What is a percale or sateen?
When buying sheets, the most important factor is how it feels to you, and a fabric’s weave is a strong indicator of feel. The differences between these two most popular weaves create two camps of sleepers.
Those who prefer percale are drawn to the cool crispness that the tight percale weave offers. It is at once smooth and soft, with a matte hand that is livable and unfussy. For the technically curious, this is created by weaving one weft yarn over a warp yarn, then under the next warp yarn, and continuing in the one-over one-under pattern.
Sateen lovers celebrate its lustrous sheen and silk-like handfeel. The ultra-smooth and almost slippery feel is a sensory experience that goes hand-in-hand with its more formal and luminous appearance. A sateen weave differs from percale in that the weft yarn may pass over two or more warp yarns, before weaving under, thus creating the smooth sheen.
How do I care for my linens?
All of our linens are accompanied by a care guide booklet, and specific instructions can be found on the care label sewn onto your SFERRA linens.
For all machine-washable fine linens, use only a mild liquid detergent free of added bleach, optical brighteners, whiteners, or fabric softeners as these additives can weaken the fibers.
For detailed care instructions, read our Care Guide.
Will my sheets shrink, and will they continue to fit my bed after laundering?
All cotton will shrink to some extent, but we cut our items to allow for shrinkage. Many of our linens are woven on extra-wide looms, which allows us to create wider sheets and deeper fitted sheets.
Why do some sheets lose their sheen after laundering?
Sateen sheets, after their first washing, will lose some of their shine and silkiness due to the construction of sateen weaves. Ironing will smooth the fibers and restore the sheen of the fabric.
Do I need to iron my cotton sheets?
People do prefer to have their sheets ironed for the most elegant appearance. However, many people do not iron their sheets, preferring the comfort of cotton and its slightly wrinkled natural state.
To help your sheets look as crisp as possible without ironing, be sure to not over-dry them. Wash in warm water with a cool rinse, dry on a low setting, and remove from the dryer promptly while they are still slightly damp. Hang or fold to smooth.
Minimal touch ups with an iron—on the cuff or return, for example—will give a crisper appearance, especially to embroidered sheets (be sure to iron embroidery on the reverse side).
How long will my bed sheets last?
With proper care, fine bed linens can last for many years. In order to assure the long life of your bed linens, it is best to alternate the use of each set on a weekly basis.
Three sets of sheets for each bed is a good guideline to follow: one on the bed, one in the wash, one in the closet.
Always follow the instructions on the care label and our Care Guide for detailed care tips. Keep in mind that over-drying or washing or drying on a hot setting is the single biggest factor in reducing the life of your sheets.
Do your fitted sheets accommodate deep mattresses?
Our bottom fitted sheets have 17” pockets to accommodate thick mattresses, even when topped with mattress pads or other cushioning. For thinner mattresses, you can simply tuck the excess fabric under your mattress, or contact Customer Service to place a custom-size order.