Best Cotton Pillowcase

We spend one-third of our lives in bed, so you know that your pillow is getting a lot of action. That is why you need a good pillowcase to protect both you and your pillow. Each night pillows are connected to our natural oils from our skin and scalp as well as our body perspiration, moisture from our nose and mouth, and maybe even residue of makeup or hair products we still have on. Imagine that building up on your pillow! A pillow alone certainly wouldn’t last long. That is why you have a pillowcase. This way the build-up that can become a playground for allergens or germs can simply be popped into your washing machine and come back as good as new! Since pillows don’t hold up well in the washer, the pillowcase does all of the hard work so your pillow can last a good long time.

Best Cotton Pillowcases

Reasons Why We Love Cotton

Since we spend so much time in contact with our pillowcase and it is doing so much work for us, we should carefully choose the material we are in contact with. Here is why we love cotton:

Cotton controls moisture.

It is naturally absorbent unlike synthetics and helps to keep you dry while you sleep. Cotton is soft and breathable and soothing a perfect match when you are looking for a good night’s sleep. The breathability of cotton is what helps with the overall moisture control. This is especially important if you are a hot sleeper. Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic and won’t cause irritation or itchiness which is especially helpful for those who have sensitive skin! Cotton does not hold onto odors, but releases them easily in the washing machine so when you put it back on your bed it smells fresh and new.

The thread count of cotton will affect its texture so always check on the label.

The higher the thread count the softer and stronger the cotton will be. Cotton is one of the world’s oldest fibers and it is one of the most common materials available on the market. It is renewable, biodegradable and regulated by the USDA. Plus there are different types to choose from so you can get exactly what you are looking for!

Thread count

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the finer and more tightly woven the fabric. Thread count is determined by adding the number of horizontal threads, called the weft, with the number of vertical threads which are called the warp that are woven together. The higher the thread count the more durable your product will be. If your comforter has a high thread count it can also help mute the fabric noise. Any thread count over 400 is providing an excellent quality weave. In addition to the thread count, you will want to be sure that a high-quality material is being used since the fibers themselves are the threads that are creating the weave.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown naturally without any toxic or potentially toxic chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides and synthetic fertilizers. It uses beneficial insects and animals, secondary or trap crops, crop diversity and crop rotation to break the pest cycle. While the thread count factors into the quality of your sheets it is the actual thread that is used in the weave that is most important. In fact bedding made with better thread and a lower thread count will outperform and outlast sheets with a higher thread count and a lower quality fiber. Organic cotton is hand picked and uses no chemicals in its harvesting and manufacturing process. This creates long strong fibers which are of a higher quality than regular cotton or synthetics. Conventional fabrics are made with chemicals, flame retardants, and harsh cleaners that can create allergic reactions that affect both respiration and the skin. Organic sheets are a perfect choice for those with infants and young children.

Egyptian cotton

Egyptian cotton is a type of cotton that only grows in Egypt. This cotton has long thick fibers resulting in a high thread count so when it is woven it creates a soft luxurious material. 100% Egyptian cotton is considered the highest quality cotton material for sheets. True Egyptian cotton is actually sourced from Egypt along the River Nile and is special due to the weather and soil there. Egyptian cotton has longer fibers, which weave more smoothly with fewer protrusions and less pilling, leading to much softer sheets. These sheets are also thinner and more breathable than those with shorter fibers.

Weave

The type of weave is also important for the softness of your sheets. Check out pillowcases with a percale or sateen weave. Percale is a grid weave that feels light and crisp. It creates a silkier feel and the sheets have a slight sheen. For something a little more luxe you may prefer the smoother feel of sateen as the weave is closer and tighter but not as durable as percale. If you can’t find Egyptian cotton, look for a set of 100% pima cotton which also has long fibers and is most similar to Egyptian cotton.

Last Words

Due to the amount of time the average person spends sleeping over the course of their lifetime it is bound to get very personal with the type of pillowcase one chooses to use, and that is why the fabric is so important. Cotton is a pure, natural material, and when woven into bedding it creates a wonderfully breathable fabric. That’s important because every night your body temperature changes as you fall asleep. That can result in waking up hot and sticky. But not with cotton!

Cotton will absorb the heat from your body throughout the night, allowing you to stay cool and dry. Not only will it keep you cool in the summer, cotton bedding will keep you warm throughout winter as well by absorbing and retaining your body heat. Rather than those man-made materials, like polyester that traps your body heat, cotton is naturally ventilating. Cotton is easy to maintain and most should go straight into the machine to be washed. And the magic of cotton?  It gets better the more you wash it. There’s no need for any fancy detergents, and you can even throw it into the dryer on a low temperature. Take it out when it’s still slightly damp and dry flat, this will help with reducing wrinkles and shrinkage.

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