What is Brushed Cotton and Why Choose it?

With the chilly days and nights of winter well underway, we’re finding all the very best excuses to stay as warm as can be. Say hello to one of our current favourite companions for this time of year: our brilliant  brushed cotton bedding, perfect for keeping you as warm as toast.

Here we’ll tell you all about why our brushed cotton bed linen makes a dreamy addition to any winter bedding collection.

Brushed cotton gets its name from the process by which it’s created. As our co-founder Molly explains, 

"This cotton undergoes a mechanical process, where brushes are rubbed on the surface of the fabric to pull up and raise the very softest fibres from the yarns. This gives a fuzzier texture to the cotton, making it super soft and naturally warm."

Our Henry, Fred and Arthur  bed linens are all made from the finest responsibly sourced cotton and are lovingly designed in both stripe and plain herringbone weaves. After weaving in Portugal, the cottons are sent for their final fabric finish. First, the fabric is washed to make it extra soft, then the ‘brushing’ process begins, creating a peachy-soft finish that's wonderfully soft and fleece-like, making it dangerously comfy (as said by our wonderful customer Andy).

This is a brilliant question that clarifies the brushed cotton vs flannel debate. Molly tells us: 

"Yes and no. Brushed cotton is the name for a cotton fabric that has been brushed, Flannelette can be made of other fibres such as polyester... Ours is also GOTS certified, so has more benefits to add from the process in which it is made." 

Essentially, our brushed cotton is a type of flannelette, but it's made from 100% GOTS  organic certified cotton for superior softness and breathability.

The not-so-secret science behind why brushed cotton makes the best winter bedding is that the brushed finish raises the fluffy fibres up, allowing them to trap warm air in between. 

Molly confirms, "This makes it more insulating and therefore naturally warmer than other cotton fabrics."This is the key difference when comparing brushed cotton vs cotton in its standard form.

Even better, the extra thickness and weight won’t mean compromising on this cotton also being super-breathable. By still allowing air to circulate, our brushed cottons will leave you sleeping comfortably, without overheating (or doing the leg in, leg out dance you may be all too familiar with).

We think washing should be easy peasy, so we’ve made caring for our brushed cotton bedding a breeze. To prevent shedding, Molly has a simple tip: "we do recommend a gentler cycle, such as your synthetic or wool setting, to keep the fabric as soft as possible."

To help better maintain that super-soft brushed finish, make sure to turn the bedding inside out before washing. This will help to reduce any abrasion that might occur naturally in your machine and protect the little raised fibres. For extra softness, pop on the line to dry in a gentle breeze (if you can find a dry spell), or simply pop in your machine for a light tumble. The very best news? Ironing is optional, which means even more time spent snuggled under the sheets.

Check out  our care guides for more information.

Ready to discover what all the fuss is about? Explore our full  collection of bestselling brushed cotton bedding and find your new favourite for the colder nights ahead. Your bed is about to get a whole lot warmer, and you have been warned, leaving it in the morning will be even harder.