Nap Pillowcase Pair

The Nap Pillowcase Pair is made from 100% extra-long staple cotton in a percale weave, 225 thread count, garment-washed and dyed using non-toxic dyes. The weave follows the Italian "quattro-quaranta" construction: 40's single-strand yarn in both the warp and weft, with a density of 40 threads per centimeter in each direction, producing a balanced, durable fabric. Nap is MATTEO's best-selling hotel-quality cotton and is designed and manufactured in Los Angeles.

Yes. Thread count alone does not determine fabric quality; yarn grade and weave construction matter equally. The Nap fabric uses the finest 40's single-strand yarn in a true percale weave, which gives it a crisp, clean hand that improves with every wash. Many hotels specify this type of balanced percale construction precisely because it holds up to repeated laundering without losing structure.

The Nap Pillowcase Pair is available in Queen (20 x 33 inches / 51 x 84 cm) and King (20 x 39 inches / 51 x 99 cm). MATTEO does not offer a Standard size pillowcase; for a Standard pillow insert, the Queen size is recommended. The Queen will extend slightly past the edge of the insert and can be tucked in to form an envelope closure, or taken to a seamstress for a simple alteration.

A pillowcase loosely encases a pillow insert with an open side, while a sham is more fitted and uses a closure, such as a flap, zipper, or button, to keep the insert in place. The Nap Pillowcase has a 2-inch cuff hem and an open-side construction. Shams are typically used as decorative covers during the day, whereas pillowcases are the standard choice for sleeping.

Wash in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent, separating light and dark colors, and avoid overloading the machine as this can damage the long cotton fibers. Bleach is safe on white cotton only; avoid products containing chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide on garment-dyed colors, as the reactive dyes are not resistant to these whitening agents. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to reduce wrinkling, or line dry for best results. For a crisp finish, press while slightly damp on the Lightweight Cotton or Medium setting. Learn more at MATTEO's garment-dyeing guide.

Yes. The garment-washing process gives Nap its initial crisp, lightly-starched hand, similar to a fresh dress shirt, and the fabric continues to soften with each wash cycle. The extra-long staple cotton fibers are long enough to retain their integrity through repeated laundering, so the pillowcases remain structurally sound while growing noticeably softer over years of use.

The Nap Pillowcases are made with 100% extra-long staple cotton and dyed using non-toxic dyes, with no harsh chemical finishes applied after garment-washing. Extra-long staple cotton produces fewer exposed fiber ends than shorter-staple varieties, which reduces surface friction against skin. For those with skin sensitivities, the White and Off White colorways avoid the garment-dyeing process entirely and are safe for use with standard bleach if needed.

Nap is MATTEO's best-selling hotel fabric. Its quattro-quaranta percale construction, 40 threads per centimeter in both warp and weft using 40's single-strand yarn, is the same spec favored in hotel linen programs for its durability, balanced weight, and ability to maintain a clean, pressed appearance through commercial laundering cycles. The 225 thread count reflects the honest density of the weave rather than an inflated count, which is consistent with how high-quality hotel bedding is specified.