The Best Cotton Sham

While traditional pillowcases are best used with pillows you plan to sleep on, pillow shams are ideal for pillows you’d like to use for decorative purposes. They can be tossed on top of your bed, over a living room or patio sofa or placed on the floor to create a comfortable seating area in your kid’s toy room.

Begin your search for the best cotton shams by looking for a brand that uses all-natural cotton that is free of any chemicals. Models that are pure cotton are a good choice because they are 100% hypoallergenic and breathable. That means they are safe for individuals who have allergies, as well as those who have sensitive skin.

Check the strength and durability of the cotton shams next. For example, the Pinzon by Amazon 400 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sham are made with a two-ply weave that keeps the sham from coming apart. It’s also outfitted with a 2-inch flange all the way around and has a practical envelope closure.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious cotton sham, go with a sham made out of 100% Egyptian cotton. The material is super soft and resistant to wrinkles, stains and fading. Also, look for a company that uses environmentally friendly dyeing technology that won’t irritate your skin.

Determine whether you’d like the cotton sham to come in a solid color with a smooth surface or in a decorative design. For example, the WINLIFE 100% Quilted Cotton Sham is quilted using a floral print. It adds a touch of style to any space and comes in a variety of colors.

Finally, take a closer look at what the cotton sham has to offer and how the company operates. You may prefer shams that are individually tailored and resistant to pilling, or you may wish to purchase shams from a company that donates a portion of their proceeds to further the education of the underprivileged.

• Always check the size of the cotton shams to determine if they run big or small. If they’re too small, they won’t fit your pillows. If they’re too large, you’ll have extra material around the pillow’s edges.
• Carefully read the cotton pillow sham’s cleaning instructions. Some are safe to wash and dry normally, while others must be machine washed using cold water and tumble dried using the low heat setting. In rare instances, you may even be instructed to hand wash and air-dry the shams.
• If your cotton sham has a stain, apply a gentle stain remover right away and then wash as instructed on the product packaging.
• Never use bleach or fabric softeners when washing your cotton shams.
• Keep in mind that the cotton shams do not come with pillows. You must buy the pillows separately.
• When your cotton pillow shams begin to become a bit worn, you don’t have to throw them away. They can be repurposed and turned into a pet bed, a magazine holder, placemats or even an apron.
• When comparing the price of cotton shams, make sure you take into account just how many shams you are getting for the total cost. Some offerings are for one sham only, while others provide a set of two. You’ll find the WINLIFE 100% Quilted Cotton Sham and the Pinzon by Amazon 400 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sham are both similar in price.