Pillowcase Buyer’s Guide

2021-05-01T04:47:00-05:00

Trying to decide which pillowcase are right for you? Here are some common questions we receive about pillowcases:

What is thread count? When you look at an ad for a pillowcase it has a T in front of a number. For example, T-130, T-180, etc…. This stands for thread count. The thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count the softer the pillowcase will feel.

What is the difference in the type of material in a pillowcase? You can buy pillowcases with various blends of materials.

100% cotton pillowcases will shrink more in the wash then blended pillowcases. Egyptian cotton pillowcases are made with long staple cotton which makes then very soft.
Blended pillowcases sold in the USA typically have a higher percentage of cotton. For example 55% cotton 45% polyester. The reason why the blend is higher in cotton is that the import duty rate on a pillowcase that has more polyester is higher. If you do locate pillowcases that have a higher percentage of polyester they should last longer in the laundry.
Pure Finish Percale is a fabric that has a smooth finish and is tightly woven.
Mercerized cotton is a special kind of cotton yarn that is more lustrous than conventional cotton. It is also stronger, takes dye a little more readily, makes the yarn more resistant to mildew and reduces lint. It also may not shrink or lose its shape as much as "regular" cotton. Mercerized yarn stays shiny through washing and gives a nice, somewhat fancier look to finished items. Source About.com. Our T-250 and T-300 Satin Striped pillowcases are mercerized.

What are the common sizes of pillowcases? Measureing one side only. Some websites might show the circumference around the pillowcase case as the measurement.

Standard Size: 20”W x 30”L
Queen Size: 20”W x 36L”
King Size: 20”W x 44”L

What is the HEM of a pillowcase? On the open end of a pillowcase you will find either a surged or folded over sewn hem. A surged pillowcase has no hem. The hem can range from 1” to 4” depending on the pillowcase. A person embroidering pillowcases often wants a larger hem on a pillowcase because they often embroider the hem with a design.

What are the uses for pillowcases? Embroidery, screen printing, painting, crafts (sleepovers, birthdays, daycare, schools, etc…), pillowcase dresses, hotels, motels, military, Halloween costumes, and more… We even had a person purchase our pillowcases to pack moose meat out of the woods in northern Minnesota...the ideas are endless.

Thread Count
Pillowcase Size
Hem
Material
T-130
Standard
*Varies
*Varies
T-180
Standard
*Varies
*Varies
T-180 Percale
Standard
1.75”
55%Cotton 45%Polyester
T-180 Percale Color
Standard
1.75”
55%Cotton 45%Polyester
T-220 Egyptian Percale
Standard,
Queen, & King

2" or 3”

100% Cotton
T-250 Mercerized
Standard & King
3”
60%Cotton 40%Polyester
T-300 Mercerized
Standard & King
3”
60%Cotton 40%Polyester

* Varies - We buy our pillowcases from several sources and occasionally the hem and material composition will change.

Thread Count	Pillowcase Size	Hem	Material
T-130	Standard	*Varies	*Varies
T-180	Standard	*Varies	*Varies
T-180 Percale	Standard	1.75”	55%Cotton 45%Polyester
T-180 Percale Color	Standard	1.75”	55%Cotton 45%Polyester
T-220 Egyptian Percale	Standard, Queen, & King	2" or 3”	100% Cotton
T-250 Mercerized	Standard & King	3”	60%Cotton 40%Polyester
T-300 Mercerized	Standard & King	3”	60%Cotton 40%Polyester

Assisted Living Store Blog

Pillowcase Buyer’s Guide