A chief stew’s guide to understanding and elevating yacht linens.
Luxury linens are more than just a finishing touch — they’re a tactile part of the guest experience. As chief stews, we spend countless hours making up beds, but how often do we stop to consider what we’re putting on those beds, and why it matters?
Material Matters
The right fabric makes all the difference:
- Percale is airy and matte, perfect for hot climates or sweaty sleepers.
- Sateen offers a buttery hand-feel and more drape, better suited to cooler conditions.
- Linen (flax) is highly breathable, antimicrobial and ideal for tropical cruising — but expect a more relaxed, lived-in look.
- Tencel and bamboo viscose are modern, ultra-soft alternatives that wick moisture beautifully and dry quickly — great for humid itineraries.
Tencel and bamboo viscose can often lack the luxury feel expected on board. Linen has a more textured, lived-in look that’s not to everyone’s taste. When choosing between percale and sateen, it’s best to consult the yacht owner.
The Thread-Count Myth
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, combining warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads. For years, shoppers were led to believe that a higher thread count automatically meant better quality — a myth born from savvy marketing. Starting in the late 1990s, bedding brands began using thread count as an easy-to-sell number, with inflated figures like 800 or 1,000 marketed as the hallmark of luxury.
In reality, many of these high numbers were achieved using multi-ply yarns — lower-quality threads twisted together and counted as separate strands. The result? Fabric that's often heavier, less breathable and more prone to pilling. The real difference lies in fiber and weave. A well-made 300 to 400 thread count sheet in single-ply, long-staple cotton will almost always outperform a cheaper 1,000 thread count sheet in short-staple or multi-ply yarn. For percale, aim for 200 to 400 for a crisp, breathable feel. For sateen, 300 to BOO offers a silky hand without overheating. Beyond that, quality declines.
Yacht-Specific Fit
Custom mattresses, odd corners and non-standard depths make fitted sheets tricky on yachts. Investing in custom-fitted sheets and anchor straps are essential to keep beds neatly made. Stews should carefully measure length, width and depth of every mattress, including any toppers, and remember that just because a sheet fits doesn’t mean the duvet cover will drape properly.
For bespoke solutions, Heirlooms Ltd offers superyacht-specific linens, including tailored sheets and embroidered branding. Other suppliers like Pioneer Linens and yachtbedding.com provide made-to-measure service, custom embroidery and swift delivery.
Care Counts
Laundering practices can make or break the longevity and appearance of linens. Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent, and avoid bleach or fabric softeners — both can weaken natural fibers and cause discoloration over time. Wash linens in cold water whenever possible, especially for high-quality cotton.
Stick to white or ivory-based tones, as they’re easier to stain-treat and keep looking fresh, unlike colored or patterned linens, which can fade or show uneven wear over time. They also provide a crisp, polished look that suits any cabin style and pairs with a range of accent colors.
Linens aren’t just functional — they’re intimate. Guests might not remember the exact weave or thread count, but they’ll remember how the bed felt. As stews, it’s our job to deliver a sanctuary, starting with sheets that reflect the same level of quality and elegance as the yacht itself.
Top Brands for Yachts
Frette is the epitome of Italian sophistication and is found in the world’s top hotels. Sferra delivers crisp, high-quality percale and sateen sheets with understated elegance. For yachts sourcing in the US, Matouk offers a wide range of custom embroidery, color options and reliable availability, making it a favorite among stews.
These labels also can often be found at outlet locations in Sawgrass Mills in South Florida and Woodbury Commons in upstate New York, where discontinued styles, overstock and previous season collections are sold with big discounts. Just be sure to check sizing carefully, and don’t be afraid to mix a custom-made bottom sheet with store-bought pillowcases and duvets.