s part of the charm
If you’re looking for the healthiest, most natural fabric to sleep in, 100% French flax linen stands out. Made from the flax plant, linen ticks all the boxes when it comes to health and comfort.
Styled with our 100% French Flax Linen Quilt Cover Set in Sky Blue
We might be a little biased... but here are a few more reasons we love linen.
- Naturally breathable: Helps your body regulate temperature while you sleep
- Hypoallergenic & antibacterial: Perfect for sensitive skin or allergy sufferers
- Moisture-wicking: Keeps sweat at bay, especially in warmer months
- Thermoregulating: Keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter
- Free from synthetics: Our linen is made from 100% French flax with no harsh chemical treatments
- Durable & sustainable: Linen lasts longer and uses less water to produce than cotton
Styled with our 100% French Flax Linen Quilt Cover Set in Sky Blue
What About Linen Blends?
It’s worth noting that not all linen is created equal. Some brands blend linen with polyester or other synthetics to reduce wrinkles, but that can compromise breathability and natural benefits.
At I Love Linen, we only use 100% pure French flax linen, chosen for its superior quality, softness, and integrity. No shortcuts, no blends, and no compromise on comfort.
Choose Linen for a Healthier Sleep
If you're looking for the best fabric to sleep in, linen checks every box. Pure linen bedding is natural, breathable, gentle on the skin, and prioritizes your sleep quality, all while being kind to the planet.
When you invest in pure linen sheets, you’re choosing comfort, sustainability, and real wellness.
Because at I Love Linen, we believe that when you sleep well, you live well… and it all starts with the fabric you wrap yourself in each night.
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