Before you choose brand-new linen sheets and other linen bedding, it’s important to know more about the pros and cons of various styles. One popular choice that many people love is stonewashed linen, thanks to its many incredible qualities. This special linen undergoes a unique process that causes the fabric to have an exceptionally soft feel to the touch and creates a comfy, worn-in, lived-in look. Before you head out to purchase luxury linen sheets or other types of bedding fabrics, it’s important to look more closely at the pros and cons of stonewashed linen to determine whether it’s the right choice for you to get a good night’s sleep.
What does stonewashed linen mean? This type of linen fabric is made of natural fiber derived from the flax plant, just like other linen fabrics. However, stone washed bedding material is put through industrial-sized drum washing machines and dryers to give it a pre-washing. Real volcanic stones and natural stones like pumice are added to the machines. When the linen comes into contact with the stones, it creates a friction that gently but effectively “loosens” the flax fibers to make the finished product have an initial softness that’s much softer than traditional rough linen sheets. Because of this process, it also gives the material a unique, lived-in aesthetic that you won’t find with most cotton sheets and other bedding including traditional Belgian linen or French flax linen products.
Now that you know what this type of linen is and how it’s made, what are some of the pros? Is washed linen better? Let’s examine some of the many benefits that choosing this option over other fabrics provides.
Linen that undergoes the stone washing process tends to have a much more casual, yet still luxurious look. This applies to all sort of bedding products from complete sheet sets and a single top sheet or fitted sheet to pillow shams, duvet covers, and more.
One of the biggest pros of stonewashed linen is that the fabric feels extremely soft right when you take it out of the package. Unlike many of its cotton counterparts, stonewashed linen actually gets a softer feel after every wash. This applies to both linen styles, whether you choose a traditional linen sheet set or a stonewashed set. It consistently gets softer after multiple washes, making it a great choice for those who want the best luxury linen sheets money can buy.
There are a few downsides to choosing stonewashed linen, so let’s look at some of those below.
Unlike other linen bedding, stonewashed linen is exposed to a much more rigorous process that involves large rocks coming into contact with the fabric on the first wash. This process slightly reduces the durability of the fabric, so it’s prone to become too thin over time. It may also wear down and potentially tear much faster than a traditional linen sheet set that doesn’t get the same pre-treatment. Does stonewashed linen shrink? Fortunately, this material is virtually shrink-proof which means that it retains its shape and size on all bed sizes whether you have a twin XL or a California king bed.
So, which linen is better? Are these linen sheets worth the higher price? It all comes down to softness and how you want your sleeping space to look. If you prefer a softer feel and a much more laid-back look, then stonewashed linen is the right choice for you. Thanks to their shabby chic and silky appearance, these are some of the best linen sheets that money can buy. For those who want something a bit more formal and less crinkly, a traditional linen sheet set may be the better option. It all comes down to the feel and the look when you’re choosing between these two popular linen styles.
Now that you know more about the pros and cons of stonewashed linen, you can decide if it’s the right choice for you. Whether you need something for hot sleepers or you have decided to choose linen sheets for the first time, they’re a fantastic way to improve your sleep and your comfort level. At Or & Zon, we offer a wide range of high-quality linen bedding, organic cotton bedding, and much more. Before you choose the best linen sheets for your own home, keep these pros and cons in mind, so you can make the right investment in your sleeping routine and your home.
