What sizes of bed linen do you offer?

We list standard South African sizes including single, three-quarter, double, queen, king, and super-king; product pages specify exact measurements so you can match sheets and duvet covers to your mattress and duvet.

How can I find the right thread count or fabric for my needs?

Product descriptions include fabric type (cotton, polyester, blends, linen) and thread count where applicable; choose lower thread counts for a cooler, more breathable feel and higher counts for a denser, smoother finish, depending on your preference.

Can I wash bed linen in a regular home machine?

Most bed linen is machine-washable; check the care label on the product page for temperature, cycle recommendations, and whether tumble-drying or ironing is advised to maintain fabric life and colour.

What is included in a sheet set or duvet cover set?

Each product page lists included items-common combinations are fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases for sheet sets, or one duvet cover and pillowcase(s) for duvet sets; sizes and quantities vary, so confirm before you buy.

How do I choose the right fitted sheet depth for my mattress?

Measure your mattress thickness (including toppers) and compare it to the fitted sheet’s stated pocket depth on the product page; choose a deeper pocket if you use a mattress topper or have an extra-deep mattress.

Sateen vs cotton sheets: how they feel and how to care for them

Compare the feel and care of sateen and cotton sheets. Practical South African guide on comfort, washing, drying and choosing the right weave.

Published:May 18, 2026

5 min read

Image supplied by 123RF

Feel differences

Sateen is silky and drapey; plain cotton is crisp and more breathable.

Care essentials

Wash cool, avoid harsh bleach, tumble-dry low or line-dry in shade.

Choose by need

Pick sateen for warmth and sheen, plain cotton for cool breathability.

What we mean by sateen and cotton sheets

When we compare sateen and cotton sheets, it helps to separate fibre from weave. Cotton describes the fibre: soft, breathable and widely used. Sateen refers to a weave - a way the threads are woven together to produce a smoother, silkier surface. Many sateen sheets are made from cotton, so you can have cotton-sateen sheets or plain-woven cotton sheets.

How they feel

Sateen: smoother, with a soft sheen and slightly heavier drape. It feels silky against the skin and is often described as more luxurious.
Plain-woven cotton (e.g., percale): crisp, matte and more airy. It tends to feel cooler and more textured to the touch.

Which feels better depends on personal preference and season: many South Africans prefer sateen in cooler months for its warmth and drape, and percale or plain cotton for hotter summer nights.

Key factors that change the feel

Yarn quality: long-staple cotton (like Egyptian or extra-long staple) usually feels smoother and lasts longer.
Thread count: higher thread count can mean a denser fabric in sateen, but it’s not the only indicator of quality.
Finishes and processing: mercerising, finishing and dyes affect softness and sheen - look for manufacturers who list fibre origin and processing.

Practical differences for daily life

Here are what we notice when using these sheets at home:

Warmth: Sateen often traps a little more warmth because of its tighter weave and heavier drape.
Breathability: Plain-woven cotton generally breathes better, making it a good option for hot South African summers.
Wrinkling: Sateen shows fewer wrinkles; plain cotton wrinkles more but often softens with use.
Pilling and snagging: Lower-quality sateen can pill or snag, so check yarn quality and finish.

Quick tip: If you prefer a silky feel but live where it’s warm, choose a cotton-sateen with a lighter weight or a sateen made from long-staple cotton.

How to choose between them: a simple checklist

Think seasonally: pick breathable plain cotton for hot months, or sateen for cooler evenings.
Check fibre origin: long-staple cotton will usually perform and last better than generic cotton.
Inspect construction: look for clear labelling (fibre %, weave, and suggested care).
Feel before you buy when possible - or choose sellers with fair return policies if buying online.

Browse our Bed & Linen selection for a range of weaves and price points, and use product filters to compare materials and thread types. Bed & Linen (shop)

Product Comparison Tool

Compare two products and get AI-powered recommendations

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How to care for sateen and cotton sheets

Care is straightforward and similar for both, but a few small changes help sheets last and keep their feel.

Washing

Temperature: Wash in cool or warm water - cold saves electricity and is gentler. Hot water can cause more shrinkage and fade.
Detergent: Use a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach unless the care label specifically allows it.
Load size: Don’t overload the machine; sheets need room to move so fibres rinse cleanly.

Drying and ironing

Drying: Tumble dry on low to medium, remove while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles. Line-drying in shade preserves colour and uses no electricity.
Ironing: Sateen rarely needs heavy ironing; use a low setting if you prefer a very smooth finish. Plain cotton may benefit from a warm iron to restore crispness.

Storage and long-term care

Fold on a clean, dry countertop or shelf; avoid plastic for long-term storage - breathable cotton bags are best.
Rotate sets: Use two or three sheet sets in rotation to reduce wear and extend life.

Common concerns answered

Do sateen sheets trap heat?

Sateen can feel warmer because of its tighter weave and weight, but the actual warmth depends on fibre (100% cotton vs synthetics), weave density and thread quality. Choose lightweight cotton-sateen for a good balance of smoothness and breathability.

Are higher thread counts always better?

No. Thread count can be manipulated by using multi-ply yarns. We suggest focusing on yarn quality (long-staple cotton), weave type and honest product information rather than thread count alone.

How we’d choose as practical shoppers in South Africa

If you want easy-care, slightly lustrous sheets for cooler evenings, a mid-weight cotton-sateen from long-staple cotton is a good option - expect prices from around R350 to R1 200+ depending on brand and size (estimates only). For hot Gauteng summers or coastal homes, a plain-woven cotton with a breathable weave will feel fresher at night.

For more ideas on caring for linens and home textiles, see our collection of practical guides. Home articles

If you’d like deeper guidance on choosing the right set or comparing brands, our Bed & Linen articles offer checklists and buying comparisons. Bed & Linen articles

Final quick guide: choose by need

Want silky, drapey sheets for cooler months - choose cotton-sateen of good yarn quality.
Want crisp, breathable sheets for hot nights - choose plain-woven cotton (percale-style).
Need low-maintenance: look for pre-shrunk, colourfast labelling and follow the care guidance above.

We hope this makes the choice between sateen and cotton sheets clearer. When you’re ready, explore our Bed & Linen selection to compare materials and prices in one place. Bed & Linen (shop)

Sources

Cotton Incorporated - information on cotton fibres and staple length
Sleep Foundation - guide to sheet materials, weaves and sleep comfort
Cotton South Africa - local perspective on cotton farming and products
The Spruce - practical care tips for sheets and bedding

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Sateen vs cotton sheets: how they feel and how to care for them

Feel differences

Care essentials

Choose by need

What we mean by sateen and cotton sheets

How they feel

Key factors that change the feel

Practical differences for daily life

How to choose between them: a simple checklist

Product Comparison Tool

Select First Product

Select Second Product

How to care for sateen and cotton sheets

Washing

Drying and ironing

Storage and long-term care

Common concerns answered

Do sateen sheets trap heat?

Are higher thread counts always better?

How we’d choose as practical shoppers in South Africa

Final quick guide: choose by need

Sources

Mmaphefo

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