When shopping for linen bedding, two brands consistently rise to the top: Quince and Parachute. Both companies offer high-quality linens made from European flax, but they have some key differences that may make one better suited for your needs and preferences.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Quince and Parachute, including fabric quality, product range, pricing, and real customer experiences. Read on for an in-depth look at how these top bedding brands compare.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Quince | Parachute |
| Fabric | Ultra-dense double combed European flax; tight weave | Long-staple European flax; loose open weave |
| Manufacturing | Supply chain oversight from raw materials to finished product; Oeko-Tex certified dyehouses | Final production in LA headquarters; partners with Better Cotton Initiative |
| Product Range | Specializes almost exclusively in linen bedding and bath essentials | Diverse home goods selection including apparel and decor |
| Price Points | Lower pricing structure aimed at “luxury for less“; sheet sets from $179 to $269 | Premium pricing consistent with high-end positioning; sheet sets from $299 to $549 |
| Performance | Gets softer over time with wear; consistent sizing across bedding | Initial out-of-box splendor but experiences some shrinkage and pilling issues |
| Customer Service | Rave reviews for responsive, hassle-free communication and returns/exchanges | Mixed reviews; frustrations around opaque return policies and timeliness |
| Sustainability | Overseas manufacturing increases shipping emissions but supply partners are ethical | Comprehensive initiatives toward zero waste and carbon neutrality goals |
Overview of Quince and Parachute
- Quince
Founded in 2017, Quince uses the tagline “luxury made affordable” and aims to offer high-end linens and other home goods at significantly lower prices than designer brands.
They cut costs by eliminating middlemen and working directly with factories.
The company sells items like linen bedding, loungewear, and bath towels primarily online through their own e-commerce site.
While they don’t have a brick-and-mortar showroom, Quince invites customers to make an appointment to visit their San Francisco headquarters to see and feel products in person.
- Parachute
Launched in 2014, Parachute is a popular direct-to-consumer brand that brings luxury linens and comfort essentials straight from the manufacturer to the customer. They have an extensive product line that encompasses bedding, bath textiles, loungewear, and home decor.
Based in Venice Beach, California, Parachute also operates several retail stores in major U.S. cities so customers can experience their offerings firsthand before purchasing online. The brand focuses on premium natural materials and ethical production.
Fabric and Manufacturing Comparison
The most significant factor that sets Quince and Parachute apart is the composition and construction quality of their linens. Let’s analyze the fabric particulars.
- Fiber Content
Both brands use long-staple European flax for their linen bedding. Compared to shorter fibers, the longer flax strands yield more durability, luster, and a smoother hand feel.
However, Quince takes it a step further by utilizing premium double-combed yarns with very consistent sizing. Parachute does not specify double combing their fabrics, which removes more short fibers and imperfections to enhance uniformity.
- Weave Tightness
Quince and Parachute boast similar thread counts, but thread count alone does not determine quality. You need to examine the weave tightness, which impacts softness, breathability, and durability.
Quince linens have an exceptionally tight weave with fine, dense yarns that limit pilling and increases longevity. Parachute uses a looser open weave, which helps with airflow but may sacrifice long-term sturdiness.
- Production Oversight
Monitoring linen production from raw materials to finished product ensures flawless quality.
Quince claims to oversee their entire supply chain, while Parachute does not explicitly state supply chain oversight procedures.
Without hands-on supervision, variables in crop quality, spinning methods, weaving techniques, and handling can affect consistency.
- Ethical and Environmental Factors
Both companies state commitments to ethical labor and environmental responsibility. Quince utilizes Oeko-Tex certified dyehouses while Parachute partners with the Better Cotton Initiative on sustainable farming.
However, Parachute outlines more robust chemical management processes. Also, Parachute’s final manufacturing occurs in their Los Angeles headquarters for full oversight. In contrast, Quince linens undergo finishing treatments at European mills they do not own.
- Country of Origin
Quince and Parachute source raw linen from Europe (mainly France, Belgium, and Lithuania), known globally for flax agriculture and linen production. But only Parachute completes 100% of manufacturing domestically to cut down on transportation emissions.
They also aim to recycle 100% of their textile waste. While ethical, Quince’s overseas production may be less sustainable.
Product Range Comparison
From sheet sets to duvet covers, tablecloths to towel sets, let’s explore the breadth and depth of offerings from each brand.
- Quince
Quince positions itself as a linen specialist, reflected by their tight product assortment focused almost solely on bed and bath linens. They sell two linen sheet variations: their Original Linen Sheet Set and a Percale Linen Set.
Quince avoids linen-cotton blends, stating the compromise reduces benefits. Beyond sheets, they offer duvet covers, shams, pillowcases, blankets, towel sets, and napkins in complementary solid colors and patterns from their French factory partners.
- Parachute
Living up to their extensive brand name, Parachute supplies a vast parade of products that encompass far more than just linens. They have four linen sheet options: Linen Venice Set, Linen Percale Set, Linen Core Set, and Linen Short Set.
They also carry linen duvets, pillows, blankets, and more bedding essentials. Beyond the bedroom, Parachute sells towels, slippers, robes, loungewear, rugs, curtains, and other home goods. This diversity allows for whole-home outfitting but may dilute their focus on linens.
Price Point Comparison
Pricing plays a pivotal role in linen purchasing decisions. Let’s break down how Quince and Parachute compare cost-wise across their lineups.
- Quince
Quince built their brand on luxury linens with modest price tags, offered directly through their site rather than at marked-up retail stores. Their Original Linen Sheet Set starts at $179 for a Full and ranges up to $269 for a Split King.
Percale sheet sets run slightly higher, while other linens like duvet covers and towels cost between $39 to $149 depending on size. Overall, Quince keeps prices low by controlling production in Europe and eliminating retailer margins.
- Parachute
Befitting their positioning around premium textiles, Parachute commands higher yet competitive prices for luxury bedding.
Their linen sheet sets start at $299 and go up from there, with the Venice Linen Set in a split Cal King running $549.
Their duvet cover costs range from $199 to $349. Other linens like bath towels and robes typically span $49 to $99.
While certainly an investment, Parachute’s prices align with other high-end home brands specializing in natural fabrics.
Performance and Comfort Evaluation
Now, let’s assess real customer perspectives on how linen offerings from Quince and Parachute stack up over months of use.
- Quince
The consensus agrees that Quince’s tight weave does soften significantly with washing and wear while preventing early pilling. Most reviewers praise their Original Linen Sheet Set for the perfect year-round weight with no shrinkage issues after laundering and drying as directed.
Feedback specifically applauds the sheets’ cozy warmth for winter yet breathable, moisture-wicking comfort through hot summer nights. Top complaints focus on wrinkling.
- Parachute
Many customers rave about Parachute sheets’ initial out-of-the-box splendor, impressed by the soft, flowing drape and luxurious four-inch hem on flat sheets. However, some owners report disappointment with wear over time.
Several reviews gripe about pilling, pulling, wrinkling, creasing, and shrinking after a few months of use and washing. There are also mixed experiences regarding temperature regulation.
Customer Service Comparison
The buying experience stretches beyond just product performance, especially when making more sizable investments into linens built to last years. Customer service plays a vital role as well, so let’s look at Quince and Parachute’s reputations around support services.
- Quince
Quince earns overwhelmingly positive feedback for customer service, with numerous reviews praising their responsive communication and hassle-free returns or exchanges. They offer a 60-night trial period with free shipping and returns, followed by a lifetime guarantee.
If any defect emerges due to materials or craftsmanship, Quince will repair or replace the item. Contact options include phone, email, chat, and social channels.
- Parachute
While many Parachute buyers appreciate the friendly and helpful service team members, there are more frequent complaints about subpar experiences than with Quince.
Return issues encounter particular criticism, with claims of unclear policies, frustrating exchanges, restocking fees that diminish incentives to try products, and unresponsiveness dragging out resolutions.
They do provide a 60-day trial and 3-year limited warranty, but repeated problems can test customer loyalty.
Sizing and Color Range Comparison
With linens built to last for years through countless washes, getting the right size and preferred hues are imperative to maximize enjoyment. Let’s investigate how Quince and Parachute size and color variety measure up.
- Quince
One advantage of Quince’s specialized focus on linens becomes clear when comparing sizing scale accuracy to other home goods brands.
Their well-tailored dimensions suit deep mattresses excellently, especially for split sizing needs.
Reviews confirm Quince sheets fitting precisely with enough generous overhang.
Their palette sticks to 31 versatile neutrals and naturals across most products, going heavier on shades like white, fog, and sand rather than bold colors.
- Parachute
While Parachute receives praise for beautiful colors and patterns, there are more frequent complaints about their sizing misses. Several reviews gripe about fitted sheets not covering thicker mattresses fully, especially for larger Cal king and split sizes.
Top sheets also come up smaller and shorter than expected. And while they offer an impressive 50+ color/pattern options for most items, more adventurous prints can sell out quickly.
Environmental Sustainability Comparison
With growing consumer consciousness of apparel and home textile manufacturing impacts, a company’s commitment to sustainability has become a deciding factor for eco-aware shoppers. Here is how Quince and Parachute linen production measures up in environmental friendliness.
- Quince
Through responsible oversight of European supply partners, Quince manages to bring affordable luxury linens to market fairly sustainably. Their transparency around ethical factories with safe labor conditions also appeals to conscientious companies.
However, importing most finished goods overseas does rack up a heavy transportation footprint. We hope to see more recycling initiatives and carbon offset programs launch in coming years.
- Parachute
ParachutepZhas committed admirably to ambitious sustainability targets across their business. From sustainable agriculture partnerships to their LEED-certified Los Angeles headquarters running on renewable energy, they are greening up their operations.
Their efforts around waste diversion, recycled packaging, and chemical management help lessen the impacts of manufacturing high-end textiles. If they can achieve zero-waste status in the coming years, they will become an exemplar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Belgian linen is considered the global gold standard for exceptional quality and luxury. With ideal climate and soil conditions for flax agriculture, generations of expertise cultivating the plants, and masterful manufacturing processes, Belgian linen leads in purity, durability, and beauty.
Many high-end linen manufacturers source raw materials from Belgium but finish production elsewhere. Look for certifications from Masters of Linen or European Consolidation origin seals guaranteeing authentic Belgian linen content and craftsmanship.
Yes, Parachute earns its reputation as a premium bedding brand thanks to lovely aesthetics, ethical production standards, and product diversity. Customers praise their ultra-soft sheets, supportive mattresses, and convenient bundles. However, they come at luxury price points, occasional sizing issues receive criticism, and rare quality control problems can undermine trust. Within the high-end category, most still consider Parachute excellent.
While crisp initially right out of the packaging, Quince linen sheets break in softness nicely after a few washes. Their exceptional double combed fabric even gains comfort over time while avoiding early pilling. The ultra-dense weave structure smooths with wear. The long-staple European flax fibers generate resilient strength too.
For hot sleepers, linen sheets make the coolest bedding option thanks to the fabric’s natural temperature regulating properties. The breathable weave and moisture-wicking fibers keep airflow moving to cut down on sweatiness. Percale cotton sheets also sleep cooler than normal cotton. Modal, bamboo, and Tencel branded lyocell sheets rate well too for excellent temperature control. Look for percale weaves and natural materials. Blends often counter cooling advantages.
Closing Remarks
Now that we’ve unpacked every aspect of these two popular linen brands, it’s time to summarize which bedding line likely suits specific shopper needs and priorities best.
Choose Quince If You Want:
- Maximum durability for years of cozy, breathable performance
- The best balance of quality and value at reasonable price points
- Leading customer service and lifetime guarantees to stand behind products
- A linen specialist with an extensive focus specifically on bed and bath
Choose Parachute If You Want:
- Trend-driven colors/prints and whole-home outfitting capabilities
- Primarily American supply chain and manufacturing
- Eligible carbon neutral shipping and ambitious zero-waste goals
- Local LA showrooms to experience products first-hand before purchase