These two varieties of cotton are valued for their long staples, or fibers. Long staples are desirable because they are less likely to pill, hold the structure of the weave better, and overall lead to a softer, more durable sheet. If a fabric is made with short staple cotton, it is common for the staples to start to poke out over time, leading to a decrease in the softness and comfort.

In essence, while a bed sheet is a specific item, bed linen refers to the entire set of bedding fabric products.

Styles of Bed Linens: Bed linens offer a broader range of styles, including duvet covers, which encase duvets or comforters, and pillowcases, which can range from simple to decorative. Bed linens can also include items like bed skirts, which add a decorative touch while hiding the space under the bed, and quilts or coverlets for additional warmth or decorative layering.