Parachute vs Brooklinen Bedding: Which DTC Brand Wins?
Hey there, fellow bedding enthusiast! If you‘ve been on the hunt for new sheets, duvets, and pillows, you‘ve probably come across Parachute and Brooklinen. These two direct-to-consumer darlings have been shaking up the world of bedding in recent years with their high-quality goods and reasonable prices.
But what sets these brands apart? And when it comes down to it, which one should you trust with your hard-earned cash and sacred sleep? Don‘t worry – I‘ve done the research and tested the products, so you can rest easy. Sit back, relax, and let me walk you through the ultimate Parachute vs Brooklinen bedding showdown!
Tale of the Tape: The Brands Behind the Bedding
Before we jump into the nitty gritty details, let‘s set the stage with an overview of each brand.
Parachute launched in 2014 with a mission to bring high-quality, thoughtfully designed bedding to the masses at accessible prices. Founder Ariel Kaye saw a gap in the market between cheap, low-quality bedding and ultra-expensive luxury lines. All of Parachute‘s products are designed in Venice Beach and responsibly manufactured by expert craftspeople around the globe.
Brooklinen has a similar origin story – it was founded in 2014 by husband and wife Rich and Vicki Fulop after they had an "aha" moment about the mark-up on traditional bedding. By cutting out the middleman and partnering with top-notch factories, Brooklinen is able to offer luxury-grade goods at reasonable prices. The brand has developed a cult following for their laid-back yet chic aesthetic.
Sheet Set Showdown: Materials, Colors, Feel
Now let‘s dive into the meat of the matter – comparing Parachute and Brooklinen‘s sheet sets. I‘ll be looking at materials and craftsmanship, color and pattern options, and of course, the feel and performance of the sheets.
Both brands pride themselves on using high-quality long staple cotton, which has longer, more uniform fibers. This results in a smoother, more durable weave that resists pilling and gets softer with time. Here‘s a quick comparison of the cotton used:
| Brand | Cotton Type | Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Parachute | Certified Egyptian cotton (Percale), Turkish cotton (Sateen & Brushed) | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
| Brooklinen | Long-staple cotton (not specified) | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Both brands offer percale and sateen weaves, as well as linen options. In my experience, Parachute‘s percale is a bit more crisp and matte, while Brooklinen‘s has a more soft, buttery feel. The sateen options from both brands are silky smooth with a subtle luster.
Brooklinen does offer a wider variety of colors and patterns – over 15 compared to Parachute‘s 5-7 core colors. So if you‘re really looking to find that perfect hue, Brooklinen may be the way to go. That said, I appreciate the curated, sophisticated palette that Parachute offers. Sometimes less is more!
One key difference is that Parachute does not list thread counts, as they believe it‘s an unreliable indicator of quality. Brooklinen‘s Classic percale clocks in at a 270 thread count, while their Luxe sateen is a silky 480.
Personally, I‘m a percale gal, and after sleeping on both brands‘ sheets, I have to give the slight edge to Brooklinen. The lightweight, breathable weave kept me cool and comfortable all night long. But again, it‘s a close call – Parachute‘s sheets are also excellent quality and some may prefer their more structured feel.
Duvet Deliberation: Construction, Closures, Colors
You‘ve got your sheets picked out, but what about a duvet cover to complete the look? Here‘s how Parachute and Brooklinen‘s duvet covers stack up.
Both brands offer percale, sateen, and linen duvet covers to match their sheets. The materials and overall feel are very similar to the sheet sets. I will say Parachute‘s linen feels a bit more soft and broken in, likely because it‘s stonewashed. But the difference is negligible and both are excellent quality, in my opinion.
In terms of construction, both use sturdy button closures and corner ties to keep your duvet in place. Brooklinen‘s buttons are a bit larger, which I find makes them easier to handle. But functionally, both get the job done.
The main difference here is color selection. Brooklinen offers their duvet covers in the same wide array of hues as their sheets – over 15 core colors plus limited edition seasonal prints. Parachute has a more limited selection of 6-7 versatile neutrals.
So if you‘re looking to exactly match your sheets or get a pop of color, Brooklinen is the clear winner. But if you prefer a more pared-back, easy to coordinate look, Parachute‘s tightly edited color palette is a great choice.
Pillow Talk: Fill, Firmness, and Function
The right pillow is essential for a good night‘s sleep. Let‘s see how Parachute and Brooklinen‘s offerings compare.
Both brands offer down and down alternative options in a variety of densities. Here‘s a quick overview:
| Brand | Fill Options | Densities | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parachute | European white down, Down alternative microfiber | Soft, Medium, Firm | RDS certified, OEKO-TEX |
| Brooklinen | Canadian white down, Down alternative microfiber | Plush, Mid-plush, Firm | OEKO-TEX, Down & feather products meet Prop 65 standards |
I‘ve tried both the down and down alternative options from each brand, and I have to say, they‘re all high-quality and comfortable. The down has that indulgent, sink-in softness, while the down alternative is a great value and ideal for those with allergies or ethical concerns.
One key difference is Brooklinen‘s unique "dual-core" construction on their mid-plush and firm down pillows. Essentially, there‘s an inner supportive layer of feathers surrounded by a fluffy down outer layer. This allows the pillow to have some structure and loft while still feeling plush.
Brooklinen also offers a specific pillow recommendation based on your sleeping position (stomach, back, side, or combination). As a combination sleeper, I appreciate these personalized suggestions.
Overall, while you can‘t go wrong with either brand, I personally prefer Brooklinen‘s pillows. The dual-core construction really makes a difference in terms of support. Plus, the price point is a bit lower than Parachute‘s.
Frequently Asked Questions
I know you probably still have questions – and I‘ve got answers! Here are some FAQs about Parachute and Brooklinen bedding:
Q: Do I need to use a top sheet with these bedding sets?
A: It‘s a matter of personal preference! Parachute‘s sheet sets do not come with a top sheet, as they find many people don‘t use them. Brooklinen‘s sheet sets do include a top sheet. Both brands sell top sheets separately if you want one.
Q: What‘s the difference between Brooklinen‘s Classic and Luxe lines?
A: The main difference is the thread count and feel. Classic sheets have a 270 thread count and a crisp, cool feel. Luxe is a 480 thread count and feels more silky and smooth. I personally prefer the Classic but it‘s all about your taste!
Q: How do these brands give back?
A: Parachute partners with the United Nation‘s Nothing But Nets campaign to send life-saving malaria-prevention bed nets to those in need. Brooklinen has donated over 20,000 sheets to nonprofits supporting those affected by homelessness and domestic violence. So you can feel good about supporting brands that give back!
Q: Can I see the products in person before buying?
A: Yes, Parachute has several retail stores across the US. Brooklinen has one showroom in Brooklyn. Both brands also offer generous trial periods (60 days for Parachute, 365 for Brooklinen) so you can test the products at home risk-free.
The Bottom Line: Which Brand Gets My Vote?
Congratulations, you‘re now a bonafide bedding expert! We‘ve compared the ins and outs of Parachute and Brooklinen‘s sheet sets, duvet covers, and pillows. But which brand gets my vote overall?
It‘s a close call, but if I had to choose, I‘d go with Brooklinen. Don‘t get me wrong, Parachute makes beautiful, high-quality bedding that I would happily outfit my bedroom with. But for me, Brooklinen wins for a few key reasons:
- The wide color and pattern selection means I can really customize my bedding to my style
- I find the lightweight, buttery feel of their sheets to be slightly more comfortable
- The dual-core pillow construction offers the perfect balance of support and plushness
- The 365-day return policy and frequent promotions make Brooklinen an excellent value
But honestly, you can‘t go wrong with either brand. It really comes down to your personal taste and bedding priorities. My best advice? Take advantage of each brand‘s generous trial period and test the products for yourself!
I hope this deep dive into Parachute vs Brooklinen has been helpful. Here‘s to many blissful, cool, and comfortable nights of sleep ahead!
Sweet dreams,
Your Trusty Bedding Guru
