Tru Sham Single

The Tru Sham Single is 100% cotton in a percale weave with a true 400 thread count, garment-washed and dyed using non-toxic dyes. Percale is a plain 1-over-1 weave structure, which makes achieving a genuine 400 thread count technically demanding — MATTEO uses a very thin 100 singles cotton yarn to reach it without gimmicks. The result is a light, softly crisp hand feel that holds up wash after wash.

The Tru 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 uses a hidden envelope closure to hold the pillow insert firmly in place, and a clean knife edge seam along the perimeter.

Both protect a pillow insert, but the construction differs. A sham is more fitted and uses a closure — the Tru Sham Single has a hidden envelope closure that keeps the insert snug. A pillowcase loosely encases the pillow and is open on one side, which makes it easier to slip on and off but less structured in appearance. Shams are typically used as the front-facing layer on a made bed, while pillowcases are the sleeping surface. See the Tru Pillowcase Single if you need a sleeping pillowcase in the same fabric.

Yes. Hotels that prioritize durability and a clean, pressed look typically use percale weaves in the 200–400 thread count range — the plain weave structure resists pilling and maintains its crispness through repeated commercial laundering. The Tru Sham Single at 400 thread count sits at the upper end of what is structurally achievable in a true percale, making it comparable to hotel-grade pillow shams used in high-end properties. The 100% long-staple cotton construction adds longevity that lower thread count or blended alternatives cannot match.

Wash light and dark colors separately in a lukewarm cycle with gentle detergent and a cool rinse; do not overload the machine, as excess friction damages long cotton fibers. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to minimize wrinkling, or line dry for best results. Bleach is safe on white cotton only — avoid chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide on garment-dyed colors, as the reactive dyes are not resistant to whitening agents. If you prefer a crisp finish, press while slightly damp on the Lightweight Cotton or Medium iron setting.

MATTEO uses non-toxic reactive dyes across the garment-dyed Tru collection, including the Tru Sham Single. Reactive dyes bond directly to the cotton fiber rather than sitting on the surface, which reduces the likelihood of dye transfer and skin irritation over time. If you have a sensitivity to synthetic dyes, the White and Off White colorways go through the same garment-washing process without pigment dye, making them the most minimal option in the range.

The Tru Sham Single is available in 15 colors: White, Moon, Off White, Greige, Salt, Iris, Mica, Oat, Bay, Alpine, Coal, Fig, Bark, Night, and Smoke. Darker colorways — Coal, Night, Fig, Bark, and similar — include a 1/4-inch hem with a contrasting white stitch at the back closure edge. Because the shams are garment-dyed, a shade variation of plus or minus 10% is normal between dye lots, which gives each piece a subtle, individual character consistent with the garment-dyeing process.

The Tru Sham Single coordinates directly with the Tru Fabric Collection, which includes the Tru Sheet Set, Tru Duvet Cover, and Tru Pillowcase Single — all in the same 100% cotton 400 thread count percale. For a layered look, it also pairs well with the Nap Sham Single or the Ida Sham Single in complementary constructions. MATTEO's restrained color palette is designed to mix across collections without visual conflict.