What is a sateen weave?
Sateen, a term that defines the type of weave in fabric, has a softer, silkier feel as compared to cotton bed linens made from a plain or standard weave. But, while sateen may feel softer to the touch, it doesn't have the lifespan that plain weaves offer. Sateen tends to be warmer than other weaves, such as percale, which makes it appealing to those who like to feel warm at night or who live in colder climates. Because of the mercerizing process, sateen bed linens are mildew resistant, also making them a good choice for anyone suffering from allergies. Sateen drapes well and also has a high thread count due to the cotton fibers used.
The Many Benefits of Premium Supima Cotton
Not all cottons are created equal. Supima cotton, sometimes abbreviated to pima cotton, is a superior type of cotton grown in the USA. It represents less than 1% of cotton grown in the world. What makes Supima unique to other cottons is the extra-long staple fiber that gives the cotton its premium properties: Strength, softness and color retention. Supima cotton's longer staple means the fibers are longer and stronger, and so can be spun into long, very fine yarns that produce a smoother, softer feeling fabric that you can enjoy for many years.
The Longevity and Quality of Long-Staple Cotton
Long staple cotton is derived from the Gossypium barbadense species of cotton, which yields cotton with unusually long, silky fibers. Because the longer the cotton fiber, the stronger, softer, and more durable the resulting fabric. Fabrics made of long-staple cottons fray less, pill less, wrinkle less, and even fade less than fabrics made with their short-staple counterparts. Short fibers mean a less durable, weaker, coarser fabric, with more exposed ends. A longer staple means the fibers are longer and stronger, and so can be spun into long, very fine yarns that produce a smoother, softer feeling fabric that you can enjoy for many years.