Tru Pillowcase Single

The Tru Pillowcase is 100% cotton, woven in a percale plain weave (1-over-1 structure) at a true 400 thread count. Thread count measures how many threads are in one square inch of fabric, and a genuine 400 thread count percale is unusually high: a plain weave can only pack so many threads per inch, which is why most high-thread-count percale claims rely on counting individual plies rather than single yarns. MATTEO achieves this count by using a very thin 100 singles cotton yarn, so the result is an honest, verifiable spec. The finished pillowcase has a light, soft crispness that holds up wash after wash.

The Tru Pillowcase has a crisp, cool hand that is lighter than sateen but still soft from the garment-washing process. Percale at 400 thread count sits in a distinct range: more substantial than a standard 200-thread-count percale, without the heavier, shinier feel of sateen. If you sleep warm or prefer a clean, hotel-quality surface against your face, this weave and thread count combination performs well year-round. The garment-washing step also means the pillowcase arrives pre-softened rather than stiff out of the package.

The Tru Pillowcase is made from 100% cotton with no synthetic fibers, and all dyeing is done with non-toxic dyes. The garment-washing process removes any residual surface finish, so the cotton is in direct contact with your skin without chemical sizing or starch treatments. For anyone with skin sensitivity, avoiding pillowcases dyed with chlorine bleach or products containing alpha hydroxy acids or benzoyl peroxide is important: those whitening agents can degrade the reactive dyes used on garment-dyed colors and irritate already sensitive skin. White and Off White colorways can be laundered with bleach as needed.

The Tru 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 pillowcase; the Queen size is the right choice for a Standard pillow insert. The pillowcase will extend slightly past the edge of the insert, and you can tuck the extra length underneath to create an envelope closure, or have a seamstress make a simple alteration for a more fitted finish.

A pillowcase loosely encases the pillow and is open on one side, while a sham is more fitted and uses a closure, such as a button, zipper, or overlapping flap, to hold the pillow in place. Pillowcases are the standard choice for sleeping, while shams are more common as decorative front pillows on a made bed. The Tru Pillowcase is designed for everyday sleep use, finished with a minimal 1/4-inch hem, and pairs directly with the Tru Sheet Set for a cohesive cotton percale bed.

Wash light and dark colors separately in a lukewarm cycle with a gentle detergent and a cool rinse; do not overload the machine, as overcrowding can damage the long cotton fibers. Avoid chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide on garment-dyed pillowcases: the reactive dyes used in garment-dyeing are not resistant to these agents and will fade unevenly. Bleach is safe only on white cotton pillowcases. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to reduce wrinkling, or line dry for best results. Read more about MATTEO's garment-dyeing process at matteola.com/garment-dyeing.

Thread count is a single measurement: the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. In a percale, which uses a 1-over-1 plain weave structure, there is a physical limit to how many threads can be packed into that space, which is why claims of 800 or 1,000 thread count in percale almost always rely on counting each ply of a multi-ply yarn separately rather than counting individual threads. MATTEO's Tru Pillowcase uses a true single-ply 100 singles cotton yarn to reach 400 thread count honestly, which is the genuine upper range for percale construction. Weave type determines hand and breathability; thread count, when accurately measured, indicates fabric density. Both specs together give a clear picture of what you are actually buying.

Yes. The Tru Pillowcase is sold as a single pillowcase in both Queen and King sizes, so you can add one to replace a worn-out case without buying a full set. Because the Tru fabric is garment-dyed, a small shade variation of plus or minus 10% between dye lots is possible, meaning a new pillowcase purchased later may not be an exact color match to an older set. If color consistency is important, ordering an extra pillowcase at the same time as the original set is the most reliable approach.