The 4 best linen sheets for summer 2021

Best linen sheets overall

The cool, airy, and beautiful linen sheets from Sijo will be your summer favorite, or if you regularly sleep hot, a durable yearlong standby.

Pros: Stays dry and cool, casually wrinkled style, flexible flat sheet option 

Cons: Doesn't come in as many colors and sizes as competitors, may experience some shedding

Sijo sheets are the best linen sheets I've tried because they strike the right balance of comfort, coolness, durability, and price. After a couple months of testing, they knock out our former best pick, MagicLinen, because of how downright soft and comfortable they are, even while having the signature grainy texture of linen. And, they get softer and better after multiple washes. If your preconception of linen is that it's too scratchy to enjoy, Sijo's sheets will change your mind. They're also airy and light, keeping me cool on California spring-nights-that-already-feel-like-summer (we recently had temps in the high 80s in late March). 

I personally loved the wrinkled look, especially combined with the soothing Blush color. I'm also a fan of Sky, a dusky blue. The color and overall construction have held up well so far, and the fabric continues to feel both substantial and lightweight. You should expect some shedding in the first few washes — it's a natural part of the process but a little annoying to pick off your bed.

Unlike with MagicLinen, I didn't have any sizing issues with Sijo's sheets. All the sets have a 15-inch depth. You can also opt in or out of a flat sheet, which provides great flexibility and can bring the price of your purchase down.

Best linen sheets for variety

MagicLinen's comfortable linen sets include a deep option for thick mattresses and wear beautifully over time. You'll also get the most color choice here. 

Pros: Looks and feels better over time, comes in many colors, suitable for thick mattresses, OEKO-Tex certified 

Cons: Takes some time to become softer and more comfortable 

Linen is the only thing you can buy from MagicLinen, which is precisely the reason it's been able to edge out other brands that have only treated the material as one more piece of their larger bedding puzzles.

All of its products are handcrafted in Vilnius, Lithuania. The linen is stonewashed — a softening process that's completely natural and non-toxic — and OEKO-Tex certified, meaning it meets chemical safety standards and is free from harmful substances. 

One reason these sheets stand out so much to senior editor Sally Kaplan is that they come in deep options for mattresses up to 18 inches tall, a sizing that's usually difficult to find for linen. That means you can use mattress toppers or pads and still enjoy the comfort and feel of linen. 

According to Sally, MagicLinen's sheets aren't the softest out of the bag, but after two years of use, they've aged well, getting softer and cozier with every wash.

If you're not sure yet about committing, you can get fabric samples. A set of all the colors only costs $5, plus you'll get a $5 discount off your next purchase. 

Read our full review of the MagicLinen linen sheet set here

Best organic linen sheets

Truly organic linen is hard to come by, which is why we appreciate Coyuchi's thoughtful and careful approach to the fabric. 

Pros: Organic and eco-friendly, durable weave 

Cons: Pricey, not available in twin and full sizes 

Coyuchi, a brand that's always been committed to organic products, transparent and ethical practices, and nature-inspired designs, is one of the few makers of organic linen.

As it turns out, if you're buying linen, you're already being somewhat of an environmentalist. Flax is an eco-friendly plant that doesn't require much fertilizer or irrigation in order to thrive. However, Coyuchi goes one step further by only working with farmers in France who grow other organic crops (e.g. wheat, legumes) in the soil that the flax rotates through. This process ensures that the flax is 100% organic. 

In addition, the linen is Global Organic Textile Standard certified, Made Safe certified, and colored with organic dyes. 

Expect to pay a premium if you care about shopping organic. Coyuchi's durable and heavyweight Linen Set, which comes with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases and is available in seven colors, costs twice as much as other options in this guide. 

Best linen sheet design

Primary Goods has a clever design that snaps the top sheet to your duvet, so you'll never wake up with a bundle of fabric at your feet. 

Pros: Clever top sheet design, quality construction 

Cons: Only comes in three colors and stock is often low, pricey, not available in twin sizes 

I never enjoyed sleeping with a top sheet because it simply didn't stay put throughout the night. After trying Primary Goods' linen sheet set, I don't hate top sheets anymore. The set features 10 snaps each on the long sides of the top sheet and duvet cover, so they'll always move together. 

The linen itself is great and thoughtfully produced, too. It's sourced from France, stone-washed for softness, and naturally dyed. It's also OEKO-Tex certified and Global Organic Textile Standard certified. Soft and breathable, it feels great on my skin, plus the light pink color I own looks effortlessly casual. 

The Primary Goods Primary Set only comes with the flat sheet and duvet cover; the Complete Set, which also includes a fitted sheet and pillowcases, is currently sold out in most sizes. For now, you can buy a fitted sheet and pillowcase set separately. 

Read our full review of the Primary Goods linen sheet set here

Check out our other great bedding guides

• The best sheets
• The best cotton sheets
• The best duvet covers
• The best pillows
• The best mattresses
• The best mattresses for side sleepers