Pinzon Hemstitch 400-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sateen Standard Pillowcase, Set of 2, Smokey Blue
Made from 100-percent Egyptian cotton in a 400-thread-count Sateen weave, these pillowcases offer a smooth surface with an understated luster, and they pair well with both solid and patterned bedding. Closely woven with single-ply yarns, the fabric offers a lighter weight and flexible drape for attractive display. Pieces in Pinzon's Hemstitch collection feature hems set off with lovely stitching that creates an elegant linked chain effect.Offered in Standard and King sizes, the pillowcase sets are direct coordinates to the Pinzon Hemstitch 400-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheets. Available in a variety of high-fashion colors, the pillowcases will complement existing home collections as well. This set includes two Standard-size cases, each measuring 20 by 31 inches. The pillowcases are imported.  Recommend washing before first use; machine washed in cold and tumble dried on low.Fabric DefinitionsEgyptian Cotton:Egyptian cotton is used to make some of the highest quality linens in the world, including sumptuously soft bath and bed linens. Egyptian cotton is grown to produce a longer staple, or fiber, than generic cotton, and the longer and finer a cotton staple is, the better able it is to be spun into finer count yarns, which in turn can be knitted or woven into soft, fine, and luxurious fabrics. The staple length in Egyptian cotton averages 1-1/8 to 1-1/2 inches, but can reach over 2-1/4 inches, which is twice the size of a generic cotton fiber. Products which highlight construction of Egyptian cotton are usually referring to the extra-long-staple cotton produced largely in the Nile River Valley. The humidity and rich soil around the Nile delta produce especially long cotton fibers, which are fine and vary from a light cream to dark tan color. Egyptian cotton is strong, durable, and if cared for properly, will be long lasting.Sateen:Sateen fabric has a soft, satin-like finish resulting from a four-over-one thread weave. Standard weaves, like percale, use a one-over, one-under stitch. The four-over weave puts more threads nearer the surface, resulting in a softer, warmer surface. Sateen fabrics are most often made of mercerized cotton, but can be made of other fabrics, including cotton blends, polyester, and rayon. Mercerized threads give sateen fabrics a higher luster. Mercerization, named for process-creator John Mercer, involves treating threads with a cold concentrated sodium hydroxide solution. Mercerization also increases strength, dyeability, and resistance to mildew, as well as reduces lint. Sateens can be produced in light and heavy weights, and are ideal for bedding.