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  3. The French Linen Sheets for the Best Sleep of Your Life

The French Linen Sheets for the Best Sleep of Your Life

Buying Guide

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The French Linen Sheets for the Best Sleep of Your Life
January 1, 2025

It’s no secret that high-quality sheets are a key ingredient to great sleep. There are lots of nice bed sheets around, like bamboo sheets and high thread count cotton sheets. But let’s talk about why you need French linen sheets - the pinnacle of quality and softness. French linen sheets are not only durable, absorbent, and hypoallergenic, but they also look amazing (without having to pick up an iron!). Our French linen sheets buying guide will explain the intricate differences between regular linen and French linen and why they should be your next sheet purchase.

Why choose French linen sheets?

Here are four great reasons why you should choose French linen sheets.

Firstly, French linen sheets are not only breathable and eco-friendly they’re also temperature-regulating, making them a great option for hot sleepers who struggle to get quality sleep in Australia’s warmer months. Secondly, French linen bedding is one of the softest materials available for sheets and they continue to get softer over time. So, there’s no need to add any of the fabric softeners you might need to use with other types of sheets.

Thirdly, their crisp texture, tight weave and thick linen thread make for an effortlessly luxurious and stylish look and an incredible feeling of quality when you’re in bed. Lastly, the fourth (very good) reason why you should choose French linen sheets from Amart is affordability. While French linen sets are at the upper end of the bed linen price scale, they are still within reach of the average Australian. What’s more, they’re highly durable, so they’re a worthy investment that will last much longer than cheaper alternatives.

What is French Linen?

The term ‘French linen’ can only be applied to 100% certified French linen. This means the linen is made 100% from long staple flax plants grown in France.

While flax is cultivated for linen production in many parts of the world, it is Western European flax grown in France, Belgium and the Netherlands that is regarded as the best. Some people have a hard time choosing between Belgian linen from Belgian flax and French linen from French flax as both make superior linen products.

Choosing the perfect colour

The beauty of our French linen range is that it sticks to neutral and earthy colours like in the Perago Home French Linen Sheet Set, allowing the luxurious look of the natural fibres and weave to shine. Because linen is so durable and long-lasting, the neutral colour of your sheets will never be out of season. Add extra colour with quality linen from our Perago Home range including duvet covers, cushions and throw rugs.

What thread count should I opt for?

Thread count is calculated by counting the number of horizontal threads and vertical threads which make up a 10cm2 piece of fabric. However, linen sheets are not measured in thread count because linen yarns are double the thickness of cotton yarns. So linen sheets are given a rating based on grams per square metre (GSM). This measurement gives an indication of fabric weight, which for French linen, is around 160 - 190GSM. So, they’re light enough to be cool in the Australian summer but heavy enough to keep you warm in winter, ensuring year-round comfort.

When buying bamboo or cotton sheets, a high thread count denotes quality linen as does the type of fibre. For example, high thread count Egyptian cotton and organic linen sit at a higher price point than regular cotton or microfibre. Amart’s high-quality range of sheet sets includes a variety of materials, such as:

  • Bamboo sheets
  • Percale cotton sheets
  • Sateen sheets
  • Microfibre sheets
  • Bamboo & cotton or linen & cotton blend sheets.

Do you prefer flat sheets, fitted sheets or both?

The way you like your bed made up and your sleep preferences are personal things. A fitted sheet has elasticised corners so that it hugs your mattress. While a flat sheet/top sheet is hemmed and sits neatly tucked over the top of a fitted sheet. If you have a very deep mattress, a flat sheet may ensure the best fit/coverage. However, a fitted sheet is easier to put on your bed, especially if one side of your bed is next to a wall.

And when it comes to what feels right for you while you sleep, some people like the feeling of being tucked in while others find it too confining, opting instead for a blanket or doona on top of them. Amart’s French linen sets come with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases so that you can choose what suits you best.

Make sure you’re buying high-quality French linen sheet sets

There’s a subtle yet important distinction between French linen and French flax linen. The term French linen is reserved for linen derived from French flax and manufactured in France using techniques that have been perfected over time since their inception in the 15th century. Similarly, French flax linen is also made from French flax plants, however, it is manufactured offshore.

Both types of linen are of high quality, but it’s important to understand the difference in terminology if you’re seeking a genuine product.

Learn the difference between linen and French linen

French linen and linen differ in their construction, texture, and appearance. While both materials are made using flax, French linen is made from long staple flax while linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant.

Linen is a popular choice for clothing because it’s durable and breathable, however, it can be difficult to clean and is prone to wrinkling. French linen is stronger, drapes better than regular linen, is naturally low-pilling, and has been treated in a way that makes it easy to clean. What’s more, its tight weave means it doesn’t wrinkle easily. So, an investment in French linen means you can put your iron away.

Caring for your French linen sheets

Get the most out of your French linen sheet sets with a few simple care tips.

Washing: To reduce the chance of fading over time, we recommend machine washing your French linen sheets in cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water. It’s also a good idea to refrain from using optical brighteners or bleach as these could leave marks on the fabric. A wool detergent would be a safe choice.

Drying: Linen is a natural fibre and is, therefore, best suited to line drying in the shade to maximise its life and further reduce the risk of fading. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting.

Linen: There’s no ironing required for linen sheets! They look beautiful when laid fresh off the line. However, if you’d prefer to iron them, give them a light water spray first before ironing on your lowest setting.

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