If you're confused by all the terminology used to describe bed and bath products, you're not alone! We try to demystify the different terminologies used and explain the characteristics of each one.
What are the different types of cotton?
Everyone has heard of Egyptian cotton, and purists would argue that other cottons cannot match the softness of cotton grown on the banks of the Nile. However, for a number of reasons too complex to explore here, Egyptian cotton is becoming increasingly rare and indeed in 2016 the number of bales produced is at a lower level. As a result of its meager supply, Egyptian cotton has become disproportionately expensive and other cotton is often being passed as Egyptian cotton.
The same or similar cotton plants used in Egypt are now used in many parts of the world to create equally long fiber and quality cotton. Another process called “combing” is used in this cotton to remove the smaller fibers and leave only the longer and stronger ones. Only the remaining fibers can produce the finest of the yarns, and only those fine yarns can produce the highest yarn count bed products and the tallest GSM towel products.
We believe that by using long combed fibers in our products, you will get indiscernible Egyptian cotton quality for a fraction of the price.
What is Pima Cotton?
It's simple - in fact, it's exactly the same plant as Egyptian cotton, but it's not grown in Egypt.
What do the different thread counts mean?
Thread count refers to the number of threads that span (weft) and vertically (warp) within 1 square inch of fabric. This is a useful general guide to the fineness and quality of a fabric and a good indicator of bedding quality. Good quality bedding starts at 180 threads per inch, luxury bedding from 300 threads and very luxurious 1000 threads per inch. On a sheet with fewer threads, the individual threads are quite thick, producing bed linen that can have a relatively thicker feel. At higher thread counts, there are more threads per square inch, they are correspondingly thinner, and the bedding looks much softer and more luxurious.
The 400 threads-per-inch bedding creates a luxurious feel and the quality of durability that makes it ideal for everyday use. That's why we start our range at this level. Once you get over 400 threads, the quality of the fibers needed to weave at this level means that, in our opinion, the difference between long-fiber combed cotton and Egyptian cotton is indiscernible.
What about GSM?
That's grams per square meter, and generally speaking, it's to towels what the thread count is to bed linen. The more strands you can weave into a towel, the greater the weight. In addition, thinner towels have fibers so strong that they can be woven without additional twists to artificially increase their strength. These “zero twist” towels are among the softest. Not sure which towel to choose? Read our article here.
Can you explain the difference in pillowcase sizes?
You must have heard the terms housewife and Oxford pillowcases. But what's the difference? An h ousewife pillowcase is also called a standard pillowcase. They have a solid stitched edge, which fits snugly around your standard pillow. The dimensions of a housewife or standard pillowcase are 50 cm. x 75cm. This fits any size 48cm pillow. x 74cm.
Then we have the Oxford pillowcase which takes its name from a type of fabric called Oxford fabric. The Oxford pillowcase was created as a prettier version of the standard housewife pillowcase. It's like a standard pillowcase, but with a flat hem sewn into the edges to create a border. The size of this border can vary in width, but it is likely to be between 5 cm. and 10cm. An Oxford pillowcase measures 50cm. x75 cm. and outside of 60cm. x 85cm. This fits on any 50cm pillow size. x75 cm.
There is also a king-size pillowcase. Also known as super king, extra long or XL or a large pillowcase. This king size pillowcase is like a standard pillowcase, but longer. It is usually 15 cm. longer, making it more oblong in size. Two king-size pillows will fit on a super king-size bed measuring 183 cm. wide. A king size pillowcase measures 50cm. x 90cm. and fits on a 50cm pillow. x 90cm.
Lastly, there is a square pillowcase. These are used mainly for decorative purposes. The square pillowcase, like an oxford pillowcase, has a wide, flat hem sewn around the edge to create an edge. The size of this border can vary in width, but it is likely to be between 5 cm. and 10cm. measures inside 65cm. x 65cm. and outside (depending on flap size) 75cm. x 75cm. This fits into a 65cm pillow. x 65cm.
Where do we get our products?
Our leading bed linen supplier was established in 1834 and is headquartered in the UK. They have unrivaled sourcing and technical expertise in the textile sector.
Our cotton is 100% cotton sateen.