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Leana Smit of Pretoria writes I want to refresh my bed linen but I feel overwhelme­d by all the choices and terms. What’s the difference between 100% cotton, polycotton and cotton percale? And what should I look for when it comes to thread count?

Belinda Franklin of Room Service replies

You’re right; there are so many different options available these days – but buying new linen should still be fun! Consider the following when deciding what best suits your needs for a good night’s sleep:

• Compositio­n refers to the yarn that makes up the linen. Polycotton is a combinatio­n of polyester and cotton (usually 50% of each). This mix lends itself to easy ironing as it creases less than 100% cotton, thanks to the polyester in the fabric. Polycotton bedding is durable and affordable. Then 100% cotton is made using only cotton yarn; it’s 100% natural and hypoallerg­enic and absorbs moisture from your body which then evaporates, allowing your body to breathe naturally.

• Constructi­on refers to how the linen is woven. The most common weave is the plain weave with a 1 over 1 constructi­on that makes for a very strong, durable fabric. A percale fabric boasts a plain weave. A satin weave has a 4 over 1 constructi­on that gives the fabric a sheen and soft feel.

• Thread count refers to the number of threads, horizontal­ly or vertically, per inch of fabric. If you’re looking for affordable everyday bedding, opt for a 144 thread count. It’s a plain weave and most retailers carry this polycotton quality in a variety of colours. It’s great for kids’ rooms due to its durability. Percale has a higher thread count, ranging from 180 into the 1 000s. As it’s a plain weave and has a high density of threads, it’s very durable with a crisp, cool finish and soft feel – which makes it a firm favourite with most hotels.

For a luxurious touch in your own bedroom, consider a 100% cotton, 200 thread count percale. Of course, if you absolutely hate ironing, there’s always the polycotton option! >>

CONTACT roomservic­ehomeware.co.za

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