Why Natural Cotton Bedding Makes All the Difference

When it comes to bedding, the difference between synthetic and natural fibres is more than just a matter of preference. It directly affects how your bed feels, breathes and wears over time. While blends may offer convenience, nothing matches the purity and performance of 100% cotton.

Cotton fibres allow air to circulate freely, absorbing moisture rather than trapping it. That means you stay comfortable in both warm and cool weather, which is ideal for Australian homes where nights can shift quickly from muggy to cool. Natural cotton is also gentle on the skin, with a soft, breathable texture that supports deeper, more restful sleep.

At Eiderdown, every duvet cover, sheet and pillowcase is made from premium 100% cotton sateen. It’s an approach built on one belief: natural materials simply work better, feel better and last longer when treated with genuine care.

The Truth About Thread Count

In bedding, “thread count” is one of the most misunderstood terms. Many companies measure it using a smaller metric area than the international standard, allowing them to claim inflated numbers that look impressive on packaging but don’t reflect actual density.

At Eiderdown, thread count is measured properly, by square inch, which is the recognised global benchmark. When we say “true 1000 thread count”, it means there are genuinely 1000 threads per square inch, not 10 x 10 centimetres. The result is a denser, more resilient fabric that feels luxuriously smooth without sacrificing breathability.

More threads don’t always mean better sheets; balance matters. Too many tightly packed fibres can restrict airflow, while too few can feel coarse or flimsy. Eiderdown AU’s true 1000 thread count sateen achieves harmony between softness, durability and ventilation, giving you the best of both worlds.

The Benefits of 100% Natural Cotton

Cotton remains one of the most trusted materials for bedding, thanks to its ability to balance comfort, breathability and longevity. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat and moisture, 100% cotton naturally absorbs and releases humidity, keeping the body dry and comfortable through the night. It adapts to changing temperatures, staying cool in warm conditions and gently insulating when the air turns cooler.

Pure cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for sensitive skin or those prone to irritation. Free from synthetic coatings or plastic-based fibres, it allows the skin to breathe and prevents the build-up of static. This ensures a cleaner, calmer sleep environment and a fabric that feels soft and natural against the skin.

In addition to comfort, cotton stands out for its resilience. With every wash, the fibres relax and soften, improving in feel rather than wearing thin. In contrast, synthetics often stiffen, pill or lose their shape over time. Choosing natural cotton is an investment in bedding that lasts longer, feels better and contributes to a healthier, more breathable sleep space.

How Sateen Weave Effects Quality

Among the many ways cotton can be woven, the sateen weave stands out for its distinctive feel and finish. It uses a specific over-under pattern that places more threads on the fabric’s surface, giving it a subtle sheen and a naturally silky texture. The result is bedding that feels smooth to the touch and drapes beautifully, without the slickness or artificial gloss that comes with synthetic satin.

What makes sateen unique is how it combines softness with breathability. The dense weave provides a rich, supple hand-feel, yet the natural cotton fibres allow air to circulate freely. This balance makes sateen ideal for anyone seeking the tactile comfort of luxury bedding without losing the freshness that comes from natural materials.

High-quality sateen also benefits from using long-staple cotton fibres. These longer strands produce a stronger, more uniform fabric that resists fraying and pilling. Over time, sateen maintains its smooth surface and soft lustre, developing a lived-in refinement rather than wearing thin. It’s this durability, combined with its elegant drape, that makes sateen one of the most desirable weaves for cotton bedding.

How We Use Cotton at Eiderdown

Now that you know why natural cotton performs so well, it’s worth understanding how we use it throughout our collections. 

Quilt Covers and Casing

Every Eiderdown quilt is encased in 100% natural cotton, selected for its ability to breathe and protect the fill inside. Whether the quilt contains down, wool or alpaca, the cotton shell allows air to circulate freely, helping the filling maintain its loft. It also provides a soft, quiet surface that feels refined to the touch and avoids the heat build-up that often comes with synthetic casings. 

Sheets

Our 100% Cotton Sheets are sewn in New Zealand using either a 500 or 1000 thread count cotton sateen. The result is a smooth, cool fabric that drapes beautifully without clinging. The extra-long staple cotton fibres give the sheets strength and resilience, so they soften over time without thinning. Unlike synthetic or blended alternatives, they allow your skin to breathe and help regulate body temperature through every season.

Pillowcases

Our pillowcases are made using the same high-quality 100% cotton sateen fabric as our quilt covers, designed to deliver lasting softness and breathability. The smooth surface feels gentle against the skin, helping to reduce irritation and improve overall comfort during sleep. Cotton’s natural airflow keeps the pillow cool and fresh throughout the night, while its resistance to static and moisture build-up supports a cleaner, healthier sleep environment. 

Experience the Difference of Natural Comfort

Cotton’s beauty lies in its honesty. It feels cool, breathes easily and softens over time, creating comfort that only improves with use. By choosing pure, natural fibres, you’re choosing quality that lasts and sleep that feels effortlessly balanced.

If you’d like help finding the right bedding for your home, our team is always happy to share advice. Get in touch with Eiderdown or explore our full range of cotton bedding to experience the difference natural craftsmanship can make.