Linen or cotton shirt? — The real difference and which is worth your money

6 March 2026
Dekkah

Linen fabric for clothing is characterized by luxury, comfort and high breathability, making it an ideal choice for tailoring men’s linen pants and shirts in the summer and hot occasions.

It adds a natural elegance and keeps you cool and fresh all day, despite its slight crease which can be easily dealt with.

Order now men's linen fabrics from delmare and receive a free gift bag.


What is flax? And what is its origin?

Linen is a natural fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant, and it is one of the oldest fabrics used in history.

It is characterized by its light weight, strength, and high ability to absorb moisture, making it ideal for hot climates.

It also gives a feeling of freshness and an elegant appearance with a distinctive natural character.

The source of flax is the fiber of the flax plant, a plant that is grown in temperate regions.

The fibers are extracted from the plant's stems after harvesting, then dried, treated, and spun into yarns that are later woven to produce linen fabric used in the manufacture of clothing and furnishings.


The difference between cotton and linen fabrics for clothing

When choosing the right fabrics for clothing, linen and cotton top the list of the most popular choices.

The following is a quick comparison highlighting the key differences between them in terms of ventilation, comfort, durability, price, and care:



The element

linen

cotton

ventilation

Very high ventilation and allows air to pass through easily, suitable for hot weather.

Good ventilation, but less than linen.

Comfort

Comfortable, lightweight, and refreshing, but less soft.

Soft on the skin and comfortable for everyday use

Durability

Stronger, more durable, and gets softer with washing.

Durable but less rigid than linen in the long run

the price

Often more expensive due to its manufacturing method

Lower cost and available at various price points

Care

It wrinkles easily and requires frequent ironing.

Easier to care for and less prone to wrinkles


In which climate does flax outperform cotton?


Linen is superior to cotton in hot and dry climates because it has higher breathability and greater ability to absorb moisture, with a feeling of freshness and natural coolness on the skin.

Therefore, in hot climates like Saudi Arabia, linen is a better choice than cotton, especially in the summer and for daytime occasions, as it helps reduce sweating and provides greater comfort for longer periods.

Del Mare realized this early on and created luxurious men's and women's clothing from natural linen, making Del Mare the most famous men's clothing brand in the Kingdom.


Linen fabric defects and how to deal with them

Linen fabric is a luxurious fabric for clothing, but it has some drawbacks, most notably that it wrinkles quickly when washed or used.

How to easily deal with the defects of linen fabric:

  • Iron the fabric using a steam iron at a suitable temperature while it is slightly damp.
  • Hang clothes up after washing to dry straight to reduce wrinkles.
  • Use a light water spray before ironing if necessary to restore the fabric's softness.

Cotton's drawbacks in hot weather

In hot weather, cotton absorbs sweat quickly and sticks to the body, reducing comfort and increasing the feeling of heat.

In contrast, linen is highly breathable and has a better ability to absorb moisture while keeping the skin fresh, making it the ideal choice for hot and summer weather.


When should you choose cotton? And when should you choose linen?

When choosing the right fabric, the decision depends on the climate and type of use.

Cotton and linen are both natural and comfortable, but each has advantages and disadvantages that make each ideal in specific circumstances.

Here's a quick reference chart showing when to choose cotton and when to choose linen:



Status/Use

cotton

linen

very hot weather

Less suitable

Best choice for ventilation and cooling

Moderate or cold weather

Suitable and comfortable

Suitable, but it might be a little rough.

comfortable everyday clothes

ideal

Good, but needs more care.

formal or luxury occasions

acceptable

Excellent for a stylish and luxurious look

Easy care and washing

easy

It needs ironing and care to avoid wrinkles


Why did we choose linen at Delamere?

We chose linen at Delmere because it combines luxury and comfort, giving men an elegant and distinctive look on every occasion, especially in the Kingdom's atmosphere.

After a long experiment with different fabrics, we decided to focus on linen, as we found it to be the best for hot weather and summer occasions, and it adds a sophisticated natural touch that other fabrics do not provide.

Our premium linen products include:

Shirts, vests, and men's shorts are all carefully designed to combine refined taste with everyday comfort, making every Eid al-Fitr look a luxurious and distinctive experience.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is linen better than cotton?

Linen is better in hot weather because of its high ventilation and natural coolness, while cotton is suitable for moderate and everyday weather.


Is linen a summer or winter fabric?

Linen is primarily a summer fabric, because it is light, highly breathable, and absorbs moisture quickly, giving a feeling of freshness and coolness in hot weather.

It may be used in some light clothing in mild weather, but it is not ideal for cold winters.


What are the disadvantages of linen fabric for clothing?

Its main drawbacks are rapid wrinkling and the need for frequent ironing and special care to maintain a neat appearance.


Is linen better than pure cotton?

In hot and summer weather, yes, because it provides greater ventilation and comfort and keeps the skin fresher than pure cotton.