Armoire Linen Quality - simply. the best..no compromise

Understanding thread counts
A thread count is the number of threads there are in a square of the fabric. In cotton percale a lower thread count will produce a thicker scrunchier fabric, as opposed to a fine, higher thread count producing a softer fabric. Sateen and Jacquard fabrics are woven in a different way, and these threads are often twisted and double twisted to produce a "higher thread count". Higher doesn't necessarily mean better, it is a personal preference whether you prefer thick crispness, fine softness, sumptuous satin softness or cool texture.

Long Staple threads - it is however important that only long staple threads are used, discarding the shorter rougher fibres. This makes for a stronger more durable fabric. At Armoire Linen we appreciate that while fashions may change, quality and craftsmanship are timeless, so we have worked tirelessly to insure that every item we carry has been impeccably crafted so you can enjoy it for years to come. We want your experience of these linens to be exceptional.

Cotton or Linen?
Differences are that where cotton is warm and soft to the touch, linen has a cool feel. Linen breathes, just like skin. It can absorb up to 20% of its own weight in moisture, while still feeling dry to the touch. In hot weather, it absorbs moisture and excessive heat, in cool weather it retains body heat. Cotton is easier to launder and cheaper than linen.
Linen is more expensive, but it is extremely long lasting, and thrives on use and laundering, and keeps getting better.

Shrinkage - All natural fabrics will shrink by about 2% after the first wash - we have factored this into our sizing. Washing or drying in excessive heat will cause further unwanted shrinkage.

Care of your linens
As with all fabrics, wash dark colours separately. Do not use bleach as it weakens fibres. Do not over dry. Use a hot iron for smooth bed linen (though it can look just as good crumpled!).

Fresh - Egyptian Cotton Percale
60°C wash.
Egyptian cotton percale is the choice of five star hotels across Europe, selected for it's crisp, fresh look and inherent natural strength. Its durable quality will withstand daily laundering at higher temperatures, outlasting those made from inferior and shorter staple cottons, making it perfect for longevity and restful sleep. Easy launderability.

Elegance - Egyptian Cotton Sateen
40°C wash.
For its ultimate richness, the Egyptian cotton sateen we have chosen is the preferred choice on board super yachts, by interior designers and royal palaces. The strong twisted weave is sumptuously soft and thick, and its timeless elegance will enhance any décor. Slightly less hardwearing than percale, this wonderful bed linen ultimately feels the most luxurious. Do not wash with zips or items likely to cause pilling.

Crisp - Pure Linen
60°C wash.
The pure linen we have selected is simply the best and can be found in palaces, embassies and top hotels across Europe. Crisp and cool, pure linen will just keep getting better and even more lustrous, thriving on use and washing. It will come up as new every time and is extremely long lasting, capable of lasting a lifetime.

Given a reasonable amount of care, pure linen will last a lifetime and can be passed from generation to generation. Pure linen thrives with regular laundering so you do not need to save 'for best'. The more it is washed, the softer and brighter it becomes.
Linen sheds dirt far more easily than other materials and with thorough rinsing can come up 'as new' every time. Linen washes well because it is stronger wet than dry. In general, linen can be washed at high temperatures up to 95°C, but a 60°C wash is usually effective as the smooth surface of the flax fibre allows stains to be released easily.
As linen is highly absorbent, (it can absorb twice its weight in water before it drips), it soaks up more water during the wash cycle than most other fibres. It therefore washes better when the washing machine is not packed to capacity.

Linen dries quickly. Using a hot iron, creases and crumples will disappear instantly. Avoid overdrying linen in the tumble dryer, or it may appear to have drastically shrunk. The fibres have been compacted together and will return to normal after a quick press with a steam iron (and a spray of water).