...under my cotton sateen duvet cover. In the summer, it’s wonderfully cool, and I always climb into a nice, fresh bed. But now that the nights are getting colder, I find myself shivering my way through the bedroom. When I crawl under my sateen duvet cover now, the goosebumps immediately rise, and I continue to shiver (not so) happily under the blankets.
But there is a solution! Namely, a flannel duvet cover. When I (a total cold-sensitive person, you should know) crawl under my flannel duvet cover, it feels like I’ve entered a soft and luxurious universe. My entire body relaxes instantly, and I quickly fall into a deep sleep.
The right bedding can do a lot for your night's rest. It’s not just about a 'colder or warmer' type of fabric, but also the weight, suppleness, and moisture regulation that influence the quality of your sleep. To help you on your way, we’ve put together an overview of what each material can do for you.
Cotton, always a good choice
Cotton is the most common type of fabric used for bedding. We understand why, as cotton absorbs moisture very well, ensuring you don't wake up feeling clammy at night. Cotton is also very kind to your skin and easy to wash. This makes cotton bedding highly versatile and a welcome addition to the bedroom all year round.
Percale or Perkal
Percale cotton is also 100% cotton, but percale is a more supple and crisp variant of 'normal' cotton.
Percale cotton has a higher thread count. Before cotton can be called percale, it must have a thread count of at least 200. This primarily indicates that the fabric is sturdy, beautifully smooth, soft, matte (no shine), and very elegantly supple. Percale cotton bedding also offers a wonderful sleep experience throughout the year.
Cotton Sateen or just Satin?
Cotton sateen (often just called sateen) is even more supple than percale cotton. The biggest difference is that cotton sateen is not only very smooth but also has a beautiful subtle sheen. This gives cotton sateen that truly luxury feel that you might expect from silk. Sateen is not a different type of fiber; rather, 'sateen' refers to the specific weave of the fabric. Cotton sateen is therefore cotton with a sateen weave, which makes sateen so supple and lustrous.
Cotton sateen bedding is ideally suited for the summer months, as its smooth finish feels cooler to the touch while remaining highly breathable. We also recommend cotton sateen if you are sensitive to the 'crinkling' sound sometimes heard with certain duvets or bedding. With cotton sateen, you are guaranteed a silent night's rest.
Flannel Cotton: A soft and luxurious universe
As I now know from experience, bedding made from flannel cotton is perfect for the winter period. Flannel retains heat exceptionally well, but because it is made of 100% cotton, it remains highly breathable and moisture-regulating. Flannel is made from a thick layer of cotton where the surface has been brushed. This is what gives it that incredibly soft feel. A flannel duvet cover is highly recommended for winter! Nevertheless, flannel is also wonderfully soft for the summer months. Due to its thickness, flannel has high moisture absorption and won't feel clammy even during warmer nights.
Lovely Light Linen
Linen is made from flax, which is one of the strongest natural fibers. This makes it extremely durable and long-lasting. What makes linen special is that it becomes softer and stronger the more it is used. Additionally, linen is an exceptionally light fabric and has the major advantage of being able to absorb even more moisture than cotton. This makes linen ideal for the summer months. Linen also has a highly ventilating effect, making it feel wonderfully cool, light, and airy in the heat.
Silk: Soft, shimmering, and smooth
There is almost no material that captures the imagination quite like silk. Silk is exceptionally shiny and smooth. Because it is so slick, it drapes beautifully around you. If you toss and turn a lot during the night, silk is very suitable as it follows the contours of your body perfectly. Silk is particularly great for summer because it feels so wonderfully cool against the skin.
Silk is also known for its many benefits for your skin and hair. Silk bedding does not strip moisture from your skin or hair, making it naturally hydrating. Silk also helps those with sensitive skin; if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, silk has a soothing effect and is incredibly gentle. For your hair, silk helps keep it smooth and shiny. While 100% mulberry silk is an investment, the benefits are certainly worth it!
Tencel, our favorite!
We make no secret of the fact that we are the #1 fans of Tencel both as a filling for our duvets and as Tencel bedding. Tencel can absorb up to 150% more moisture than cotton. Additionally, Tencel is super soft, very strong, and exceptionally sustainable. While often associated with summer due to its moisture regulation, Tencel contributes to a relaxed and comfortable night's sleep all year round.
Because of its silky feel, Tencel is often compared to silk, and we completely understand that association. In some ways, Tencel even has the edge for us: it is a very strong, durable material that can handle regular washing easily.
Tencel is highly washable and remains colorfast and beautiful wash after wash. That’s why we also recommend Tencel bedding for sensitive skin or for those looking to protect curly hair.
Cool sleeping, in summer and winter
Fabrics we classify as 'cool,' such as cotton sateen, silk, and linen, are not just for the summer. If you are a hot sleeper, cotton sateen is a dream to sleep under all year long. Also, if you suffer from restless feet or restless legs, cool bedding offers relief. The cool surface often provides relaxation for restless feet, contributing to a peaceful night's rest.
100% Cotton or synthetic?
COTTON, not synthetic! We always advise our customers to check the labels on their bedding carefully. We frequently hear from customers that 'COTTON DUVET COVER' is printed in large letters on the packaging, while the label reveals a mix of cotton and polyester. Synthetic bedding does not breathe. Sleeping under polyester (or a blend) feels stuffy and sweaty, practically guaranteeing a restless night.
Bedding made from natural materials can do so much for you. If you need help deciding which bedding suits you best, feel free to call or email us! Together, we can find the perfect fitted sheet or duvet cover for your needs.
