Vintage Linen Sham Single
Frequently Asked Questions
What material are the Vintage Linen Shams made of?
The Vintage Linen Sham is 100% linen, garment-washed and dyed using non-toxic dyes. The fabric uses a 28 single-metric yarn in both the warp and the weft, producing a weave that is balanced, soft, and sturdy. Derived from the flax plant, linen grows softer with each wash, making these shams a long-term investment in high quality vintage linen bedding.
What sizes do the Vintage Linen Shams come in?
The Vintage Linen Sham 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 snugly in place, and darker colorways include a 1/4-inch hem with a contrasting white topstitch at the back closure edge.
What is the difference between a sham and a pillowcase?
A sham is more fitted than a standard pillowcase and uses a closure, such as the hidden envelope closure on the Vintage Linen Sham, to keep the pillow insert in place. A pillowcase loosely encases the pillow and is open on the side. Shams are typically used for presentation on a made bed, while pillowcases are the standard choice for sleeping. The Vintage Linen Sham works equally well in both roles.
Are these linen shams good for people with sensitive skin or allergies?
Yes. Linen is naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, making the Vintage Linen Sham a strong choice for sensitive skin. The garment-washing process opens and softens the fibers before the sham reaches you, so there is no stiff break-in period. All dyes used are non-toxic, with no chlorine bleach or harsh chemical finishes in the production process.
How do I care for the Vintage Linen Shams?
Wash light and dark colors separately using a lukewarm cycle with gentle detergent and a cool rinse. Do not use bleach or products containing whitening agents such as chlorine bleach, alpha hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide, as these will damage the reactive garment dyes. Tumble dry on low heat and remove promptly to reduce wrinkling, or line dry for best results. If you prefer a crisp finish, press while slightly damp on the linen or high iron setting.
Do the darker linen sham colors look different from the lighter ones?
Darker colorways such as Coal, Fig, Iris, and Night include a contrasting white topstitch at the back closure edge, which is a deliberate design detail rather than a flaw. Because the Vintage Linen is garment-dyed, a shade variation of plus or minus 10% between dye lots is normal and inherent to the artisanal dyeing process. If you are buying multiple shams to match, ordering them at the same time from the same dye lot gives the most consistent result.
Would interior designers recommend the Vintage Linen Sham for a hotel-quality bed?
The Vintage Linen Sham is built to a specification that suits both residential and design-professional applications: a clean knife edge seam, hidden envelope closure, and 100% linen construction that holds its structure wash after wash. MATTEO designs and manufactures its bedding in Los Angeles, and the Vintage Linen collection has been a core part of the line for over a decade. The balanced 28 single-metric yarn weave produces a finish that reads as quietly refined rather than decorative, which translates well across interior styles from minimalist to layered.
Are these shams available as a gift for a wedding registry or special occasion?
The Vintage Linen Sham is available in over a dozen colorways spanning neutral, earthy, and deep-toned options, making it a strong choice for gifting or registry additions. Customers have purchased these shams as birthday presents and gifts for family, as noted in verified purchase comments. For registry inquiries or trade purchasing, MATTEO offers wholesale and trade pricing; contact the team directly for details.