Nap Sham Single
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric is the Nap Sham Single made from?
The Nap Sham Single is 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" or "4-by-40" construction: 40's single-strand yarn in both the warp and the weft, with a density of 40 threads per centimeter in each direction. The result is a balanced, sturdy percale with a crisp finish that grows softer with every wash.
Is the Nap Sham a hotel-quality pillow sham?
Yes. Nap is MATTEO's best-selling hotel fabric precisely because the "quattro-quaranta" weave structure produces a durable, balanced cloth that holds up to frequent laundering without losing its shape or hand. Hotels choose percale for its crisp finish and longevity, and the Nap Sham Single is built to the same specification. It is designed and manufactured by MATTEO in Los Angeles.
What sizes does the Nap Sham Single come in?
The Nap Sham Single is available in three sizes: King (20 x 36 inches / 51 x 91 cm), Queen (20 x 30 inches / 51 x 76 cm), and Euro (26 x 26 inches / 66 x 66 cm). Each size has a 2-inch flange border and an envelope closure to hold the pillow insert securely in place.
What is the difference between the Nap Sham and the Nap Pillowcase?
The Nap Sham has a 2-inch flange border and an envelope closure that holds the pillow insert snugly in place, giving it a more tailored, finished look on a made bed. The Nap Pillowcase uses an open-sided construction that loosely encases the pillow with no closure. Both are made from the same 100% extra-long staple cotton, 225 thread count percale fabric.
How should I wash and dry the Nap Sham Single?
Machine wash in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent, separating light and dark colors. Do not overload the machine, as this stresses the long cotton fibers. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to reduce wrinkling; line drying gives the best results. On garment-dyed colorways, avoid chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide, as the reactive dyes are not resistant to these whitening agents.
Does a 225 thread count mean the Nap fabric is lower quality?
Thread count alone is not a reliable measure of fabric quality, and Nap is clear evidence of that. The "quattro-quaranta" weave uses 40's single-strand yarn at 40 threads per centimeter in both directions, producing a cloth that is dense, even, and built to last for many years. A 225 thread count in a true single-ply percale construction outperforms many inflated thread-count fabrics that rely on multi-ply yarn counting.
Will the colors on garment-dyed Nap Shams vary between orders?
Garment-dyeing is an artisanal process, and MATTEO allows for a shade variation of +/-10% between dye lots. This is an inherent characteristic of reactive dye applied after weaving, and the variation contributes to the lived-in depth that defines the Nap palette. Avoid whitening agents such as chlorine bleach on dyed colorways; white colorways may be bleached safely. You can learn more about MATTEO's garment-dyeing process here.
How does the Nap Sham Single coordinate with other MATTEO bedding?
The Nap Sham Single coordinates with the full Nap fabric collection, including sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases. For a tonal bed, pair it with the matching Nap flat and fitted sheets in the same colorway. It also layers cleanly with MATTEO's Vintage Linen Sham or Tru Sham for a mixed-textile arrangement.