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What Are Shams and Euro Shams? A Complete Bedding Guide If you’ve ever looked at a beautifully made hotel bed and wondered why there are so many different pillows, you’re not alone. One of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between shams and Euro shams. A pillow sham is a decorative pillow covering designed to give a bed a more finished and coordinated appearance. A Euro sham is a specific type of sham that is usually square rather than rectangular. The important distinction is simple: a Euro sham is a type of pillow sham, not a completely different product category. In this guide, we’ll explain what shams are, what Euro shams are, how they differ from regular pillowcases, common sizes, how to choose the right pillow insert, and how these coverings can be used in residential and hospitality bedding. What Is a Pillow Sham? A pillow sham is a decorative covering for a pillow. Unlike an ordinary sleeping pillowcase, a sham is primarily used to create a coordinated and finished appearance on a made bed. Shams can be made in different shapes and sizes, including standard, queen, king and Euro sizes. Many shams also have decorative details such as: The exact construction depends on the manufacturer and product. A sham can cover a pillow that is also capable of being slept on, but the sham itself is generally treated as part of the decorative bed arrangement. Many people remove decorative shams before going to sleep and use their regular pillowcases instead. What Is a Euro Sham? A Euro sham, also called a European sham in some bedding descriptions, is a square pillow sham. The most commonly cited Euro sham size is approximately 26 × 26 inches (66 × 66 cm), although alternative sizes are also available. Therefore, buyers should always check the actual dimensions listed by the manufacturer rather than assuming that every product labeled “Euro” has exactly the same finished measurements. The square shape is the key feature. Instead of the long rectangular shape associated with standard or king pillows, a Euro sham creates a larger square layer at the head of the bed. This makes Euro shams particularly useful when creating a layered bedding arrangement. What Is the Difference Between a Sham and a Euro Sham? The easiest way to understand the difference is to think of sham as the general category and Euro sham as one particular size and shape within that category. A standard sham is usually rectangular, while a Euro sham is generally square. Type Common dimensions Shape Typical role Standard sham 20 × 26 in Rectangle Decorative layer Queen sham 20 × 30 in Rectangle Decorative layer King sham 20 × 36 in Rectangle Decorative layer Euro sham 26 × 26 in Square Back decorative layer These are common dimensions, not a guarantee that every manufacturer uses exactly the same measurements. Always check the supplier’s specifications before ordering. Sham vs. Pillowcase: Are They the Same? No. Although both are pillow coverings, they serve different purposes. A pillowcase is normally intended to cover a pillow used for sleeping. It is designed around practical use, comfort and laundering. A sham is primarily used to dress the bed and create a decorative or coordinated appearance. For example, a hotel bed may have sleeping pillows covered with ordinary pillowcases while additional pillows at the head of the bed are covered with decorative shams. This distinction is particularly useful when purchasing bedding for a hospitality property because the number of pillowcases needed for sleeping pillows may be different from the number of decorative shams required for room presentation. What Size Is a Standard Sham? A common standard sham size is approximately 20 × 26 inches. This corresponds to the common standard pillow size in North American bedding. A standard sham is rectangular and can be positioned in front of larger Euro pillows or used as part of a simpler pillow arrangement. The actual finished dimensions can vary slightly depending on construction, borders, seams and manufacturer specifications. For commercial or hospitality purchasing, it is therefore better to confirm the usable pillow dimensions and finished sham dimensions instead of relying only on the product name. What Size Is a Euro Sham? The most common Euro sham size is approximately 26 × 26 inches. That is about 66 × 66 centimeters. The square shape is what distinguishes the Euro sham from standard, queen and king shams. However, “Euro” does not necessarily guarantee one universal measurement across every manufacturer or market. Some suppliers offer other square dimensions, so the safest approach is to match the sham to the actual pillow insert size. Why does the exact measurement matter? A Euro sham that is too large for its insert can look loose or underfilled. An insert that is too large can make the cover difficult to close and may distort the seams or corners. For a clean, tailored appearance, the insert and cover should be selected as a compatible pair. What Size Pillow Goes in a Euro Sham? For a standard 26 × 26-inch Euro sham, a 26 × 26-inch Euro pillow insert is the natural starting point. The goal is to match the insert dimensions to the sham dimensions. However, the desired appearance can affect the insert choice. Different fills can produce different levels of firmness, loft and visual fullness. Before ordering, check: For hospitality purchasing, it is particularly important to test a sample if the exact appearance of the finished bed is important. How Are Euro Shams Used on a Bed? Euro shams are commonly positioned toward the back of a layered pillow arrangement, near the headboard. Their square shape creates a large visual foundation behind the smaller rectangular pillows. A typical arrangement may include: Back: Euro shamsMiddle: Standard, queen or king sleeping pillowsFront: Smaller decorative or accent pillows There is no single arrangement that every hotel or homeowner must follow. Bed size, headboard design, room style and the property’s preferred presentation can all influence the arrangement. How

Does Linen Shrink? How Much Linen Can Shrink and How to Prevent It Does linen shrink? Yes, linen can shrink when it is washed, particularly during the first wash if the fabric has not already been pre-washed or pre-shrunk. Linen is a natural fiber made from flax. During manufacturing, the fabric can be held under tension. Washing and drying can allow the fabric structure to relax, which may result in a change in its dimensions. Excessive heat and aggressive laundering can increase the risk of shrinkage. The good news is that linen shrinkage can usually be reduced by using appropriate washing and drying methods. Pre-washed or pre-shrunk linen will generally have less residual shrinkage than untreated linen, although it can still change dimension if exposed to excessive heat or unsuitable care. Does Linen Shrink When Washed? Yes, linen can shrink when washed. The amount of shrinkage is not the same for every linen product. It can depend on: For this reason, it is not accurate to say that every linen product will shrink by exactly the same percentage. Unwashed linen can experience more noticeable dimensional change during its first wash because the fabric can relax from its manufactured state. Pre-washed linen has already undergone treatment intended to reduce this initial change. How Much Does Linen Shrink? There is no universal shrinkage percentage for all linen. Some current linen-care sources report first-wash shrinkage in the range of several percent for untreated linen, while pre-washed products generally experience less additional shrinkage. However, the actual result depends on the particular fabric and laundering conditions. For example, one current linen-care guide describes a broad 3%–10% range for untreated linen, while another notes that there is no reliable universal percentage because weave, finishing and washing conditions affect the result. Therefore, when buying linen for bedding, clothing, curtains, table linen, or other fitted applications, the manufacturer’s stated shrinkage specification is more useful than relying on a general percentage found online. Does Linen Shrink More on the First Wash? Often, yes. The first wash can produce the most noticeable dimensional change when untreated linen is exposed to water and heat. Once the fabric has relaxed, subsequent shrinkage may be considerably smaller under appropriate laundering conditions. However, repeated exposure to high heat can still cause additional dimensional changes and accelerate fabric wear. Why Does Linen Shrink? Linen is made from natural flax fibers. During textile manufacturing, fibers and yarns are processed and the fabric may be held under tension. When the finished textile is washed, moisture and mechanical movement can allow parts of that structure to relax. Heat can increase dimensional change, particularly during drying. This is why linen-care guidance commonly recommends moderate or cool washing and avoiding excessive drying temperatures. Shrinkage is therefore not necessarily a sign that the linen is defective. Some dimensional change can be a normal characteristic of untreated natural-fiber textiles. Does Pre-Washed Linen Shrink? Pre-washed linen can still shrink, but it generally has less residual shrinkage because the fabric has already undergone a washing or finishing process intended to reduce dimensional change. The exact amount depends on the manufacturer’s process and the finished product. For example, current product-care information from MagicLinen states that its pre-washed and stone-washed linen is less prone to shrinkage, while still recommending appropriate washing and drying. So, pre-washed does not mean impossible to shrink. It means that some of the initial dimensional change has already been addressed during production. Does Stonewashed Linen Shrink? Stonewashed linen can still shrink, but the washing process used during production can reduce the amount of additional shrinkage that occurs later. Stonewashing is also used to give linen a softer, more relaxed appearance and feel. However, “stonewashed” should not be interpreted as a guarantee of zero shrinkage. Buyers should still follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and, when dimensional accuracy is important, ask the supplier for the product’s shrinkage specifications. Does Linen Shrink in Hot Water? Hot water can increase the risk of shrinkage compared with cooler laundering. Current linen-care guidance generally recommends cool or lukewarm water for many linen products, while emphasizing that the care label should take priority because different products can have different constructions and finishes. For example, LinenMe currently recommends temperatures up to 40°C for many of its linen products and warns that higher temperatures can increase wear and shrinkage. However, this does not mean that every linen item must always be washed at 40°C or below. Some robust linen products may have different care instructions. Always follow the label for the specific product. Does Linen Shrink in the Dryer? It can. High-temperature tumble drying can increase the risk of shrinkage and may also contribute to unnecessary fabric wear. For many washable linen products, air drying is a gentler option. When tumble drying is permitted, current care guidance commonly recommends low heat and removing the item while it is still slightly damp. Why Is High Heat a Problem? Heat can contribute to dimensional changes in natural fibers. Combining: can put more stress on linen than a cool, gentle wash followed by moderate drying. If maintaining the original dimensions is important, minimizing unnecessary heat is a practical precaution. How to Prevent Linen From Shrinking You cannot necessarily eliminate all dimensional change, but you can reduce the risk of excessive shrinkage. 1. Check the Care Label The care label should be your first source of information. Different linen products can have different: A linen garment, linen sheet, linen tablecloth, and linen upholstery fabric may not have identical care requirements. Current linen-care guidance specifically recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions. 2. Use Cool or Lukewarm Water When Permitted Cool or lukewarm washing can help reduce the risk of excessive shrinkage compared with unnecessarily hot washing. For many modern linen products, 30°C is a cautious everyday option when the care label permits it. Some products can be washed at 40°C or higher, so the label remains the controlling instruction. 3. Avoid Excessive Heat When Drying Air drying is generally a gentle option. If the product can

Where Do Hotels Buy Their Towels? A Complete Hotel Towel Sourcing Guide If you have ever wondered where do hotels buy their towels, the answer is not a single store or supplier. Hotels typically source towels through hospitality linen suppliers, towel manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and commercial textile companies. The purchasing route depends on the size of the hotel, the number of rooms, expected towel usage, laundry operation, required specifications, budget, and whether the property needs standard or customized products. A small independent hotel may purchase from a local hospitality supplier, while a larger hotel group may work directly with a textile manufacturer or use an established procurement program. For hotel owners and purchasing managers, the goal is not simply to find the cheapest towel. The goal is to find a supplier that can provide the right combination of quality, durability, consistency, availability, and total operating value. Where Do Hotels Buy Their Towels? Hotels commonly buy towels from four main types of suppliers: Some properties may use more than one sourcing channel. For example, a hotel could purchase standard guest-room towels through a distributor while sourcing custom or branded towels directly from a manufacturer. There is no universal purchasing model that applies to every hotel. 1. Hotels Can Buy Towels Directly From Manufacturers One of the most direct sourcing options is purchasing from a towel or textile manufacturer. Manufacturers produce towels according to specific requirements, which can include: Direct manufacturing can be particularly useful for hotels that purchase towels in larger quantities or require a consistent specification for repeat orders. A direct relationship can also give the buyer more control over product development and specifications. However, factory-direct purchasing may involve minimum order quantities, production lead times, international shipping, quality inspections, and import procedures. That means direct purchasing is not automatically the best option for every property. 2. Hotels Buy From Hospitality Linen Suppliers Specialized hospitality linen suppliers are another important source. These businesses focus on supplying textiles for hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other commercial operations. Depending on the supplier, hotels may be able to purchase: One advantage of working with a hospitality supplier is convenience. A hotel may be able to source multiple categories of linen from one company rather than managing separate suppliers for every item. This can be particularly useful for independent hotels and smaller hospitality businesses that do not have the purchasing volume or infrastructure required for direct factory sourcing. 3. Hotels Can Buy Towels From Wholesale Distributors Wholesale distributors provide another common purchasing route. A distributor may stock products from multiple manufacturers and sell them to commercial customers. This can give hotels access to established products without requiring them to negotiate directly with a factory. For many properties, this can offer advantages such as: The trade-off is that the hotel may have less control over manufacturing details than it would when purchasing directly from a manufacturer. For an independent hotel that needs reliable replenishment rather than custom manufacturing, a reputable distributor can be a practical option. 4. Hotels Use Commercial Hotel-Supply Companies Some companies specialize in supplying a broad range of hotel products. Instead of supplying towels alone, they may offer bedding, bathroom textiles, amenities, housekeeping products, and other hospitality supplies. This type of supplier can simplify procurement by allowing a property to consolidate purchases. However, hotels should still examine the actual specifications of each towel rather than relying only on descriptions such as “hotel quality” or “luxury towel.” Those terms do not represent a universal technical standard. How Do Hotels Choose a Towel Supplier? Finding a supplier is only the beginning. A hotel should evaluate whether the supplier can consistently meet its requirements. Important factors include: Product Specifications The supplier should clearly identify the towel’s: A written specification is particularly important when the hotel expects to reorder the same product. Quality Consistency A sample may look excellent, but hotels also need to consider whether future orders will match the approved specification. Consistency matters because replacing part of an existing linen program with a noticeably different towel can create differences in appearance, weight, size, or feel. Commercial Laundering Hotel towels are typically washed much more frequently than towels in an ordinary household. Hotels should therefore consider how a towel is expected to perform under their actual laundering conditions. The right product depends on the property’s washing temperatures, detergents, drying process, finishing equipment, and laundry practices. Lead Times Hotels need towels when rooms need to be serviced. A supplier with long or unpredictable production times can create inventory problems, particularly during high-occupancy periods. Before placing a bulk order, buyers should understand both initial production time and expected replenishment time. Minimum Order Quantity Factory-direct suppliers may require larger orders than distributors. This is not necessarily a problem for a large hotel, resort, or hotel group, but it can be impractical for a small property. The minimum order should be compared with the hotel’s actual consumption and storage capacity. What Specifications Should Hotels Check Before Buying Towels? Hotel towel purchasing should be based on measurable specifications rather than appearance alone. 1. Fiber Composition Cotton is widely used in hotel towels because it can provide a comfortable hand feel and good absorbency. Hotels can also encounter different cotton constructions, blends, and alternative fibers. The appropriate material depends on the hotel’s desired guest experience, budget, laundry operation, and performance requirements. 2. GSM GSM means grams per square metre and describes the weight of the fabric. It is a useful specification for comparing towels, but it should not be treated as a complete measure of quality. A heavier towel may feel more substantial, but it can also require more water and energy to wash and more time to dry. This is why hotel buyers should evaluate GSM together with absorbency, construction, durability, and laundry performance. Current hospitality buying guides similarly emphasize balancing towel weight with operational requirements. 3. Size Hotels normally use several towel sizes. A typical hotel bathroom linen program may include: The exact dimensions vary between properties

What Are Hotel Pillows Made Of? A Complete Guide If you have ever wondered what are hotel pillows made of, the answer is that there is no single material used by every hotel. Hospitality properties choose different pillow fillings and cover fabrics based on comfort, durability, maintenance, guest preferences, and operating requirements. Common hotel pillow fillings include down, feathers, polyester microfiber, hollow fiber, and other down-alternative materials. Some hotels may also use memory foam, latex, or specialty constructions. The outer cover is often made from cotton or a cotton blend, although other fabrics are available. The important point is that a “hotel pillow” is not one standardized product. The material and construction can vary significantly between properties. What Are Hotel Pillows Made Of? Hotel pillows are commonly made with one of several filling materials: The pillow cover may be made from cotton, cotton blends, polyester, or other suitable textile materials. According to Sleep Foundation’s review of hotel pillows, hotel pillow fills can include real feathers and down as well as polyester or microfiber down alternatives. The organization also notes that cotton is commonly used for pillow covers because of its feel and breathability. 1. Down Hotel Pillows Down is the soft, lightweight material found beneath the outer feathers of waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Down pillows are valued for their soft, compressible feel and ability to regain loft when properly cared for. They are often associated with luxury bedding, although the presence of down does not automatically mean a pillow is better than a synthetic alternative. A hotel’s decision to use down can depend on its desired guest experience, sourcing requirements, maintenance procedures, and budget. Advantages of down Considerations Down requires appropriate care and sourcing. Some guests may also prefer to avoid animal-derived filling, making down-alternative pillows an important option. 2. Feather Hotel Pillows Feathers are another natural filling used in hospitality pillows. Compared with down, feathers generally provide more structure and resistance. A feather pillow can therefore feel different from a pure down pillow. Some hotel pillows combine down and feathers to balance softness with structure. The exact ratio can vary considerably between products. A competitor review from NUVELL similarly describes down as contributing softness and lightness while feathers provide more body and a shapeable feel. 3. Down-and-Feather Blended Pillows A combination of down and feathers is another option found in hotel bedding. The basic idea is straightforward: down can provide softness and loft, while feathers can contribute structure and resilience. However, there is no single “hotel-standard” down-to-feather ratio. Different suppliers and properties can specify different compositions. This is important when comparing hotel pillows because the words “down and feather” alone do not tell you exactly how the finished pillow will feel. The fill percentage, fill weight, construction, shell fabric, and stitching can all affect the final result. 4. Polyester Microfiber Hotel Pillows Polyester microfiber is widely used for down-alternative pillows. Microfibers are very fine manufactured fibers that can be engineered to create a soft, down-like feel. These pillows can be useful for hotels that want a consistent synthetic filling and straightforward care. Down-alternative pillows are also available in different firmnesses and fill weights, so a microfiber pillow is not automatically soft or firm. Hospitality supplier InnStyle lists polyester among the materials used in hospitality pillows and notes that properties can choose different materials depending on their needs. 5. Hollow Fiber Hotel Pillows Hollow fiber is another synthetic filling used in pillows. As the name suggests, hollow fibers have a hollow structure. They are generally manufactured from synthetic materials such as polyester. Hollow-fiber pillows can provide a springier or more resilient feel than some very soft fillings. Their actual performance depends on the fiber design, fill weight, construction, and quality of the finished pillow. It is therefore better to evaluate the complete pillow rather than judging it from the word “hollow fiber” alone. 6. Other Down-Alternative Fillings Hotels can also use other synthetic fillings designed to provide some of the characteristics associated with natural down. These may include different polyester fiber shapes, clusters, or specialized synthetic constructions. The advantage for hospitality operators is that synthetic fillings can be manufactured with relatively consistent specifications across large orders. They can also be selected when a property wants a feather-free option. A recent hospitality pillow guide from Gencer Textiles emphasizes that microfibre and hollowfibre are descriptions of synthetic fiber forms and that the filling name alone does not determine how a finished pillow will feel. 7. Memory Foam Hotel Pillows Memory foam is another material used in some pillows, although it is not the only or universal choice for hotels. Memory foam can be manufactured as a solid piece or as shredded foam. It generally provides a more structured, contouring feel than traditional fiberfill. Because hotel guests have different comfort preferences, memory foam may be used selectively rather than as the standard pillow in every room. Its suitability depends on the property’s guest expectations, pillow design, cleaning requirements, and overall bedding program. 8. Latex Hotel Pillows Latex is another possible pillow material. Latex pillows can provide a resilient, supportive feel and are different from both traditional feather pillows and polyester fiberfill. They are less representative of the typical hotel pillow than down, feather, or synthetic fiber options, but specialty hotels and individual properties can select different materials according to their requirements. What Are Hotel Pillow Covers Made Of? The filling is only one part of a hotel pillow. The outer shell or cover is also important because it holds the filling in place and contributes to the pillow’s durability and feel. Common cover materials include: Cotton is particularly common in hotel bedding because it can provide a smooth, breathable surface and works well with traditional hotel linen programs. Sleep Foundation notes that many hotel pillows use cotton covers in percale or sateen constructions. The shell construction also matters. A pillow with high-quality filling can still perform poorly if its cover, seams, or construction are not suitable for its intended use.