Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

First off, linen sheets aren't for everyone. For anyone that has never actually felt linen or never realized what it was they were feeling, the texture is completely different from cotton and, to those used to smooth fabrics, actual linen can feel a bit rough. But it's precisely this quality that makes others love it. I'm no stranger to linen, but I never considered sleeping on linen sheets simply because linen is one of the most expensive fabrics you can purchase and I assumed I'd never be able to afford them without setting money aside. So when I saw a set for $149.99 with good reviews, I knew I had to snatch them up. I ordered the white set in a queen size. Expedited shipping was only $11, so I "splurged" and my order arrived in three days (it would have been two, but the post office was closed on Thanksgiving). I've noticed some reviewers mention their set arrived in a linen bag. Mine came in a box and the sheets were wrapped in plastic, not that this bothered me. I don't know what I'd have done with the bag, anyway. The sheets had a nice heft to them, which pleased me because I'd prefer these to last me until I die, however morbid that sounds, so I'd prefer them not to be too thin. As expected, the sheets were quite stiff and scratchy right out of the box, but anyone who knows a thing about linen knows that it only gets softer the more you wash it, so a first wash is crucial to break linen in. Thankfully, the company was kind enough to put a small pamphlet in the box that not only contains detailed instructions on how to care for your new sheets, but gives a concise history of linen through the ages and why it's such an important fabric from a historical perspective. As a huge history fan, this information really put a smile on my face. How cool is it that you get a small history lesson with your new product? Plus it's nice the manufacturer's don't leave you to search for a tag to figure out how to wash them. The sheets also had a nice sheen to them and upon inspecting the fabric it was so nice to see the interesting texture to it that most cotton sheets lack. I've seen some instructions in other reviews that are quite contrary to the instructions that came with my set, and I've no idea where their information comes from or if the company has amended their care instructions. My pamphlet said to wash the sheets on the regular cycle in cold water with mild detergent and to tumble dry on low heat. Ironing is not necessary and fabric softener is okay. Despite what you may have read, linen does not always need to be dry cleaned. I knew from past experience with other linen items that it can take a few washes to really break the fabric in, plus I expected the sheets, being new, to give off a hefty amount of lint. I checked the lint trap in the dryer when the set was done for the first time and let's just say I was not wrong. I went ahead and washed the set four times in a row to really break them in and get all the lint out. Most of it was gone by the third wash and there was virtually no lint in the trap after the fourth. I don't necessarily recommend anyone wash them this many times prior to use, but if you have a day off and nothing else to do, it's not like it will hurt them. At the very least, I'd wash them twice before using the first time. And please don't use a gentle cycle. You really need to break linen fibers in, so don't be afraid to hurt them. Linen is a very durable fabric. Finally, after the fourth wash, it was time to put these babies on the bed. The sheets already felt airy and nice as I carried them to my bedroom and they went on the mattress easily due to the deep pockets. Those who haven't ever felt linen will immediately notice it has a texture to it that cotton doesn't. Coming from a nice pair of Egyptian cotton sheets, I appreciated that the sheets had a "personality" to them my other set didn't and you can almost feel the history behind the fabric the first time you slide between the sheets. I was more than happy to feel how breathable the fabric was and loved how it kept me insulated from the ceiling fan blowing full force above the bed without making me feel hot. My fiance got home and felt the sheets and said, "It feels like a burlap sack!" I said, "Just try them." An hour later, as he was snuggled between them watching TV, he said, "These are pretty nice." He was pleased when I informed him they only get softer with age and this set can last us a lifetime. And if he ever spills anything on them, the sheets may outlast him. If you're thinking of trying linen sheets, there is no need to go all out and purchase a $900 set. These sheets are well-made, good quality, and are perfectly snug and cozy while offering all the benefits of linen (extremely long lifespan, perfect for cool and hot sleepers, unsurpassed moisture-wicking quality, etc.) at a great price. Not to mention they're organic (that appeals to some). They may take some getting used to for new converts, especially if you're used to completely smooth (in my opinion this equals bland) fabrics, but once you spend some time in them you may just love them. Update: Last night was my first night sleeping in these sheets, and I am even further satisfied with them. I am a hot sleeper and even in relatively pricey Egyptian cotton sheets, I still tend to sweat. My fiance is the opposite and gets cold. So I was so pleased I did not sweat at all last night and he was perfectly insulated. It is so weird to describe, but it's like the linen keeps you in a perfect statis whereby you're not cold or warm, you're just right where you want to be. When we woke up, my fiance said, "These breathe really well" and he is now fully convinced I made a good choice.