Cotton, like linen, is very commonly used for sewing various garments and other items. But which of these materials is better? Linen or cotton? We show the most important properties and advantages of the different fabrics.
Production costs
Linen products are significantly more expensive to produce than tree products. This is because the work process is relatively complex. In the manufacture of linen products, all processes and work steps are mechanical and are therefore quite time-consuming. On the other hand, they usually last much longer than the cotton versions. In the long run, it is therefore worth spending a little more money. In addition, buying clothes made of linen can be more sustainable and you make an effective contribution to environmental protection.
Linen or cotton? The properties in comparison!
Linen yarn is made from so-called bast fibers and is very durable. This is partly due to the large thread strength of 70 tex (cotton only has 28 tex). For this reason, linen fabrics can be used for many years and even after 20 years they do not retain their excellent properties. This is usually different from cotton products. Because these often fade from the sun and then no longer look new. In addition, linen has a lower breaking load and higher abrasion resistance.
The main advantages of linen fabric:
- robust
- durable
- more breathable
- abrasion resistant
- doesn’t fade that quickly
- better water absorbency and water release
Another advantage of the linen fabric is the fact that it is much better protected against heat and therefore does not absorb it as quickly as cotton, for example. Even when the temperature is high, it gives you a cooling feeling and when it’s cold outside, it keeps you warm. There are therefore many advantages that speak in favor of the former when comparing linen vs cotton. Only the slightly higher price speaks against it.
Prices for high-quality cotton and linen
It was briefly mentioned above that the production of linen fabric is significantly more complex than the production of cotton fabric. For this reason, the former is also significantly more expensive. One meter of machine-woven linen with a width of 1.50 meters costs between 13 and 35 euros. Among other things, weight is crucial.
High-quality hand-woven linen is even more expensive. Here you have to pay between 35 euros and 50 euros. But you also get a handmade and qualitatively excellent product.
Cotton is usually a bit cheaper and costs an average of 12 to 16 euros per meter. Both materials have their advantages. Nevertheless, linen fabric can convince a little more on many levels and is, therefore, the first choice for many people. Also, note other properties of fabric types and their care instructions.
