Linen and Cotton fabrics are both made from natural fibers, and they’re both breathable, wick moisture well, and strong. But which is best for your clothes and sheets?

The main differences between linen and cotton are that linen is more durable and breathable, but has a rougher texture, while cotton is softer, stretchier, and retains heat better. Of the two, linen is more sustainable, although organic cotton is also a good choice.

Below, we’ve compared linen and cotton on several different attributes, including comfort & feel, durability, care & maintenance, and production & sustainability.

We’ve then assessed how these factors may affect your purchasing decisions for bedding and clothes. Let’s get started:

Table of Contents

• Definitions and Uses
• Comfort and Feel
• Durability
• Care and Maintenance
• Production & Environmental Impact
• Linen vs Cotton for Sheets
• Linen vs Cotton for Clothes

Linen vs Cotton Definition and Uses

Before we examine the differences in detail, let’s start with the basics:

Linen is a natural textile derived from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen fabric is known for its durability, breathability, and unique texture.

It is commonly used for clothing, particularly summer and resort wear, due to its exceptional ability to keep the wearer cool and comfortable in warm climates. Linen fabrics are also used for bedsheets, tablecloths, towels, and upholstery.

Cotton, another natural textile, is made from the soft fibers surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant. This versatile and widely-used fabric is renowned for its softness, comfort, and adaptability to various climates.

Cotton fabric is a staple in the fashion industry and is used for everything from t-shirts and jeans to dresses and underwear.

Cotton is also popular choice for bedsheets, towels, and home textiles. Its appearance can vary depending on the quality and type of cotton used, but it generally has a smooth, even texture that’s comfortable against the skin.

Linen vs Cotton: Comfort and Feel

Whether you’re wearing a shirt or in bed, the comfort of the fabric touching your skin is important. Let’s check out how linen and cotton measure up their softness, weight, and other factors that affect how comfortable they are:

Softness, Weight, and Thermal Insulation

Cotton fabric is known for its softness, while linen fabric has a slightly rougher texture – not exactly uncomfortable, but you notice the difference, although it does soften with use. In terms of weight, cotton fabric is generally lighter and less dense than linen fabric. This difference can be noticeable, especially if you’re sleeping under a sheet.

When it comes to regulating temperature, linen beats cotton. Linen fibers are woven looser than some other fabrics, which contributes to its excellent breathability and heat conductivity, helping to keep you cool when its hot. Cotton also boasts good breathability but retains heat more than linen, making it a more suitable choice for cooler seasons.

Moisture Absorption, Breathability, and Drying Time

Both linen and cotton excel in moisture absorption: linen fibers can absorb about 20% of their weight in water, while cotton fibers can absorb about 25% of their weight in water. You might assume cotton is superior to linen in humid conditions, but absorption alone does not tell the full story.

Although is doesn’t absorb quite as much moisture, linen has superior breathability and moisture-wicking; because its loosely woven, linen allows more airflow. This means that it dries quicker, so your sheets and clothes are less likely to feel damp in humid conditions.

Verdict: For Comfort, Linen vs Cotton is Down to Personal Preference

Linen’s excellent breathability and moisture absorption, makes it more ideal for hot, humid conditions, while cotton is a little better at keeping you warm. But for most people, it will come down to the texture – the smoother feel of cotton textile perhaps giving it a slight edge over linen.

Linen vs Cotton: Durability

When it comes to comparing the durability of linen and cotton, we’ve examined several factors, including tensile strength, resistance to staining, and resistance to wrinkling. Let’s see how these attributes (and more) affect the durability of linen and cotton:

Tensile Strength, Abrasion Resistance, and Elasticity

Linen fabric is known for its impressive tensile strength, both dry and wet, making it a more robust fabric compared to cotton. This strength translates into excellent abrasion resistance, meaning linen can withstand wear and tear better over time. Cotton, while still a durable fabric, may not offer the same level of resilience as linen.

In terms of elasticity, cotton fiber takes the lead. With its natural stretchiness, cotton textiles will maintain their shape and recover from deformation better, which is particularly useful in clothing. Linen fabrics are much less elastic than cotton ones and may not bounce back as quickly from being stretched or deformed.

Pilling Resistance

Linen is also more resistant to pilling than cotton, because it has longer fibers and is more resistant to abrasion, although the difference is minor and can be mitigated by buying high-quality cotton. Egyptian cotton, for example, has particularly long fibers.

UV Resistance, Colorfastness, and Mold & Mildew Resistance

Neither linen nor cotton resist UV rays as well as synthetic materials. They won’t hold their colors as well as these materials either, although they do not perform badly at this, with linen having an edge over cotton. The length your color holds is more likely to come down to how your garment is manufactured and how well you care for it.

As natural fibers, both linen and cotton can absorb a lot of water, making them susceptible to mold and mildew. Here, linen’s antibacterial properties give it an edge, although as long as you’re storing your clothes correctly this should not be an issue.

Verdict: Linen Beats Cotton for Durability

Linen’s superior tensile strength and abrasion resistance give it a win here. Given proper care, linen clothes and sheets are likely to outlast cotton clothes or sheets, although cotton is no slouch, particularly if it’s high-quality.

Care and Maintenance of Linen and Cotton Clothes

Caring for your linen and cotton clothes and bedsheets is essential to ensure their longevity and preserve their appearance, but which is easier to care for? In this section, we’ll compare these fabrics on washing, drying, stain resistance, wrinkling, shrinking, and fading.

Remember: these fabrics are often blended with others, and this can affect their care instructions. Always check the label!

Washing and Drying

When it comes to washing, both linen and cotton require gentle care. Linen should be washed in cold or lukewarm water using a mild detergent, and it can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle (check the label first).

Cotton is also best washed in cold water and can usually be machine-washed, but it’s essential to follow the care instructions on the garment’s label. Keep in mind that linen and cotton may shrink when exposed to high temperatures, so always opt for cold water when washing both fabrics.

When drying linen, it’s best to air-dry it flat or hang it, as it can become stiff when machine-dried and not all lien is tumble dry safe. Cotton can often tumble-dried on low heat, but air-drying is the gentlest and most energy-efficient option. Avoid high heat for both.

Stain Resistance, Wrinkling, and Fading

Both linen and cotton are prone to wrinkling, although linen particularly so. However, their distinct textures can make these wrinkles appear differently – and linen comes off better (at least in, in our opinion!). Linen’s natural creases often lend a casual, relaxed look, whereas cotton wrinkles appear more dishevelled. Both fabrics also stain easily, although with prompt action you should be able to get most stains out of both.

When it comes to colorfastness, both linen and cotton can lose color over time, either through washing or direct sunlight, but proper washing and drying techniques will help to maintain their vibrant colors. Always follow the care instructions on your garment’s label and avoid using harsh chemicals or exposing the fabric to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause fading.

Shrinkage

Both linen and cotton can shrink when exposed to high temperatures. To minimize shrinkage, always wash and dry your garments according to their care labels, and avoid using high heat. If you need to iron your linen or cotton items, use a low heat setting and iron them while they’re still slightly damp to avoid damaging the fibers.

Verdict: Cotton Is Slightly Easier to Care For Than Linen

This is a close one, but cotton edges it. Cotton is slightly less prone to wrinkling than linen and is more likely to be machine-washable.

Production & Environmental Impact of Linen and Cotton Production

We believe it’s important to choose fabrics not just on how they feel, but also how they affect our planet. Let’s see how these two natural fibers measure up:

Material Sourcing and Water Consumption

Linen is made from flax fibers, a hardy plant that can grow in less-than-ideal conditions are quires minimal water and pesticides during cultivation. In contrast, cotton plants require a lot of water, especially when grown in non-ideal conditions. Non-organic cotton relies heavily on irrigation, which can contribute to water scarcity and environmental stress.

Chemical Usage and Energy Consumption

Linen production generally uses very few chemicals, as flax requires little or no pesticide and herbicide application and no chemicals are required to create linen from flax.

The cotton industry is notorious for its heavy use of pesticides and insecticides, which can contaminate water sources and harm ecosystems. The only exception is organic cotton, which is produced using fewer chemicals.

When it comes to energy consumption, both linen’s requirements are again significantly lower. One kilogram of linen requires 10 MegaJoules to produce, while one kilogram of cotton requires 60 MegaJoules to produce. Cotton still uses less energy than many synthetic fabrics however.

Waste Generation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Both linen and cotton production generate some waste, including plant residues and byproducts from processing. Linen and cotton waste is sometimes repurposed, and both these natural fibers are biodegradable (see below)

Cotton production, due to its extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides, contributes to higher greenhouse gas emissions than linen production. Flax cultivation has a smaller carbon footprint, as it requires fewer inputs and generates fewer emissions.

Recyclability and Biodegradability

Both linen and cotton are recyclable and biodegradable, making them more environmentally friendly than synthetic fabrics. However, the recycling process for textiles can be complex and depends on the availability of facilities and technology. Biodegradability is an advantage for both fabrics, as they can break down naturally in the environment, reducing their long-term impact.

Sustainable Alternatives and Industry Initiatives

Organic cotton offers significant environmental benefits over standard cotton, as it relies on natural pest control methods and organic fertilizers, reducing the need for synthetic chemicals.

Verdict: Linen Is More Sustainable Than Cotton

In conclusion, linen generally has a smaller footprint due to its lower water consumption, chemical usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. Organic cotton is much better than normal cotton, but at an increased cost.

Linen vs Cotton Sheets – Which Should You Choose?

So, which fabric is the best choice for your bed sheets? Overall, linen is the superior fabric, especially in warmer weather. Linen sheets will keep you cool and should last for longer. Linen bedding is also more sustainable.

In cooler temperatures, cotton sheets will keep you warmer – and there’s also the fact that cotton bedding feels softer, which will be a deciding factor for many. If you do go for cotton sheets, make it organic cotton.

Should You Choose Linen or Cotton for Clothing?

Linen clothes are better than cotton clothes at keeping you cool, and they’ll also last longer and more sustainable. However, linen clothing will wrinkle more than cotton ones. Because it’s more sustainable, we favor linen, however organic cotton is also a good choice.

Nylon and polyester are both synthetic fabrics made from petroleum products. Fabric made from nylon fibers is softer, stretchier, and has a better drape. In comparison, polyester is stiffer, but has much better breathability and moisture wicking. Both nylon and polyester fabrics are strong, easy to care for, and stay relatively wrinkle-free.

Check out the comparison table below:

Nylon vs Polyester Comparison Table

Property	Nylon	Polyester
Other Names	–	PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Made From	Nylon is a synthetic polymer made from materials derived from petroleum.	Polyester is a synthetic fabric made using petroleum products, although it is increasingly made from recycled plastic bottles.
Advantages	Strong, lightweight, and easy to care for.	Very high durability, with good breathability and moisture wicking makes polyester a very practical fabric. Can be mass produced at low cost.
Disadvantages	Significant environmental concern.	Significant environmental concern.
Uses	Used extensively in fashion to make a wide range of items.	As a fabric, polyester is used widely in apparel and furnishings. Other uses include bottles and LCD displays.
Natural or Synthetic	Synthetic	Synthetic
Woven or Knitted	Either	Either
Thread Count	–	200-1000
Washing	Machine washable in hot or cold water (check label for which one is best for your garment). May last longer if hand washed.	Typically fine in the washing machine, but watch out for blends that need to be hand washed or washed in cooler water (always check the label first)
Drying	May wrinkle if dried in a dryer at hot settings. Opt for cooler settings or air dry.	Normally fine in a tumble dryer with a low heat setting (check the label first)
Ironing	Iron only on the lowest heat section without steam. Use a pressing cloth. Be careful because nylon can burn easily.	Can be ironed, typically on warm settings. Turn it inside out and use a covering cloth and steam to reduce direct heat. Too much heat can melt the garment.
Wrinkle Resistance	Don’t tend to wrinkle	Don’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Medium	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Medium	Good
Breathability	Poor	Very Good
Stretchability	High	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Medium (tends to melt rather than burn)	High (tends to melt rather than burn)
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Medium	Medium
Color-Fastness	Poor	Good
Strength	Excellent	Very Good
Durability	Excellent	Excellent
Drape	Fluid	Stiff
Softness	Good	Medium
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Virgin Nylon = E, Chemically Recycled Nylon = B, Mechanically Recycled Nylon = A	Virgin Polyester = D, Chemically Recycled Polyester = B, Mechanically Recycled Polyester = A
Sustainability Issues	Nylon is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled nylon products.	Polyester is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled polyester products.
Vegan	Yes	Yes

Both cotton and microfiber are widely used in fashion and furnishings (particularly bed sheets). Cotton is a natural fabric, while microfiber is made from plastics such as polyester and nylon. They have similar softness, heat retention, and moisture wicking, but cotton has superior breathability. Microfiber is stronger and more durable.

Read on for comparison table and full guide, including the final say on whether cotton sheets or microfiber sheets are better:

Microfiber vs Cotton Fabric Comparison Table

Property	Microfiber	Cotton
Other Names	–	–
Made From	Microfiber is a very fine synthetic yarn made from either polyester or a polyester and nylon blend.	Fibers from cotton plant seeds
Advantages	Soft, durable and lightweight with good moisture wicking. Popular for athletic wear.	Cotton fiber has superior wet strength and is a natural insulator. Cotton also has natural anti-microbial properties
Disadvantages	Significant environmental concern. Must be washed seperately from cotton.	Higher production costs than many other fabrics, particularly for organic cotton.
Uses	Apparel, particularly atheletic wear, furnishings and cleaning products – microfiber cloths.	Cotton is widely used in clothing, including to produce popular woven fabrics such as denim, flannel, and canvas. Also used for bedsheets, towels, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Synthetic	Natural
Woven or Knitted	Either	Woven
Thread Count	200-1,800	100-1000+
Washing	Typically machine washable cold or warm water. Don’t use fabric softeners and use a separate load from other fabrics (particularly cotton).	Typically fine in washing machine (always check the label first)
Drying	Ideally air dry. If you use a dryer, don’t use heat, just spin.	Often fine in tumble dryer, although shrinkage can occur especially if 100% cotton (check the label first). If unsure, air dry.
Ironing	Will rarely need ironing. Use a cool iron.	Iron while damp (use a spray) on high heat
Wrinkle Resistance	Doesn’t tend to wrinkle	Wrinkles easily
Heat Retention	Medium	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Good	Very Good
Stretchability	Medium	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Medium (tend to melt rather than burn)	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Medium	Poor
Color-Fastness	Medium-Good	Good
Strength	Very Good	Good, especially when wet (cotton gets stronger when wet)
Durability	Excellent	Good
Drape	Fluid	Medium
Softness	Good	Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Conventional Microfiber = E, Made from Recycled Polyester & Nylon = B	Conventional Cotton = E, Organic Cotton = B, Recycled Cotton = A
Sustainability Issues	Microfiber is made from plastics. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend using microfiber products made from recycled plastics only.	Cotton growing can be pesticide and water intensive, leading to pollution. Less impact when grown organically.
Vegan	Yes	Yes

Rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber, and Polyester, a synthetic fiber, have similar heat retention, moisture wicking, and breathability. Rayon fabric tends to be softer than polyester and has a better drape, but polyester is a much more durable fabric. Both rayon and polyester fabric are cheap to produce at volume and both are considered unsustainable (except recycled polyester).

Check out the table below then read on for more information about which fabric is best:

Rayon vs Silk Comparison Table

Property	Rayon	Polyester
Other Names	Viscose, Modal, Lyocell	PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Made From	Chemically-treated wood and bamboo cellulose	Polyester is a synthetic fabric made using petroleum products, although it is increasingly made from recycled plastic bottles.
Advantages	Rayon is cheap to produce and provides a substantially higher yield per acre than most other fabrics	Very high durability, with good breathability and moisture wicking makes polyester a very practical fabric. Can be mass produced at low cost.
Disadvantages	Rayon shrinks in hot water, and the more environmentally-friendly methods of creating it increase costs. Some forms of rayon require dry cleaning. Rayon may absorb body oils leading to staining.	Significant environmental concern.
Uses	Rayon is used for clothing, bed sheets, curtains, and carpets.	As a fabric, polyester is used widely in apparel and furnishings. Other uses include bottles and LCD displays.
Natural or Synthetic	Semi-Synthetic	Synthetic
Woven or Knitted	Either	Either
Thread Count	300-600	200-1000
Washing	Dry clean or gentle hand wash in cold water (always check the label first)	Typically fine in the washing machine, but watch out for blends that need to be hand washed or washed in cooler water (always check the label first)
Drying	Air dry only, do not tumble dry as shrinkage is likely	Normally fine in a tumble dryer with a low heat setting (check the label first)
Ironing	Iron inside-out while damp with low heat	Can be ironed, typically on warm settings. Turn it inside out and use a covering cloth and steam to reduce direct heat. Too much heat can melt the garment.
Wrinkle Resistance	Wrinkles easily, especially when damp.	Don’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Medium	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Very Good	Very Good
Stretchability		Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Very High	High (tends to melt rather than burn)
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Poor	Medium
Color-Fastness	Poor	Good
Strength	Medium when dry, but weaker when wet	Very Good
Durability	Low	Excellent
Drape	Fluid	Stiff
Softness	Good	Medium
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Generic Viscose Rayon = E, Modal = D, TENCEL = B	Virgin Polyester = D, Chemically Recylced Polyester = B, Mechanically Recycled Polyester = A
Sustainability Issues	The Rayon industry contributes to deforestation and pollution. Rayon production is chemically-intensive.	Polyester is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled polyester products.
Vegan	Yes	Yes

Both polyester and cotton and widely used in fashion and furnishings. Polyester fabric is made from synthetic fibers, while cotton fibers are natural. Cotton and polyester have similar heat retention, breathability, and color-fastness. Cotton costs more to produce, but is far better for the environment. However, cotton is less durable than polyester.

Check out the comparison table below for more information:

Polyester vs Cotton Comparison Table

Property	Polyester	Cotton
Other Names	PET (polyethylene terephthalate)	–
Made From	Polyester is a synthetic fabric made using petroleum products, although it is increasingly made from recycled plastic bottles.	Fibers from cotton plant seeds
Advantages	Very high durability, with good breathability and moisture wicking makes polyester a very practical fabric. Can be mass produced at low cost.	Cotton fiber has superior wet strength and is a natural insulator. Cotton also has natural anti-microbial properties
Disadvantages	Significant environmental concern.	Higher production costs than many other fabrics, particularly for organic cotton.
Uses	As a fabric, polyester is used widely in apparel and furnishings. Other uses include bottles and LCD displays.	Cotton is widely used in clothing, including to produce popular woven fabrics such as denim, flannel, and canvas. Also used for bedsheets, towels, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Synthetic	Natural
Woven or Knitted	Either	Woven
Thread Count	200-1000	100-1000+
Washing	Typically fine in the washing machine, but watch out for blends that need to be hand washed or washed in cooler water (always check the label first)	Typically fine in washing machine (always check the label first)
Drying	Normally fine in a tumble dryer with a low heat setting (check the label first)	Often fine in tumble dryer, although shrinkage can occur especially if 100% cotton (check the label first). If unsure, air dry.
Ironing	Can be ironed, typically on warm settings. Turn it inside out and use a covering cloth and steam to reduce direct heat. Too much heat can melt the garment.	Iron while damp (use a spray) on high heat
Wrinkle Resistance	Don’t tend to wrinkle	Wrinkles easily
Heat Retention	Medium	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Good	Very Good
Stretchability	Medium	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	High (tend to melt rather than burn)	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Medium	Poor
Color-Fastness	Good	Good
Strength	Very Good	Good, especially when wet (cotton gets stronger when wet)
Durability	Excellent	Good
Drape	Stiff	Medium
Softness	Medium	Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Virgin Polyester = D, Chemically Recylced Polyester = B, Mechanically Recycled Polyester = A	Conventional Cotton = E, Organic Cotton = B, Recycled Cotton = A
Sustainability Issues	Polyester is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled polyester products.	Cotton growing can be pesticide and water intensive, leading to pollution. Less impact when grown organically.
Vegan	Yes	Yes

Nylon and cotton, which is best? Below we examine whether its the natural fibers of cotton or the synthetic fibers of nylon you should be choosing for your clothes and other uses.

Cotton has better moisture wicking and breathability than nylon, making it superior in hot weather. Cotton fabric also has superior color-fastness. However, nylon is cheaper, more durable, and has a better drape, making it popular in many fast fashion products. For sustainability, organic cotton is far superior to the synthetic materials used in nylon products.

Check out the comparison table below then read on for more information:

Nylon vs Cotton Comparison Table

Property	Nylon	Cotton
Other Names	–	–
Made From	Nylon is a synthetic polymer made from materials derived from petroleum.	Fibers from cotton plant seeds
Advantages	Strong, lightweight, and easy to care for.	Cotton fiber has superior wet strength and is a natural insulator. Cotton also has natural anti-microbial properties
Disadvantages	Significant environmental concern.	Higher production costs than many other fabrics, particularly for organic cotton.
Uses	Used extensively in fashion to make a wide range of items.	Cotton is widely used in clothing, including to produce popular woven fabrics such as denim, flannel, and canvas. Also used for bedsheets, towels, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Synthetic	Natural
Woven or Knitted	Either	Woven
Thread Count	–	100-1000+
Washing	Machine washable in hot or cold water (check label for which one is best for your garment). May last longer if hand washed.	Typically fine in washing machine (always check the label first)
Drying	May wrinkle if dried in a dryer at hot settings. Opt for cooler settings or air dry.	Often fine in tumble dryer, although shrinkage can occur especially if 100% cotton (check the label first). If unsure, air dry.
Ironing	Iron only on the lowest heat section without steam. Use a pressing cloth. Be careful because nylon can burn easily.	Iron while damp (use a spray) on high heat
Wrinkle Resistance	Don’t tend to wrinkle	Wrinkles easily
Heat Retention	Medium	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Medium	Good
Breathability	Poor	Very Good
Stretchability	High	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Medium (tend to melt rather than burn)	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Medium	Poor
Color-Fastness	Poor	Good
Strength	Excellent	Good, especially when wet (cotton gets stronger when wet)
Durability	Excellent	Good
Drape	Fluid	Medium
Softness	Good	Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Virgin Nylon = E, Chemically Recycled Nylon = B, Mechanically Recycled Nylon = A	Conventional Cotton = E, Organic Cotton = B, Recycled Cotton = A
Sustainability Issues	Nylon is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled nylon products.	Cotton growing can be pesticide and water intensive, leading to pollution. Less impact when grown organically.
Vegan	Yes	Yes

Wool and cotton are both natural fabrics, but which is best? Which should you wear?

Wool fibers have better heat retention than cotton fibers, while cotton is more breathable than wool. This means wool is better when its cold (grab those wool socks!), and cotton is better when its hot. Wool clothing also has greater water resistance, which makes it a better choice in the rain, although cotton is stronger and more durable, so is likely to last longer.

Take a look at the comparison table below then read on for more information:

Wool vs Cotton Comparison Table

Property	Wool	Cotton
Other Names	Merino, Cashmere, Tweed	–
Made From	Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep, goats, rabbits, and other animals.	Fibers from cotton plant seeds
Advantages	Comfortable and durable with good breathability and moisture wicking. An all-rounder.	Cotton fiber has superior wet strength and is a natural insulator. Cotton also has natural anti-microbial properties
Disadvantages	Can shrink when made too hot or wet.	Higher production costs than many other fabrics, particularly for organic cotton.
Uses	Fashion, furnishings, and upholstery.	Cotton is widely used in clothing, including to produce popular woven fabrics such as denim, flannel, and canvas. Also used for bedsheets, towels, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Natural	Natural
Woven or Knitted	Either	Woven
Thread Count	Up to 200	100-1000+
Washing	Typically machine washable if you use the Delicates or Wool settings on your machine. Some may be hand wash only (always check the label first). Use gentle detergent.	Typically fine in washing machine (always check the label first)
Drying	Some wool garments are safe for tumble drying. Check the label first. Often best to lay flat and air dry.	Often fine in tumble dryer, although shrinkage can occur especially if 100% cotton (check the label first). If unsure, air dry.
Ironing	You can iron wool if you are very careful and use a cloth. Do not use too high a heat: overheating the wool will cause it to become shiny, extreme overheating will cause it to scorch.	Iron while damp (use a spray) on high heat
Wrinkle Resistance	Don’t tend to wrinkle	Wrinkles easily
Heat Retention	Good	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Good	Very Good
Stretchability	Medium	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Low	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Good	Poor
Color-Fastness	Good	Good
Strength	Medium	Good, especially when wet (cotton gets stronger when wet)
Durability	Good	Good
Drape	Medium	Medium
Softness	Good	Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Conventional Wool = D, Recycled Wool = A	Conventional Cotton = E, Organic Cotton = B, Recycled Cotton = A
Sustainability Issues	Wool is biodegradable, however significant land and resources is required to raise the sheep. There are also humane issues, and we recommend you look for brands that only use wool from humanely reared sheep.	Cotton growing can be pesticide and water intensive, leading to pollution. Less impact when grown organically.
Vegan	No	Yes

Silk or polyester? Which is better, a natural silk fabric, or synthetic polyester? Which should you wear? Let’s find out!

Genuine silk fibers are smoother, softer and more luxurious than polyester fabric, which is known for its very high durability and breathability, making it a more practical fabric. Unlike silk, polyester is cheap to produce, but this comes at the cost of sustainability (unless it is recycled). Real silk, however, is not suitable for vegans.

Check out the comparison table below, then read on to find out more, including whether you should choose polyester satin, polyester silk, or natural silk.

Silk vs Polyester Comparison Table

Property	Silk	Polyester
Other Names	–	PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
Made From	Silk is a soft and shiny fiber harvested from silkworm cocoons.	Polyester is a synthetic fabric made using petroleum products, although it is increasingly made from recycled plastic bottles.
Advantages	Smooth, soft and luxurious. Looks and feels fantastic.	Very high durability, with good breathability and moisture wicking makes polyester a very practical fabric. Can be mass produced at low cost.
Disadvantages	Less practical than many other fabrics. Heat retention, water-resistance and color-fastness are all poor, and overall less durable than many other fabrics.	Significant environmental concern.
Uses	Fashion, particulary luxury items, as well as lining for mens suits, ties, and pocket squares. Other uses include curtains, sheets, pillows, and upholstery.	As a fabric, polyester is used widely in apparel and furnishings. Other uses include bottles and LCD displays.
Natural or Synthetic	Natural	Synthetic
Woven or Knitted	Either, typically woven	Either
Thread Count	Up to 600	200-1000
Washing	Safest to dry clean only. Hand washing may leave to fading. Do not put in the washing machine.	Typically fine in the washing machine, but watch out for blends that need to be hand washed or washed in cooler water (always check the label first)
Drying	Air dry only	Normally fine in a tumble dryer with a low heat setting (check the label first)
Ironing	Do not iron. Silk should be steamed.	Can be ironed, typically on warm settings. Turn it inside out and use a covering cloth and steam to reduce direct heat. Too much heat can melt the garment.
Wrinkle Resistance	Doesn’t tend to wrinkle	Don’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Poor	Medium
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Good	Very Good
Stretchability	Low	Medium
Flammability (untreated)	Very High	High (tends to melt rather than burn)
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Poor	Medium
Color-Fastness	Poor	Good
Strength	Good, but weaker when wet	Very Good
Durability	Medium	Excellent
Drape	Fluid	Stiff
Softness	Very Good	Medium
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Normal Silk = C, Organic Silk = B	Virgin Polyester = D, Chemically Recylced Polyester = B, Mechanically Recycled Polyester = A
Sustainability Issues	Silk production is relatively low impact, and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside).	Polyester is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled polyester products.
Vegan	No	Yes

Rayon and silk are two popular fabrics, but what’s the difference – and which should you choose?

Rayon fabric, sometimes called ‘artificial silk,’ is a semi-synthetic fiber that mimics silk, which is made from natural fibers. Rayon has better heat retention and breathability than silk, but isn’t as soft or luxurious. However, it does cost less and is easier to care for. Unfortunately, rayon, particularly viscose rayon, is very bad for the environment. Rayon fiber is also not as durable as silk.

Check out the comparison table below then read on for a full guide to the differences between rayon and silk:

Rayon vs Silk Comparison Table

Property	Rayon	Silk
Other Names	Viscose, Modal, Lyocell	–
Made From	Chemically-treated wood and bamboo cellulose	Silk is a soft and shiny fiber harvested from silkworm cocoons.
Advantages	Rayon is cheap to produce and provides a substantially higher yield per acre than most other fabrics	Smooth, soft and luxurious. Looks and feels fantastic.
Disadvantages	Rayon shrinks in hot water, and the more environmentally-friendly methods of creating it increase costs. Some forms of rayon require dry cleaning. Rayon may absorb body oils leading to staining.	Less practical than many other fabrics. Heat retention, water-resistance and color-fastness are all poor, and overall less durable than many other fabrics.
Uses	Rayon is used for clothing, bed sheets, curtains, and carpets.	Fashion, particularly luxury items, as well as lining for men’s suits, ties, and pocket squares. Other uses include curtains, sheets, pillows, and upholstery.
Natural or Synthetic	Semi-Synthetic	Natural
Woven or Knitted	Either	Either, typically woven
Thread Count	300-600	Up to 600
Washing	Dry clean or gentle hand wash in cold water (always check the label first)	Safest to dry clean only. Hand washing may leave to fading. Do not put in the washing machine.
Drying	Air dry only, do not tumble dry as shrinkage is likely	Air dry only
Ironing	Iron inside-out while damp with low heat	Do not iron. Silk should be steamed.
Wrinkle Resistance	Wrinkles easily, especially when damp.	Don’t tend to wrinkle
Heat Retention	Medium	Poor
Moisture Wicking	Good	Good
Breathability	Very Good	Good
Stretchability		Low
Flammability (untreated)	Very High	Very High
Water-Resistance (untreated)	Poor	Poor
Color-Fastness	Poor	Poor
Strength	Medium when dry, but weaker when wet	Good, but weaker when wet
Durability	Low	Medium
Drape	Fluid	Fluid
Softness	Good	Very Good
Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst)	Generic Viscose Rayon = E, Modal = D, TENCEL = B	Normal Silk = C, Organic Silk = B
Sustainability Issues	The Rayon industry contributes to deforestation and pollution. Rayon production is chemically-intensive.	Silk production is relatively low impact, and does not require too many fertilizers or pesticides. Organic silk is best, and readers may also want to look for humane silk which harvests after the moths have left (instead of with the pupae inside).
Vegan	Yes	No

Both rayon and nylon are popular fabrics, but which is best, the semi-synthetic rayon fiber (made from chemically treated natural fibers from wood pulp or bamboo) or the fully-synthetic nylon?

The main differences between rayon and nylon fabric are that nylon is significantly more durable and easy to care for, while rayon is more comfortable in warm weather due to improved breathability. Both, however, are typically produced unsustainably.

Below, we’ve compared rayon and nylon fibers on their comfort and feel, durability, care & maintenance, and production & sustainability. Let’s get started:

Table of Contents

• Definitions and Uses
• Comfort and Feel
• Durability
• Care and Maintenance
• Production & Environmental Impact
• Rayon vs Nylon for Clothes

Rayon vs Nylon Definitions & Uses

Before we delve into the differences, let’s start with some simple definitions:

Rayon is a semi synthetic fabric made from regenerated cellulose fiber, a natural polymer found in plants. It is described as a semi synthetic fiber because the natural fibers are chemically treated during manufacturing.

Rayon’s silky, lustrous appearance makes it a popular choice for clothing, and although the natural raw material has been chemically altered, it still; shares many properties with natural fabrics like cotton and silk. It is used in clothes, home furnishings, including curtains and carpets, and in the medical industry to make gloves.

Nylon is a fully synthetic fabric made from petroleum-based polymers. Nylon fabrics are known for their strength, durability, and elasticity, making it a popular choice for activewear, swimwear, and other demanding applications. It is used in clothing as well as products like tents and ropes.

Rayon vs Nylon: Comfort and Feel

There’s no point using a fabric that feel uncomfortable! In this section, we’ve examined and compared rayon and nylon on their softness, weight, drape, heat retention, moisture absorption, and breathability:

Softness, Weight, and Drape

Rayon is known for its silky, smooth texture that feels gentle against the skin, making it ideal for garments that feel luxurious touch. It is lightweight and drapes well, making it perfect for flowing garments like dresses, blouses, and skirts.

Nylon, although not as soft as rayon, is still smooth, comfortable, and lightweight, but has a slightly more synthetic feel.

Heat Retention, Moisture Absorption, and Breathability

Rayon is a more breathable fabric than nylon, which makes it a better choice for hot and humid climates. Its ability to absorb moisture contributes to this breathability, making it more comfortable in perspiration-prone situations.

Nylon tends to retain heat more effectively than rayon, which can be advantageous when it’s colder. However, because it is not breathable, it also traps moisture. This may make you feel clammy when sweating.

Antimicrobial Properties and Drying Time

Rayon does not possess antimicrobial properties, which can lead to odor buildup in sweaty conditions. Unlike nylon, it absorbs water, so it can be slow to dry and feel heavy when wet.

Nylon can be treated with antimicrobial agents, making it a better option for activewear and situations where odor resistance is important. Additionally, nylon fiber repels water, which means it will dry quicker than rayon. This is one reason why it is a preferred fabric for swimwear and activewear.

Verdict: Rayon Beats Nylon For Comfort In Most Situations

Overall, rayon is more comfortable than nylon, particularly during summer time. The main exception is for sports or swimming, as it becomes heavy when wet and does not dry quickly.

Durability of Rayon Fabric vs Nylon Fabric

Durable clothes need to be replaced less often, which is good for both your wallet and the environment. Here, we’ve compared rayon and nylon on a range of attributes, including tensile strength, abrasion resistance, elasticity, and resistance to various external factors:

Tensile Strength, Abrasion Resistance, and Elasticity

Nylon is known for its superior tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and elasticity compared to rayon. Its strong synthetic fibers make it resilient, and it is capable of withstanding significant stress, strain, and friction, making it ideal for activewear and rugged outdoor clothing.

Rayon, in comparison, is considerably weaker and less elastic, making it more prone to wear and tear, particularly when wet.

Resistance to Wrinkling and Pilling

Nylon also outperforms rayon when it comes to wrinkle resistance and pilling resistance. It will maintain its shape and resist pilling far more effectively than rayon, which is prone to both wrinkling and pilling.

Chemical Resistance and Mold & Mildew Resistance

Nylon’s synthetic fiber resists oil and chemical stains, and because it does not soak up moisture, it is much less likely to suffer from mold or mildew even in damp conditions. Rayon, made from a natural fiber, is more sensitive to chemicals and damp conditions, which may result in discoloration, damage, and mold or mildew growth.

UV Exposure and Colorfastness

Both rayon and nylon can be dyed in a wide range of colors, but nylon tends to have better colorfastness and UV resistance than rayon. Nylon garments will retain their color after multiple washes and are less likely to fade from exposure to sunlight. In comparison, rayon garments, will fade more quickly than nylon ones.

Verdict: Nylon is Considerably More Durable Than Rayon

Nylon easily beats rayon in our durability comparison. It is abrasion resistant, stain resistant, less likely to wrinkle, and stronger in almost every way.

Care and Maintenance of Nylon and Rayon Clothes

Proper care and maintenance will expand the life of your clothes, and if you’re busy it might make sense to choose clothes that are easier to care for. Let’s explore the differences in washing, drying, stain resistance, and their tendencies to wrinkle, shrink, or fade.

Washing & Drying

Many types of Rayon require hand washing or dry cleaning, as hot water will cause them to shrink and lose their shape. This is true when it comes to drying too, so rayon garments should normally be air dried.

Not only can nylon garments be machine washed on a regular cycle with cold or warm water, but they are easier to keep clean because they resist stains. They can also be tumble dried on low heat or hung to dry, and because nylon doesn’t absorb water, they should dry quickly.

Wrinkling, Shrinking, and Fading

Rayon fabrics can be prone to wrinkling and shrinking when exposed to heat, and are almost more likely to fade with repeated washing. Nylon clothes are much less likely to wrinkle or shrink, and will take longer to fade.

Verdict: Nylon is Much Easier to Care For Than Rayon

If you need clothing that is easier to care for, nylon is a better choice than rayon.

Production & Environmental Impact of Rayon and Nylon Production

As we’ll see, Rayon and Nylon both have considerable environmental concerns:

Material Sourcing and Resource Consumption

Rayon is derived from cellulose, which is harvested from bamboo and wood pulp, and the planting of crops for rayon production is linked to deforestation, habitat loss, and loss of biodiversity.

As a petroleum-based product, nylon production uses non-renewable resources. It requires less water to make than rayon, but more energy due to the complex processes involved in creating the nylon fibers.

Pollution, Waste Generation, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Both rayon and nylon production involve the use of chemicals that can be hazardous to workers and the environment, and typically neither process is a closed loop, leading to pollutants being released into nature (the main exception being Lyocell – see below).

Nylon also contributes to microplastic pollution when it breaks down, posing a threat to marine life – this is particularly relevant as nylon is often used in swimwear.

Recyclability, Biodegradability, and Sustainability Initiatives

Most nylon can be recycled, but the process is energy-intensive. As a plastic, it takes a long time to break down, contributing to landfill waste. Rayon, on the other hand, is recyclable and biodegradable.

The textile industry has been working to address these environmental concerns by developing more sustainable alternatives and initiatives. For rayon, this includes using sustainably-sourced wood pulp and closed-loop production processes (such as the Lyocell process) that minimize chemical waste. For nylon, initiatives include recycling programs and the development of bio-based alternatives that rely on renewable resources instead of petroleum.

Unfortunately, the increased cost means that fabrics created using these initiatives cost more and are less popular.

Verdict: Neither Nylon nor Rayon Are Great for the Environment

Neither of these materials is great for the environment. We recommend you look for recycled nylon or rayon created using the Lyocell process.

Should You Choose Rayon or Nylon Clothing?

Rayon looks and feels great, but its durability and care requirements leave some concern. However, for most clothing applications this is still a better choice – but make sure you’re looking for Lyocell rayon as it is much more sustainable.

As a plastic, nylon can only be recommended when it is in its recycled form. Its strength and durability make it great for athletic wear and swimwear, but in most other situations it will be less comfortable than rayon.