How to choose linens and towelling like a Pro

Choosing linens and towels can seen daunting but with some insider hints and tips everyone can choose like a pro and we promise it will save you time and money!

Before you do anything, measure the mattress! Don't assume the dimensions, there are so many depths, lengths and widths of bed on the market and they can vary from shop to shop so take the time to measure your bed up because having everything fit correctly makes the world of difference.

Hints and Tips from the experts

Thread count is no measure of quality, it is purely a construction term. High quality products are dependent on the quality of the yarn, the processing and the finishing.

Thread count is the number of threads in a square inch of fabric and to squeeze more in, the yarn needs to be finer which tends to mean the yarn is higher quality.  However, the yarn can be twisted in pairs to double the thread count artificially. There also comes a point where the number of threads are so tightly packed the fabric becomes impermeable.

Look for a minimum of 12 stitches per inch on hems to ensure that the linen will last for many years.

How do you want the linen to feel?

Matt finish, cool and crisp, tougher, thicker or more traditional? Go for 200tc percale. It's a simple classic construction in a percale weave with a matt finish.

Semi-matt, smooth and sateen? 300tc is the thread count of choice of our hotel clients. it is harder to launder domestically to the same finish of a hotel but not impossible and a great choice if you are sending the laundry out.

Sateen finish, smooth, soft with a higher lustre?  The go-to thread count is the 400tc as this is the easiest to launder in house, and to achieve the hotel glazed lustre on the linen with a domestic iron.

600tc is the highest thread count that we offer clients because if it is good enough quality there is no need to go any higher! It is truly the creme de la creme of luxury linen. It has a superior drape, lustre and silk like feel on the skin and is used by our clients in their most exclusive suites.

 Towelling

Generally between 550 and 650gsm is the optimum weight for comfort and function, both commercially and domestically.

These GSM's are weighty enough to envelop you in a generously soft and fluffy towel but is also absorbent and practical to launder and dry.

When choosing towelling, look for double stitched hems to avoid fraying, check for bright whiteness preferably in a natural light and ensure you choose the right mix of sizes for each bathroom.

We’ve included some of the most common terms you’re likely to come across in our handy guide to talking the lingo.

• GSM: Grams per square metre

• Warp and Weft: Along the length and across the width

• Threadcount: A construction term for the number of threads in a square inch of fabric

• Oxford versus Housewife pillowcases:

• Loft: The fully plumped up height of a pillow or duvet

• Combed versus Carded Cotton: Processes involved in the construction of towelling items which can affect the feel and the price

• Par stock: The number of complete sets of linen and towelling a room needs to manage changes, laundering and spares. Typically 3-5 par is standard