Investment Bedding: Is Linen Bedding Actually Cheaper?

We love the girl maths trend sweeping social media, so we wanted to take the theory and apply it in our own Secret Linen Store way. We thought, what better way to apply the girl maths trend than to invest in linen bedding.

If you’ve been anywhere near the internet recently, you’ve probably heard of it. Girl Math is a charming and logical way to justify treating ourselves. You know the drill: if you buy a coffee with cash, it almost feels like it’s free. If you return a top and buy a different one with the refund, you haven't actually spent any money. If you spend an extra £20 to get free delivery? Financial genius…

While the trend is mostly just a bit of lighthearted fun, there is actually one piece of girl math that we take very seriously in the bedroom, cost-per-use, or, as we aptly call it, cost-per-sleep.

When you’re eyeing up a gorgeous set of 100% linen bedding, the upfront price tag can feel like an investment. But is it actually cheaper in the long run than buying synthetics? 

Let's get our calculators out…

When you look at the upfront price of beautiful linen, it can feel like a bit of a treat. But here is the secret: low-quality bedding is a false economy. Synthetics tend to go bobbly, lose their shape, or just feel a bit sweaty after a few months - no one wants that.

Linen bedding, on the other hand, is woven from natural flax fibres, is incredibly strong and extremely durable. Meaning it doesn’t just last for a few seasons, it lasts for years. 

Linen is where our story began, and it’s still at the heart of what we do today. We love it because it feels effortlessly natural, it gets softer with every wash, and it carries a story that starts in the fields of Europe and ends on your bed.

All of our linen is now proudly Masters of FLAX FIBRE™ certified (formerly European Flax™). This means the flax that becomes your sheets is grown with care in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, and can be traced all the way from fibre to finished fabric.

The Ultimate Girl Math Calculation: 

"If a gorgeous Secret Linen Store bed linen king size duvet cover and 2 pillowcases costs £259 and you sleep in it every single night for 5 years, the cost-per-sleep is pennies. Compare that to buying a £52 synthetic set every single year because it keeps bobbling... Linen is giving you better comfort from natural materials and without all the unnecessary plastic waste from having to replace your synthetic bedding each year."

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of why linen outlasts other fabrics in your cupboard. It comes down to the beautiful and very versatile flax plant. The yarns spun from flax are naturally thick and strong, which means they can handle a lot of tossing, turning and duvet-hogging without wearing thin.

While a synthetic set might start looking a bit sad and bobbly after a few rounds in the washing machine, linen gets more comfortable. It loves being washed, and you’ll love it right back. Every single time you launder our linen bedding sheets, those incredibly strong fibres relax a little bit more, making your bed feel softer, drapier, and even more buttery without losing any of their strength.

A beautiful set of white linen sheets is completely timeless. You aren't going to wake up in two years and decide it's suddenly out of fashion, which means it stays on your bed, and out of landfill, for years to come.

Read our blog on how linen gets softer over time. 

Let’s add another layer to our ‘girl math’ calculations - the seasons. If you’re currently buying a lightweight, more breathable set for the summer heatwaves and a separate, heavy set for the winter chills, you are paying twice.

Linen is a natural insulator and it adapts to your body temperature. It keeps you comfy and cool in July and toasty in December. That means your one gorgeous linen duvet cover is working hard for you 365 days a year. Two seasons, one bedding set? That is elite-level ‘girl math’.

We all know that in the world of financial literacy, time equals money. How much time do you spend wrestling with an ironing board trying to get your sheets to look crisp?

One of the absolute greatest joys of 100% linen is that it is designed to look relaxed. That soft, lived-in, laidback luxurious texture is exactly what makes it look so inviting and stylish (it’s a part of the Slow Bedroom aesthetic we love so much). You can take it straight off the washing line, pop it onto the bed and it looks effortlessly stylish.

If you save 20 minutes a week by not ironing your bedding, that’s over 17 hours a year you get back. That’s a huge win.

Does linen really save me money? 

By applying the cost-per-use logic, high-quality linen is significantly cheaper over its lifetime than replacing easily damaged bedding every year (or more). Plus, you’re getting a much better, healthier sleep, and you can't put a price on that.

Read our blog on why natural fabrics are better for your skin & your sleep

Is linen hard to look after? Will I ruin my investment? 

Not at all. Linen is famously easygoing. It loves a gentle 40°C wash and doesn't need ironing; in fact, we prefer the relaxed look. If you treat it right, it will love you back for a very long time. 

For all our top laundry tips, check out our guide to caring for linen bedding.

Is linen worth it for a hot sleeper? 

A million times, yes. If you’re constantly waking up hot and bothered, linen is an absolute game-changer. It’s naturally moisture-wicking and breathable, meaning you stay cool and dry all night. 

You can read more about how this works over on our why choose linen bedding guide.

If you’re ready to treat yourself to better sheets for better sleeps and save money in the long run, shop our beautiful collection of 100% Linen Bedding today.