Simba Cotton Percale Pillowcase Pair reviewed

The Simba Cotton Percale Pillowcase Pair is two 50 x 75cm cotton pillowcases with an envelope flap, sold for £39 the pair. They are the cheapest pillowcases in Simba’s range and share the crisp, cool percale weave of the matching duvet covers.

The fabric

Percale is a weave, not a fibre: each thread passes over one and under the next, which gives a tight, matte cloth that feels crisp and cool. Simba uses 100% cotton at 200 thread count, a modest figure that keeps the fabric light and breathable rather than heavy. The fabric is woven and sewn by the Costa family in Guimarães, Portugal, and coloured with natural dyes; Simba says the dyes are GOTS-approved, which is a statement about the dyes, not a GOTS certificate for the bedding. The finished sheets are certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, the label for textiles tested against a list of more than 1,000 harmful substances.

At 50 x 75cm they fit a standard UK pillow, including Simba’s AeroDown Pillow, which is the same size. Simba’s Hybrid Pillow is smaller at 45 x 70cm and will sit a little loosely inside. The envelope flap has no buttons or zip to press into your cheek.

Sizes and prices

The price was checked on simbasleep.com on 15 October 2026 for the regular colours; Light Cappuccino and Dusty Rose were on clearance for less. Delivery is free and usually next day for orders before 1pm.

Washing and care

Simba advises a cold wash with similar colours and a low tumble dry with wool dryer balls, which shorten drying time and help soften the cotton. Percale comes out of the dryer creased; taking it out promptly and smoothing it straight onto the bed removes most wrinkles if you would rather not iron. A second pair lets you change pillowcases midweek, when they need it more often than the rest of the bed.

Who it suits

Choose these if your face runs hot against the pillow at night: percale stays cooler than sateen or brushed fabrics, and the NHS sleep advice recommends a cool bedroom for better sleep. They are also the simplest way to try Simba’s cotton before buying a full set. Expect some creasing, and remember bedding is covered by a 30-day return on Simba’s returns page rather than a long trial.