How to Choose Your Bed Linen
Find the perfect bed linen in five simple steps
Good bed linen is one of the best investments you can make in your sleep. Ours is woven from 100% Egyptian or organic cotton to feel better every night, last for years and even soften the more you use it.
Not sure where to start? Work through the five steps below, or jump straight to the part you need.
Short on time? Start here
Our most popular choices, matched to how you like to sleep.
- 100% pure cottonEgyptian or organic cotton
- GOTS organicCertified organic cotton options
- Made in EuropeExclusively for The Fine Cotton Company
- Machine washableEasy care that lasts for years
Fabric and feel: percale or sateen?
All of our bed linen is 100% Egyptian or GOTS-approved organic cotton. Cotton is durable, versatile and breathable, and as a natural fibre it helps regulate your temperature through the night.
We choose longer cotton fibres, which spin into a stronger, smoother yarn that lasts longer than shorter, cheaper cottons. Our family-run weavers then turn that yarn into different fabrics, each with its own texture and feel. The right one simply comes down to how you like your bed to feel.
Percale
A tight one-over, one-under weave gives percale its flat, matt finish and crisp, cool, paper-like feel. It is strong, breathable and ideal for warmer nights.
Best for: warm sleepers, summer and anyone who loves a fresh, crisp bed. Air dry and iron while slightly damp for the smoothest finish.
Sateen
A four-over, one-under weave brings more yarn to the surface, giving sateen a soft drape, a subtle lustre and a slightly warmer feel. It is easier to iron than percale and a favourite of boutique hotels.
Best for: a silky, luxurious feel all year round. Our 300TC sateen uses a slightly thicker yarn than most high street bedding, for extra strength.
Embroidered & monogrammed
Our sateen is also available with satin stitch embroidery. Unlike printed designs, embroidery won't fade in the wash, so the detail stays crisp for years. Add a monogram for a truly personal bed.
Best for: a boutique hotel look, guest rooms and wedding lists. Pair with Oxford pillowcases in the same detail.
Percale vs sateen at a glance
| Percale | Sateen | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Crisp, cool and paper-like | Smooth, soft and silky |
| Finish | Matt | Subtle lustre |
| Weave | One over, one under | Four over, one under |
| Temperature | Cooler, ideal for warm sleepers | Slightly warmer and cosy |
| Ironing | Best ironed slightly damp | Easier to iron |
| Our ranges | Vermont 200TC organic percale | Brooklyn, Lexington and Roma 300TC sateen |
Thread count: what really matters
Thread count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. It is a useful guide to quality, but it starts with the yarn, so don't rely on the number alone.
A sheet made from a better-quality fibre with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a poorer fibre with a higher one.
Watch out for inflated numbers
Some manufacturers use double-twisted yarns, so a sheet sold as 600TC may really be 300TC with two threads twisted together.
Choosing the right size
Match your duvet cover to your duvet, not your mattress, and choose fitted sheets deep enough for your mattress and any topper.
UK duvet cover sizes
| Size | Duvet cover |
|---|---|
| Single | 140 x 200cm |
| Double | 200 x 200cm |
| King | 230 x 220cm |
| Super king | 260 x 220cm |
| Emperor | 290 x 235cm |
Want more drape?On a king size bed, a super king duvet and cover gives a more generous fall over the sides.
Deep mattress or topper?Our Brooklyn extra deep fitted sheets are made to stay neatly tucked in.
Need pillowcase and sheet sizes?Check each product page or see our full size guide.
Bed linen for every season
You can change your bed linen with the seasons, but you don't have to. The secret to sleeping well all year is layering.
Keep your favourite sheets on the bed and add or remove a blanket, throw or a warmer duvet as the temperature changes.
Warmer nights
Choose crisp, breathable percale and swap heavy layers for a lightweight cotton throw.
Cooler nights
Smooth sateen feels cosier, and a wool blanket or brushed cotton throw adds warmth without the weight.
All year round
Pair your linen with the right duvet and use our duvet and pillow buying guide to choose the right tog.
Caring for your bed linen
All of our cotton bed linen is machine washable. Look after it well and it will last for years. Always check the care label, as different fabrics need slightly different care.
- Wash gentlyUse a gentle 30 or 40°C cycle with a non-biological detergent, and avoid whiteners.
- Give it spaceWash bed linen separately and don't overload the machine, so it can circulate and come out cleaner.
- Dry with careRemove it as soon as the cycle ends, then dry outside or tumble on a low heat. Over-drying shortens its life.
- Iron while slightly dampThis restores a smooth finish. Avoid ironing directly over embroidery.
- Wash weekly and rotateRotating three sets per bed spreads the wear, so your linen lasts longer and a fresh set is always ready.
Bed linen questions answered
What is the best bed linen for hot sleepers?
Percale is the best choice if you sleep hot. Its tight one-over, one-under weave feels crisp and cool and lets air circulate. Our Vermont 200TC organic cotton percale is breathable and easy to care for, and pairs well with a lightweight cotton throw instead of a heavier duvet in summer.
What thread count is best for bed sheets?
Focus on the quality of the cotton rather than the highest number. A well-made 200 to 300 thread count sheet in long-fibre cotton will feel better and last longer than a higher thread count made from poorer yarn. Our range includes 200TC organic percale and 300TC Egyptian cotton sateen.
Is Egyptian cotton or organic cotton better for bedding?
Both make excellent bedding. Egyptian cotton is prized for its long fibres, which give a smooth, strong and soft fabric. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, and ours is GOTS approved. Choose based on the feel you prefer and what matters most to you.
How many sets of bed linen do I need?
We recommend three sets per bed. Rotating them spreads the wear so each set lasts longer, means a clean set is always ready, and lets you change the look of your bedroom with different designs.
How often should I wash my bed linen?
Once a week is ideal. Dust, skin cells and natural oils build up on sheets over time and put stress on the fibres, so regular washing on a gentle 30 or 40°C cycle actually helps your bed linen last longer.
Can I tumble dry cotton bed linen?
Yes, on a low heat. Remove your bed linen as soon as it is dry, as over-drying weakens the fibres and shortens its life. Drying outside on a fine day is even better for freshness.
Shop luxury bed linen
Still not sure which to choose?
Our team can help you find the right bed linen for your home or hotel. Call us on 0345 602 9050 or send us a message.
