Best Linen Sheets in Canada

We’ve been in the sleep industry for years, evaluating different types of bedding, testing new mattresses, and keeping our eyes out for new sleep trends. Each of the products we recommend goes through extensive testing in our test lab. We use the information from our test lab evaluations and compare it with the notes from our team of dedicated testers. Products are recommended based on both of these pieces of information.

Here are some of the things we looked for when choosing linen sheets.

• Materials. What are the sheets made of? Most are made of pure linen, but others may have blended fabrics to help add certain features. We took a look at what each sheet set was made of before recommending it.
• GSM. GSM (or Grams per Square Meter) measures the weight of your fabrics. A lower GSM is more lightweight and breathable, whereas higher options are dense and extremely soft. we looked for options that were closest to the recommended GSM for most sleepers. 
• Colours. Colour is important to use. We wanted to choose sheets that were colourful and fit with every home décor across the country.
• Sizes. We want you to find the perfect sheets for your bed, and that includes sizes. We tried to include sheet sets that offer a wider range of size options so you can get the best for your bed. 

Benefits of Linen Sheets

Linen is just one of the many materials you can choose for your bed sheets. However, linen has some unique properties that make it a better choice for temperature regulation than some of the other options on the market. Here are some of the reasons you should choose linen sheets.

• Great year-round. The linen is uniquely insulating. This means that you’ll be cool during the hot summer nights and warm in the winter. It’s also breathable and absorbent, so you won’t sweat too much while using linen sheets.
• Great for sensitive skin. Linen is soft, even in the lower GSM weights. It’s also hypoallergenic and bacteria-resistant, so those with allergies and sensitive skin will sleep more comfortably. 
• Sustainable. Linen is made from flax, an extremely strong and durable textile material. It lasts for a long time, and if you take care of it properly, it might last decades. 
• Textured. Linen has a great texture. Each type of linen has a different ‘feel’, and the texture is determined by the GSM and the blend of fabrics that create the linen. Either way, it feels great on your skin.

How to Choose Linen Sheets in Canada

Once you know that you want to try linen sheets, there are options and features to consider. Before you purchase a set of linen sheets, you should consider the following tips.

Materials

Linen sheets usually come in three varieties. You’ll find French linens, Belgian linens, and cotton blends.

• French Linen. French linen is made from flax sowed in France. The climate here is ideal for linen. This type of linen is prone to softening with age and use. It’s also easier to care for. 
• Belgian Linen. Belgian linen is an umbrella classification, as the flax that creates Belgian linen can be found all over Europe. It has the same properties as French linen, with a slightly different texture. It softens with washing but at a slower rate than French linen.
• Cotton Blends. A cotton blend usually contains mostly linen (either French or Belgian), but also a fair helping of cotton blended into the fibres. Cotton creates a heavier fabric, but it’s softer and maintains breathability. Cotton blends can create a more comfortable fabric, especially if you don’t like a crisp feel for your sheets. 

GSM

While other types of sheets can be measured by thread count, linen sheets are usually measured by weight. In this case, linen is measured in GSM, or ‘grams per square metre’. Lightweight fabrics weigh less than 150 GSM, and medium fabrics are between 150 GSM and 350 GSM. Any fabric with a rating of over 350 GSM is considered heavy fabric.

The best linens measure around 150 to 160 GSM. These fabrics feature a comfortable vintage weave, with plenty of breathability. However, linen is also naturally insulating. This means that no matter how breathable the GSM is, linen will still keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

Temperature Control

Linen sheets are known to be breathable and cool, especially when compared to denser options. However, some might have better temperature control properties than others. This is down to the GSM, the weight of the sheets, and more. If you sleep hot, choosing cooler linen sheets helps reduces the chance of overheating throughout the night. 

It’s important to choose sheets that keep you comfortable, and linen sheets are no exception. Make sure to look for options with special cooling features or a lightweight feel to reduce heat while you sleep.

Size

You should choose sheets that match the size of your mattress. If you aren’t sure, each sheet set should include dimensions for the fitted sheet (which is the most important part of your sheet set when it comes to size).

There are six standard mattress sizes. These sizes include Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Queen, King, and California King. Some sheets come in Split King as well, which is usually used by those with split king adjustable frames.

If you know the size of your mattress, do your best to buy sheets of the same size. Sheets that aren’t perfectly matched to the size of your mattress can become uncomfortable or loose.

Colours

How many colours do the sheets come in? You should choose options that match your décor perfectly. There are many sheet options available, though the colour options for linen sheets are somewhat limited. For the most part, you can find lots of neutral colours and some richer tones. Most of the sheet sets on our list, for example, come in a limited palette of rich, beautiful colours that can match just about any bedroom colour scheme.

Colour might not be the first thing you look for when you come to sheets, but it is something you should consider when purchasing a sheet set.

Texture and Drape

Linen sheets are known for their beautiful textures and different drapes. The drape has a lot to do with the GSM rating (as mentioned above).  However, each set still has a unique texture and drape, especially when it comes to linen.

Linen is a crisp fabric and may have a crinkled texture, a wrinkled texture, or a stonewash. Stonewash creates a lived-in feeling, which is a soft, gentle texture that feels great on your skin. The texture depends on the type of flax used, the blend of other materials, and more.

Drape refers to the way the sheets fall over the edges of the bed or over you as you sleep, which can impact how comfortable they are. Some sheets have a heavier drape, while others are light and airy. 

Take a look at the picture of each sheet set, and examine the texture and drape they advertise.

Set Includes

What comes in the set? A standard sheet set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and one or two pillowcases. However, some sets include different configurations of fabrics. For instance, some sheet sets won’t include a flat sheet. Bedding companies justify this because some consumers don’t use the flat sheet.

Some sets may include a duvet cover. At the very least, duvet covers are available to purchase separately. There are even sheet sets where each piece is sold individually. Make sure to pay attention to which pieces come in the set before you order, as you may have to purchase additional pieces to complete your bedding set.

Mattress Depth

Each mattress has a different depth or height. When looking for fitted sheets, pay close attention to their ideal mattress depth. When a sheet set advertises the depth it can handle, it means that any mattress up to that depth will be okay.

However, try to avoid using a fitted sheet without deep pockets on a taller mattress. The sheets will not fit, and they may become damaged as a result.

Most twin-sized sheets are okay for mattresses up to 13”, while larger sizes (like Queen and King) can usually handle mattresses up to 15”. If your mattress is particularly tall, you may need to find specific sheets. Don’t forget to include the height of any mattress toppers or pads in your calculations.

Care Instructions

It’s important to pay attention to the care instructions for your sheets. Taking care of your sheets properly can increase their lifespan and improve your experience with them. If you want your sheets to last, the best way to ensure that they do is to follow the correct care instructions.

You should also make sure that you are comfortable performing the care instructions often. Some fabrics can only be washed professionally, or taken to the dry cleaner for proper care. If you aren’t interested in taking your sheets to the dry cleaner every time you wash them, look for sets with simpler care.

However, even sheets with simple care often have specific instructions. Make sure to look for the cycle temperature, intensity, and whether or not the sheets can be tumble dried.