Cotton bedding is soft, breathable and durable, making it a popular choice for year-round comfort. But with different weaves, finishes and thread counts to choose from, it can be tricky to know which type of cotton bedding is right for you.

From crisp percale and relaxed washed cotton to cosy brushed cotton, we’re breaking down the different options, what to look for and how to care for your bedding.

Which Bedding Material Is Best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing bedding. The best material depends on the feel you prefer, how warm you like to sleep and the look you want to create in your bedroom.

That said, breathable, thermoregulating fabrics that feel good against your skin are a great place to start. Cotton is a trusted favourite for good reason: it’s soft from the start, naturally breathable to keep you comfortable throughout the night, and durable enough for everyday use.

Why Choose Cotton Bedding?

Cotton bedding is a versatile choice that's suitable for all seasons, whether you prefer a crisp, lightweight feel or something softer and more relaxed.

But not all cotton bedding is created equal. Cotton quality, thread count, and the way those threads are woven can all affect the finished fabric. Different treatments and finishes can also change how cotton bedding feels against your skin.

Is a Higher Thread Count Better?

Not necessarily. Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, but a higher number doesn’t automatically mean better-quality bedding.

For cotton bedding, a thread count of around 200 to 400 can offer a good balance of breathability, softness and durability. More important than the number itself is the quality of the threads used.

Single-ply, long-staple cotton creates a strong, smooth fabric because each thread is made from one strand of cotton. Some manufacturers use multiple thinner threads twisted together to increase the thread count artificially. For instance, a two-ply 300-thread-count sheet might be marketed as 600 but is weaker and more prone to bobbling.

That’s why it’s worth looking beyond the number when choosing your bedding. At Piglet in Bed, our 100% cotton bedding is made from long-staple cotton with a 200 thread count for lasting comfort.

What Types of Cotton Bedding Are There?

The way cotton is woven and finished can make a big difference to how it feels. The three main types of cotton bedding are percale, sateen and brushed cotton, while pre-washing gives cotton an extra-soft, relaxed feel from the start.

What Is Percale Cotton Bedding?

Percale refers to the way the cotton threads are woven together. It uses a simple one-over, one-under weave to create a lightweight fabric with a crisp, cool feel.

Percale cotton bedding is a good choice if you like sheets that feel fresh and breathable. It differs from sateen, which is more densely woven and has a silky sheen.

What Is Washed Cotton Bedding?

Washed cotton goes through an additional washing process to give it a softer, more relaxed texture from the start.

It has a matte finish and a naturally lived-in look, making washed cotton bedding a good choice if you prefer a casual, unfussy bedroom. It also means you don’t need to wait for your bedding to soften with repeated washing – it already has that relaxed feel from day one.

What Is Brushed Cotton Bedding?

Brushed cotton, sometimes called flannelette, is a woven cotton fabric that’s gently combed with fine bristles to create a soft, fluffy finish.

The brushing process lifts the fibres from the yarn, which helps trap warm air. As a result, brushed cotton feels warmer than standard cotton while still retaining its breathability. It’s a cosy choice for colder nights or anyone who likes their bedding to feel extra soft and snug.

What Sustainability Certifications Should You Look For?

When choosing cotton products, keep an eye out for certifications like Better Cotton, the world’s leading sustainability initiative for cotton, and OEKO-TEX, which guarantees items haven’t been made using harmful chemicals.

For organic cotton, look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which verifies that the production process is environmentally and socially responsible.

When shopping for cotton bedding, checking the certifications behind a product can give you a clearer picture of the standards it meets.

What Is the Best Temperature to Wash Cotton Sheets?

For most of our bedding, including our 100% cotton sheets, we recommend washing at 40°C. This is warm enough to give your bedding a thorough clean without compromising the fabric.

Always check the care label for your particular bedding, as washing instructions can vary between fabrics and products.

We also recommend skipping fabric conditioner. It can coat the fibres of your bedding and reduce their breathability over time.

After washing, line dry your bedding where possible or tumble dry on a low heat. For more tips on keeping your bedding looking and feeling its best, take a look at our Care Guide.

Cotton Bedding FAQs

Is a higher thread count better?

No, a higher thread count doesn’t necessarily mean better-quality bedding. Thread quality, fibre length and the way the threads are woven are all important too. A 200 thread-count fabric made with high-quality, long-staple cotton can be a better choice than a much higher thread count made with multiple-ply threads.

What is the difference between percale and other cotton bedding?

Percale is a type of cotton weave that creates a crisp, lightweight and breathable feel. Washed cotton is softer and more relaxed, while brushed cotton has a fluffy finish for a warm, cosy feel.

What is brushed cotton bedding?

Brushed cotton is cotton combed with fine bristles to create a soft, fluffy surface. The resulting fibres trap warm air, making it cosier than standard cotton while remaining breathable.

What temperature should cotton bedding be washed at?

For most of our 100% cotton bedding, we recommend washing at 40°C. Always check the individual care label first, and avoid fabric conditioner as it can coat the fibres and reduce breathability.

What sustainability certifications should I look for in cotton bedding?

Better Cotton, OEKO-TEX and GOTS are useful certifications to look for when shopping for cotton bedding. Better Cotton focuses on more sustainable cotton production, OEKO-TEX tests products for harmful substances, and GOTS covers the production of certified organic textiles.

Key Takeaways

• Cotton bedding is breathable, durable and versatile, making it a good choice for year-round comfort.
• A higher thread count doesn’t always mean better quality. Look at the quality of the cotton and whether it uses single- or multi-ply threads, too.
• Percale cotton bedding has a crisp, lightweight feel, thanks to its simple one-over, one-under weave.
• Washed cotton bedding has a soft, relaxed finish and a naturally lived-in look.
• Brushed cotton bedding is softer and warmer, thanks to its brushed, fluffy surface that helps trap warm air.
• Look for recognised certifications such as Better Cotton, OEKO-TEX and GOTS when considering sustainability.
• Wash most cotton bedding at 40°C, following the individual care instructions, and skip fabric conditioner to help maintain breathability.