The Citizenry’s Stonewashed Linen Bedding Is a Best Seller, but Does It Live up to the Hype?

Author image: Candace Davison, PureWow executive editor

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Published Aug 19, 2021

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Value: 14/20
Durability: 19/20
Quality: 19/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Comfort: 18/20

TOTAL: 89/100

Those casually-rumpled-yet-chic beds featured in magazines and Instagram shoots often have one thing in common: linen sheets. They create that carefree look, providing a bit more texture to the bed than, say, regular ol’ cotton. And one of the most popular brands out there right now is The Citizenry. Its stonewashed linen sheet sets quickly became a best seller, prompting the brand to expand its color selection to 12 different options in four sizes. But is it really worth $475 for a queen-sized sheet set, duvet cover and four pillowcases? If you love the look and feel of linen, yes. Here’s why.

The Citizenry

It Gets Softer With Each Wash

Most sheets start getting pilly and ragged after nonstop washing, but these sheets do the opposite: Like a great pair of jeans, they get better with wear. Admittedly, when I first unboxed them, I was unsure—the French flax felt almost like burlap. It was stiffer than I’d anticipated (especially since I’d been sleeping on either bamboo or brushed microfiber sheets, which have a silky feel). But, with each wash, they softened, becoming cozier and cozier. (It’s worth noting these are machine washable: Just use the gentle cycle and dry on low heat.)

It’ll Keep You Cool at Night

While many linen sheets have a tighter weave—about 175 to 190 grams per square meter—these clock in at 160, which makes them lightweight and pretty breathable, so you get good airflow throughout the night. That’s been critical for this summer’s rash of heat waves, particularly when paired with a cooling pillow or weighted blanket.

CANDACE DAVISON

It’s Responsibly Made

Price is often a sticking point for me (I’m thrifty, or as close friends would say, cheap). But The Citizenry’s open about how its products are made, and that its artisans are paid wages often double the fair trade requirement. The stonewashed linen sheets, for example, are made by Machado Linen Mill in Portugal using 100 percent French flax. And it’s Oeko-Tex certified, which is the bedding industry’s standard for ensuring textiles don’t include harmful substances.

The Bottom Line

If you like a crisp, pristine bed, skip these sheets (and linen altogether, unless you don’t mind ironing your bedding). If you prefer something cozy, with a more effortlessly chic vibe, these sheets are for you. They come in sophisticated colorways, they’re durable and they age beautifully. You’ve just got to be comfortable with the price tag—and a few wrinkles here and there.

BUY IT ($475)

The PureWow100 is a scale our editors use to vet new products and services, so you know what’s worth the spend—and what’s total hype. Learn more about our process here.

Candace Davison

VP of editorial content

Oversees home, food and commerce articles
Author of two cookbooks and has contributed recipes to three others
Named one of 2023's Outstanding Young Alumni at the University of South Florida, where she studied mass communications and business

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