Linen gowns are both comfortable and reusable. Previously worn gowns can be autoclaved to regain sterility. Linen is a woven material so that when it becomes wet, bacteria can permeate through its interstices. Linen is not the gown material of choice for wet, bloody surgical procedures. Plastic is superior in its resistance to wetting and bacterial penetration.
Plastic is extremely uncomfortable to wear because of the inability to shed heat and perspiration.