Home Textiles

Fabric and thread count

Two things decide bed linen: what the fabric is, and how densely it is woven.

• Sateen gives a smooth, lustrous face that glides against the skin.
• Mercerised cotton goes through a treatment that adds sheen and binds dye into the fibre — which is why it does not fade with washing.
• Tencel is made from wood cellulose and absorbs more moisture than cotton. It keeps the surface dry if you sleep hot.

A higher thread count makes the fabric finer and softer, but on its own it does not mean quality — the staple length matters too. That is why Egyptian (Giza) cotton stands out: its fibres are long.

Fitted sheets and mattress depth

The measurement that matters on a fitted sheet is the depth of the mattress. The sets here fit up to 35 cm; for a pillow-top or an unusually tall mattress, confirm the size before ordering. On a divan base, an elastane blend grips the corners better.

Care

Most of these wash inside out at up to 40°C. Skipping the bleach and drying on low keeps the colour and the hand close to how they started.