What is linen? Behind the enduring appeal of the classic bedding material

• Linen is made from the flax plant and has been around for centuries.
• It's known for being breathable and temperature-regulating, making it a great choice for bedding.
• Linen is easy to wash and dries quickly — and also gets softer and more comfortable over time.

When it comes to a classic bedding fabric, nothing quite compares to linen, one of the oldest textiles in human history. Ancient Egyptians used it to preserve their dead, wrapping mummies in yards and yards of the fabric. Other cultures have used it to make everything from fishing nets to clothing. Over time, it has became a catch-all term for bedding and the linen we're all familiar with today.

Nowadays, bed "linens" are not just made from actual linen, but may contain cotton or polyester-blends, bamboo, eucalyptus, silk, or other materials. Linen itself is still considered a premium textile and a popular option for sheets and pillowcases - but what exactly is the material made from and how did it make its way into our homes?

Quick tip: Looking to make the switch to linen sheets? Insider Reviews tested five popular brands - including Parachute, Brooklinen, and Loomstead - at every price point.

What is linen made of?

According to Anna Heyd, co-founder of the aptly-named Canadian bedding brand Flax Sleep, true linen is made from the flax plant - yes, as in flaxseed, the powerful superfood. It's woven into fabric and used in clothing, tablecloths, bedding, and other types of housewares.

How to wash linen

Linen not only gets better over time, it can also last a long while - as long as you take care of it properly. Heyd washes her linen bedding and bath towels with a natural detergent in cold water and dries them on medium heat. Heyd also recommends having a few fitted sheets in your bedding rotation and always use a mattress protector to ensure that your linen lasts as long as the rest of your bedding set.

Quick tip: Never use fabric softener on linen. "It will break down the fibers rapidly and drastically affect the lifespan of your linen," she says.

Why linen is so popular

When it comes to bedding or any type of textile that is going to be sitting against your skin for a good amount of time, it's got to be comfortable. Thankfully, modern linen is not the same as the old-school linen from ancient times and many bedding brands like Brooklinen and Snowe are known for their ultra-soft material. Plus, it's a good all-weather fabric to have on your bed no matter what time of year it is. "Linen is a more breathable fabric than cotton so it tends to sleep cooler," says Heyd, which is perfect if you're a hot sleeper. She does point out that it's temperature-regulating, so it also works if you're a cool sleeper.

There's also the sustainability factor. While some linen bedding brands, like Citizenry, VivaTerra, and Coyuchi, are focused on organic, eco-conscious, and fair-trade growing and production, linen is naturally sustainable. "Flax plants use less water and fewer pesticides in the cultivation process than cotton which makes it more sustainable," says Heyd. She also points out that linen tends to dry quicker than cotton, essentially requiring less energy.

Linen can go beyond the bedroom

Linen can be used in other areas of the home, not just in the bedroom. It's a good fabric to keep in the bathroom and the kitchen, according to Heyd, whose brand offers bath towels, robes, and kitchen options in addition to bedding. "Linen is very quick to dry and is naturally antimicrobial so we love these towels as an alternative to a Turkish cotton towel," she says. "Linen makes beautiful napkins, dish towels, and aprons."

Insider's takeaway

There's good reason why linen has been an enduring fabric. It checks all the boxes, from being a worth-it investment for your home to being good for the planet. Heyd is happy to see that the ancient natural fibers have sustained in the home goods realm and in the fashion industry.

"I think this has been brought about by a bigger shift towards sustainability, which is a great thing," she says. "Linen has an effortless look that people are responding well to, and the fact that it feels better and gets softer the more you wash and use it, gives it a huge leg up on most of its natural fiber counterparts."