Clarification on the Linen "Thickness"

To try to make it more clear about the difference in hand dyed vs. Zwiegart dyed linen, I've tried to take some pictures but this is in the basement with not so great basement lighting.

First, I'm going to insert part of a blurb that comes up when I Google "Why does hand dyed linen seem thicker than Zwiegart linen?"

I want to reiterate that there is nothing wrong with Zwiegart linen. Most hand dyers start with a Zwiegart base and, that is my favorite. I will rarely buy linen that isn't Zwiegart base.

The linen on the left is Zwiegart Cafe au Lait and the one on the right is Fox & Rabbit White Clay. Both are 40 count. There's a green post it note type paper slipped underneath the first layer of both linens. Do you see how much more the one on the left shows through?

Below is the same photo with a bit of lighting manipulation.

I'm not even sure if you can see it but in the photo below, the linen on the left is the same Zwiegart Cafe au Lait 40 count and the one on the right is a Picture This Plus 40 count. The holes in the PTP linen are MUCH smaller. To me, the PTP 40 count all feels more like 46 count because either the threads absorbed something and puffed up or the whole piece shrank in the dying process. If it mattered to me (so far it has not), I could count the threads, measure and find out. I just know that I much prefer stitching and the look on 36 count PTP where other linens, it's 40 count for me.

Again, I love them all. The Zwiegart Cafe au Lait and Vintage Country Mocha are two of my favorite linens but I have LOTS of favorite. 

I love the mottling on Picture This Plus linens. One of my most favorite pieces is the one I stitched as a memorial to my dad and his family. It's one thing to stitch on linens I love but when I'm stitching something I hope becomes a family heirloom, I use my real favorites!

There are so, so many great linens. I can't think of anything right now that I've not liked at all. There may have been some and I choose not to remember (that statement is for those of you who are laughing, thinking "I remember when you complained forever about THAT ONE piece of linen!". I truly don't remember.)

My advice, for what it's worth - not much I know - is to order a 9" x 36" piece of 40 count Zwiegart linen ($5.36 at 123 Stitch) and a piece of 40 count something else - Seraphim, Picture This Plus, Fiber on a Whim, Fox & Rabbit (one, not all). Try them and see what you like best. Further advice - don't order a lot of anything until you know what you like.