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Cosy and chic, without needing to iron

Much like a beloved linen dress brought out year after year to keep you cool (and chic) during hot and sticky summer days, this material has some real benefits come bedtime, too. With its delightful rumpled finish, linen looks lovely fresh out of the tumble dryer (which means no need to iron) and it tends to get softer with every wash.

It’s eco-friendly, as well. Linen is made from flax – a totally natural and biodegradable plant. No additional water aside from rain is needed to grow flax – a far cry from the 10,000 litres required for just 1kg of cotton. Every part can be used, vastly reducing wastage; linseed oil is made from its stalk, for example.

Still not convinced? Well, there are also some beauty benefits to sleeping in linen. If you have sensitive skin, one of the biggest aggravators can be sleeping on scratchy or synthetic material. “Linen’s natural softness can be a real treat if you have delicate skin,” says founder of luxury bedding brand Bedfolk, Jo James.“Its fibres are bacteria resistant and hypoallergenic, making it a win-win for hot sleepers and those with acne-prone skin.”

So, as the warmer weather is on the way, it might be time to swap your heavier Egyptian cotton bedding for linen instead. “Its unique weave allows for increased airflow and makes it highly breathable,” says Jo. “Plus, its moisture-wicking properties have the effect of a natural antiperspirant for hot nights spent tossing and turning,”

We certainly think it’s worth keeping one or two sets in your roster, along with a silky set and some classic cotton sheets. Here, see the Bazaar verdict on the very best luxury linen bedding sets and separates.

Bedfolk's linen bedding is soft, weighty to the touch and washes beautifully. The brand's staple colour range features hues that tone nicely together if you're looking to mix-and-match but here, we've featured its new (and very classic) limited-edition striped set. Act fast if you're tempted.

When we're looking for quality hotel-style basics, Soak & Sleep is always a go-to. Its linen bedding is soft, comes in nine colours and is heavy enough to work throughout the colder months as well as the summer season. There's a 25% off sale on now, too.

With 24 colours to choose from, La Redoute's selection is one of the most impressive on this list. With the brand's famous sales running frequently, expect to be able to pick up several new sets at a price that might surprise you. One note? Shipping times tend to vary as a lot of stock is shipped over from France. Expect wait times of up to three weeks for your new wares; something to bear in mind if you need something quickly.

PIB has the largest range of colours on offer we've found – in both rich solid hues and some daintier Scandi-style stripes. We also like its bundle builder, which helps you create a scheme easily without having to flick between multiple tabs on the same site.

This pearly pale grey hue is fresh and minimal without feeling stark or cold. The feminine frilly pillowcases add an extra flourish, too. Choose a full set or stock up on individual pieces and pair with the other shades – pink and navy – on offer.

Heal's linen offerings are Oeko-tex certified, upping its sustainability credentials. Essentially, this means they've been created completely free from materials or chemicals that are harmful to the body and the environment.

This ultra-pretty lilac hue is so on trend for 2022 and we love how the brand has styled it here with the contrasting olive green pillowcases, too.

Here's another Oeko-tex certified set, available in soft pink, grey or classic white. Mother-of-pearl button fastenings add an extra flash of luxury. Build up your own set, or opt for a bundle for a modest saving.

If you like a midcentury look, head to Made.com. While the neutral tones in its mix-and-match linen bedding range are perfectly lovely, it's the vibrant mustard, charcoals and deep pink pieces that have earned a place in our homes. Pair with each other for a bold scheme or, for something a little more soothing, temper with the more neutral colours like that pictured here.

For quality basics at pleasing prices, H&M Home is well worth a perusal. For a king-sized set including a cover and two pillowcases, its premium linen offerings are just under £80. Unusually, the brand offers valances in complementary shades too, so you can create a full linen scheme from bed head to foot.

Panda is more typically known for its bamboo bedding range. Softer and slippier than cotton, bamboo is actually the world’s fastest growing plant and only needs a third as much water as cotton, making it the most sustainable bedding material around.

Here, Panda has created a bamboo/linen blend which has all the lovely textural benefits of linen while staying smooth and silky like bamboo. What's not to like?