In partnership with Parachute.
We at TQE take our bedding very seriously. It’s been the topic of many Slack conversations – and after one particularly heated discussion, we decided to take things to the lab. In this edition of our Throwdown series, we put two best-selling brands – Parachute and Brooklinen – to the test on everything from texture to livability, price and overall sleep experience. After a lot of sleeping (in the name of science, of course), we crowned one clear victor. Get cozy and hop into our unanimous winner below...
We like
We don't like
The Players
Parachute: Arguably the direct-to-consumer bedding brand, especially when it comes to linen and percale, Parachute has likely graced your feed at some point since its 2014 launch. The brand is known for its saturated hues and effortlessly rumpled texture that make any bed look as polished or undone as you’d like. Parachute strikes an impressive balance between clean and laid-back, with enduring quality that ensures you’ll reach for this set every night for years to come.
Brooklinen: The goldilocks of bedding brands, Brooklinen is known for its simple bedding essentials that are thoughtful, high-quality, and priced fairly. Brooklinen’s mission of bringing amazing, affordable sheets to the masses has resonated with a lot of people – the brand regularly touts its thousands (and thousands and thousands) of five-star reviews.
In this Throwdown, we’ll be comparing each brand’s linen duvet cover. Both are made from 100% European Flax, are OEKO-TEX® certified, and available in a range of beautiful hues.
Overall Comfort
Parachute: Luxurious. That’s the first word that comes to mind when we think of Parachute’s insanely soft, crafted-in-Portugal duvet cover. Multiple team members have admitted that they no longer use a top sheet (controversial, we know) because they want to be as close as possible to this precious piece of bedding. And, the best part is that it gets softer and softer over time thanks to the top-notch European flax it’s made from. It’s also worth noting that the closure on Parachute’s duvet cover is extremely durable and sturdy (and we love the twill ties in all four corners!), details that – while small – make a big difference during the typically-dreaded washing and re-inserting of the duvet.
Brooklinen: It’s not so much that we don’t find Brooklinen’s 100% linen, European flax duvet comfortable – a couple of our editors tried Brooklinen first and had positive feedback. The issue came after they slept under Parachute’s duvet cover for even one night. Brooklinen is comfortable – but Parachute is a literal dream. Its closure is also a bit more finicky, which can be a frustrating experience.
Winner: Parachute
Temperature Regulation
Parachute: Here’s where Parachute really excels. Its fabric is naturally eco-friendly, antimicrobial, and insulating – which means it’ll keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We love the breathability and temperature regulation it offers all year round – this linen’s airflow legitimately impacts our quality of sleep!
Brooklinen: While Brooklinen does offer some breathability, it tends to retain more heat than Parachute’s duvet cover. If you’re a cold sleeper, this may be a pro, but if you’re sensitive to temperature changes while sleeping, it’s ultimately a negative.
Winner: Parachute
Livability and Washability
Parachute: Parachute’s linen duvet cover absolutely withstands the test of time. A few of our editors have had this baby for 5+ years and have shared that its fabric still looks good-as-new and shows minimal signs of wear. It’s machine-washable and grows softer with every wash – one of the few products we’ve experienced that legitimately grows better with time.
Brooklinen: While none of our editors have used Brooklinen’s duvet cover for years and years, a couple have reported frayed edges and loose threads during their somewhat short time of use. For the record, other editors have had no issues, but it seems that while Brooklinen is also machine washable, it may require more delicate care to maintain its original quality.
Winner: Parachute
Price
Parachute: Parachute's linen duvet cover starts at $280 for a twin size and can run you up to $340. In our opinion, it’s absolutely worth the cost, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you’ll find cheaper options elsewhere.
Brooklinen: Brooklinen’s linen duvet cover costs between $259 and $349. While it can be cheaper than Parachute depending on the size, we don’t find the prices different enough to justify the difference in quality we’ve noticed.
Winner: Tie
Overall winner: Parachute
While some of our Throwdowns feel pretty close, Parachute is a clear winner here. Our editors talk about it incessantly – many have bought multiple duvet covers for different rooms in their homes after realizing just how amazing this product is. It’s extremely soft and cloud-like, offers supreme temperature regulation during any season, and is easy to care for, too. If you’re looking for a luxe sleeping experience, there’s really only one way to go.
