Sei Pillowcase Pair
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric is the Sei Pillowcase Pair made from?
The Sei Pillowcase Pair is 100% cotton in a sateen weave, with a 600 thread count — MATTEO's highest. The fabric uses the same 120/2 Ne yarn in both warp and weft, which produces the characteristic silky face and fluid drape of a true sateen. Each pillowcase is garment-washed after construction, so the cotton arrives already broken in.
Is a 600 thread count pillowcase actually better than lower thread counts?
Thread count measures weave density — the number of individual yarns per square inch — but it does not account for yarn quality, fiber softness, or weave balance. MATTEO has not gone above 600 TC because higher counts tend to produce a stiff, dense fabric with reduced breathability. The Sei fabric reaches 600 TC while staying soft and fluid by using fine 120/2 Ne yarn rather than multi-ply threads that inflate the count artificially.
What sizes does the Sei Pillowcase Pair come in, and will it fit a standard pillow?
The Sei 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; a Queen pillowcase works on a standard pillow insert and will extend slightly past the edge. That excess can be tucked under the pillow to create a clean envelope closure, or taken to a seamstress for a simple alteration.
What is the difference between a pillowcase and a pillow sham?
A pillowcase loosely encases the pillow with an open side, making it easy to slip on and off. A sham is more fitted and uses a closure — a zipper, flap, or button — to hold the insert in place, which is why shams are more common on decorative pillows at the head of the bed. The Sei Pillowcase has an open side construction with a half-inch hem and double-stitch detail, keeping the profile clean without added hardware.
How should I wash and care for the Sei cotton sateen pillowcases?
Wash light and dark colors separately in a lukewarm cycle with gentle detergent and a cool rinse; do not overload the machine, as this can damage the long cotton fibers. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to reduce wrinkling — line drying gives the best result. Bleach is safe on white Sei pillowcases only; avoid chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide on garment-dyed colors, as these break down the reactive dyes used in the garment-dyeing process.
What does garment-washed mean, and how does it affect the Sei pillowcase?
Garment-washing means the pillowcases go through a controlled wash process after they are fully sewn, not while the fabric is still on the bolt. This pre-softens the cotton fibers and gives the Sei its immediate silky hand rather than the stiffness common in unwashed sateen straight off the loom. Because garment-dyeing is an art rather than a precise science, MATTEO allows for a +/- 10% shade variation between dye lots. Learn more about MATTEO's garment-dyeing process.
Are the Sei Pillowcases a good choice for people with sensitive skin?
The Sei Pillowcase Pair is made from 100% cotton with no synthetic fibers, and MATTEO uses non-toxic dyes throughout its garment-dyeing process. Cotton sateen at 600 thread count has a smooth, low-friction face, which reduces mechanical irritation against skin compared to coarser weaves. The garment-washing process removes residual finishing agents from the fabric before it reaches you, so there is no need to pre-wash before first use.
Can I use the Sei Pillowcase Pair as part of a luxury cotton bedding set?
The Sei Pillowcase Pair is designed to coordinate directly with other Sei fabric pieces, including fitted sheets, flat sheets, and duvet covers, all in the same 100% cotton sateen 600 TC construction. MATTEO offers the collection in fifteen colors across neutral and deep tones, from White and Off White to Coal and Night, so the pillowcases can anchor a monochromatic bed or work as a contrast layer within a larger luxury cotton bedding set. Darker Sei colors carry a contrasting white topstitch detail at the hem, which adds a quiet graphic note without additional pattern.