Does it matter where the cotton was grown or made?

The mere mention of Egyptian cotton is enough to make some people want to turn in early. And, indeed, the finest cotton does grow in the fertile soil around the Nile River. But the word Egyptian on a label can cover a range of cottons, depending on the maker, and not all are super-luxe. What matters is the length of the staple, or fiber. Generally speaking, the longer the staple, the more luxurious the feel. Long-staple cottons include most Egyptians and American-grown Pima, also called Supima. You’ll find these names on the packaging. Your best bet is to buy a brand that you know; failing that, simply open the package and feel the sheets.

Italy is reputed to have some of the finest equipment and finishing know-how in the world, but manufacturing costs are high there (and there’s that little matter of the strong Euro). Today many mills are in countries such as China, India, and Pakistan, all of which are capable of turning out quality products.

What’s the difference between cotton percale and sateen?

Different cotton weaves yield different effects. When threads are woven in a tight basket weave, the result is percale, prized for its crisp touch (not unlike an unstarched dress shirt). Sateen is a weave designed to reflect light, giving sheets a glossy, satiny feel. Other weaves include twill, which is also crisper than sateen.