If you‘re on the hunt for high-quality, comfortable, and ethically-made bedding, chances are you‘ve come across Brooklinen and Boll & Branch. These two popular direct-to-consumer brands have revolutionized the luxury linen industry over the past decade with their thoughtfully-crafted sheets, duvets, pillows, towels and more.
But with similar origin stories, product offerings, and commitment to sustainability, how do you decide which one deserves that coveted spot on your bed? In this comprehensive Brooklinen vs Boll & Branch review, we‘ll dive deep into the key differences that set these companies apart to help you find your perfect match.
The Founding Stories
Brooklinen
Brooklinen was founded in 2014 by husband and wife duo Rich and Vicki Fulop. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, accessibly-priced sheets on the market, they set out on a mission to create "the best of bedding for everyone."
The Fulops spent a year researching and developing their initial product, scouring the globe for the finest materials and manufacturers. They landed on long-staple cotton from Portugal, a country renowned for its textile tradition. Brooklinen launched with a Kickstarter campaign that reached its funding goal in a matter of hours, proving the demand for their reimagined luxury linens.
Boll & Branch
Boll & Branch also came from humble husband and wife beginnings. In 2014, Scott and Missy Tannen were shopping for a new set of sheets. But with little transparency from major bedding brands about how and where their products were made, they struggled to find options that aligned with their values.
This lightbulb moment inspired the Tannens to build Boll & Branch on three key tenets: quality materials, ethical production, and environmental sustainability. They developed relationships with Fair Trade certified farmers and factory workers in India, Portugal, and the United States, and insisted on using only 100% organic cotton across their lineup.
The Product Showdown
Now that you know the "why" behind Brooklinen and Boll & Branch, let‘s get into the "what." Both brands have steadily expanded beyond their initial sheet sets to offer a full range of luxury sleep essentials and cozy add-ons.
Sheets
The core of any bedding brand is its signature sheet set. Brooklinen‘s bestseller is the Luxe Sateen Set, which includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, duvet cover, and 4 pillowcases. Made from 100% long-staple cotton with a rich 480 thread count, these buttery-soft sheets are OEKO-TEX certified and come in a range of chic solid colors and limited-edition patterns.
Boll & Branch‘s flagship sheet is the Signature Hemmed Set, which features a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases. Also crafted from organic long-staple cotton, these 300 thread count sateen sheets have a lighter drape that‘s ideal for year-round comfort. Choose from 8 tasteful solid colors.
Pillows
No dreamy bedscape is complete without the perfect pillow. Brooklinen offers a plush down pillow in both mid-plush and firm densities. Stuffed with a combination of cushy down clusters and supportive feathers, these pillows are encased in a 400 thread count sateen cotton shell.
Boll & Branch takes a slightly different approach with their down pillow. Available in soft, medium, and firm feels, it features a 100% feather fill (no clusters) for a more structured, slow-sinking feel. The 200 thread count cotton cover ensures breathability.
Towels
Both brands have you covered outside of the bedroom as well with their spa-worthy bath towels. Brooklinen‘s Super-Plush Bath Towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton for maximum softness and absorbency. At a lofty 820 GSM, they feel like a warm hug every time you step out of the shower.
Boll & Branch‘s Plush Bath Towels are crafted from a slightly lighter weight organic cotton terry at 700 GSM. The ribbed dobby design adds a touch of elegance to any bathroom. With both brands, you can mix and match washcloths, hand towels, and bath sheets to complete the set.
Quality & Materials
If you‘ve made it this far, you know that Brooklinen and Boll & Branch don‘t skimp when it comes to quality. But what really sets them apart is their commitment to responsible materials and ethical manufacturing. Let‘s take a closer look.
100% Long-Staple Cotton
Both brands exclusively use extra-long staple cotton across their bedding products. Compared to traditional cotton, these longer, finer fibers create a stronger, smoother fabric that resists pilling, tearing, and wrinkling over time. It‘s like the difference between a nice glass of wine and a Two Buck Chuck – you can feel the difference.
Thread Count
If you‘ve been taught to worship at the altar of thread count, it‘s time for a reality check. While higher thread counts are often associated with better quality, the truth is that anything over 400 is mostly marketing fluff. What really matters is the length and quality of the cotton fibers.
Brooklinen offers a range of thread counts from a crisp 270 in their Classic Percale sheets to an indulgent 480 in their Heathered Cashmere set. Boll & Branch keeps things streamlined with 300 thread count across the board.
OEKO-TEX & GOTS certifications
In a world of greenwashing and questionable claims, third-party certifications offer important peace of mind. Brooklinen is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning their products have been rigorously tested for harmful substances at every stage of production.
Boll & Branch goes a step further with their commitment to 100% organic cotton. They‘re one of the largest consumers of Fair Trade Certified organic cotton, and many of their products are also GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified. That means no toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or other harmful chemicals at any point in the supply chain.
Customer Reviews
Of course, you don‘t have to take the brands‘ word for it. Here‘s what real customers have to say about their Brooklinen and Boll & Branch experiences:
Brooklinen
"I never knew sheets could be this soft and comfortable. I‘ve had my Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle for over a year now and they just keep getting better with every wash. Worth every penny." – Sarah L.
"As a hot sleeper, I was hesitant to try sateen sheets. But Brooklinen‘s Luxe Set is amazingly lightweight and breathable. I don‘t wake up sweaty anymore!" – Mark R.
"Brooklinen‘s customer service is top-notch. When I reached out about a small tear in my duvet cover, they immediately sent me a replacement, no questions asked. I‘m a customer for life!" – Rachel T.
Boll & Branch
"I love knowing that my Boll & Branch sheets are ethically made and free from harmful chemicals. It‘s so hard to find 100% organic cotton bedding that actually feels luxurious. These are the best of both worlds." – Jenna S.
"I bought a set of Boll & Branch sheets for my guest room and now I‘m tempted to steal them for myself! They‘re incredibly soft and the fitted sheet actually stays put on the mattress." – David L.
"I was a bit skeptical about Boll & Branch‘s pricing, but these towels are truly next-level. They‘re so plush and absorbent without feeling too heavy. I feel like I‘m at a 5-star hotel every time I step out of the shower." – Emily R.
Price & Value
Let‘s address the elephant in the room: both Brooklinen and Boll & Branch are undeniably pricey compared to your average big box retailer. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for – and in this case, it‘s top-tier quality, ethical production, and years (if not decades) of cozy, restful sleep.
Here‘s how the brands stack up on pricing for a few key items:
Queen Sheet Sets
Brooklinen Luxe Core Set (with duvet cover): $249
Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Set (without duvet cover): $278
Down Pillows
Brooklinen: $69-$89
Boll & Branch: $158-$228
Bath Towels
Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towel: $65 for set of 2
Boll & Branch Plush Bath Towel: $45 each
Both brands also offer regular sales, promotions, and discounts to help soften the sticker shock. Brooklinen has a refer-a-friend program that earns you and your buddies $25 off, while Boll & Branch offers 10% off when you sign up for their email list.
The Bottom Line
So, which brand should you trust with your sacred sleep space? The truth is, you can‘t go wrong with either Brooklinen or Boll & Branch. Both deliver unparalleled quality, comfort, and craftsmanship that justify the premium price tag.
That said, there are a few key differences that may sway you to one side. If you‘re looking for the absolute best deal and a wider range of colors and patterns, Brooklinen is your best bet. The brand‘s direct-to-consumer model and slightly lower thread counts translate to a more affordable price point without sacrificing quality.
On the other hand, if supporting organic agriculture and Fair Trade practices is your top priority, Boll & Branch is the clear winner. The brand‘s unwavering commitment to 100% organic cotton and ethical production sets a new standard for sustainability in the bedding industry.
Whichever brand you choose, one thing‘s for sure: you‘re investing in a better night‘s sleep and a healthier planet. So go ahead, splurge on those fancy sheets – your mind, body, and conscience will thank you.
