Sateen bed linen: what mako sateen really means

Sateen bed linen is one of the classics in Germany – and at the same time the bed linen with the most misunderstandings. Because "sateen" says nothing about the material.

Sateen is a weave, not a material

Sateen describes the satin weave: the threads pass over several cross threads and therefore lie long on the surface. This creates the typical sheen and the fluid drape. Satin weaves can be made from cotton, silk or polyester. For bed linen, cotton sateen is the classic: breathable, absorbent and washable at high temperatures.

What is mako sateen?

"Mako" originally referred to an Egyptian cotton variety with particularly long fibres. Today, the term is often used generally for fine, combed cotton sateen – it is not protected. On the label, "mako sateen" therefore says little about how long the fibres actually are.

How to recognise good sateen bed linen

• Long cotton fibres: the longer the fibre, the finer, smoother and more durable the yarn.
• Honest thread count: true single threads instead of double-counted twisted yarns. More on this: Thread count explained.
• Sheen without chemicals: many inexpensive sateens are softened with silicone. That feels good in the shop, but washes out. Good sateen bed linen gets softer with every wash, not rougher.
• Clean workmanship: straight seams, concealed closures, sizes that stay true.

Sateen or percale?

Sateen shimmers and drapes softly; percale is matt and feels cool and fresh. Both can be made from the same cotton. You can find a detailed comparison in the guide What is percale?

How to keep sateen bed linen beautiful

• Don't use fabric softener – it coats the fibre.
• Don't overload the machine.
• Take it out of the dryer while still slightly damp and smooth it out. A handheld steamer helps for the hotel finish.

More on this: Drying bed linen and How to recognise honest cotton bed linen.

Sateen bed linen from Cottonbabe

Our hotel bed linen is white cotton sateen made from extra-long-staple cotton, without silicone – with piping in Anthracite, Bronze or White. Available as a duvet cover in 135 × 200 to 240 × 220 cm, as a pillowcase in 40 × 80 and 80 × 80 cm, and as a set with 500 TC in the Cottonbabe box.

Jens Liebhauser – founder of Cottonbabe, 5-star hotelier and interior designer, among other things a master upholsterer/interior decorator with a certified examination in textile science