Yes, linen is good to sleep in, especially if you run warm: the flax fiber absorbs and releases moisture quickly and feels cool against the skin, which makes it comfortable in hot weather. The trade-offs are that linen wrinkles easily and has very little natural stretch, so the best linen sleepwear is cut relaxed.
Below is what linen actually does well, where it falls short, how our Linen Blend (55% linen, 45% viscose) is cared for, and how it compares with the TENCEL™ Modal used in our Gisele pajamas.
What linen is
Linen is fabric made from flax. Flax (or linen) fiber comes from the bast, the fibrous layer just beneath the outer skin of the flax plant's stem, Linum usitatissimum. The fiber is freed from the stalks by retting, a fermentation process, followed by drying, crushing and beating before it is spun.
- Plant-based: linen is a natural cellulose fiber, not a synthetic.
- Strong: linen is stronger than cotton.
- Low stretch: the fiber has poor elasticity, which is the reason it creases.
Why linen works for sleep
The properties that make linen a summer fabric are the same ones that make it pleasant at night.
- Moisture handling: linen absorbs and releases moisture quickly, and it dries faster than cotton.
- Cool feel: linen conducts heat well, so it feels cool to the touch and comfortable in hot weather.
- Gets softer over time: linen is commonly described as getting softer the more it is washed. Treat this as a general tendency rather than a promise; how quickly it happens depends on the weave and finish.
If you sleep hot, linen is worth a look alongside the other fabrics in our guide to the best cooling pajamas.
The downsides to know before you buy
- Wrinkles: because linen has little elasticity, it creases quickly. Many people like the relaxed look; if you do not, a cool iron helps.
- No built-in stretch: linen does not recover like a knit with elastane, so fit comes from the cut. Look for elastic or drawcord waists and easy shapes.
- Texture: linen's low elasticity gives it a hard, smooth texture, so it can feel crisper than a knit, especially when new.
Eberjey Linen Blend: what it is made of
Our Linen Blend is 55% linen and 45% viscose, and Eberjey describes the fabric as verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning it was processed without harmful chemicals. Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber made by the viscose process, so the blend is entirely cellulose-based. Every piece below comes in sizes XS–XL.
- Linen Blend Relaxed Pant ($168): flat front waistband, elastic back and adjustable drawcord in a relaxed fit.
- Linen Blend Relaxed Short ($138): relaxed fit with an elastic cinched back, adjustable twill drawcord and front pleats.
- Linen Blend Relaxed Top ($158): a button-down 3/4 sleeve top with drop shoulders and blouson cuffs.
- Linen Blend V Neck Cami ($128): double V neckline, wide straps and an easy A-line shape.
- Linen Blend Short Dress ($178): a relaxed baby doll dress with balloon sleeves.
- Linen Blend Long Sleeve Robe ($198): a mid-length robe with an adjustable belt and a locker loop at the back neck. See more in our robes collection.
Prefer 100% linen? The Organic Linen Knit High Waisted Pant ($158) is made from 100% linen that Eberjey describes as verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, with an elastic waistband and a relaxed wide leg.
Linen blend vs. TENCEL™ Modal for sleep
Both are cellulose fibers, but they behave differently. Modal is a regenerated cellulose fiber made by a modified viscose process with a high wet modulus, and our Gisele fabric adds 5% elastane for stretch. The Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Long PJ Set ($158, sizes XXS–XXL) is 95% LENZING™ TENCEL™ Modal and 5% elastane.
| Feature | Linen Blend | Gisele TENCEL™ Modal |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 55% linen, 45% viscose | 95% LENZING™ TENCEL™ Modal, 5% elastane |
| Feel | Airy, textured, relaxed drape | Smooth knit with stretch |
| Stretch | Little; linen has low elasticity | Stretch from 5% elastane |
| Washing | Machine wash cold, gentle cycle | Turn inside out; machine wash cold, gentle cycle |
| Bleach | Do not bleach | Only non-chlorine bleach when needed |
| Drying | Line dry | Tumble dry low |
| Ironing | Cool iron if needed | Warm iron if necessary |
| Price | $128–$198 | $158 (Long PJ Set) |
Choose linen if you love a crisp, breezy feel and a lived-in look; choose modal if you want stretch and a smoother, close-to-skin feel. For a wider comparison, read our complete sleepwear fabric guide or browse Gisele pajamas.
How to care for Linen Blend
Follow the care label on every Linen Blend piece: Machine wash cold with like colors on gentle cycle. Do not bleach. Line dry. Cool iron if needed. Remove promptly after wash. In practice:
- Wash in cold water with like colors on a gentle cycle.
- Skip bleach of any kind.
- Take pieces out of the machine promptly and hang them to line dry instead of using the dryer.
- If you want a smoother finish, use a cool iron.
For more on making sleepwear last, see how to care for luxury sleepwear.
Frequently asked questions
Is linen good to sleep in?
Yes. Linen absorbs and releases moisture quickly, dries faster than cotton and feels cool to the touch, which makes it comfortable in warm weather and for people who sleep hot. It does wrinkle easily and has little stretch, so relaxed cuts work best.
Does linen wrinkle in bed?
Yes. Linen has low elasticity, so it creases easily. Many people enjoy the relaxed look; if you prefer a smoother finish, our Linen Blend care label allows a cool iron if needed.
What is Eberjey Linen Blend made of?
Eberjey Linen Blend is 55% linen and 45% viscose. Eberjey describes the fabric as verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
Can I put Linen Blend pajamas in the dryer?
No. The care label says to machine wash cold with like colors on a gentle cycle, not to bleach, to line dry, to cool iron if needed and to remove promptly after washing.
Is linen better than modal for hot sleepers?
It depends on what you like. Linen feels cool and dries quickly but has no stretch; Eberjey Gisele TENCEL™ Modal is a smooth knit with 5% elastane for stretch. Hot sleepers who like a crisp, airy feel may prefer linen.
Does linen get softer with washing?
Linen is commonly described as getting softer the more it is washed. How fast that happens depends on the fabric, so wash it as the care label directs and expect the hand to relax over time.
