Linen vs. bedding linen: what's the difference, and does it matter?
if you go into cambridge dictionary online, you’ll find that there are two definitions of the word “linen” that might seem similar but actually very different. first definition of linen is “strong cloth made from the fibres of the flax plant.”
the second definition is, “sheets, tablecloths, etc. made from linen fabric or a similar material.”
so, people generally would call bedding linen to describe a cloth used to cover a bed, but it does not mean the “bedding linen” is made of linen fabric.
still confused? keep reading for some revelation moment.
we will explain in-depth about the term of “linen” that general people use and we, as linen fabric manufacturer, define. you’ll find some interesting disclosures as you read this all thoroughly.
“linen” term to describe cloth in general, including beddings
the term "bedding linen" can be a bit hazy, as it refers to the sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and other linens use to cover a bed, but it doesn't necessarily mean that these items are made of linen flax. in fact, many bedding sets in fact are made from cotton, polyester, or other materials which aren’t from flax.
the term "bedding linen" is often used to refer to the type of bed linens that were traditionally made from either pure linen material, which is a more durable and breathable material that is well-suited to bedding. however, over time, the term has come to refer more generally to any type of bedding, regardless of the material it's made from.
so, while the term "bedding linen" may be a bit misleading, it's still a commonly used term that most people understand to refer to the sheets, pillowcases, and other linens used to cover a bed, regardless of the material they're made from.
but why the word “linen” is popularly used in this case?
the word "linen" in the term "bedding linen" comes from the fact that traditionally, bed linens were made from linen fabric.
linen is a type of fabric that is made from the fibers of the flax plant. it has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, including clothing, bedding, and tablecloths. linen is prized for its durability, breathability, and smooth texture.
in the case of bedding, linen fabric was a popular choice because it is lightweight and cool to the touch, making it ideal for use in warm weather. it is also highly absorbent, which helps to keep the sleeper cool and comfortable throughout the night.
today, many bedding sets are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and other synthetic fibers. however, the term "bedding linen" continues to be used to refer to these items, even if they are not made from actual linen fabric.
so, how do i differentiate between bedding linens that are actually made of linen and ones who are not?
to differentiate between bedding linen that is made from actual linen fabric and those that are not, you can usually check the product label or description to see what material the bedding is made from. if the bedding is made from 100% linen, or 100% pure french linen, it will typically be labeled as such.
however, if the bedding is not made from actual linen fabric, the label may indicate that it is made from cotton, polyester, or another material. the product description may also provide information about the material used in the bedding, and may even describe the specific type of weave or fabric used to create the bedding.
in some cases, you may also be able to tell if bedding is made from 100% pure french linen fabric by its texture and appearance. bedding made from linen fabric typically has a distinctive texture that is slightly rough to the touch, with a natural, matte finish. it also tends to have a slightly slubby, uneven appearance, with occasional thicker or thinner fibers visible in the weave.
photo by Matthew Henry from Burst
ultimately, the best way to ensure that you are purchasing bedding that is made from actual PURE linen fabric is to read the product label or description carefully, and to look for high-quality, reputable brands that are known for using genuine linen in their products.