Choosing the right linen is a bit tricky. Many sellers claim their products are 100% pure linen, but that's not always true. Knowing how to tell the difference is important, especially if you want to invest in luxurious pure linen bedding. Here are simple ways to distinguish real linen from fake linen.

  1. Feel the Fabric:

Begin with a touch. Pure linen feels unlike any other fabric. It has a different feel to it. It should feel cool and slightly grainy to the touch. Pure linen softens over time but does not go limp. Fake linen is often too smooth or unnatural. If it feels too soft right away, it probably isn't real linen.

  1. Look at the Weave:

Pure linen has a certain weave pattern. It has a visible, natural-looking weave. You can usually see slight slubs or imperfections in the fabric. These are normal and a sign of genuine linen. Fake linen often has a very even and perfect weave, which is usually a sign of synthetic material.

  1. Check the Weight:

Linen is light but tough. When you pick up the fabric, it must feel light yet substantial. Too light or too heavy is fake linen. That is a very clear sign that it is not pure linen. Real linen will neither be too light nor too bulky.

  1. Test the Wrinkle Factor:

One of the quick ways to know if linen is actually linen is to try to wrinkle it. Real linen wrinkles easily. Take a small section of the fabric and squeeze it in your hand. If it wrinkles, it is likely pure linen. Fake linen, especially if it contains synthetic fibers, won't wrinkle as easily. This is a quick and simple test you can do on the spot.

  1. Color:

Pure linen usually occurs in a natural white color but can be beige, ivory, or light brown. It can be dyed, but even then, colored linen will retain a very natural appearance. If the material is too shiny, or if the colors seem to be very vibrant, then it probably is not actual linen. Natural linen is matte; this is almost impossible to re-create with synthetic material.

  1. Do the Burn Test:

If you can, try the burn test. Just take a little tiny piece of the fabric and burn it. Pure linen burns very slowly and smells like burning paper. The ash is gonna be fine and crumbly. Fake linen, especially if it contains a lot of synthetic fibers, is going to melt or burn very quickly. It's going to have a chemical smell and leave a hard residue.

  1. Check the Label:

Always read the label carefully. Authentic linen products will clearly state that they are made from 100% linen. If the label lists other materials like polyester or cotton blends, it's not pure linen. Some products may claim to be linen but are actually a blend of fabrics.

  1. Look at the Price:

Price can be an indicator also. Quality is the reason it costs more to be good quality and lasts long. Any time something's dirt cheap, there is probably something wrong with it. Linen, which is pricey in most instances, has synthetic or poor-quality fillers. If linen is very pricey, it may cost a good sum of money but will remain soft and luxurious for years.

  1. Buy From Known Sellers:

Before settling on the material, always go through reputable dealers because that ensures one gets original linen. Try reading reviews on brands. Legit sellers would want to communicate enough information on products. Such persons would even mention materials to avoid deception when applying the stuff bought. Buy linen bed skirts from authentic sellers known to sell good-quality linen material.

Pure linen is not very hard to tell apart from artificial linen if you know what to look for. Observe the texture, weight, weave, and price. You can do simple tests such as the wrinkle test or the burn test. Always read the label and buy from trusted sellers. These steps will make sure you're investing in actual linen that'll last for years.