Matelassé Cotton - What is it? How do I care for it?

Matelassé (pronounced matt-le-zay) is a French word meaning padded, lined or quilted. It is used to describe fabric that appears to be quilted but is not. The looms used to produce matelassé cotton were invented in 1801 by a Frenchman named Joseph Marie Jacquard. The process he developed is still used today to make matelassé fabrics which otherwise could only be produced by the hand-stitching and long hours of dedicated workers.Jacquard looms are most often used to produce matelasse fabrics, with cotton being the most common material chosen for the special weaving process that gives the fabric its signature look.

Special laundering practices are needed to ensure the longevity of your matelasse cotton items. Luxury fabrics like 100 percent Egyptian cotton matelassé are all natural and can shrink or become damaged if laundered in home washers and dryers. A professional cleaner experienced in specialty fabrics is required to assure careful attention to these types of special linens.

Blanc Plume Fine French Laundry, a division of Arrow Fabricare Services, is America's largest French laundry. You can trust your fine linens and bedding to our care. For more information be sure to click here.
The photo above is courtesy of Anichini, Inc., one of America's finest manufacturer of high quality linens and bedding. Anichini recommends ArrowCare™ for their products.

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