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Parachute HomeA set of high-quality sheets is a must-have for any bedroom. I've said as much before.
What I've yet to cover in any great depth is what type of high-quality bed sheets you should spend your hard-earned paycheck on. After having slept on linen sheets for the past month, though, I'm comfortable recommending them over sateen or percale sheets as the ones you should have on your bed this spring and summer, or if you generally sleep warm.
As someone who easily overheats at night, when I initially opened the linen sheet set I ordered from a direct-to-consumer bedding company called Parachute, I was skeptical. The fabric was much thicker and heavier than the sateen sets I normally made my bed with — seemingly too heavy for something that positions itself as providing users a light and airy sleep experience, or at least, that's what I thought. I'm happy to report, though, my doubts were unfounded.
"Linen is a great fabric for summer or those who live in hot and humid climates," Parachute's founder and CEO Ariel Kaye told me. "This is because linen fibers are hollow, allowing air and moisture to move throughout. Ancient Egyptians prized the fabric for its wicking properties and breathability. Because of its hollow fiber, linen is also great for winter. It’s acts as natural insulator, retaining your body warmth in cold weather."
These benefits do not come without costs though; Parachute’s linen sheet sets are considerably more expensive than its sateen and percale ones. A full/queen-size linen duvet cover goes for $229, whereas its percale and sateen counterparts go for $100 less. "The process of producing and manufacturing linen is much more arduous," Kaye explained to me.
Without getting too technical, linen fabric is made from the cellulose fibers that grow inside of the stalks of the flax plant. "Not only does the flax plant require a lot of attention to grow, the fibers are also very difficult to weave. Both of these factors contribute to the higher price tag," Kaye told me. "But once you’ve slept on linen, you understand why it’s worth every penny." I don't have much disposal income to my name, yet I'm inclined to agree with her. My nights sleeping on Parachute's linen sheets have been some of my most comfortable in recent memory.
Parachute HomeIn reading up on the benefits of linens beyond comfort, I learned it is moth-resistant and that it repels dirt, prevents bacterial growth, and wicks perspiration away from the skin. Kaye told me it's also the fabric of choice among with allergies or skin conditions and that it's the most durable natural fiber in the world. "When you purchase linen, you’re investing in bedding that will last a long time."
The sheets just look great, too. I enjoy the casual, lived-in look of linen, and I have a feeling a lot of Insider Picks readers will as well. If your bed sheets could stand to be upgraded (and they probably can), have a look at Parachute's luxurious linen collection.
For those who'd like something quick, easy, and all-encompassing, I suggest you go with the Linen Venice Set, which includes a duvet cover, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. (My only gripe is that I wish this set came with a flat sheet, too.) For those who'd prefer to customize their sleep experience, you should check out Parachute's separates section, which lets create your own set piece by piece.
Parachute's bedding is available for twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king-sized mattresses.
My queen-size bed is currently made with Parachute's Linen Venice Set in Fog ($399) and Parachute's Linen Top Sheet in Fog ($99).
