Linen vs Egyptian cotton sheets? Which is better? Instead of talking about general differences, I’ll be focusing on two different brands – Pure Parima and Parachute.
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Pure Parima
Here I’ll be taking a look at the Yalda Sheet Set from Pure Parima.
If you’ve been looking to boost your collection of bedding essentials, stick around, because I’m going to show you what they’re made of, what they feel like, and tell you which sleepers are going to love them the most.
This is a very pretty set of sheets. I’m loving their lustrous sheen, also it drapes really nicely over my shape and over the mattress.
Also, it’s got this really pretty double open hemstitch that borders the top sheet and the pillow cases.
I’m really loving the way they look, but I’m also loving how super smooth they feel.
Additionally, I love that it comes with the certification from the Egyptian Cotton Association, and I’ll explain a little bit more about what that means.
Material
Let’s dive in to exactly what these sheets are made of.
These sheets are made from 100 percent pure, Egyptian cotton and like I said, they do come with certification from the Egyptian Cotton Association.
What does that mean?
It’s guaranteeing that the cotton fibers used in these sheets are extra-long, which is pretty much a best case scenario because the general rule of thumb is, the longer the cotton fibers, the more durable the sheet is going to be.
Not only are you getting better durability with longer cotton fibers, but you’re also getting a smoother finish, better resistance to pilling, better color retention, the list goes on and on.
The other thing is that those fibers are hand-picked from the Nile River Valley rather than picked by a machine.
Because they’re hand-picked, we’re putting less stress on the fibers leaving the cotton fibers long, strong, and intact.
Additionally, the sheet set features a nice, high thread count of 400, which only serves to boost the luxurious look and feel of this bedding but also it’s spun into a sateen weave.
When you’re on the hunt for cotton bedding, you’ll notice that you’re frequently given two choices, a percale weave or a sateen weave.
With percale bedding, cotton percale you’re getting this really crisp, cool, airy feel that’s matte in appearance.
With sateen bedding like this, you’re getting this really beautiful, lustrous sheen, giving this really elegant drape over the mattress, and like I said, it’s more shiny in appearance.
I’ll be honest, I am preferential to sateen because it’s giving you this really pretty luster.
What comes with each sheet set?
You get two pillow cases which features these really pretty borders of the double open hemstitch, which I think just boosts the aesthetic of the whole sheet set.
They also feature these envelope closures, which is my personal preference because it prevents against any pillow spillage that might come out of the side of your pillow. It keeps it really tightly tucked away.
Then, of course, one top sheet and one fitted sheet capable of accommodating mattresses up to 18 inches deep.
Now those are very deep pockets, so even folks with very tall mattresses should be able to find a good fit here.
Pros
Now we know exactly what these sheets are made of, so let’s go ahead and recap the highlights, and potential pitfalls, so you know if this is the right sheet set for you.
First of all, extra-long, staple Egyptian cotton like this is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious types of cotton.
This bedding is a great example of why. It’s impeccably smooth, it’s super durable, and feels very strong.
Additionally, because it features a sateen weave, it’s giving you this beautiful, elegant drape over your body shape and the mattress.
It’s also giving you this really pretty, lustrous sheen. If you’re a sleeper who likes your bedding to be shiny, you might want to give these a try.
Egyptian cotton does usually come at a higher price point, so with these sheets ranging from $170 to $260.
Cons
A few things to note about this sheet set before you make up your mind.
First of all, in my experience, this bedding did not wrinkle super easily, however, the lustrous sheen does actually make the wrinkles look a little more pronounced.
You’ll be glad to know, that these sheets are machine wash and dryable. If I were you, I’d pull them out of the dry cycle as soon as it’s finished, spread them out over the mattress when they’re still warm, and that should serve to keep the wrinkles at bay.
Speaking of washing, it’s worth noting that I have washed and dried these sheets a couple of times and I was really impressed by how they retained that luster and their color really well, and that is thanks to the extra-long staple Egyptian cotton.
Another thing to know is that because these are sateen woven you’re getting a really silky, smooth feel, and they’re not at all crisp. If you’re more of crisp cotton lover, it’s something to note. There is no crispness to be found here.
Another thing about a sateen weave is sateen sheets do tend to be a little thicker than percale, for example, lie a little bit heavier on the body, and I did find that to be the case with these sheets.
If you’re looking for bedding that’s going to really keep you cool at night, I can’t guarantee that this is going to hit that mark.
Parachute
Next is the Parachute linen sheet set. I’m going to show you what it’s made of, how it feels, whether it sleeps hot or cool.
When I unpacked this bedding I noticed a few things right away.
First of all, it’s got a really unique color that reminds me of dark denim that’s been through many years of washing. I have to say this is definitely giving me a unique aesthetic.
The other thing is it’s feeling a little bit heavier in weight than some other linen bedding that I’ve tested.
Giving me a good idea that it’s going to be great for year-round use.
Material
Let’s go ahead and take a closer examination of what exactly the sheet said is made of.
The sheet set is made from 100 percent linen, which is derived from natural flax fibers. You’re sleeping on 100 percent linen, there’s a little bit of an eco-friendly perk at play. Flax is a sustainably source material.
Linen is one of the world’s oldest and most beloved textiles because it’s got a reputation for being super durable.
One of the most breathable fabrics on the market. It’s also got a reputation for getting softer over time.
Linen fibers are thicker and produce a stiffer yarn than cotton. For this reason linen does have a distinctly coarse texture that some sleepers shy away from because it can feel a little bit scratchy.
Now to remedy this, the folks at Parachute have garment washed every piece of bedding in this linen sheet set.
Garment washing is a textile manufacturing technique used to cut through that coarseness and really boost the smooth feel.
I’m definitely saying it was successful here because super smooth to the touch, not at all coarse or scratchy.
Like I said, linen does tend to get softer over time but garment washing speeds up that process a little bit.
There’s something else that’s unique about the sheet set. It has been garment dyed, which means that it was dyed after it was manufactured rather than being woven from fabric that’s already been dyed which is the conventional method.
This allows Parachute to get the exact color they’re going for. Which really does remind me of dark denim which I’ve never really seen in a linen sheet set before.
The name of the color that I’m testing is coal. There are other colors from which to choose.
What are you getting with each set?
You’re getting a fitted sheet, two pillowcases and that’s it. It’s really worth noting that a full sheet set does not come with a top sheet. You can add a top sheet to your purchase at an additional cost.
If a top sheet is really important to you that’s something worth noting.
Pros
Speaking of which, let’s go ahead and recap the highlights and potential pitfalls of this sheet set so you know if it’s the right fit for you.
There’s a lot to like about linen bedding in general.
It’s super durable. It’s one of the most breathable fabrics out there, which is great for hot sleepers. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic, which is great for those with sensitive skin.
The list of perks goes on and on, which is why I love linen bedding.
However, I wanted to talk about a few of my favorite features from the Parachute linen sheet set.
First of all, I love that this sheet set has been garment washed and garment dyed. The garment washing is giving it that really soft and smooth feel and it doesn’t at all feel scratchy or coarse.
The garment dying is giving it this unique look that reminds me of dark washed denim, which I think is neat.
Something else that I’m liking about this sheet set that I mentioned earlier is it is heavier in weight as compared to some other linen bedding that I’ve tested.
Yes, linen is super breathable like I said and this sheet set is no exception. However, it’s important to note that linen is also thermo regulating, which means it adapts to your body’s temperature.
Linen is working to dissipate your body heat when you’re too warm, but also serves as a great insulator in the wintertime.
This is a nice, thicker linen sheet set but it’s also breathable and thermo regulating. It’s really going to be great for year round use, which offers great bang for your buck.
Two things that I always prioritize when I’m on the hunt for new bedding is a nice generous trial period, an easy wash care.
I’m pleased to report that this sheet set qualifies for both.
It’s got a 90-day trial period where you have 90 full days to get the feel for this bedding. See how you like it, and if you don’t, send it on back for a refund.
As far as wash care goes, it’s pretty simple. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent. Tumble dry on low heat and that’s it, pretty easy.
Cons
Now of course there are a few things to know about the Parachute linen sheet set before
you make up your mind.
First of all it doesn’t come with a top sheet. If you do decide to add a top sheet to your purchase that’s about an extra $100.
I’ll be honest, personally I do look for sheet sets that come with a fitted sheet, two pillowcases, and a top sheet.
Speaking of price, linen does tend to come at a higher price point than cotton.
With the sheet set ranging from $149 to $189 without the top sheet, then with the top sheet ranging from about $240 to $309. None of it is necessarily going to be in everyone’s budget.
You do have that nice 90-day trial period so test them out and you might decide they’re worth the dough.
Alex P. Davis has a BA in Interior Design from The New York School of Interior Design and 10 years of experience expertly designing sophisticated interiors.