ELITE LINENS, Inc.
Phone:  1-866-373-0912  Fax: (336)329-8103
Email:  linens@
triad.rr.com

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions and Product Information                                          


Table of Contents

  1. What is the difference between Supima Cotton and Egyptian Cotton?
  2. Why is Thread Count important?
  3. How is Cotton Sateen different from Percale?
  4. How do I measure bedskirt length?
  5. What is the size of your mattress?
  6. Why is a mattress pad necessary?
  7. Why is drying capacity important when purchasing towels?

 


What is the difference between Supima Cotton and Egyptian Cotton?

Supima Cotton:  In 1912, the first commercial crop of Pima cotton, named for local Indians, was harvested in America's Southwest.  It was the result of combining Egyptian cotton and the cotton grown by the Pima Indians, creating an extra long staple acknowledged as the finest in the world.  In addition to a silky hand and outstanding wear characteristic, Pima cotton is up to 30% stronger than other domestically grown cottons.  Its longer staple length imparts ultra-fine softness and longer wear.  For the highest quality look for the Supima Cotton label.   This is the registered trademark for Pima cotton grown in the U.S.  Only products made from 100% Supima Cotton can carry the label, so you are assured of soft, long lasting quality.
Egyptian Cotton:  Egyptian cotton, grown in the Nile Valley, is another long staple fiber famous for its lush feel and soft drape.  It is often blended with lower grade cottons, so look for 100% Egyptian to get the ultimate quality.

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Why is Thread Count important?

Thread count is the single most important point consumers should understand about sheets and the manufacturing process.  As a  general rule, it is safe to say that the higher the thread count means a better quality sheet.  Thread count represents the number of threads woven into each square inch of fabric.  Usually, the higher the thread count the smoother the surface of the fabric.  Because they utilize finer yarns using more material, higher thread count sheets tend to be more expensive.   However, higher thread counts extend the life of the fabric, so you may end up saving money in the long run by replacing your sheets less often. 

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How is Cotton Sateen different from Percale?

Cotton Sateen:  Cotton sateen is named for the satin type weave of this 100% cotton fabric.  A special weaving process is used to place more lengthwise yarns on the surface of the fabric for a shiny look and very soft feel.   Cotton sateens are generally very durable. 
Percale:  A minimum thread count of 180 is required to be classified as percale.  Perhaps the most well-known word associated with sheets, percale is soft, durable and long-lasting.

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How do I measure bedskirt lenth?

To measure bedskirt length begin at the top of the box spring and measure to the floor.

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What is the size of your mattress?

In todays world of  mattress selections, you may purchase or own a mattress that may be from six (6) inches to eighteen (18) inches thick.  The thickness of your mattress can affect the sheets, mattress pad and your comforter or bedspread in "fitting" your bed correctly.  Bed in a bag products are not recommended for extra thick mattresses.  The higher quality sheets, mattress pads, comforters and bedspreads are usually made more generous in size to fit the extra thick mattresses.  
Standard bed sizes:       Twin                             39"x75"        Queen                60"x80"
                                    Twin XL(Extra Long)    39"x80"         King                   78"x80"
                                    Full                               54"x75"        California King   72"x84"                                                       Back to Top


Why is a mattress pad necessary?

Mattress pads are more than just a protective cover to extend the life of your expensive mattress.  They also keep your mattress clean and dry, ultimately increasing your comfort for a good night's sleep.  While your mattress fabric is made of polyester, a mattress pad made of 100% cotton will be your best choice.  Cotton mattress pads provide moisture absorbing characteristics for maximum comfort.   Mattress pads provide extra soft comfort with a generous addition of polyester   batting, quilted for support to your body.  A mattress pad not only provides comfort, but it also protects your investment, and is machine washable for easy care.

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Why is drying capacity important when purchasing towels?

The drying capacity of a towel is a function of the absorbency of the yarns and the density of the terry or number of loops per square inch.  The loops in a towel "brush off" water from the body like a squeegee from a window.   More loops of cotton per square inch mean a greater surface area for the cotton loops to absorb moisture, making you feel drier.  By using finer yarns, manufacturers can weave more loops.  The height of the individual loops also contributes to the density of the surface area and increases a towel's ability to dry.  Weight can be misleading.  A heavy towel may be made with coarse yarns providing fewer loops and less absorbancy. Sheared towels are terry towels in which the terry loops are sheared off on one side.  Since these "velour" type towels remove the loops that dry, they are often criticized because they don't dry well.  Their velvet surfaces may be soft, but absorbancy is sacrificed.

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1st Edition:  Copyright 1999