The Truth About Purchasing Linen Bedding Dupes

We’ve sorted the wheat from the proverbial chaff.

It’s safe to say we’re living in an era of dupes. From grocery alternatives to high end clothing substitutes, if there’s a costly version of something, there’s going to be a cheaper substitute which promises to do the same job.

A lot of the time, dupes are great. They help us save money, allowing us to have the things we want without breaking the bank. However, there are some items which aren’t worth finding a dupe for.

Being something that we use every day for extended periods of time, it’s imperative that our bedding ticks the boxes of comfort, durability, and style. And while linen bedding dupes may promise that upon purchasing, these prerequisites tend to diminish soon after purchasing them.

Below we look into five downsides of purchasing linen bedding dupes, to avoid you from needing to replace your bedding sooner, and spending even more money as a result.

1. Poor quality

While it may seem like you’re snagging a deal at the time, purchasing linen bedding dupes often means you’re purchasing bedding of a lesser quality. Instead of using 100% French flax linen, dupes will use blends of different fibres and materials, which result in them deteriorating faster and being more susceptible to damage.

2. Lack of breathability

100% French flax linen is renowned for its breathability, and its hollow fibres act as a natural insulator to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Blends containing other fabrics can hamper linen's in-built airflow abilities, leading to discomfort during sleep. It's also important to pay attention to any linen product's GSM (translation: grams per square metre) as many dupes will use a lower GSM to reduce the amount of raw materials needed. For reference, Bed Threads bedding sits at a cool 170GSM – the optimum weight to ensure that your bedding is soft and cosy the second you use it but is durable enough to ensure it lasts for years.

3. Less absorbent

One of 100% French flax linen’s standout features is its ability to absorb moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the night. Linen bedding alternatives often don’t possess this same quality, which results in a clammy and unpleasant sleeping experience – especially for hot sleepers or those who live in hot, humid climates.

4. Shorter lifespan

It's a well-known fact that flax linen is one of the strongest and most durable natural fibres available. When manufactured in its purest form, 100% French flax linen bedding is an investment that can last for years (and years) with proper care – so you in fact save when it comes to cost per use. When blended when other fibres, or at a poorer quality GSM, linen dupes will degrade faster, which results in frequent replacements, and increased long-term costs.

5. Prone to pilling and fading

Pilling and fading is a common ramification of purchasing linen bedding dupes. Due to their poor quality and lack of durability, their appearance and texture diminishes quickly over time, which compromises its aesthetic appeal and comfort.