Cotton Pillowcases

Cotton pillowcases in 400 thread count combed long-staple percale cotton, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, with a 4-inch envelope closure and mitred corners — Standard 20 × 26, Queen 20 × 30, King 20 × 36, Euro 26 × 26 in. Our cotton pillowcases are woven from long-staple fibre (not short-staple sheeting cotton), which stays smooth against the face for years rather than pilling within a few months.

Why percale, and why 400 TC specifically

Percale is a plain-weave cotton with a one-over-one thread pattern — the same weave used on hotel bedding worldwide because it stays cool through the night. Anything below 250 TC is thin and sheer; anything above 500 TC starts sacrificing breathability for a soft hand. 400 TC in long-staple cotton is the trade sweet spot: crisp, cool, hard-wearing, and it holds its finish through the ten-year test.

Combed long-staple cotton against your face

A pillowcase touches the face for six to eight hours a night. Short-staple cotton has fibre ends at the surface of every yarn — they catch on skin, break, and rise as pills within thirty washes. Long-staple cotton (fibres over 30 mm) twists longer, cleaner threads with fewer surface ends. The pillowcase reads smooth against the face on night one and still reads smooth on night one thousand.

Specifications

• Fibre: 100% combed long-staple cotton
• Weave: Percale, 400 thread count
• Certification: OEKO-TEX Standard 100
• Closure: 4-inch envelope, side-open — no zip against skin
• Corners: Mitred (holds shape through washing)
• Standard: 20 × 26 in.
• Queen: 20 × 30 in.
• King: 20 × 36 in.
• Euro: 26 × 26 in.
• Colours: Bone, Alabaster, Fog Grey, Sable, Ink, Sage, Chambray, Clay
• Care: 60 °C wash safe, tumble medium

Cotton pillowcase size guide

Envelope closure, not zip

Every pillowcase we make uses a 4-inch envelope tuck on the open end rather than a zip. Two reasons: nothing metal or plastic against the face while sleeping (which even hotel-grade zips do), and no closure to break in the wash. The envelope holds the pillow inside without slipping.

How to care for your cotton pillowcases

• Machine wash at up to 60 °C — hot wash on the undyed colours (Bone, Alabaster) clears allergen properly
• Coloured versions warm wash only
• Tumble medium or low
• Iron on the reverse for a hotel-crisp finish (most people don’t)
• Skip fabric softener — dulls yarn-dyed colour, coats fibre, increases skin irritation

Frequently asked questions

Are cotton pillowcases better than polyester?

Yes — cotton breathes and wicks moisture; polyester traps heat and builds static. Long-staple cotton stays smooth against the face for years rather than pilling within a season.

What thread count is best for cotton pillowcases?

400 TC in long-staple percale. Below 250 is thin; above 500 sacrifices breathability. 400 is the trade sweet spot.

Can I hot-wash cotton pillowcases?

Undyed (Bone, Alabaster) yes — 60 °C rated, which is the temperature that clears skin flakes and allergen. Coloured versions warm wash only.

What size cotton pillowcase for a queen bed?

Queen 20 × 30 in. is the correct size. Standard 20 × 26 is used on twin, full and standard queen pillows; king 20 × 36 for king and Cal King.

Complete the bed

Pair with matching cotton bed sheets, a coordinated cotton duvet cover and a reversible cotton quilt across the foot.