The Truth Behind Luxury Linens
As fine linens become more popular throughout households, terms such as thread count, Egyptian cotton, percale and sateen have become a part of everyone’s vocabulary. But not everyone actually understands the difference, and what makes luxury linens “luxury”.
As fine linens become more popular throughout households, terms such as thread count, Egyptian cotton, percale and sateen have become a part of everyone’s vocabulary. But not everyone actually understands the difference, and what makes luxury linens “luxury”.
The most important factor in fine linens is the quality of the cotton. Egyptian cotton has long been acknowledged for having the greatest quality. It has the longest fiber length (up to 2 inches), which will produce better fiber properties due to its strength. Typically grown in the Nile River Valley, Egyptian cotton has been known for its soft, luxurious hand and luster. Egyptian cotton is the highest grade of cotton. Low to medium grade cotton can be found in mass produced products and cotton blend goods. It is possible to “comb” Egyptian cotton and produce smaller fibers. Over time, shorter fibers in linens will pill and create tiny bumps of loose fibers.
Secondly, the nature of the finish and the feel of the fabric are just as important as the quality. Sateen finishes have more warp threads (vertical threads) on the top surface, resulting in a silk-like touch and appealing luster. A percale finish has a traditional “basket weave”, which results in a more crisp fabric. One weave is not considered better than the other. It all depends on personal preference. Thread count is simply the number of warp yarns (vertical yarns) and weft yearns (horizontal yarns) in one square inch of fabric. Low thread counts are often a percale finish, while sateen sheets have a high thread count.
Pioneer Linens . 210 Clematis Street . West Palm Beach,FL 33401 . 1-800-207-LINENS . www.pioneerlinens.com
