Sleep more refreshingly than ever: With the right bedding– which bedding material is really best?

Choosing the right bedding is crucial for restful sleep and long-term satisfaction. But what is the difference between pure linen, mixed linen and other materials such as cotton or microfiber? And why do we at Kanela rely on high-quality pure linen? This guide explains the most important differences, shows the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials and helps you make the best decision for your bedroom.

1. Pure linen - naturalness in perfection

Pure linen is made from 100% flax fibers, making it one of the oldest and most sustainable textiles in the world. Even in ancient Egypt, linen was considered a sign of wealth and purity. To this day, it is valued for its exceptional properties. High-quality pure linen, such as the one we use at Kanela, is characterized by its breathable, temperature-regulating and durable structure.

Advantages of pure linen:

• Naturally breathable - Linen can absorb up to 20% of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp. It ensures a dry sleeping environment and is ideal for all seasons.
• Durable and hard-wearing - Compared to cotton, linen is up to three times more tear-resistant and becomes softer with each wash without losing quality.
• Antibacterial and hypoallergenic - The natural structure of the linen fiber has a naturally antibacterial effect, inhibits the growth of bacteria and dust mites and is therefore particularly suitable for allergy sufferers.
• Sustainable and ecological - linen is one of the most sustainable textile fibers. Flax requires hardly any water or pesticides to grow and is completely biodegradable.
• Noble look - Linen has a unique, slightly textured surface that creates a natural and stylish aesthetic.

Why Kanela pure linen?

Our linen is produced in Lithuania - one of the countries with the longest tradition of high-quality linen fabrics. We use a thread count of 160 g/m², which creates an ideal balance between lightness and durability. In addition, our linen is stonewashed, which makes it particularly soft and crease-resistant right from the start. This also means that it does not necessarily need to be ironed after washing and retains its casual, elegant look.

2. Mixed linen – a compromise with some drawbacks

Blended linen combines linen with cotton or synthetic fibers. This often makes the material cheaper and smoother, but loses many of the unique advantages of pure linen.

Typical disadvantages of mixed linen:

• Less breathable - Due to the cotton or synthetic content, the material loses its temperature-regulating properties.
• Shorter lifespan - mixed fibers are often less durable and wear out faster.
• Not so sustainable - Often contains synthetic components that are not biodegradable.
• Less authentic look - blended linen does not have the same natural structure as pure linen.

3. Cheap vs. high-quality linen

Not all linen is the same. Cheap linen fabrics often have a lower thread count, are coarser woven and less durable. High-quality linen, like that of Kanela, has a finer weave, is softer and will last for years.

Identifying features of high-quality linen:

• Higher thread density (160-200 g/m²) - ensures a pleasant feel and high durability.
• Uniform weave structure - no major irregularities or knots.
• Soft feel - especially with stonewashed linen, which immediately feels pleasant on the skin.
• Produced in traditional linen producing countries - such as Lithuania or France, which are known for their high quality fabrics.

4. Other bedding materials in comparison

In addition to linen, there are a variety of other materials for bedding, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes to breathability, durability and hygiene, it's clear why pure linen is the best choice.

Cotton – soft, but less hygienic due to bacterial growth

Cotton is one of the most popular alternatives for bedding, known for its softness, ease of care and the variety of colors and patterns it offers. However, compared to pure linen, cotton has some disadvantages. Cotton is particularly poor in terms of breathability, as it retains moisture and can therefore feel clammy. This promotes the growth of bacteria and dust mites - a problem for everyone, but especially for allergy sufferers.

In terms of durability, cotton is also not as durable as high-quality linen. According to a study by the European Textile and Clothing Conference, linen is significantly more durable than cotton. While cotton loses its strength and quality over time, linen becomes softer with each wash and retains its high durability. Linen stays in shape even after years and retains its natural structure, making it a long-term investment for your sleep quality.

In addition, a study by the Environmental Science & Technology Journal shows that linen is significantly more environmentally friendly than cotton. Cotton requires around 10,000 to 20,000 liters of water per kilogram of harvest and is heavily dependent on the use of pesticides - an enormous burden on the environment. Linen, on the other hand, only requires around 1,500 to 2,000 liters of water per kilogram to grow and uses significantly fewer pesticides.

These factors make linen a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious shoppers. Not only is linen durable, but it is also an ecological alternative to cotton.

Microfiber – synthetic and therefore not the best choice for our health.

Microfiber is an inexpensive and easy-care option for bedding that hardly wrinkles and is therefore popular with many. However, microfiber has significant disadvantages compared to pure linen. Microfiber performs poorly in terms of breathability in particular. It retains body heat and prevents effective ventilation. This can lead to a humid climate in the bed that promotes the growth of bacteria and dust mites. A study from the Journal of Applied Microbiology shows that synthetic materials such as microfiber promote the growth of bacteria and fungi because they cannot wick away moisture. These humid conditions are an ideal environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers in particular.

In addition, microfiber is made of synthetic fibers made from petrochemicals. These fibers are not biodegradable and thus contribute to the plastic waste problem. A study by the Environmental Science & Technology Journal found that when synthetic textiles such as microfiber decompose, they release microplastic particles that enter the environment and pollute the ecosystem. Microfiber is therefore not only less breathable, but also a less sustainable choice compared to natural materials such as pure linen.

Another problem with microfiber is its electrostatic charge, which attracts dust, hair and other particles - an effect that is not found in natural linen. Linen has naturally antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and mites. Studies from the University of Milan show that linen, due to its structure and natural properties, prevents the growth of bacteria and thus contributes to a hygienic sleeping environment. Microfiber, on the other hand, cannot offer this advantage due to the lack of natural antibacterial effect.

The combination of poor breathability, promotion of bacterial growth, environmentally harmful manufacturing and electrostatic charge makes microfiber a less healthy and sustainable choice compared to pure linen.

Silk – luxurious but delicate

Silk is often considered to be particularly luxurious and skin-friendly. Its soft, smooth texture ensures a pleasant sleeping experience and is often used for high-quality bed linen. However, compared to pure linen, silk has some limitations that make it less advantageous in certain areas. It is particularly worth mentioning that silk is a very high-maintenance fiber that can tear easily and requires special cleaning. This is in contrast to pure linen, which is not only easy to care for but also extremely durable.

In terms of breathability, silk does offer some ventilation, but it is not as effective as pure linen. According to a study in the Journal of Textile Science & Technology , linen is able to absorb up to 20% of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp, while silk is less effective in this regard. This means that silk is not quite as breathable and in certain conditions the sleeping environment can be more humid, which encourages the growth of bacteria.

A key advantage of pure linen is its natural antibacterial effect. Studies by the University of Milan show that linen inhibits the proliferation of bacteria and dust mites, making it particularly suitable for allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin. Silk, on the other hand, does not offer such natural antibacterial properties. An article in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health points out that silk has no significant effect against bacteria, which puts it at a disadvantage in terms of hygiene compared to linen.

In addition, environmental friendliness also plays a role. Silk is obtained from the cocoons of the silkworm, which means higher water consumption and a larger ecological footprint compared to linen. A study by the Environmental Science & Technology Journal shows that the production of silk is associated with significant environmental impacts, especially in terms of water consumption and the treatment of the caterpillars. In contrast, linen requires significantly less water and pesticides. According to another study by the Environmental Impact of Textiles , linen has a much lower water consumption in cultivation and is less dependent on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

So if you are looking for a combination of comfort, hygiene, sustainability and ease of care, pure linen is a superior choice. Linen is not only impressive due to its long-lasting and hygienic properties, but also due to its environmentally friendly production and the natural advantages that silk cannot offer in comparison.

5. Why you should choose pure linen

Pure linen combines sustainability, durability and comfort to perfection. Our Kanela pure linen in particular impresses with high-quality craftmanship, natural materials and a timeless look. While mixed linen is often a compromise and other materials have their own weaknesses, pure linen remains the best choice for a healthy and stylish sleeping environment.

The most important reasons for Kanela Pure Linen:

• Made in Lithuania – one of the leading regions for premium linen.
• Thread density of 160 g/m² – perfect balance between lightness and durability.
• Stonewashed finish – particularly soft from the beginning, crease-resistant and easy to care for.
• 100% natural flax fibers – sustainable, durable and environmentally friendly.

Experience for yourself how pure linen improves your sleep quality – with the high-quality linen bed linen from Kanela.