Bedding Material 101 - Cotton

Many are reasonably priced, while some grades of cotton fabrics can be pricey. The basic difference among types of cotton lies in their staple length. The staple length refers to the fibre’s length used for weaving the cotton into the bedding. There are three different staple lengths:

• Short staple: 1-1/8 inch
• Long staple: 1-1/4 inch
• Extra-long staple: 1-3/8 to 2 inches

The longer the staple, the fewer fabric ends will be exposed in the woven cotton fabrics, a synonym for better quality, softer, and more durable beddings. Different Types of Cotton, classified by staple length, are:

Upland Cotton

Upland cotton is the most common short-staple cotton. The American classic comprises 95% of the cotton planted in the US. It's ideal for everyday products, including bed sheets.

• Pros: Affordable, durable, low maintenance.
• Cons: Rougher and less soft than long staple cotton bedding varieties.

Pima Cotton

Pima belongs to the family of medium to extra-long staple fibres. Beddings made from Pima cotton are luxuriously smooth with a natural sheen. Traditionally grown in Peru, Pima cotton is now widely planted in the Southwest America.

• Pros: Extra-strong staple, longer longevity, resistant to tearing, wrinkling, fading, and pilling. Smoother and softer than upland cotton.
• Cons: Relatively more expensive but still accessible.

Egyptian Cotton

Widely considered the most luxurious variety, Egyptian cotton is an extra-long staple variety. Like Pima cotton, Egyptian cotton also tends to be soft, vibrant, and high in performance. It’s a good choice for those who want super-soft bed sheets at any cost.

• Pros: Makes the softest and smoothest cotton fabric, crisp and breathable.
• Cons: The real ones can be quite expensive.

Both Pima and Egyptian cotton share similar characteristics. The difference lies in their origin – Pima is primarily planted in the USA, while Egyptian cotton thrives in the warm and dry atmosphere of the Nile River Valley.

Flannel Cotton

Flannel cotton is soft, medium staple cotton with a nappe or fuzzy finish. The napped finish comes from brushing or a loosely spun weave, resulting in a soft fabric with snuggly-warm qualities. It’s often woven with tartan and plaid patterns, making it a favorite fabric for bedding in the winter.

• Pros: Soft, cozy, and great for keeping warm during winter; heavyweight and thicker, affordable.
• Cons: It starts piling up over time, creating little fabric balls on the surface, and may trap heat.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton has become increasingly popular due to broader awareness of sustainable lifedata-styles. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton does not require heavy pesticide use. It is also more water-efficient and preferred by individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to mitigate skin irritations.

Weaves

Apart from the type of cotton, the weaving method also determines the texture of cotton bedding. The weaving process combines warp (lengthwise yarns) and weft (crosswise threads) to generate a woven structure. Common kinds include:

Percale Weaves: Crisscross weave known for breathability, ideal for warm weather and hot sleepers.

Sateen Weaves: Smooth, luxurious, and shiny surface with a soft texture.

Twill Weaves: Diagonal line pattern similar to denim, durable, and easy to drape.

In summary, longer staple length and finer fibers indicate higher quality and softer cotton products. Weaving patterns determine other fabric properties: sateen for smoothness and shine, twill for durability, and percale for a breathable, cooling feel.