Frequently Asked Questions

Thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into one square inch of fabric. It is a useful guide, but it is only one part of the story: the quality of the fibre, the way it is spun, and the finishing of the weave all affect how a fabric ultimately looks, feels and wears. We select fabrics on the balance of all these qualities, rather than thread count alone, to ensure every piece exceeds the standard our clients expect.

Two fabrics with identical thread counts can feel entirely different depending on the length and quality of the cotton fibre, the type of weave, and the finishing process used. A lower thread count woven from fine, long-staple yarn will outperform a higher thread count made from shorter, lower-grade fibres. We therefore judge quality on the fabric, sourcing only from mills whose fibre and finishing meet our high standards.

We work exclusively with a small number of carefully selected Italian weave mills, chosen for their heritage, consistency and exacting quality control. These mills combine generations of textile expertise with rigorous standards at every stage, from fibre selection to finishing, which allows us to guarantee a fabric worthy of bespoke craftsmanship. It is this partnership that underpins the quality of every Heirlooms piece.

Our 570tc cotton sateen weave remains our clients' most requested fabric, enjoyed for its soft, lustrous finish. Made using a double twisted yarn, it exceptionally durable, easy to iron and maintain, and becomes softer with every wash. We have many different fabric options available and are happy to guide you toward the fabric best suited to your preferences, whether a private residence, superyacht or aircraft.

High quality Giza Egyptian cotton is grown in the fertile Nile Delta, where a unique combination of warm days, cool nights and nutrient-rich soil produces exceptionally long, lustrous fibres with a smooth surface.

Genuine Giza cotton carries certification from the Cotton Egypt Association, as uncertified cotton is widely mislabelled in the mass market. Of the two most notable varieties, Giza 87 is almost identical to the better Giza 45 but is finer, combining strength, cleanliness and regularity to produce fabric of exceptional softness and silkiness. For more details about the sources of cotton, click here.

Staple refers to the length of an individual cotton fibre; long-staple cotton, such as Egyptian cotton, has fibres that are notably longer than standard varieties. These longer fibres can be spun into finer, stronger yarn with fewer joins, producing a fabric that is smoother, more durable and less likely to pill over time.

Percale is woven in a simple over-under pattern, producing a crisp, matte, cool-to-the-touch finish that many liken to the feel of fine hotel linen. Sateen uses a weave in which more threads pass over than under, giving a smoother surface with a soft, subtle sheen.

Cotton offers a smoother, softer handle from the outset and a crisper or silkier finish depending on the weave. Linen is woven from the fibres of the flax plant, giving it a distinctive natural texture, exceptional breathability and softens beautifully with wear. Both are exceptional choices; the decision often comes down to whether you prefer linen's textured, lived-in elegance or cotton's polished refinement.

Tog rating measures a duvet's thermal insulation, indicating how effectively it retains warmth. Lower tog ratings (around 4.5 to 7.5) suit warmer months or centrally heated homes, mid-range togs (9 to 10.5) are a versatile year-round choice, and higher togs (12 and above) are designed for colder settings. We can advise on the most appropriate tog for your climate, property or vessel.

GSM stands for grams per square metre and measures the density, and therefore the weight, of a towel. A higher GSM generally indicates a thicker, more absorbent and more luxurious towel, while a lower GSM produces a lighter, quicker-drying finish. We offer a range of weights so you can choose between plush indulgence and practical, fast-drying performance.

Bespoke linen is designed and made specifically for you, rather than selected from a standard range. From fabric and colour to sizing, trims and embroidery, every detail is considered individually, allowing us to create pieces that suit your home, vessel or aircraft precisely, and reflect your personal style.

We offer a wide range of customisations, including contrast borders, piping, decorative trims and bespoke embroidery, all available in a choice of colours and fabrics. Our team will work with you to combine these elements into a cohesive, individual finish.

Yes. Our in-house design and embroidery team can personalise linens with monograms, crests, motifs or bespoke artwork. This is one of the most popular ways our clients make a set of linens truly their own.

Generally, we operate with no minimum order quantity, recognising that linen requirements are often highly specific. There are occasions for bespoke dyed products that there are likely minimum order quantities, please get in touch and we will be glad to discuss what is achievable for your project.

Yes. We regularly produce linens to non-standard measurements, whether for an unusually shaped bed, a yacht berth, or an aircraft cabin. Simply provide your measurements and we will make your linens to fit precisely.

Production timelines vary depending on the complexity of the design, the fabric chosen and current order volumes. We recommend approximately 6 weeks for your order to be complete, please contact our team for a current lead-time estimate once your specification is confirmed.

Absolutely. We regularly work from a client's mood board, sample materials or the finer details of an interior to develop a cohesive design. Samples and drawings can be provided along the way, giving you full confidence in your choices before production begins.

We provide wash instructions with every delivery, and you can also visit our Care Instructions page. If you have any queries, contact our expert team for more guidance. 

With proper care, our cotton and linen products are designed to last many years, often improving in softness with age. We recommend assessing condition rather than working to a fixed schedule and rotating between sets to distribute wear evenly.

Yes, we supply bespoke bed linen, bedding, table linen, towels, and accessories for the maritime industry, with no minimum order quantity. This allows us to accommodate the precise, often varied requirements of individual cabins and guest suites aboard a single vessel. We offer a replenishment service to all clients, replacing only what is required, therefore extending the life and longevity of each set.

We select fabrics and constructions with the demands of onboard laundering in mind, helping linens retain their quality and appearance through frequent washing. Please share details of your onboard laundry setup so we can advise on the most suitable fabric and finish.

We understand that crew and guest linens often call for different balances of durability, formality and finish, and we can specify each accordingly. Guest cabins might favour our finest embroidered fabrics, while crew areas can be specified for durability and ease of care, all within a coordinated design.

Yes, we regularly collaborate directly with interior designers, project managers and stewardesses throughout the specification and ordering process. We are happy to work to existing design schemes, colour palettes or brand standards for the vessel.

Yes, we provide bespoke bed linens, table linen, towels, and accessories for private aircraft, tailored to the practical demands and refined aesthetic of the cabin. Every piece is created to combine comfort with the ease of care required for aviation use.

Aviation linens are considered with additional factors in mind, including weight, packing size and durability under frequent laundering and handling. We work closely with clients to balance these practical requirements with the same level of luxury and finish found across our collections.

Yes, our embroidery team can personalise aviation linens with a tail number, crest, monogram or bespoke motif, adding a distinctive and elegant finishing touch to the cabin.

We offer the full range of UK bedding sizes, from single through to emperor, and can advise on the nearest equivalent US or European sizing where required. As bespoke specialists, we can also produce linens to exact measurements, which is often the simplest solution for international properties or vessels who have US or European sizes.

For a fitted sheet, measure the width, length, and depth of your mattress, including any mattress topper. For a duvet cover, measure the width and length of the duvet itself. If you are ever unsure, our team is glad to talk you through the process.

Yes, we regularly produce fitted sheets and valances to accommodate extra-deep mattresses and mattress toppers. Simply provide the full depth measurement and we will make your linens to fit precisely.

Begin by getting in touch with our team to discuss your requirements, whether for a single item or a full collection. We will guide you through fabric, colour and customisation choices, provide samples where helpful, and confirm specifications before production begins.

Ready-made pieces in stock from our Signature Collection are dispatched within a few days of being placed. Bespoke orders, which are made to your specification take longer to produce. We will confirm an estimated timeframe once your order is finalised, but we recommend allowing 6 weeks for your order to be made.

Yes, we ship to clients internationally where couriers allow, including to private residences, superyachts and aircraft in locations around the world. Please contact us to discuss delivery to your specific location.

As bespoke items are made specifically to your specification, they are treated differently from ready-made stock; please refer to our Returns Policy. In the unlikely event, we are always happy to discuss any concerns about a finished piece.

Yes, we can provide fabric samples and swatches to help you choose colours, textures and finishes with confidence before a bespoke order is placed.

Heirlooms’ linens have been designed and manufactured at our workshops in West Sussex, England, since 1984. Every piece is personally measured, cut, stitched and checked by our skilled designers, cutters, machinists and embroiderers.

We are committed to sustainability across our supply chain and continue to develop our practices in line with this commitment, from the mills we partner with to the way our linens are made to last. Our aim is to encourage conscious choices, both within our own business and across our industry.

Yes, our fabrics comply with OEKO-TEX standards, with many also GOTS and Masters of Linen certified. Please contact our team for details of the current certifications and standards held by our fabric mills.

We combine the finest materials with genuine, hands-on craftsmanship; every item is personally measured, cut, stitched and checked by our own team rather than mass produced. This dedication to bespoke detail, paired with four decades of experience across residential, marine and aviation settings, sets our linens apart.

We began manufacturing bespoke luxury linens at our workshops in West Sussex in 1984 and remain true to our founding principles more than forty years on.

We believe there is no substitute for the craftsman's hands, eyes and instincts, and our skilled team personally measures, cuts, stitches and checks every item. We also draw on state-of-the-art embroidery machinery, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern precision to achieve the very best result.