cotton or polycotton?

Hi all,

Just about to furnish a small self-catered accommodation, and we are aiming for a higher-end feel. When looking at bedding, I’m finding that most are polycotton. Do you think it matters whether I buy 100% cotton or polycotton? I have inadvertently used both in the past for AirBnb and tbh can’t really feel much of a difference. And I don’t think I would ever check if I went to stay somewhere! As I said, we are aiming for the slightly higher end of the market - is it worth holding out for the 100% cotton?

Also - any difference in how much these different materials crease?

Thank you in advance!

The very best cotton you can afford imo. I buy Egyptian high thread cotton sheets in the sales and all my guests love them. I am very fussy about bed linen so I always think others will share my obsession! If you are new to hosting, start to look up how to get rid of stains, I now know more about stains that I ever wanted to but it’s part of the hosting ‘scene’. Good luck.

Cotton for a few reasons - less pilling and breathability as other members mentioned, they just feel better, especially if you have sensitive skin (plus I personally love the crisp feel of good cotton sheets), and if you buy quality sheets they really do last much longer over many, many washings (so in the end, I feel they are more economical).

I had tried some name brand sheets from Marshall’s in the past that were similarly priced as what I use now, that were a cotton blend, and they really don’t hold up. My favorite, which I’m disappointed to not find any longer, were the Chaps Home pima cotton sheets in 500 thread count. I’ve just purchased a couple sets of spring sheets for my guest room from LL Bean. We’ll see if they compare!

Just one more vote for 100% cotton. I have a special aversion to synthetics.

But I see that nobody has mentioned linen bedsheets. Made out of linen cloth, that is. That might be worth considering if you don’t mind being a bit experimental.

Some time ago, I did a little experimentation of my own, and purchased some linen cloth, and had clothes made from them. I think we can call this experiment a success, because now I find I reflexively only wear linen. I’m not sure if linen sheets would work well. If I can find suitable cloth I might try it myself.

Hi faheem - funnily enough we recently splashed out and purchased linen bedsheets for ourselves (partly as we needed to upgrade anyway, and partly as ‘research’ for rental accom (!)). I’d heard they needed less ironing, which would save me a lot of hassle as I like to at least attempt to iron the duvet cover and pillowcases. We are happy so far with the look and feel (I wouldn’t bother ironing them for us, but whether guests would appreciate the ‘crumpled chic’ look I’m not sure…?). I’m just not sure I can justify the expense at the moment though, having to have at least two sets of everything!

I definitely agree: Cotton, 400tc, and I’ll go a step further and recommend the Sateen sheets from Target (if you are in the US). Link below. Higher thread counts are achieved by stretching the thread and folding it over a number of times. This weakens the fiber and explains why some very high TC sheets do not stand the test of time. 300 is what fine hotels use, after all.

And psychologically, in addition to a reliable quality, sleeping on white is also important as it reassures guests of cleanliness.

Good luck!

Definitely cotton. And definitely Percale only, my two cents. I buy anywhere from 200 -300 thread count genuine percale. It’s long staple cotton and washes up softer each time, high TC is not a concern. Percale is super durable too. I’m personally not a fan of sleeping on Sateen (it does not breath, IMO, it tends to pill and the sheets aren’t as durable), so I don’t put that on my guest’s bed either. Here’s a good article on the TC sham, if anyone is interested.

If you can’t deal with the wrinkles of genuine Percale, you may want to stick to Sateen, in my experience the Costco sateen sheets are more durable than most.

When it comes to choosing bed linens, the material plays a crucial role in ensuring a good night's sleep. Among the plethora of options available, 100% cotton bedsheets stand out for several compelling reasons. Here's why investing in pure cotton sheets is important for your comfort, health, and overall well-being.

### 1. Unmatched Comfort Cotton is renowned for its softness and comfort. The natural fibers in cotton create a breathable fabric that feels gentle against the skin. Unlike synthetic materials, which can feel rough or cause irritation, 100% cotton sheets provide a smooth, soothing surface that promotes relaxation and better sleep quality.

### 2. Breathability and Temperature Regulation One of the most significant benefits of 100% cotton bedsheets is their breathability. Cotton allows air to circulate, preventing heat from getting trapped under the covers. This natural ventilation helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The ability to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night is essential for uninterrupted sleep.

### 3. Hypoallergenic Properties For individuals with allergies or sensitive skin, 100% cotton bedsheets are a safe and healthy choice. Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to synthetic fabrics. Additionally, cotton sheets can be washed frequently at high temperatures, effectively removing dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens.

### 4. Durability and Longevity Cotton is a highly durable material that can withstand regular washing and usage. High-quality 100% cotton sheets maintain their integrity and softness even after multiple washes, unlike synthetic blends that may pill or lose their texture over time. Investing in cotton bedsheets means you’ll enjoy their comfort and appearance for many years.

### 5. Moisture Absorption Cotton is highly absorbent, which is particularly beneficial for those who tend to sweat during the night. The fabric can absorb and wick away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable. This moisture-wicking property also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, contributing to a healthier sleeping environment.

### 6. Eco-Friendly Choice Choosing 100% cotton bedsheets is also an environmentally friendly decision. Cotton is a renewable resource, and many manufacturers now follow sustainable farming practices. By opting for pure cotton sheets, you support eco-friendly production methods and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of synthetic materials. ### 7. Versatility and Style Cotton bedsheets come in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, making them a versatile choice for any bedroom decor. Whether you prefer classic white sheets, vibrant colors, or intricate designs, you can find 100% cotton options that match your aesthetic preferences. The natural sheen of cotton adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bedding

Whether it's 'eating cheese before bed gives you nightmares' or 'a nightcap always helps you snooze better', there are more myths surrounding sleep than there are sheep we can count. But it's the myths about bedding that are some of the most pervasive and the most inaccurate.

With so many patterns and prices, qualities and quantities to choose from, it's easy for companies to tie you in knots with bed linen yarns. To put these common misconceptions to rest for good, we want to share a little of our know-how to help you make better decisions when choosing your sheets.

‘Egyptian Cotton is Best’

For centuries, Egyptian cotton has been widely considered the go-to for posh sheets, and the reason for this fabric's five-star reputation is simple: the Nile. The valley's soil is rich in nutrients and the climate is humid, making conditions that, while not so great for your hair, are perfect for growing cotton. And not just any old cotton, but a kind that produces long-staple fibres (shorter fibres break easily, feel itchy and can even pill!), which when woven together make super snuggly sheets that last for yonks. So far, so good.

However, the problem is that even though a label may say 'Egyptian cotton bedding', there's no guarantee the yarns they are made from are the top-notch variety you've heard so much about, only that they were grown in Egypt. You see, with the techniques that farmers use nowadays, high-quality long-staple yarns can be grown almost anywhere in the world, from Pakistan to Peru. So, as long as you buy your bed linen from a company that cares about the quality of their product, and is helpful in guiding you to the product that fits your bed and pocket, there is no real need to worry about it being Egyptian.

Bad cotton, as well as the fabulous stuff, can be grown in Egypt.

‘A Higher Thread Count Makes Better Bed Linen!’

Your bed, your bank balance… cake. While some things are nearly always better when they’re bigger, thread count isn't necessarily one of them. Although it does to some extent play a role in how the fabric feels, and how you decide between fabrics, the thread count doesn’t tell you anything about the material’s durability, quality or breathability. In fact, its actual job is to measure density, calculating the number of woven horizontal (or ‘weft’) and vertical (‘warp’) threads that make up one square inch of fabric. This means the higher the count, the more fibres there are in the product, but if it’s too high, the weave will be too tight, and air won't circulate as well. Not ideal for a comfortable night's kip. The thread count doesn’t tell you a thing about the quality of yarns that are used, just the number.

Some manufacturers even use ‘creative maths’ to make their products appear more luxurious, inflating the numbers by twisting together several ultra-thin threads, often resulting in sheets that are more fragile and prone to rips, pills and snags.

After spending many, many hours scrutinizing (and snoozing with) cotton bed linen, we think we’ve hit upon the sweet spot. Our collection ranges from 200 thread count 100% cotton percale bed linen, which makes a fabulous laundry cupboard staple, up to our Super Hero 100% Cotton 1000 Thread Count Bed Linen that's perfect for creating a high-end, hotel-at-home look and feel.

‘Percale and Sateen are the Same Thing’

Next time you’re shopping for sheets, instead of agonising over thread counts, first decide whether you want percale or sateen. It may come as a surprise, but these two (very different!) weaving techniques really can affect the way a sheet feels against your skin and the quality of your sleep.

Cotton percale bedding is made using a classic 'over-and-under' weave to create light, crisp and cool-to-the-touch feel with a matte finish. Cotton sateen bedding on the other hand, is the closest thing you can get to satin. This weave 'floats' the yarn over several rows at a time exposing more thread surface, making sumptuous sheets with a glossy sheen that are a dream to sink into at the end of a long day.

To be honest, it all comes down to personal preference. Silky or crunchy, colourful or calm, we are all different, so feel it, sleep with it and you’ll soon understand which cotton bedding sends you into the cosiest slumber. And please do get in touch if you would like some samples or advice on which materials to choose. We love an excuse for a good ol’ chinwag!