Fibers
Understanding Fibers & Textiles
In a world where marketing trends often create confusion, we aim to provide clarity on the facts about fibers, linens, design, sewing, and weaving. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about the textiles you bring into your home.
For deeper insights, follow Heather’s articles in Kearsley’s Threads and stay connected with us:
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Moulding Embroidery
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Tyrollean II Embroidery
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St. Anton Blankets
Fiber Content & Labeling: What You Need to Know
Labeling laws in the United States are often vague and inadequate, allowing for misleading claims about fiber content and country of origin.
The designated country of origin is not necessarily where the product is made—it is determined by where the most money is spent on production, including packaging and labeling, or by the last country involved in production.
A product labeled "cotton" or "Egyptian cotton" may legally contain as little as 10% of that fiber. For cashmere, only 15% needs to be actual cashmere.
How to Ensure Quality
Look for labels stating 100% of the fiber—this is the best guarantee of fiber purity.
However, quality cannot be determined by a label alone. There is a wide range of fiber grades, and labels do not specify fiber quality.
Trust the reputation of the seller—this is the most reliable way to ensure you’re getting authentic, high-quality textiles.
At Kearsley, we are fully transparent:
All of our sheeting fabrics are woven in Italy.
Some linens are sewn and embroidered in the U.S., while others are sewn and embroidered in Italy—and we label them accordingly.
Unfortunately, many luxury textile labels are misleading or even incorrect. Understanding fiber content and sourcing is essential when investing in quality linens.
Labeling laws in the United States are often vague and inadequate, allowing for misleading claims about fiber content and country of origin.
The designated country of origin is not necessarily where the product is made—it is determined by where the most money is spent on production, including packaging and labeling, or by the last country involved in production.
A product labeled "cotton" or "Egyptian cotton" may legally contain as little as 10% of that fiber. For cashmere, only 15% needs to be actual cashmere.
How to Ensure Quality
Look for labels stating 100% of the fiber—this is the best guarantee of fiber purity.
However, quality cannot be determined by a label alone. There is a wide range of fiber grades, and labels do not specify fiber quality.
Trust the reputation of the seller—this is the most reliable way to ensure you’re getting authentic, high-quality textiles.
At Kearsley, we are fully transparent:
All of our sheeting fabrics are woven in Italy.
Some linens are sewn and embroidered in the U.S., while others are sewn and embroidered in Italy—and we label them accordingly.
Unfortunately, many luxury textile labels are misleading or even incorrect. Understanding fiber content and sourcing is essential when investing in quality linens.
Understanding Cotton: A Timeless Luxury for Bedding & Bath
Cotton is one of the most beloved natural fibers, valued for its breathability, softness, and durability. It provides an exceptional sleep experience and is ideal for luxurious, absorbent towels.
✔ Why Cotton is an Exceptional Choice for Sleep & Bathing
Naturally Breathable – Cotton allows airflow and moisture regulation, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Soft & Gentle on Skin – High-quality, extra-long-staple cotton creates a smooth, luxurious feel, reducing friction and irritation.
Highly Absorbent – Cotton can hold up to 25 times its weight in water, making it ideal for plush, effective towels.
Durable & Long-Lasting – Extra-long-staple cotton, such as Giza 87, is woven into stronger, finer yarns, ensuring exceptional longevity while maintaining its softness over time.
✔ Health & Environmental Benefits: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified
At Kearsley, we prioritize your well-being and the health of the planet. Our linens are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class 1 certified, meaning they meet the highest safety standards for harmful substances and chemicals.
Safe for Sensitive Skin – Free from harsh chemicals, pesticides, and allergens, making them ideal for adults, children, and those with sensitivities.
Better for Your Health – Many textiles contain formaldehyde, heavy metals, and other toxic residues. Our certification ensures pure, safe linens for better sleep and well-being.
Environmentally Responsible – The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 guarantees eco-friendly production, reducing chemical use, water waste, and environmental impact.
✔ Find the Perfect Fabric for You
At Kearsley, we offer a curated selection of exceptional fibers, including Egyptian cotton, linen, and silk blends, each with unique benefits. Whether you seek the breathable crispness of linen, the silky softness of a cotton blend, or the timeless luxury of fine Egyptian cotton, we have the perfect fabric for your needs.
👉 Explore our full range of premium textiles on our Fabric Categories page.
Cotton is one of the most beloved natural fibers, valued for its breathability, softness, and durability. It provides an exceptional sleep experience and is ideal for luxurious, absorbent towels.
✔ Why Cotton is an Exceptional Choice for Sleep & Bathing
Naturally Breathable – Cotton allows airflow and moisture regulation, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Soft & Gentle on Skin – High-quality, extra-long-staple cotton creates a smooth, luxurious feel, reducing friction and irritation.
Highly Absorbent – Cotton can hold up to 25 times its weight in water, making it ideal for plush, effective towels.
Durable & Long-Lasting – Extra-long-staple cotton, such as Giza 87, is woven into stronger, finer yarns, ensuring exceptional longevity while maintaining its softness over time.
✔ Health & Environmental Benefits: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified
At Kearsley, we prioritize your well-being and the health of the planet. Our linens are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class 1 certified, meaning they meet the highest safety standards for harmful substances and chemicals.
Safe for Sensitive Skin – Free from harsh chemicals, pesticides, and allergens, making them ideal for adults, children, and those with sensitivities.
Better for Your Health – Many textiles contain formaldehyde, heavy metals, and other toxic residues. Our certification ensures pure, safe linens for better sleep and well-being.
Environmentally Responsible – The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 guarantees eco-friendly production, reducing chemical use, water waste, and environmental impact.
✔ Find the Perfect Fabric for You
At Kearsley, we offer a curated selection of exceptional fibers, including Egyptian cotton, linen, and silk blends, each with unique benefits. Whether you seek the breathable crispness of linen, the silky softness of a cotton blend, or the timeless luxury of fine Egyptian cotton, we have the perfect fabric for your needs.
👉 Explore our full range of premium textiles on our Fabric Categories page.
Linen: A High-Vibration Fiber for Restful Sleep
Linen is more than just a luxurious and time-honored fabric—it carries a unique natural energy that enhances sleep quality and overall well-being. Like wood, linen has one of the highest vibrational frequencies of any natural fiber, measuring 5,000 Hz. This high frequency is believed to promote relaxation, healing, and a deep sense of comfort, making linen an ideal choice for bedding.
However, linen and wool should never be used together. These two fibers have opposing electromagnetic frequencies, which can cancel out their natural benefits when combined.
✔ Why Linen is an Exceptional Choice for Bedding
Naturally Breathable & Moisture-Wicking – Linen absorbs moisture and releases it quickly, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable even in humid conditions.
Cool & Smooth to the Touch – Its crisp, airy texture feels refreshing against the skin, making it perfect for warm climates and summer months.
Grows Softer with Every Wash – Unlike many fabrics that degrade over time, linen becomes softer, silkier, and more luxurious with each use.
Strong & Long-Lasting – One of the strongest natural fibers, linen is incredibly durable, ensuring years of use.
Hypoallergenic & Antibacterial – Linen naturally resists bacteria, allergens, and dust mites, promoting cleaner, healthier sleep.
✔ Linen & Cashmere: The Perfect Pairing for Humid Climates
For those in tropical or humid environments, the ideal sleep setup is linen sheets paired with a lightweight cashmere blanket.
While cotton and down tend to trap humidity, linen and cashmere work in harmony to regulate temperature and wick away moisture.
Cashmere is not the same as wool—it shares linen’s breathability, making it an ideal companion for warm-weather sleeping.
This combination creates a luxurious, temperature-regulating sleep environment that keeps you cool, dry, and incredibly comfortable, far superior to a cotton blanket or summer-weight duvet in humid climates.
✔ Kearsley’s Exceptional Linen
At Kearsley, we source our flax fibers from Belgium, then have them processed and woven in Italy by masters of the craft. Our linen is certified OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class 1, ensuring it is free from harmful substances and safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Linen is more than just a fabric—it’s a fiber that enhances well-being, promotes breathability, and offers unmatched comfort for warm climates.
👉 Explore our full range of luxury linen and complementary fibers on our Fabric Categories page.
Linen is more than just a luxurious and time-honored fabric—it carries a unique natural energy that enhances sleep quality and overall well-being. Like wood, linen has one of the highest vibrational frequencies of any natural fiber, measuring 5,000 Hz. This high frequency is believed to promote relaxation, healing, and a deep sense of comfort, making linen an ideal choice for bedding.
However, linen and wool should never be used together. These two fibers have opposing electromagnetic frequencies, which can cancel out their natural benefits when combined.
✔ Why Linen is an Exceptional Choice for Bedding
Naturally Breathable & Moisture-Wicking – Linen absorbs moisture and releases it quickly, keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable even in humid conditions.
Cool & Smooth to the Touch – Its crisp, airy texture feels refreshing against the skin, making it perfect for warm climates and summer months.
Grows Softer with Every Wash – Unlike many fabrics that degrade over time, linen becomes softer, silkier, and more luxurious with each use.
Strong & Long-Lasting – One of the strongest natural fibers, linen is incredibly durable, ensuring years of use.
Hypoallergenic & Antibacterial – Linen naturally resists bacteria, allergens, and dust mites, promoting cleaner, healthier sleep.
✔ Linen & Cashmere: The Perfect Pairing for Humid Climates
For those in tropical or humid environments, the ideal sleep setup is linen sheets paired with a lightweight cashmere blanket.
While cotton and down tend to trap humidity, linen and cashmere work in harmony to regulate temperature and wick away moisture.
Cashmere is not the same as wool—it shares linen’s breathability, making it an ideal companion for warm-weather sleeping.
This combination creates a luxurious, temperature-regulating sleep environment that keeps you cool, dry, and incredibly comfortable, far superior to a cotton blanket or summer-weight duvet in humid climates.
✔ Kearsley’s Exceptional Linen
At Kearsley, we source our flax fibers from Belgium, then have them processed and woven in Italy by masters of the craft. Our linen is certified OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class 1, ensuring it is free from harmful substances and safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Linen is more than just a fabric—it’s a fiber that enhances well-being, promotes breathability, and offers unmatched comfort for warm climates.
👉 Explore our full range of luxury linen and complementary fibers on our Fabric Categories page.
Silk: A Luxurious Sleep Experience
Silk is a fine, strong, soft, and naturally lustrous fiber, prized for its smooth texture and elegant drape. It has been used in textiles for centuries and is known for its gentle feel and ability to regulate temperature, making it a sought-after material for bedding, especially pillowcases.
✔ Kearsley’s Amalfi: Silk & Cotton in Perfect Harmony
Our Amalfi sheets, made from 51% silk and 49% Giza 87 cotton, combine the best qualities of both fibers:
🌿 The breathability and durability of fine Egyptian cotton
🌿 The sumptuous smoothness and natural elegance of silk
Unlike some silks that remain slippery, Amalfi evolves into a butter-soft, cloud-like sleep experience over time, offering an indulgent level of comfort—this is what I personally sleep on every night.
Certified OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Luxury (a level above even Class 1), Amalfi is crafted without harmful chemicals, ensuring the purest, safest, and most refined sleep environment.
✔ The Benefits of Silk in Bedding
Naturally Hypoallergenic – Silk resists dust mites, mold, and allergens, making it a great choice for those with sensitivities.
Moisture-Regulating & Temperature-Balancing – Silk wicks away moisture while remaining lightweight and breathable, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Silk is a fine, strong, soft, and naturally lustrous fiber, prized for its smooth texture and elegant drape. It has been used in textiles for centuries and is known for its gentle feel and ability to regulate temperature, making it a sought-after material for bedding, especially pillowcases.
✔ Kearsley’s Amalfi: Silk & Cotton in Perfect Harmony
Our Amalfi sheets, made from 51% silk and 49% Giza 87 cotton, combine the best qualities of both fibers:
🌿 The breathability and durability of fine Egyptian cotton
🌿 The sumptuous smoothness and natural elegance of silk
Unlike some silks that remain slippery, Amalfi evolves into a butter-soft, cloud-like sleep experience over time, offering an indulgent level of comfort—this is what I personally sleep on every night.
Certified OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Luxury (a level above even Class 1), Amalfi is crafted without harmful chemicals, ensuring the purest, safest, and most refined sleep environment.
✔ The Benefits of Silk in Bedding
Naturally Hypoallergenic – Silk resists dust mites, mold, and allergens, making it a great choice for those with sensitivities.
Moisture-Regulating & Temperature-Balancing – Silk wicks away moisture while remaining lightweight and breathable, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Cashmere: The Pinnacle of Softness & Luxury
Cashmere is a rare and exquisite fiber, obtained by combing the undercoat of cashmere goats as they shed their winter fur in late spring. Though commonly referred to as a "wool," cashmere is technically a hair, which gives it its exceptional softness, lightness, and strength, distinguishing it from traditional sheep’s wool.
✔ Kearsley’s Finest Cashmere
Our St. Anton cashmere is woven in Italy to the highest standards, using only the finest Mongolian cashmere, renowned for its superior quality, warmth, and incredible softness.
Undyed Purity: The seven stunning colors we offer come from a meticulous, labor-intensive process of hand-sorting the natural fiber colors, rather than relying on dyes. This preserves cashmere’s purity, softness, and breathability, offering an authentic, chemical-free luxury experience.
Couture Scottish Cashmere: We also offer cashmere woven in Scotland, where the pristine water—famous for making Scotch whisky so exceptional—enhances the softness of the fibers. Scottish artisans use precise hand-finishing techniques, carefully sorting fibers under magnification to ensure only the most luxurious, ultra-fine strands are woven into fabric.
Certified OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Luxury (a tier above Class 1), our cashmere is processed with no harmful substances, ensuring the purest, safest, and most sustainable luxury.
✔ The Benefits of Cashmere for Sleep & Comfort
Lightweight Yet Warm – Cashmere provides exceptional insulation without heaviness, making it perfect for year-round comfort.
Breathable & Moisture-Regulating – Unlike traditional wool, cashmere naturally wicks moisture while maintaining a comfortable body temperature.
Incredibly Soft & Gentle on Skin – Cashmere’s fine fibers do not itch, making it a luxurious choice for even the most sensitive skin.
✔ Linen & Cashmere: The Ultimate Pairing for Warm Climates
Cashmere’s unique breathability makes it an unexpected yet ideal companion to linen, especially in humid and tropical environments.
While cotton and down tend to trap humidity, cashmere and linen work together to regulate temperature and wick away moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable even in muggy weather.
A lightweight cashmere blanket over linen sheets creates a luxurious, temperature-balanced sleep environment that feels sumptuous yet airy.
👉 Discover the unparalleled comfort of our St. Anton and couture cashmere fabrics—explore St. Anton Collection
Cashmere is a rare and exquisite fiber, obtained by combing the undercoat of cashmere goats as they shed their winter fur in late spring. Though commonly referred to as a "wool," cashmere is technically a hair, which gives it its exceptional softness, lightness, and strength, distinguishing it from traditional sheep’s wool.
✔ Kearsley’s Finest Cashmere
Our St. Anton cashmere is woven in Italy to the highest standards, using only the finest Mongolian cashmere, renowned for its superior quality, warmth, and incredible softness.
Undyed Purity: The seven stunning colors we offer come from a meticulous, labor-intensive process of hand-sorting the natural fiber colors, rather than relying on dyes. This preserves cashmere’s purity, softness, and breathability, offering an authentic, chemical-free luxury experience.
Couture Scottish Cashmere: We also offer cashmere woven in Scotland, where the pristine water—famous for making Scotch whisky so exceptional—enhances the softness of the fibers. Scottish artisans use precise hand-finishing techniques, carefully sorting fibers under magnification to ensure only the most luxurious, ultra-fine strands are woven into fabric.
Certified OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Luxury (a tier above Class 1), our cashmere is processed with no harmful substances, ensuring the purest, safest, and most sustainable luxury.
✔ The Benefits of Cashmere for Sleep & Comfort
Lightweight Yet Warm – Cashmere provides exceptional insulation without heaviness, making it perfect for year-round comfort.
Breathable & Moisture-Regulating – Unlike traditional wool, cashmere naturally wicks moisture while maintaining a comfortable body temperature.
Incredibly Soft & Gentle on Skin – Cashmere’s fine fibers do not itch, making it a luxurious choice for even the most sensitive skin.
✔ Linen & Cashmere: The Ultimate Pairing for Warm Climates
Cashmere’s unique breathability makes it an unexpected yet ideal companion to linen, especially in humid and tropical environments.
While cotton and down tend to trap humidity, cashmere and linen work together to regulate temperature and wick away moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable even in muggy weather.
A lightweight cashmere blanket over linen sheets creates a luxurious, temperature-balanced sleep environment that feels sumptuous yet airy.
👉 Discover the unparalleled comfort of our St. Anton and couture cashmere fabrics—explore St. Anton Collection
Alpaca & Wool: A High-Vibration, Textured Luxury
Both alpaca and wool are valued for their warmth, durability, and breathability, making them ideal for layering over bedding. These natural fibers also carry a high vibrational frequency, offering a sense of grounding and balance when used properly in the home.
✔ The Unique Qualities of Alpaca & Wool
🌿 Peruvian Alpaca – A strong, breathable fiber sourced from Peru, alpaca is lighter than wool but provides excellent insulation. It has a structured, slightly crisp texture, making it ideal for layering rather than direct skin contact.
🐑 Wool – Known for its resilience and warmth, wool has a natural crimp that adds structure and durability to textiles. While not as soft as cashmere or lambswool, it provides excellent insulation and breathability, making it perfect for bedding accents and outer layers.
✔ The Charles II Basket Weave: A Stunning Fusion
Our Charles II Basket Weave blends Peruvian alpaca and wool, creating a fabric that is:
Textured and structured, adding depth and dimension to bedding
Warm yet breathable, making it perfect for layering over a duvet or as pillow shams
Part of our Super Luxe Collection, crafted for elegance and function rather than plush softness
✔ High-Vibration Fibers & Proper Pairing
Alpaca and wool are high-vibration fibers, which can bring warmth and grounding energy to a space.
Unlike cashmere, which pairs beautifully with linen, wool and alpaca should be used with cotton. Linen and wool have opposing frequencies, which can diminish their natural properties when combined.
Best used as a top layer, this blend provides structure and warmth without heaviness, perfect for pillow shams and duvet covers.
Both alpaca and wool are valued for their warmth, durability, and breathability, making them ideal for layering over bedding. These natural fibers also carry a high vibrational frequency, offering a sense of grounding and balance when used properly in the home.
✔ The Unique Qualities of Alpaca & Wool
🌿 Peruvian Alpaca – A strong, breathable fiber sourced from Peru, alpaca is lighter than wool but provides excellent insulation. It has a structured, slightly crisp texture, making it ideal for layering rather than direct skin contact.
🐑 Wool – Known for its resilience and warmth, wool has a natural crimp that adds structure and durability to textiles. While not as soft as cashmere or lambswool, it provides excellent insulation and breathability, making it perfect for bedding accents and outer layers.
✔ The Charles II Basket Weave: A Stunning Fusion
Our Charles II Basket Weave blends Peruvian alpaca and wool, creating a fabric that is:
Textured and structured, adding depth and dimension to bedding
Warm yet breathable, making it perfect for layering over a duvet or as pillow shams
Part of our Super Luxe Collection, crafted for elegance and function rather than plush softness
✔ High-Vibration Fibers & Proper Pairing
Alpaca and wool are high-vibration fibers, which can bring warmth and grounding energy to a space.
Unlike cashmere, which pairs beautifully with linen, wool and alpaca should be used with cotton. Linen and wool have opposing frequencies, which can diminish their natural properties when combined.
Best used as a top layer, this blend provides structure and warmth without heaviness, perfect for pillow shams and duvet covers.
Lenzing Modal: A Luxurious and Eco-Friendly Bedding Choice
Lenzing Modal is a premium, sustainable fiber derived from beech wood pulp. Renowned for its silky softness, it offers a luxurious feel comparable to silk, making it an excellent choice for bedding, especially pillowcases.
Kearsley's Aspen Collection: Italian-Woven Excellence
Our Aspen sheets are crafted from Lenzing Modal sateen, meticulously woven in Italy to provide:
Silky Softness: A smooth, gentle touch against the skin.
Enhanced Breathability: Designed to regulate temperature for a comfortable night's sleep.
Elegant Drape: A graceful flow and subtle sheen that elevates bedroom aesthetics.
Individual Comfort Experiences
It's important to note that comfort with Modal can vary.
Breathability: Some sleepers find Modal exceptionally breathable and moisture-wicking, while others may perceive it differently.
Personal Preference: Individual experiences with Modal bedding can vary, so it's essential to consider personal comfort preferences when choosing this material.
Eco-Friendly Production and Certifications
Lenzing is committed to environmentally responsible production:
Sustainable Sourcing: Modal fibers are sourced from sustainably managed beech wood plantations, ensuring renewable raw materials.
Eco-Friendly Processes: Lenzing's innovative technologies minimize chemical emissions and conserve resources, leading to a reduced environmental footprint.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class 1 Certified: Our Modal products meet stringent safety standards, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and safe even for babies.
Experience the luxurious comfort and sustainability of our Aspen Lenzing Modal bedding—a sophisticated alternative to silk that aligns with eco-conscious values.
Lenzing Modal is a premium, sustainable fiber derived from beech wood pulp. Renowned for its silky softness, it offers a luxurious feel comparable to silk, making it an excellent choice for bedding, especially pillowcases.
Kearsley's Aspen Collection: Italian-Woven Excellence
Our Aspen sheets are crafted from Lenzing Modal sateen, meticulously woven in Italy to provide:
Silky Softness: A smooth, gentle touch against the skin.
Enhanced Breathability: Designed to regulate temperature for a comfortable night's sleep.
Elegant Drape: A graceful flow and subtle sheen that elevates bedroom aesthetics.
Individual Comfort Experiences
It's important to note that comfort with Modal can vary.
Breathability: Some sleepers find Modal exceptionally breathable and moisture-wicking, while others may perceive it differently.
Personal Preference: Individual experiences with Modal bedding can vary, so it's essential to consider personal comfort preferences when choosing this material.
Eco-Friendly Production and Certifications
Lenzing is committed to environmentally responsible production:
Sustainable Sourcing: Modal fibers are sourced from sustainably managed beech wood plantations, ensuring renewable raw materials.
Eco-Friendly Processes: Lenzing's innovative technologies minimize chemical emissions and conserve resources, leading to a reduced environmental footprint.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class 1 Certified: Our Modal products meet stringent safety standards, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and safe even for babies.
Experience the luxurious comfort and sustainability of our Aspen Lenzing Modal bedding—a sophisticated alternative to silk that aligns with eco-conscious values.
