When it comes to bedding, few things are as important as the sheets you sleep on every night. And when it comes to sheets, two brands stand out from the crowd: Rough Linen and Linoto. Both offer high-quality linen sheets praised for their durability, breathability, and luxurious feel.
But which one is right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Rough Linen and Linoto’s key features, pros and cons, and overall value to help you decide which of these top linen sheet brands belongs on your bed. Whether you’re looking for the crispest, coolest sheets or the softest and silkiest, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Rough Linen | Linoto |
| Weave | 158 threads/inch | 180-280 threads/inch |
| Fabric Weight | 4.5 oz/sq yd | 3-5 oz/sq yd |
| Hem Style | Triple hemstitch | Flat felled seam + hemstitch |
| Color Selection | 6 neutral solids | 16 colors including bolds |
| Special Fabrics | No | Yes (waffle, damask, etc) |
| Sizing | Fewer sizes | More size and split king options |
| Softness | Soft out of package | Soft out of package |
| Temperature Regulation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wrinkling | Moderate | More with lighter weaves |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Care | Machine wash gentle/line dry | Machine wash gentle/line dry |
What Makes Linen Such a Great Sheet Material?
Before comparing specifics, it helps to understand why linen is considered such an exceptional material for bed sheets in the first place. Linen comes from the flax plant and has been used for bedding for centuries. Here are some of its top advantages as a sheet fabric:
- Breathable – Linen is highly breathable, allowing airflow through the weave to keep sleepers cool and comfortable. This makes it ideal for hot sleepers.
- Durable – Linen sheets become softer with age and use but are also extremely durable. With proper care, they can last for decades.
- Absorbs moisture – Linen absorbs moisture better than cotton and dries quickly, keeping sleepers drier. This helps regulate body temperature.
- Resists dust mites – The natural slubs of linen make it less attractive to dust mites compared to cotton. This is a plus for those with allergies.
- Natural material – As a product of nature, linen has an organic, earthy appeal. It’s biodegradable too.
With the basics covered, let’s see how Rough Linen and Linoto stack up in terms of materials, quality, pricing, and overall performance.
Rough Linen Sheets Overview
Rough Linen is a small American company dedicated exclusively to linen bedding and bath products. Their sheet sets are woven from premium European flax in Belgium and sewn in California from linen sourced in France.
Here are some key facts about their linen sheets:
- Weave: 158 threads per square inch
- Fabric weight: Mid-weight; 4.5 oz per sq yard
- Fit: Deep pocket; fits mattresses up to 18″ thick
- Finishes: Stonewashed for softness
- Colors: White, fog, sand, petrol, nutmeg, graphite
- Special features: Hemstitching; garment-washed for softness
Rough Linen sheets have a relaxed, casual vibe but their quality construction makes them durable and comfortable for years of nightly use.
Owners praise their relaxed fit, breathability, resistant to pilling, and their soft feel right out of the package.
Pros
- Soft linen right out of the packaging
- Made in ethical factories
- High 158 thread count for durability
- Multiple neutral color options
- Deep pockets accommodate thick mattresses
- Garment washed for softness
- Good for year-round use
Potential Cons
- Expensive
- Wrinkles easily unless ironed
- Only available direct from manufacturer
- Limited sizing options
- Can have loose weave
Linoto Bedding Sheets Overview
Linoto is also dedicated to luxury linen bedding and bath items but offers a wider range of weaves, textures, and colors than Rough Linen. Their sheets feature Italian-milled fabric made from the long fibers of European flax.
Here are some quick facts about Linoto’s linen sheets:
- Weave: 180-280 threads per square inch
- Fabric weight: Light to mid-weight; 3-5 oz per sq yard
- Fit: Deep pockets for thicker mattresses
- Finishes: Stonewashed for softness
- Colors: 16 colors from neutral to bright tones
- Special features: Flat helmstitched hems; side seam construction
Linoto’s range of linen weaves gives buyers options from light and flowy to crispy, substantial sheets.
Their production methods lend durability, while special finishes increase softness.
Pros
- Wide range of colors and weaves
- Soft texture right out of packaging
- Highly durable construction
- Ethically produced in Italy
- Deep pockets fit thicker mattresses
- Specialty weaving for heirloom quality
- Good offline and online reviews
Potential Cons
- Very expensive, especially lighter weaves
- Wrinkles easily without ironing
- Limited size and length options
- Need to rotate to maximize durability
- Looser weaves may snag nails
Key Differences Between Rough Linen And Linoto Bedding Sheets
Now that we’ve covered the key specs and pros and cons of each brand, let’s compare some of the most important purchasing factors for sheets.
- Comparing Fabric Quality
One of the biggest differences between Rough Linen and Linoto lies in the fabric quality itself.
Weave
Rough Linen uses a consistent weave of 158 threads per square inch for all their sheets. This mid-weight weave strikes a nice balance between durability and softness.
Linoto offers a wider range from 180 to 280 threads per square inch. Higher thread counts like 250 or 280 have a very crisp, substantial feel when new. But the sheets soften significantly with washing. Lighter weaves around 180-200 threads are exceptionally airy and breezy.
Winner: Linoto for their diverse fabric options, but Rough Linen’s single weave will suit more general needs.
- Fabric Weight
Rough Linen’s 4.5 oz per square yard weight provides year-round comfort and durability. Linoto’s range from 3 oz for the lightest weaves to 5 oz for the mid-weight options.
The lighter the fabric weight, the more prone to wrinkling and tearing the sheets will be over time. Heavier linen stands up better to repeated use and laundering.
Winner: Draw. Both offer mid-weight linen suitable for most climates and sleeping styles.
- Special Finishes
Both brands use a stonewashing technique to increase softness and remove any residual manufacturing chemicals. Rough Linen also garment washes its sheets for extra softness right out of the package.
Winner: Draw. The special finishes of Rough Linen and Linoto sheets result in reliably soft linen with minimal break-in time.
- Sizing and Fit Comparison
Proper sheet sizing and fit ensure the sheets stay put all night without constantly coming undone.
Available Sizes
Rough Linen offers all its sheet sets in just two sizes: Full/Queen and King/Cal King. Linoto provides a wider range of twin, twin XL, and split king sizes in addition to standard sizes.
Winner: Linoto for their broader size range that fits more mattress types.
- Fit
Both brands use deep pocket sheets that can accommodate thicker mattresses up to 18 inches deep. The elasticized corners help the sheets hug the mattress.
Rough Linen relies on their garment washing process to create a relaxed, stretchy fit. Linoto constructs their sheets with side seams for a precise fitted shape.
Winner: Draw. The sheets of both brands boast a flexible fit to work on most modern mattresses.
- Mattress Accommodation
In terms of working well with different mattress types, these linen sheet brands are pretty versatile. The natural breathability of linen keeps hot sleepers cooler on foam and latex. The fabrics are flexible enough for use on adjustable air beds. And linen’s durability suits mattresses with exposed springs or hooks where snagging can happen.
The mattress type linen works least well for is waterbeds, as the wave motion can cause excessive wrinkling. But waterbeds have niche popularity anyway.
Winner: Draw. Linoto and Rough Linen sheets are solid choices for nearly all mattress types.
- comparing Special Features
Beyond the linen itself, small details like stitching and design elements differentiate basic sheets from luxury bedding.
Hem Styles
Rough Linen employs a classic triple hemstitch that gives their sheets a casual, handmade vibe. Linoto uses a flat felled seam encased in hemstitching for added reinforcement and an elegant finish.
Winner: Linoto for their reinforced hems that enhance durability.
- Color Selection
Rough Linen sheets come in six basic neutral solid colors from pale sand to deep graphite. Linoto offers 16 color choices from neutrals to bold hues like ruby red and azure blue.
Winner: Linoto for their extensive range of colorways to match any bedroom style and decor.
- Special Fabric Options
While focused on different weave weights, Linoto’s sheet collection includes some unique fabrics like textured waffle linen and heritage damask linen woven on antique looms. Rough Linen keeps it simple with their core mid-weight linen.
Winner: Linoto for their specialty fabrics adding exceptional depth and luxury.
- Price Comparison
Given the focus on European-sourced linen and ethical production, neither Rough Linen nor Linoto run in the budget category for bed sheets. But Linoto does come at a significantly higher price point overall.
Linoto’s range of weaves and extra features like heirloom linen and bold colors come at a premium. The differences in pricing rise further when you get into split king or other specialty sizes.
For a special splurge, Linoto’s sheets create an exceptional sleeping experience. But for everyday luxury linen on a budget, Rough Linen provides solid quality for hundreds less.
Winner: Rough Linen for their more affordable pricing.
- Performance Comparison
Beyond materials and pricing, the most important factors are how the sheets actually feel and function on the bed. Here’s a quick performance comparison of these two brands.
Softness
While crisper when new, both brands produce reliably soft linen sheets that feel gentle against the skin without excessive pilling or abrasion. The special washes help minimize break-in time.
Winner: Draw. The sheets of both brands are satisfyingly soft, especially after a few washes.
- Temperature Regulation
Thanks to the breathable nature of linen, both sheet brands excel at temperature regulation. They absorb moisture and release it quickly to maintain comfortable sleeping conditions throughout the night, even for hot sleepers.
Winner: Draw. You’ll sleep cool and comfortable in the summer under Rough Linen or Linoto sheets.
Also Read: Comparison of Cariloha And Cozy Earth Sheets.
- Wrinkling
As with all linen bedding, Rough Linen and Linoto sheets are prone to wrinkling. The lighter Linoto weaves show more wrinkling with use, but their crisper options maintain a tidier appearance like Rough Linen’s consistent weave. Expect to iron regularly.
Winner: Draw. Some wrinkling is par for the course with linen sheets.
- Durability
Here their shared mid-weight heft serves both brands well. With proper rotation and laundering methods, these sheets hold up well over years of use. Neither is likely to tear easily or come apart at the seams.
Winner: Draw. Linoto’s reinforced hems may give them a slight edge, but overall durability is excellent for both.
- Ease of Care
Linen sheets require a bit more care than cotton but maintain their quality when washed properly on gentle cycles and line dried or tumble dried on low. Neither brand poses any special care challenges beyond typical linen needs.
Winner: Draw. Just stick to linen care basics and your sheets will last.
Which Brand Is Right For You?
Now that we’ve compared all the details, which of these luxury linen brands should you choose for a beautiful, comfortable bed?
Choose Rough Linen If You Want:
- An all-around linen sheet at an affordable price point
- A substantial 158 thread count medium weight fabric
- A selection of attractive neutral colors to suit any decor
- Relaxed casual vibes in your bedroom
Choose Linoto If You Want:
- Specialty fabrics like waffle and damask linen
- A wide selection of colors from solids to bold patterns
- The highest quality luxury sheets money can buy
- A precise fitted sheet with extra hem reinforcement
- A lightweight breezy linen for summer or winter crispness
Both produce wonderful linen sheets that will upgrade your sleep experience. For most shoppers, Rough Linen delivers everything needed in a linen sheet at a price that brings the benefits of luxury linen to more budgets.
But for those seeking a truly exceptional linen experience with exotic weaves and lavish details, Linoto sheets are in a class of their own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you’re still on the fence between Rough Linen and Linoto, these linen sheet FAQs may help with your purchasing decision:
Factors like fiber length, weave density, and fabric weight determine the highest quality linen. Long flax fibers woven into dense fabrics of 180-280 threads per square inch produce luxury linen. Heavyweight 5-6 oz per yard linen is exceptionally durable and substantial.
Pottery Barn’s Belgian Flax Linen sheets get excellent reviews for quality construction, softness, and durability. Their mid-weight fabric walks the line nicely between airy and crisp. But the prices run on par with Rough Linen and Linoto for sheets likely sourced from the same European linen manufacturers. You pay a bit extra for the name.
Flax-derived linen is inherently an exceptional fabric for bed sheets and other household textiles. Its durability, moisture-wicking properties, and variable weaves and weights make flax linen more breathable, insulating, and comfortable for sleep than cheaper cotton or polyester sheets. Higher-quality linens come from the long fibers of European flax.
Stone washing and garment finishing processes soften linen fibers substantially while retaining linen’s durability. Lightweight linen in the 180 thread count range can feel extremely soft and flowy while still providing the temperature regulating properties linen is so valued for.
Final Thoughts
We hope this comprehensive brand comparison helps you decide whether Rough Linen or Linoto offers the ideal luxury linen bedding experience for your needs and budget.
Both brands turn nightly sleep into a soft, cozy retreat with their dedication to quality materials, special finishes, and ethical production methods.
If you love drifting off in breezy cool comfort, waking feeling refreshed instead of sweaty and kicking off restrictive twisted sheets night after night, high-end linen may be just what your bed needs. The investment pays dividends in better rest and a peaceful sleeping space you eagerly crawl into each evening.
Once you try linen sheets, you may never go back to cheap cotton again.
Rest easy!