Bedding Buying Guide for Indian Homes.

For Indian summers (April–June, 35–42°C), choose 200–300 thread count percale cotton — it is the crispest, most breathable weave. For Indian winters (November–February in North India, 8–18°C), 400–600 thread count sateen cotton gives a denser, warmer hand. For year-round use in Mumbai, Bangalore, and other moderate climates, 300–400 thread count percale-sateen blend is the best all-round choice. Above 600 thread count, the benefit plateaus — manufacturers often inflate thread count by counting individual plies in twisted yarns, which does not improve feel. Focus on fabric quality (long-staple cotton, Supima or Egyptian) over raw thread count numbers.

Percale is a plain one-over-one-under weave that produces a matte, crisp, cool surface — it feels like a well-worn white cotton shirt. It breathes exceptionally well, making it the best choice for Indian summers and coastal cities. Sateen is a four-over-one-under weave that produces a subtle sheen and a silkier, softer surface — it feels like the inside of a luxury hotel sheet. Sateen is warmer and drapes more generously, making it the preferred choice for air-conditioned bedrooms and cooler Indian winters. Percale is more durable (tighter structure) and slightly less prone to pilling. Both are made from the same cotton — the weave pattern determines the feel.

Tog rating measures thermal insulation. For Indian sleeping conditions: a 4.5 tog duvet works for air-conditioned rooms set to 20–22°C year-round. A 7.5 tog is the standard for non-AC North Indian winters (bedroom temperature 14–18°C). A 10.5–13.5 tog duvet is rarely needed in India outside of high-altitude hill stations. Most Indian households benefit most from a 7 tog duvet used with a lighter cotton duvet cover — cooler nights require adding a throw blanket. Avoid synthetic (polyester fill) duvets above 40°C storage conditions — they can develop odour. A microfibre or organic cotton fill at 4.5–7 tog handles most Indian climates.

Machine wash at 40°C on a cotton cycle with a mild liquid detergent. Avoid biological detergents on sateen cotton — the enzymes can weaken the long-staple fibres over time. Do not tumble dry sateen: it creates permanent creases and reduces sheen. Line dry in shade — direct Indian sunlight bleaches dyed fabrics after 10–15 exposures. For white percale, a short 30-minute soak in diluted non-chlorine bleach (sodium percarbonate) before washing removes yellowing. Iron at medium heat while slightly damp to restore the crisp percale surface. SOISU duvet covers use OEKO-TEX certified dyes rated for Indian washing conditions and 3+ years of regular laundering.

A coverlet is a thin, lightly quilted or woven bed cover used over a bed as a top layer — it goes on top of the sheets, not inside a duvet insert. A duvet cover is a fabric envelope that encases a duvet insert (the thick filled quilt). In Indian bedrooms, coverlets are used for 9–10 months of the year as a lightweight topper — they are decorative and add a neat, hotel-style finish to a bed. A duvet cover + insert combination is used for the 2–3 cooler months. Coverlets are significantly easier to wash (lighter weight fits standard machine drums) and dry faster in Indian humidity. SOISU's bedding range includes both waffle-weave and ribbed coverlets in King and Queen Indian sizes.

Standard Indian pillows are 17 × 27 inches (43 × 68 cm) — slightly smaller than a US Standard (20 × 26 in) or UK Standard (19 × 29 in). Most Indian pillow covers sold locally are sized for the 17 × 27 in dimension. For a European square pillow arrangement (popular in hotel-style bed styling), use 60 × 60 cm (24 × 24 in) cushion covers for the back decorative row. For King-size beds, using 4 standard Indian pillows in a 2-high arrangement with 2 European squares behind gives the full boutique-hotel look. SOISU pillow covers (where offered) are sized to the Indian standard with a concealed zip and shrink-treated cotton.