The main difference between linen from Parachute and fabrics made with TENCEL™ lies in their origin and texture, Parachute's linen is made from traditional European flax that offers a classic, breathable feel, while TENCEL™ Modal fibers come from sustainably sourced wood pulp and result in a silky-smooth, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant fabric.
Here’s what you need to know about each to find the ideal bedding for your preferences.
Parachute Linen
Parachute is a leading direct-to-consumer brand known for its high-quality European flax linen. Its bedding offers the timeless, rustic charm and breathability that true linen is famous for. Cherished for getting softer with every wash, Parachute linen is a go-to for shoppers wanting a durable, natural fabric with a relaxed aesthetic.
- What it is: A line of premium home textiles, primarily bedding and bath linens, crafted from 100% European flax.
- Key features: Stone-washed for softness from day one, becomes progressively softer with use, highly breathable, Oeko-Tex certified.
- Price: A queen-sized linen bedding set typically costs between $150 and $250.
- Style: Natural, minimalist, and slightly rustic. The textured fabric adds a relaxed, lived-in feel to any bedroom decor.
- Materials/Construction: Made from high-quality, long-staple European flax, creating a durable and long-lasting fabric.
- Pros: Excellent durability that lasts for years, signature classic linen texture, highly breathable for year-round comfort, timeless design aesthetic.
- Cons: Naturally prone to wrinkling, can feel slightly coarse to those unfamiliar with linen, premium price point.
This brand is ideal for those who love the classic, textured feel of true linen and want a natural, heirloom-quality fabric for their home.
Shop this brand: parachutehome.com
Tencel Linen
TENCEL™ is a brand of fiber, not a retailer, known for its sustainable and soft lyocell and modal fibers made from wood pulp. Fabrics incorporating TENCEL™ are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth, silk-like feel, excellent moisture management, and eco-friendly production process. "Tencel linen" can refer to fabric that blends Tencel fibers with traditional linen or to a 100% Tencel fabric with a linen-like weave and feel.
- What it is: A sustainable botanical fiber made from wood pulp, renowned for its softness, smoothness, and breathability.
- Key features: Silky soft, moisture-wicking, temperature regulating, wrinkle-resistant, eco-friendly closed-loop manufacturing process.
- Price: Bedding sets using Tencel fibers are typically priced between $200 and $300 for a queen set, varying widely by brand.
- Style: Modern, refined, and luxurious with a smooth finish and beautiful drape. Often has a subtle sheen.
- Materials/Construction: The TENCEL™ fibers are produced from sustainably sourced wood via a resource-efficient, closed-loop system, making it biodegradable and compostable.
- Pros: Supremely soft and gentle on sensitive skin, superior moisture-wicking capabilities, resists wrinkles better than traditional linen, highly sustainable production.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than traditional linen, can be less durable than high-quality flax linen over the long term, feel may be too slippery for users who prefer a crisper fabric.
Tencel fabric is a fantastic match for eco-conscious individuals who prioritize silky softness and advanced moisture-wicking properties.
Explore this fiber: tencel.com/products
Parachute Linen vs. Tencel Linen Comparison
Feel & Comfort
The most immediate difference is how these fabrics feel. Parachute Linen has the quintessential, slightly textured but soft character of European flax. It's crisp yet cozy, getting progressively softer and more supple with each wash. It feels durable and substantial.
In contrast, fabrics made with TENCEL™ fibers are exceptionally smooth and silky, often compared to high-end cotton sateen or even silk. They feel incredibly gentle against the skin and have a cool-to-the-touch quality. Its moisture-wicking ability makes it a popular choice for hot sleepers, as it efficiently pulls sweat away from the body.
Style & Aesthetic
Parachute’s linen lends itself to a relaxed, natural, and slightly rustic aesthetic. Its characteristic wrinkles are part of the charm, creating a lived-in, effortless style. This style works perfectly in modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, coastal, and minimalist interiors.
Tencel fabrics offer a more modern and refined look. The material drapes beautifully and often has a subtle sheen, giving it a more luxurious and polished appearance. Its resistance to wrinkles ensures a neat, smooth look on the bed, fitting well with contemporary and sleek decor styles.
Materials & Sustainability
Parachute uses European flax, a naturally sustainable crop that requires minimal water and pesticides to grow. While their sourcing is responsible, the production process of turning flax into linen is standard.
Sustainability is where TENCEL™ stands out. Its fibers are sourced from sustainably managed forests and produced in a "closed-loop" system that recycles over 99% of the water and solvents used. This makes it one of the most eco-friendly fibers on the market, appealing directly to environmentally conscious consumers.
Care & Durability
True linen, like Parachute's, is known for its durability. The long flax fibers make it strong and more resistant to wear and tear. It holds up exceptionally well to washing but is known to wrinkle easily, which many consider a feature of its relaxed style.
Tencel fabrics are also durable but require more gentle care - typically a cold wash and low tumble dry - to maintain their silky feel. They have a natural resistance to wrinkles, making them easier to care for than 100% linen. Tencel also retains color vibrancy very well over time.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both linen options are excellent, but they cater to very different preferences in comfort, style, and values.
Choose Parachute Linen if:
- You love the classic, slightly crisp, and textured feel of traditional linen.
- You prefer a relaxed, natural, and lived-in aesthetic in your bedroom.
- Long-term durability and heirloom quality are your top priorities.
- You don’t mind wrinkles and see them as part of the linen charm.
Choose Tencel Linen if:
- Superior softness and a silky, smooth finish are non-negotiable for you.
- You are a hot sleeper and need bedding with advanced moisture-wicking properties.
- Environmental impact is a key factor in your purchasing decisions.
- You prefer a low-maintenance fabric that resists wrinkles and stays looking sleek.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between Parachute Linen and Tencel linen?
The fundamental difference is the source material. Parachute linen is an agricultural product made from flax plants, giving it a classic, breathable texture. Tencel fabrics are created from wood pulp through an innovative, eco-friendly process, resulting in a distinctively smooth, silky feel.
Which fabric is softer?
Initially, Tencel fabric is undeniably softer and silkier to the touch. Parachute linen is soft out of the box due to being stone-washed, but it truly excels by becoming progressively softer and more supple with every single wash.
Is Tencel linen real linen?
No, not necessarily. The term "Tencel linen" often refers to fabric that blends TENCEL™ fibers with traditional flax linen to add softness and reduce wrinkling. It can also describe a 100% Tencel fabric that has a linen-like weave. TENCEL™ itself is a branded lyocell fiber, distinct from flax linen.
Which one is more sustainable?
TENCEL™ has a definitive edge in sustainability due to its closed-loop manufacturing process, which recycles over 99% of byproducts. While flax is a naturally eco-friendly crop, Tencel's production technology is purpose-built to minimize environmental impact.
Does Parachute linen wrinkle a lot?
Yes. Wrinkling is a natural characteristic of 100% linen fabric. Fans of the material embrace this for its relaxed, casual aesthetic. If you prefer a completely smooth look, linen is probably not the right choice for you.
Which fabric is better for hot sleepers?
Both are excellent for hot sleepers. Linen is famously breathable, allowing for great airflow. However, Tencel's advanced moisture-wicking capability actively pulls sweat away from the body, which can give it a slight advantage for those who sweat heavily at night.
How do you care for bedding with Tencel fibers?
It's generally recommended to wash Tencel fabrics in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. This helps maintain the fiber's signature silky softness and prevents damage. Always check the specific care instructions on the product tag.
Is Parachute linen worth the price?
For those who value high-quality materials and classic design, Parachute linen is considered a worthwhile investment. Its durability means it can last for many years, improving with age, which justifies the premium price point compared to lower-quality alternatives.
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