Tru Pillowcase Pair

The Tru Pillowcase Pair is 100% cotton in a percale weave, woven at a true 400 thread count using a very fine 100 singles cotton yarn. Each pillowcase is garment-washed and dyed using non-toxic dyes at MATTEO's Los Angeles studio. The result is a light, crisp hand that softens with every wash.

Percale is a plain over-under weave structure, which makes it physically impossible to achieve the inflated thread counts sometimes marketed on other sheets. A percale woven at 400 thread count with 100 singles yarn represents the upper limit of what this weave can honestly achieve. Many thread counts above 400 in percale fabric are produced by counting individual plied threads rather than single strands, a practice MATTEO considers misleading. The Tru fabric is what the name implies: a verified 400 thread count, with a clean, high-quality percale feel.

The Tru 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; a Queen pillowcase works well on a Standard pillow insert and will extend slightly past the edge of the insert. That overhang can be tucked in for an envelope-style closure or altered by a seamstress for a closer fit.

Separate light and dark colors before washing, and use a lukewarm cycle with gentle detergent and a cool rinse. Do not overload the machine, as overcrowding stresses the long cotton fibers. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to reduce wrinkling; line drying gives the best result. If you prefer a crisp look, press the pillowcases while slightly damp on the Lightweight Cotton or Medium iron setting.

All Tru Pillowcases are dyed using non-toxic reactive dyes, with no chlorine bleach or harsh whitening agents used in the finishing process. The garment-washing process removes residual sizing and softens the fabric before it reaches you. Because the reactive dyes bond directly to the cotton fiber, the color is stable through normal washing. Avoid products containing chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide on garment-dyed colors, as these can affect the dye.

Pillowcases loosely encase the pillow insert with an open side, making them easy to slip on and off for washing. Shams are more fitted and use a closure, such as an envelope back or zipper, to hold the pillow in place, and are typically used decoratively on top of made beds. The Tru Pillowcase Pair has a minimal 1/4-inch hem, giving it a clean, understated look that works equally well for sleeping or as part of a composed bed. If you want a coordinated set, pair the pillowcases with the Tru Sheet Set in a matching color.

Garment-dyeing is an artisanal process with inherent natural variation: MATTEO allows for a shade variation of plus or minus 10% from dye lot to dye lot. Pillowcases ordered at different times or in the same order from separate dye lots may have subtle tonal differences. If you need a closely matched set, ordering all pieces together in a single transaction reduces that risk. Learn more about MATTEO's garment-dyeing process.

The Tru Pillowcase Pair is a practical and considered gift: 100% cotton percale at 400 thread count, garment-washed for immediate softness, and available in fifteen colors from White and Off White to Oat, Greige, and deeper tones like Coal and Fig. The color range is restrained enough to coordinate with most bed linen palettes. Pairs are sold at $87.50 for Queen and $97.50 for King, making them a strong addition to a wedding registry or a standalone housewarming gift.