Winter's cold and darkness prompt us to appreciate our linens more than any other time of year. Nestling in bed or drying off after a warm bath, we are deeply comforted by the feel of organic next to our skin.

The choice of organic linens has grown, most notably in sheeting. A variety of fabrics, thread counts, patterns, and colors are offered by companies large and small. Pricing varies, as does the country of origin, thread count, and whether the sheeting is knit or woven. The common "thread" is that the product is made of certified organic cotton. Organic linens are unique in the marketplace for purity and the positive impact organic agriculture has on the safety and health of all life on this planet.

The Distinction between Organic and "Natural" or "Green" Linens
In shopping for bath, bed, and massage linens, it is good to know the difference in choices. As noted above, an organic towel or sheet is made of certified organic cotton. To gain organic certification, a cotton farm must have been inspected by an accredited certification organization using strict national (in the case of the U.S.) standards. Farmers raising organic fiber follow standards that nurture the soil or animal, and that prohibit the use of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides that are toxic and persistent.

In contrast, linens labeled as "natural" or "green" are made of conventional cotton grown using a harmful array of pesticides. The only restrictions are is that the end products supposedly have not been treated with formaldehyde or bleached with chlorine. However, as there are no federal standards or an inspection progress for "natural" or "green", there is no way to be sure the products have not been treated with such ingredients. Visit the Organic Trade Association's page Cotton and the Environment for specific information, (http://www.ota.com/organic/environment/cotton_environment.html).

The distinction of organic over "natural" or "green" linens becomes even clearer with the Organic Trade Association's imminent adoption of organic fiber processing standards in early  2004. These standards cover the manufacturing of textile products from the spinning of the yarn or thread to the dyeing and finishing of the end-product. These strict standards prohibit the use of heavy metals that can cause cancer or other harmful health effects.

The Organic Trade Association's standards are already encouraging the development and use of dyes, detergents and softeners with low to no impact on people and the environment.

Selecting Organic Cotton Sheets
Thread count in woven sheeting implies durability. Thread count comparisons do not apply with knit sheets. Thread count is the total number of yarns (thread) running horizontally and vertically in one square inch. Thread count and weave influences the feel of the sheet. A percale sheet featuring a thread count of 200 or more is generally softer than one with a lower thread count. Extremely high thread counts can result in a stiffer sheet. When considering a sheet, note whether it has been preshrunk or not. If it has not, obtain from the seller preshrink measurements and expected percentage of shrinkage in length and width. Do the math and compare it to your mattress before making your decision to purchase. The majority of shrinking will occur in the first three washings and dryings.

Definitions of sheeting:
Percale is light or medium weight, 200 plus thread count, made of carded or combed cotton. The weave is simple over-then-under interlacing. It is known for its crispness.
Sateen is a sheeting construction that features threads that float over the top of four to seven yarns (threads) before being interlaced in the weave. Sateen is known for its sheen.
Damask sheeting is woven on a jacquard loom and features a woven in pattern such as a stripe or check.
Flannel is a fuzzy and warm plain or twill weave, napped on one or both sides. Because of the napping process flannel may wear out sooner than percale.
Jersey sheeting is constructed of a plain knit stitch and features elasticity.  Its quality is determined by the length of the component fiber and by its weight.

Care of Your Sheets
Machine wash them in warm water with biodegradable soap. Tumble or line dry. To avoid wrinkling, remove sheeting from dryer before it is thoroughly dry and hang it up. If bleach is needed, use peroxide based, non-chlorine bleach.

Selecting Organic Cotton Towels
Towels featuring large, densely packed loops are the most absorbent. The loops are the absorbers. The underlying woven fabric is important even though barely seen on a quality towel. Quality towels feature a densely packed under-mat or woven base. Given good care, a well-made towel will last 10 or more years.

Care of Your Towels
Wash them in warm water using  a lesser amount of biodegradable soap than instructed. This prevents residues from forming. If you feel a softener is necessary, use one without silicon. It leaves a petroleum-based wax-like coating that coats the terry fibers resulting in a less absorbent towel.

If using a clothes dryer, remove the towels when they are almost dry. This will lengthen their life. Shaking a towel after washing and machine drying will allow the loops to open up, resulting in a more fluffy and absorbent towel.

If towels need to be whitened, use a peroxide product and never chlorine bleach. Bleach deteriorates whatever it comes into contact with.

Towels will last longer if they are allowed to dry out on a shower rod or clothes rack and not wadded up to mold in a hamper. There's no need to wash them after each bath/shower as they will thin quickly.

Organic cotton linens will give you years of good service. Take time to choose based on preferences and durability. You will be pleased with your choice. Wishing you a winter of deep comfort!

Kayleen Hanna owns and operates Sew Eco-Logical Organic Cotton Textiles, a company supplying organic cotton sheeting and terry textiles to manufacturing companies.

To find organic linens, visit http://www.theorganicpages.com