No, not normally. But that doesn’t mean linen is going to be sandpaper rough. The coarseness of linen sheets varies from brand to brand and often gives your bedding a deluxe feel that cotton can’t achieve. And what linen sacrifices in terms of softness benefits the sheets’ breathability and durability.

We think the luxurious feel and versatility of linen sheets makes them worth it. While they are almost always going to be more expensive than cotton sheets, the added benefits of the long fibers in linen — which provide a more tangible texture, better cooling capabilities and lasting durability — will win out in the long run. The best linen sheets I’ve tested will give you immense value, especially at discounted prices during sales.

Linen sheets should last for several years, especially if you follow the advised care instructions. My top pick from Parachute estimates a lifespan of three to five years (or more) for its linen sheets if they’re used every day. More delicate materials like sateen are graded to have a shorter shelf life.