Summer and winter home textile fabrics
The difference between summer and winter home textiles comes from how the fabric is built. Cool fabrics are either densely woven from fine yarn or light and airy. Warm fabrics trap air in a raised surface.
Summer fabrics
| Fabric | Why it feels cool | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Percale | Dense plain weave from fine yarn (70–80 threads); cool, crisp feel | Summer bedding, hotel sheets |
| Linen | Absorbs moisture and releases it quickly | Bedding, tablecloths |
| Muslin | Double gauze; air between the layers keeps it light and absorbent | Baby blankets, summer bedding |
| Pike | Raised texture adds loft while the fabric stays light and breathable | Summer coverlet used instead of a duvet, baby coverlets |
| Bamboo / Tencel | Cool, smooth feel; absorbs more moisture than cotton | Summer bedding sets |
Winter fabrics
| Fabric | Why it feels warm | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Flannel | The brushed surface traps air between the fibres | Winter bedding, sheets, pyjamas |
| Welsoft | Short, dense pile of polyester microfibre; light but full | Blankets, sofa throws, baby blankets |
| Cotton sateen | Slightly warmer and smoother than percale of the same weight | Premium bedding sets |
Ranforce and poplin
Plain-weave ranforce and poplin at 57–63 threads are neither summer nor winter fabrics. Most everyday bedding is made from them. In winter they are paired with a flannel sheet or a welsoft blanket, in summer with a pike coverlet.
When ordering
- Ask for composition and weight in writing; fabrics sold under the same name can differ in thickness.
- For flannel and welsoft, check whether the surface is brushed on one side or both.
- For muslin, state the number of layers; for pike, the structure (waffle, honeycomb, cable pattern).