If you're shopping for new bedding, you'll quickly come across names like cotton, Tencel, bamboo and linen. You'll also see terms such as percale, sateen, jersey and muslin. At first glance they all seem to describe different fabrics. In reality, they don't all mean the same thing.
To compare fabrics properly, you only need to understand two things. What is the fibre made from? And how is the fabric made? Together, these determine how bedding feels, how well it breathes and how well it stands up to years of use.
Every fabric starts with the fibre
The fibre is the foundation of every fabric. In general, there are three categories.
Natural fibres
Natural fibres come directly from plants or animals. Examples include cotton, linen, hemp, wool and silk. The fibres are harvested, spun into yarn and then woven into fabric.
Cotton has been one of the most popular materials for bedding for many years. It feels soft against the skin, breathes well and is durable. Cotton also absorbs moisture effectively while allowing air to circulate. That helps keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Linen is made from the flax plant. It is known for its durability and excellent breathability. At the same time, it has a firmer feel than cotton and a more natural textured appearance.
Hemp is another strong natural fibre that lasts for many years. It has a firmer feel than cotton, so many people prefer softer fabrics for bedding.
Processed fibres with a natural origin
These fibres also start with a natural raw material such as wood or bamboo. The original fibres are dissolved and transformed into a new fibre during the manufacturing process. They are then spun into yarn and woven into fabric.
Well-known examples include Tencel™, lyocell, modal and viscose.
Many fabrics sold as bamboo also belong to this category. Depending on the production process, bamboo is turned into bamboo viscose or bamboo lyocell.
These materials are widely used in premium bedding. They feel exceptionally soft and are known for their excellent moisture management. Most manufacturers recommend washing these fabrics at lower temperatures, typically 30°C or 40°C.
Synthetic fibres
Synthetic fibres are not made from plants or animals. They are produced from raw materials such as petroleum. Common examples include polyester, nylon and acrylic.
They are strong and dry quickly. Because they absorb less moisture than natural fibres, many people find them warmer to sleep under. As a result, they can make you sweat more easily.
The weave is just as important as the fibre
The fibre is only the beginning. The way the fabric is made also has a major influence. Most fabrics are woven, while others are knitted.
The weaving or knitting method largely determines how a fabric feels and looks.
Percale
Percale is a finely woven cotton fabric with a high thread density.
It has a crisp feel, a matte finish and excellent breathability. Percale is also very durable and ideal for bedding that is washed regularly. That's why it's widely used in luxury hotel bedding. It can easily be washed at higher temperatures, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers and anyone who values extra hygiene.
Sateen
Sateen is usually made from cotton but woven in a different way.
This creates a smoother feel and a subtle sheen. If you prefer soft bedding with a more luxurious appearance, sateen is a popular choice.
Standard cotton weave
A standard cotton weave is commonly used for everyday bedding. Percale is woven with finer yarns, giving it a crisper feel and a more refined appearance. It also creates a calmer and more premium look.
Jersey
Jersey is knitted rather than woven. This makes the fabric soft, stretchy and naturally wrinkle-resistant.
Muslin
Muslin is a lightweight cotton fabric with a relaxed crinkled texture. It feels airy and is becoming increasingly popular for duvet covers.
Not every fabric is designed for the same purpose
There is no single fabric that is the best choice for everyone.
Summer bedding has different requirements from luxury hotel bedding. A washable duvet without a separate duvet cover has different requirements again.
A fabric that feels wonderfully soft when it's new is not automatically the best choice if you plan to wash it regularly for many years.
Why we chose 100 % percale cotton for the Plumelle Earth Collection
With a traditional duvet, you sleep under a separate duvet cover. With Plumelle, you sleep under the 100 % percale cotton outer fabric because it is permanently attached to the duvet. That's why choosing the right fabric was so important to us.
For a washable duvet, we focused on three things. The fabric had to feel comfortable against the skin, breathe well and withstand frequent washing at 60°C.
That's why we chose a 100 % percale cotton outer fabric for the Plumelle Earth Collection. The natural cotton fibre feels soft and comfortable. The percale weave creates the calm matte appearance found in luxury hotel bedding. At the same time, percale is strong enough to handle years of regular washing. The result is a duvet that stays beautiful, wash after wash.
