How to Choose the Best Cotton Bedding Available
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Time to read 5 min
When did shopping for bedding become so complicated? If you’re looking for a white double duvet cover on the website of a leading UK department store, you’ll need to choose from 54 options.
Visiting a shop in person isn’t any different – you’ll need to navigate aisles of plastic wrapped cotton bedding that all looks the same. It’s only once you get your sheets back home, and on your bed, that you can truly ascertain the quality of your purchase.
But shopping for cotton bedding doesn’t need to be so complicated. Here’s three tips to help you navigate the overcomplicated web that is the cotton bedding industry
Look for quality, not quantity cotton bedding
Because it’s so difficult to differentiate between two similar looking bedding sets by eye, retailers have increasingly pushed thread count as an indicator of the quality of a bedding set.
Thread count measures the number of threads in a square inch of fabric. But the truth is, a higher thread count doesn’t necessarily make better bedding.
Instead, the key factor in making luxury bedding is the quality of the cotton being used. rather than the quantity of threads. Makes sense, right?
Look for long-staple cotton, which is naturally stronger and finer than regular cotton, and which produces the softest and most durable sheets.
Know your makers
Making cotton bedding is a true craft and a hugely complicated process. The leading mills can have production lines that are kilometres in length, and pieces of high-tech machinery that cost tens of millions to build and run. Like any product, the skill of the makers has a huge impact on the quality of the cotton bedding that you buy.
In Europe, Portugal & Italy have long traditions of textile manufacturing and vibrant industries which produce luxury cotton bedding for high-end retailers worldwide.
Types of Cotton Bedding Weave: Percale vs. Sateen
Once the quality of your cotton bedding is set, it’s the type of weave utilised in the production process that can have the biggest impact on how your bedding looks, feels, and performs over time . Two of the most popular weaves you'll encounter when shopping for cotton bedding are percale and sateen – each with distinct characteristics.
Percale cotton
Percale is woven using a one-yarn-over, one-yarn-under pattern, creating a tight, matte weave that feels crisp and cool to the touch. If you’ve ever slipped between the sheets in a high-end hotel and felt that freshly-laundered, breathable finish – that’s percale.
Key Features
Breathable & lightweight – ideal for warmer sleepers or summer months.
Matte finish – understated and elegant, without shine.
Crisp hand-feel – improves with every wash.
Durable & long-lasting – resists pilling and holds its shape.
Often preferred by those who love a fresh, just-ironed feel each night.
Great for: Hot sleepers, minimalist design lovers, or anyone who likes that crisp, hotel-like bed linen experience.
Pear Washed Cotton Percale Flat Sheet
Sateen cotton
Sateen uses a one-yarn-under, three- or four-yarn-over weave pattern, which exposes more surface area of the yarn. This results in a smoother, more lustrous fabric that feels silky and supple on the skin.
Key Features
Soft and luxurious – has a drapey, buttery-smooth feel.
Subtle sheen – gives a polished, elegant look.
Slightly heavier than percale – adds a bit of warmth.
May wrinkle less than percale – good for a neater look straight from the dryer.
Though not as breathable as percale, it offers a cosier, insulating touch.
Great for: Cooler climates, fans of luxe aesthetics, or those who love slipping into soft, warm bedding in the evenings.
By understanding the differences between these two weave types, you can choose bedding that suits both your comfort preferences and your style. Whether you lean toward the cool crispness of percale or the silky softness of sateen , both weaves offer luxurious sleeping experiences when crafted from high-quality cotton .
Hotel 230 Thread Count Cotton Sateen Duvet Cover
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is shopping for cotton bedding so overwhelming?
The market is saturated with options that often look identical but vary greatly in quality. Whether shopping online or in-store, customers are faced with a confusing array of choices, often with unclear labelling and marketing buzzwords like “high thread count” that don’t necessarily guarantee quality.
2. Does a higher thread count mean better quality sheets?
Not necessarily. While thread count measures how many threads are woven into a square inch of fabric, a higher number doesn’t always equate to better bedding. Many brands inflate thread counts with multi-ply yarns, which can actually make the sheets heavier and less breathable. What really matters is the quality of the cotton , especially if it’s long-staple .
3. What is long-staple cotton and why is it better?
Long-staple cotton refers to cotton fibers that are longer than average. These longer fibers produce smoother, stronger, and more durable yarns. Bedding made from long-staple cotton tends to be softer, more breathable, and resistant to pilling – perfect for luxury linens.
4. What’s the difference between percale and sateen weave?
Percale uses a one-over-one-under weave, giving it a crisp, cool, and matte finish – perfect for hot sleepers or those who love a hotel-style sheet.
Sateen , on the other hand, uses a one-under-three-over weave, creating a silky-smooth texture with a subtle sheen – ideal for colder months or those seeking a more luxurious feel.
Which weave is better – percale or sateen?
It depends on personal preference:
Choose percale if you like breathable, crisp, and lightweight sheets.
Choose sateen if you prefer soft, silky, and slightly heavier bedding with a more elegant finish.
Both are excellent options when made from high-quality cotton – it comes down to your climate , sleep style , and design preference .
6. Is the origin of the bedding important?
Yes. The expertise of the manufacturers plays a huge role. Countries like Portugal and Italy are known for their long-standing traditions in textile craftsmanship. Bedding from these regions is often produced in state-of-the-art mills, resulting in exceptional quality and finish.
7. What should I focus on when shopping for cotton bedding?
Look for long-staple or extra-long staple cotton .
Don’t be misled by thread count alone.
Consider your preferred weave : crisp percale or silky sateen.
Choose products from reputable mills or regions with strong textile traditions.
Test and feel the fabric when possible – true quality reveals itself in use.
8. How can I tell if bedding will actually feel luxurious at home?
Unfortunately, packaging and appearance can be deceptive. True quality is felt over time. Look for customer reviews, fabric labels (e.g., “100% Egyptian cotton”, “long-staple”), and trust in craftsmanship. Ultimately, investing in high-quality cotton and the right weave will make all the difference once it’s on your bed.
Myza Editorial Team
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