FAQ
Q: How can I view the status of my order?
A: Go to the Customer Service tab. Type in your "Confirmation Number".
Q: What are your shipping costs?
A: You can view shipping costs by viewing your cart. We use Standard Shipping. No need for expensive "Rush" shipping charges. Your order is usually received within five (5) to eight (8) business days.
Q: Explain "Thread Count (TC)" and "Egyptian Cotton":
A: In simplest terms, the "thread count" (TC) refers to the number of fibers woven together in one-square-inch of fabric. Thread counts can range anywhere from 80 - 1200TC. Low-end thread count fabrics are generally used in settings where the linens are going to have a short life span (ie. institutional settings).
Although it's very important, thread counts alone are not the only factor to consider when purchasing a set of sheets. One must take into consideration the type of cotton used and the "ply" of the sheets. The term "ply" refers to the number of single fibers twisted together before it is woven into a fabric. By twisting two fibers together, mills can double the thread count of a fabric. By twising three fibers together, they can triple it and so on. Some 1000TC sets of sheets are actually 330TC 3-ply or 250TC 4-ply. Sheets are easier to make this way, so be weary of manufacturers who do this. Generally the higher the ply, the heavier and thicker a set of sheets is. Also, the greater the ply is, the more you increase your chances of the fabric pilling. The highest thread count that can be woven into a single ply is 500TC. If you can find a set of these, then you've found yourself a great set of sheets (depending on the cotton used). All 1000TC sheets are atleast 2-ply.
The benefits of having a high thread count sheets is that mills are forced to create much finer threads in order to increase the amount of threads in a square inch (keeping in mind that they don't also increase the ply). Finer threads usually result in a much smoother and softer fabric. This is the main reason that a higher thread count fabric is more desireable than a low thread count one. Having finer threads also means that the threads are slightly more delicate, so one must use proper care instructions when washing their linens.
To summarize it all, you have to find a balance between the thread count and the ply. If you're looking for the ultimate in softness, get a high thread count low ply but be prepared to spend the money. If you don't mind or even prefer a heavier set of sheets, get a high thread count with a high ply (3-4). They'll certainly keep you warmer. If you do decide to go with a higher thread count, make sure that you use use proper care instructions to prevent pilling. Anything above 300TC is usually soft enough for most people. If you prefer a lighter sheet, look in the 250-600TC range with lower plys.
Throughout the past two centuries, Egyptian cotton has prevailed as one of Egypt's biggest competitive advantages. With an established reputation of being the "best" cotton in the world, its softness, strength and superior characteristics, have positioned products made of Egyptian cotton as the world's finest.
Egyptian cotton has not gained such a reputation without reason. Egyptian cotton "is" the world's finest cotton and the following characteristics are what sets Egyptian cotton apart from other natural fibers:
1-The length of the fiber makes it possible to make the finest of yarns without sacrificing the strength of the yarn
2-The strength of the fiber makes fabrics more solid and more resistant to stress
3-Its ability to absorb liquids gives fabrics made of Egyptian cotton deeper, brighter and more resistant colors
4-Its softness increases with each washing
Egyptian cotton is hand picked which guarantees the highest levels of purity. In addition, hand picking puts no stress on the fibers - as opposed to mechanical picking - leaving the fibers straight and intact. All these factors have resulted in the Egyptian cotton being by far the best cotton in the world. Fabrics made of Egyptian Cotton are softer, finer and last longer than any other cotton in the world.
It was thought for ages that cotton was cotton and thread count was king when choosing quality sheets. That is no longer true. Consumer guidelines for buying bedding suggest that cotton from Egypt is superior to other cotton. Is this true and, if so, what is the big difference?
Egyptian cottons are used to create bedding of all types from sheets to pillowcases to comforters. The long staple or long fiber of Egyptian-grown cotton means that there is more continuous fiber to use when creating threads or yarns. This yarn is smaller in diameter yet stronger than other cottons. Smaller yarn means that more threads per square inch can be use to create stronger fabric which is light in weight yet breathes well.
More threads per inch mean that the thread count on the bedding label will be higher. Many buyers think that choosing high thread count sheets is the only gauge of quality. This is not true, but in the case of cotton grown in Egypt, the higher thread count means the fabric will be incredibly strong and will last for years and years. If cared for properly, Egyptian produced cotton fabric used for creating bedding products can last for decades.
The hand or feel of the sheets created from Egyptian grown cotton is a bit harder than other cottons when the bedding is new. However, with every single laundering, the cotton sheets from Egyptian fibers become softer and softer. Like a fine wine, age improves the Egyptian fiber cotton bedding and, unlike many products, you will prize your Egyptian fiber sheets of cotton more and more as they age and become soft and cuddly.
Cotton grown in the Egyptian fields will also produce less lint and therefore will not pill after repeated washings as some materials may do. At one time, the only way to obtain Egyptian fiber cotton sheets was to shop in high-end expensive stores. This is no longer true and most department stores and online bedding stores carry a selection of Egyptian produced cotton sheets and other bedding items for the buyer seeking this quality product.
King Cotton was once the name for the cotton grown in the Deep South of the United States. This cotton has much shorter fibers or staple than the Egyptian produced cotton. Egyptian fiber is now considered the king of all cottons for its durability and luxurious feel. After all, we spend almost one-third of our lives in our beds and our bedding should be comfortable and durable. Choosing the right sheets made from the king of cotton, Egyptian produced fibers, you will experience a bed that is comfortable and cozy.
A word of caution regarding bedding labels: if the package says "cotton rich" the actual amount of cotton, whether Egyptian or other cotton, is not stated and can be a very small amount. It is better to select products that state 100% cotton or, if choosing a blend fabric, that clearly state the exact proportion of cotton in the bedding. This will ensure your product composition is one that you will be pleased with.
Q: How do I clean and care for my Down Comforter?
A: Believe it or not, most comforters are easy to care for and are designed to last night after night and year after year. Here are some tips to help ensure your comforter lasts for many years:
Use a Duvet Cover. When protected by a duvet cover, your comforter will only need to be cleaned every three to five years. Also, with a duvet cover, you won't need a top sheet, blanket, or bedspread. Making your bed will be a flip and a fluff! Remove and clean your duvet cover whenever sheets are laundered.
Professionally launder your comforter every three to five years. Down actually washes well, but due to the size of comforters, we highly recommend leaving the cleaning to a professional. However, if you do choose to wash your comforter, please read the washing instructions below.
Fluff your comforter when you make your bed. By providing a steady flow of air, your down will continue to loft.
Store your comforter in a breathable bag. Avoid storing comforters in plastic bags, which may trap in moisture and cause the fill to mildew or disintegrate.
Redistribute your comforter as needed. To redistribute the fill of your comforter, lay your comforter on a flat surface and simply push the down in place with the heel of your hand and forearm.
Washing Instructions for Your Comforter We hope that these simple guidelines help protect your investment and instruct you how to care for your comforter.
We recommend you professionally launder your bedding every 3-5 years. It is possible to wash your bedding yourself, but you may jeopardize the life of your comforter. We are reluctant to recommend nonprofessional laundering because: Home washers are often too small. Most household washing machines have an agitator in the center, which places unnecessary stress on the comforter. Harsh detergents and heat can cause down to become dry and brittle and will result in the down clusters breaking. If the product is not dried completely, the fill may mildew or disintegrate. Most fabric used in natural bedding is 100% cotton and will shrink slightly when dried. Should you still choose to wash your comforter yourself, please: Use gentle detergents and a low heat drying cycle. Be sure to dry the product completely for approximately 8-12 hours. Products must be dried in a machine. We do not recommend line drying. Washing Instructions for Your Down Blanket or Throw Always check the care label first, as instructions may vary:
Wash with a mild detergent on a warm water/gentle setting. Dry the blanket or throw completely on a low heat setting. Any lumps or clumps of fill indicates dampness; continue to dry until you are sure there is no moisture left. Storage When your blanket and throws are not in use, store them in breathable bags. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, which may trap in moisture and cause the fill to mildew or disintegrate.
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