Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase Single
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric is the Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase made from?
The Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase is 100% Egyptian cotton, woven with pure 60s yarn in a sateen weave at 300 thread count and garment-washed in MATTEO's Los Angeles dye-house. The sateen weave creates a face that is noticeably smoother than the reverse, producing the silky hand feel the fabric is known for. Unlike high-thread-count fabrics that trade breathability for density, 300 thread count at this yarn quality gives the fabric room to move and soften further with each wash.
What does garment-washed mean, and why does it matter for a cotton sateen pillowcase?
Garment-washing means the pillowcases are washed after dyeing and finishing, not before. MATTEO has refined this process over twenty years in its own dye-house, and the result is a fabric that arrives pre-softened and continues to improve with regular use rather than stiffening over time. Because the reactive dyes used in garment-dyeing are not resistant to chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide, those products should be kept away from any garment-dyed color. Learn more about MATTEO's garment-dyeing process.
What sizes does the Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase come in, and will it fit a Standard pillow?
The pillowcase 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; the Queen pillowcase is the recommended fit for a Standard pillow insert, and it will extend slightly past the edge of the insert. That extra length can be tucked in to form a simple envelope closure, or a seamstress can make the alteration in minutes.
Is this pillowcase good for sensitive skin?
The Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase is woven from 100% Egyptian cotton and dyed using non-toxic reactive dyes, with no finishing agents that remain in the fabric after washing. The garment-washing process removes residual sizing and softens the yarn before the pillowcase reaches you, which reduces the mechanical friction that can irritate reactive skin. Cotton sateen at 300 thread count has a smooth, close-woven surface that does not snag or pill against skin the way lower-quality weaves can.
What is the difference between a pillowcase and a sham?
A pillowcase loosely encloses the pillow insert and is open on one side, making it easy to slip on and off. A sham is more fitted and uses some form of closure, such as an envelope back or zipper, to hold the insert in place. The Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase is an open-end construction, sized to enclose the insert fully while allowing a relaxed, lived-in drape across the bed.
How should I wash and dry the Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase?
Wash light and dark colors separately in a lukewarm cycle with a gentle detergent and a cool rinse; do not overload the machine, as excess agitation damages long cotton fibers. Tumble dry on low heat and remove the pillowcases promptly to reduce wrinkling. Line drying gives the best result. Bleach may be used on white cotton only; avoid any product containing chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide on garment-dyed colors.
Do the colors vary between dye lots?
Yes. Garment-dyeing is an art rather than a controlled industrial process, and MATTEO allows for a shade variation of plus or minus 10% between dye lots. This means two pillowcases ordered in the same color at different times may read as slightly different tones in person. If you are building a matched set, ordering all pieces in a single transaction is the most reliable way to get pillowcases from the same dye lot.
Is the Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase suitable as a luxury bedding gift?
The Organic Cotton Sateen Pillowcase is sold individually, which makes it easy to add one or two to a wedding registry or give as a standalone gift alongside a sheet set. The fabric is 100% Egyptian cotton, garment-washed, and dyed using non-toxic processes in MATTEO's Los Angeles dye-house, so the quality is apparent from the first handling. Available in fifteen colors from White and Off White to Coal and Night, the range covers both neutral and considered-color preferences.