The main difference between cotton and linen is that cotton is more flexible, softer, and has a smoother texture than linen.
Cotton and linen are two types of natural or organic textiles. They can be used to make many products, including clothing (dresses, pants, shirts, etc.), bedding, and bath linen. Both fabrics are hypoallergenic. But linen is somewhat better for people with allergies.
Key Terms Covered
1. What is Cotton
– Definition, Features
2. What is Linen
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Cotton and Linen
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cotton, Linen
What is Cotton
Cotton is a breathable fabric made from cotton plants. It is one of the most commonly used fabrics. It’s used for clothing like t-shirts, dresses, trousers, etc., bedding, bath linens, and even medical supplies.
There are many styles and varieties of cotton available in different price ranges. Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, Supima cotton, short-staple cotton, and long-staple cotton are some types of cotton. Cotton also comes in different weaves. Sateen, percale, and Oxford are the three most common cotton weaves. Cotton with low thread counts is coarse and scratchy and creates small balls on the surface. However, high-quality cotton has higher thread counts. Cotton fabrics, especially cotton sheets, become softer and more comfortable with each wash. Moreover, they wick away moisture and are naturally breathable.
The advantages of cotton are that it is natural, soft, breathable and cool, and good for people with allergies. The main disadvantages are that they are expensive and not as durable as synthetic fabric.
What is Linen
Linen is a fabric made from flax plants. Linen is strong, durable, absorbent, and comfortable in dry weather. Although it is somewhat similar to cotton, linen can retain moisture for a long period of time and dries quickly. It is also more biodegradable than cotton. However, linen tends to wrinkle very easily. We use linen to make many products: clothing (dresses, pants, etc.), bedding, aprons, towels, napkins, tablecloths, runners, bags, etc. It’s a very popular bedding option. There are many different types of linen including plain woven, loosely woven, damask, and sheeting.
Linen is one of the oldest natural fabrics in the world; it was even used in ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and ancient Mesopotamia. Today, it’s an expensive textile that is produced in small quantities (especially when we compare it to synthetic fabrics). This is mainly because linen production is laborious and time-consuming.
Linen is cool and soft to the touch, but it gets softer the more we wash it. It is not very difficult to take care of linen since it is resistant to stains or dirt. It also has a tendency to pill or lint. However, perspiration, bleach, and mildew can damage linen fabrics. We can clean linen by machine washing, dry cleaning, or steaming. Moreover, linen can withstand high temperatures. Since linen tends to wrinkle easily, it requires constant ironing, especially formal wear.
Difference Between Cotton and Linen
Definition
Cotton is a breathable fabric made from cotton plants, while linen is a fabric made from flax plants.
Nature
Cotton is more flexible and softer than linen.
Texture
Cotton has a smoother texture than linen.
Weight
Moreover, linen is heavier while cotton is lightweight.
Absorbency
Although both fabrics are absorbent, cotton is slightly more absorbent than linen.
Breathability
Cotton is less breathable, whereas linen is more breathable.
Durability
Linen is more durable than cotton.
Biodegradability
Linen is more biodegradable than cotton
Conclusion
The main difference between cotton and linen is that cotton is more flexible, softer, and has a smoother texture than linen. However, linen is more durable and biodegradable than cotton.
Reference:
1. “What Is Cotton Fabric: Properties, How Its Made and Where.” Sewport.
2. “What Is Linen Fabric: Properties, How Its Made and Where.” Sewport.
Image Courtesy:
1. “White-Digital-Print-Egyptian-Cotton-Shirting-Fabric” By “tradeuno”- Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Linen fabric” By Mr Thinktank (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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