What is the difference between Cotton and Linen?

A lot of people confuse the two fabrics, linen and cotton. They feel like both can be used interchangeably without major differences. But in reality, there are major contrasts between cotton and linen that are not known to the majority of people. 

Right from the source of the fabric, to the texture of the fabric, and even which is the better fabric to be worn during the summer heat waves, here are all the answers. 

What is the difference between Cotton and Linen?

Here are some of the major parameters that can help you differentiate between cotton and linen. 

• Source

Linen comes from the flax plant, whereas cotton comes from the cotton plant. The process of transforming flax into linen is far more rigorous when compared to cotton harvesting. 

• Texture 

For people who are used to wearing soft fabrics, a new linen fabric could feel quite coarse! Line requires time to soften up over time. Cotton is soft to the touch and feels right from the beginning, which is also the reason why cotton is more popular as a choice. 

• Temperature

Linen is more cooling to wear compared to cotton. Many people believe that cotton is the most comfortable fabric for hotter climates and weather, but the truth is in comparison, linen is a better choice than cotton. Linen allows sweat to evaporate easily, whereas cotton can hold onto moisture, making us sweat more. 

• Durability

If we move to a straight answer, then linen is stronger in its form and can endure wear and tear for a long time. Cotton is not as strong as linen, and can be affected in its material over a while. Thus, linen seems to be a clear better choice when it comes to the question of durability. 

• Wrinkling

Linen has the habit of wrinkling more easily because of its stiffer material quotient. People who want a more creasy look compared to a softer appearance opt to go for linen. This stiffness makes it look a bit more classy and sombre.  

Cotton, on the other hand, is more flexible and not as wrinkly as linen. Cotton can easily be smoothed out when ironed, giving it a seamless appearance when compared with linen.

• Cost

Due to the tougher conditions in which linen is produced, it is generally more expensive. The production process is also more labour-intensive, naturally increasing the costs of its emergence when compared to linen.

Cotton or Linen: Better Choice for Summer? 

Linen is the winner if we talk about which fabric to choose in the summer season. Here are some of the reasons for choosing linen over cotton in summer heat. 

• Natural Cooling: Linen is naturally more cooling in its properties as compared to cotton. It will help in keeping your body cool and breezy and preventing the accumulation of heat. 

• Prevents Bad Odour: It is a known fact that due to the excess heat in summer, fabrics can trap sweat, leading to the accumulation of bad body odour. Linen fabric prevents this from happening as compared to fabrics like cotton. 

Conclusion 

If you feel like you will be out in the natural heat of summer or directly under the sun, then linen would prove to be the better choice. 

If you feel like you will be staying indoors or in the presence of AC and cooler for most of the summer day, then you can choose to wear cotton.