Best Cotton Pillowcases – UK 2022

Cotton is a common pillowcase material, so there are many different options to choose from. You’ll need a guide to cotton pillowcases to determine which case is the best for you!

Cotton pillowcases come in different weaves or thread counts. The higher the thread count it has, the softer the material. You’ll also notice that higher thread counts cost more. Cotton is easy to clean, maintain, and comes in various colours and styles.

You’ll find everything you need to know about cotton pillowcases in this article! After reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for to get a case that you love.

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The Best Cotton Pillowcases

Best Overall – Sunshine Comforts Pillow Cases

Best Oxford Style – Sapphire Collection 800 Thread Count Pillowcases

Best For Value – Sapphire Collection Egyptian Cotton Pillowcases

Best Range Of Colours – NTBAY Egyptian Cotton Pillowcases

Best For Luxury – HOMESCAPES 1000 Thread Count Pillowcase

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What To Look For in a Good Cotton Pillowcases?

If you want a high-quality cotton pillowcase, you’ll need to know what to look for! Start by considering a case with a thread count of 300. Then, consider getting a percale or sateen weave. These weaves offer a softer feel while being more durable.

There are several other cotton factors that you’ll want to consider! These are the most important elements that lead to a pillowcase you’ll love for years to come:

Material Quality

First, you’ll want to consider the material quality. For the best cotton pillowcase, you’ll need to pay more. Although, you receive a better quality product. The best cotton tends to have higher thread counts- 200 to 400 is fine, but you might want to go higher!

Next, you’ll want to check out cases with a sateen or percale weave. These weaves offer different textures than the standard one while feeling softer, lighter, and stronger. The percale weave is the best option! The weave is tight and shiny.

If you can look at the case before buying, you can judge the material quality better in person. After touching it, you’ll notice if the fabric feels rough or if it’s soft enough.

Total Price

Of course, you won’t want to splurge on a cotton pillowcase that’s out of your budget! If you want a cost-efficient case, then make sure to consider one that comes with a lower thread count.

Pillowcases that have a thread count higher than 400 are more expensive. You can find ones that go higher than 1,000! However, 500 is very soft and comfortable enough for most people. If you want a pillow with that thread count, it won’t hurt your wallet too much.

You’ll want to set a budget before buying the case, so you don’t overspend. If you need to purchase multiple cases, you might not want the most expensive ones. 

Overall Design

Lastly, you’ll want to think about the overall design of the cotton material. Many people choose designs that match the rest of their bedrooms. If that’s what you want, you might want to buy the cases in a set with the rest of your bedding.

The case should also fit over your pillow well! If it’s too small, it’s sure to be uncomfortable. Plus, cases too long for the pillow can get in the way.

Best Selections

Best Overall – Sunshine Comforts Pillow Cases

The Sunshine Comforts cases are a reasonably priced pack of 4 egyptian cotton pillow cases. They are highly rated with over 1,100 ratings on Amazon. Over 85% of these are 4 or 5 stars. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’The pillow cases were of good quality, lovely and soft and easy to iron.’’ and ‘’Bought 4 cotton pillowcases to use as under pillowcases for my top pillows. I find using these stops the sweat & staining getting onto the pillow. These are easy to wash & iron & are very useful.’’

Available in a few different colours, these pillow cases are standard UK size and are easily machine washed. They can also be tumble dried on low settings. At only 200 thread count they are on the lower end of the thread count range but are soft. Occasionally reviewers have reported only initially receiving a pack of two pillowcases instead of the four ordered.

Best Oxford Style – Sapphire Collection 800 Thread Count Pillowcases

These Sapphire Collection pillow cases are in the oxford style and have an 800 thread count. They are good value and fit standard size pillows well. On Amazon they have over 1,200 ratings with over 85% of these being 4 or 5 stars. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’Super soft hotel quality pillow cases. I mean that, don’t just believe all the descriptions, these are very fine and soft to the touch.’’ and ‘’Absolutely fine – doesn’t feel as high quality as some of the 800 count bedding I have had in the past – but these were a LOT cheaper and they are fine’’

These pillowcases are also machine washable and tumble dryer friendly on a low setting. They are an excellent choice for hotel style pillow cases. 

Best For Value – Sapphire Collection Egyptian Cotton Pillowcases

The Sapphire collection housewife-style Egyptian cotton pillows offer excellent value for money. They are very popular on Amazon with over 6,000 ratings. Over 80% of these ratings are 4 or 5 stars. Some highlights from customer reviews include ‘’Seems a lot of people don’t like these, say they’re rough & not cotton etc, well the ones i received feel like very smooth cotton to me, almost silky smooth, not at all rough, and vastly superior to my old poly/cotton sheets & pillowcases.’’ and ‘’These pillowcases and sheets are excellent value for money. Nice, smooth, and comfortable. Not exactly John Lewis level quality, but really excellent for the price you pay.’’

These 300 thread count pillow cases come as a pack of two and are available in a range of different colours and can also be ordered with matching sheets as well. They are machine washable at 40 degrees C and can be tumble dried on cool. 

Best Range Of Colours – NTBAY Egyptian Cotton Pillowcases

The NTBAY egyptian cotton pillows are available in a wide range of colours and also available in a standard size or as a king size pillow case. They are extremely popular on Amazon with over 4,500 ratings. Over 85% of these are 4 or 5 stars. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’I’ve purchased before hence buying from the same seller, they are excellent quality wash & tumble no ironing or pilling.’’ and ‘’I’ve just bought 2 x dorma 1000ct cases at £15 each case, these are easily compared to them. Lovely quality. Will be buying more for my kids rooms.’’

With a thread count of 500, these pillow cases are super soft and stylishly simple. They are easy to take care of being machine washable on cold settings and tumble dryer friendly on a low setting. They are on the pricier side for a pack of two but they are a great selection.

Best For Luxury – HOMESCAPES 1000 Thread Count Pillowcase

This HOMESCAPES pillowcase is a very high thread count pillowcase designed to be super soft and comfortable. It has over 100 ratings on Amazon with over 85% of these being 4 or 5 stars. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’Quality pillowcases. The zip fastening stops the pillow escaping and keeps it looking good.’’ and ‘’Can’t believe how nice this linen is. First time I have sort of decided to pay a little extra for my bed but this while not being expensive is way way up there for value and comfort.’’

This pillowcase is available in a range of different colours and also sizes. It is hypoallergenic and machine washable at temperatures of up to 60 degrees C. It is worth keeping in mind that with every wash this pillow case will become slightly softer. 

What Thread Count Do I Need for Cotton Pillowcases?

Thread counts in pillowcases are important to consider! You’ll notice that your pillowcase comes with a “T” or “TC” on the tag, followed by a number. The number after that is the thread count. For instance, you might see something like “T400” or “400TC” on the case’s tag.

You want your pillowcase to have a thread count between 200 and 600. This amount gives the fabric a softer texture. The higher the thread count, the softer the material. Plus, higher thread counts also are more durable.

In other words, the best pillowcases have a high thread count. However, you might appreciate a lower thread count for a less soft casing- it all comes down to your preference!

What Does the Thread Count Mean?

The actual thread count refers to how many vertical and horizontal threads are in a square inch of material. Thread counts that have about 200 to 400 are the most popular. As you get higher, the price of the case increases significantly. 

Lower thread counts are more popular for budget pillows. For example, if you need a cheap pillowcase to bring camping with you. You wouldn’t want to take an expensive one with a high thread count!

Overall, the thread count indicates how many threads you’ll find in a single square inch of the fabric. Many people find higher counts more comfortable, although they’re a lot more expensive. You’ll need to consider what you want from the case before buying it.

Pros and Cons of Cotton Pillowcases

Cotton pillowcases come with several benefits and downsides you’ll want to know about! That way, you can compare them with your other options. Here’s what you should know:

Pros of Cotton Pillowcases

• Very easy to maintain and clean
• Very accessible and affordable
• It comes in different weaves
• It comes in a variety of designs and patterns

Cons of Cotton Pillowcases

• Low thread counts feel rough and scratchy
• Can absorb moisture, leading to bacteria growth, if not washed often
• Some other materials are more breathable

Cleaning a Cotton Pillowcase

Once you have your cotton pillowcase, you’ll want to clean it often! If you don’t, oil from your hair and face can build up on the surface. This process leads to breakouts on your skin.

Remove the case from the pillow; then machine wash it with warm water on a gentle cycle. Make sure that you use a mild detergent. If you have to bleach it, you’ll want to use a product that doesn’t have any chlorine. 

After washing the case, you can hang it up to dry or put it inside a dryer. Please set it to tumble dry on normal, and use a medium heat setting to dry it in the machine. Cotton is a very durable material, so you shouldn’t worry much about damaging it.

The Verdict: Cotton Pillowcases

To summarise, cotton is a great material for pillowcases! The fabric has plenty of thread count options, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget. This material is also more affordable than other case options, such as silk.

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API