Linen vs cotton
Linen is cooler, stronger and dries faster, but creases a lot. Cotton is softer and creases less.
Choose linen
The hottest days, summer suits
Choose cotton
Every day, when creases aren't welcome
Linen
- The best fabric for hot weather
- Very strong and long-lasting
- Grown with little water
- Creases a lot
- Can shrink 3–5% the first time
Cotton
- Breathes and absorbs moisture
- Hypoallergenic, good for sensitive skin
- Washes easily, even hot
- Creases
- Shrinks in heat, especially jersey
- Slow to dry
| Linen | Cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Natural plant fibre | Natural plant fibre |
| Made from | Fibre from the stalks of the flax plant. | The fluffy fibre around cotton plant seeds. |
| Feel | Cool, dry and slightly crisp – softens with every wash. | Cool, dry and kind to skin; softens with age. |
| Shrinks? | It can: linen may shrink about 3–5% the first time it's washed hot. Cool water and no dryer prevent it. | Yes – cotton shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat. |
| Used for | Summer shirts, trousers, dresses, jackets, bedding. | T-shirts, shirts, jeans, underwear, bedding. |
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Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, linen or cotton?
Linen is cooler, stronger and dries faster, but creases a lot. Cotton is softer and creases less.
02Which is more breathable?
About the same.
03Which creases less?
Cotton creases less.