Tekla
Solid Pure Organic Cotton Percale Pillow Sham See Available Sizes
Solid Pure Organic Cotton Percale Pillow Sham by Tekla is a pillow cover made from GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton percale with a 200 thread count, produced in Portugal. It is available in Standard/Queen (19.75 x 35.5 inches) and King (19.75 x 42 inches) sizes, featuring an envelope closure for use with matching pillows. User reviews have noted potential durability concerns, including corner ripping and color changes over time.
- Material
- 100% organic cotton percale
- Style
- modern, minimal
- Category
- Home & Garden > Linens & Bedding > Bedding > Pillowcases & Shams
Color
Size
Specifications
Solid organic cotton percale pillow sham from Tekla, featuring 200 thread count, soft touch, and GOTS certification.
200 thread count organic cotton percale, ultra-long threads for softness and color depth, GOTS-certified, made in Portugal.
- Material
- 100% organic cotton percale
- Style
- modern, minimal
- Occasion
- everyday
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Home & Garden > Linens & Bedding > Bedding > Pillowcases & Shams
Additional Attributes
- organic cotton percale
- 200 thread count
- GOTS-certified
- made in Portugal
- solid
- pillow sham
- soft
- lightweight
- deep pure color
- no pilling
Product Insights
Tekla's Solid Pure Organic Cotton Percale Pillow Sham uses 100% organic extra-long staple cotton, GOTS-certified and made in Portugal, blending immediate stonewashed softness with durable pill resistance and vibrant color retention from even dye absorption. Its 200 thread count keeps sleep cool, but dark shades like blue and pink can fade noticeably over time, and shrinkage is possible with high heat. The $60 CAD price reflects labor-intensive stonewashing, offering a tradeoff between instant comfort and careful maintenance for long-term performance.
- Fabric
100% organic extra-long staple cotton resists pilling and stonewashing provides immediate softness.
Why this is supported
Extra-long staple cotton fibers exceed 1.4 inches, and as mattressmiracle.ca explains,
Long staple cotton sheets are made from fibres measuring 1.1 to 1.4 inches in length, while extra-long staple cotton (Pima, Supima, Egyptian) exceeds 1.4 inches.
mattressmiracle.caThese longer fibers are
tucked more securely into the thread, making it harder for them to pull out and form surface fuzz
matteola.com. The stonewashing process, described by Tekla as
Lightly stonewashed for a soft hand feel
teklafabrics.com, makes the sham feel soft from the start while it
Retains a freshly washed feeling night after night
teklafabrics.com. Additionally, GOTS certification prohibits chemicals like chlorine bleaches and formaldehyde, preserving fiber integrity. The long fibers
interlock more securely during spinning, creating yarn that resists breaking under tension
mattressmiracle.ca. However, some users report that corners can tear and colors may shift over time, as seen in reviews like
and feedback that
some users report that darker shades like blue may discolor significantly over time
Do the colors, particularly the darker shades like blue, fade or discolor after several washes?.
The 200 thread count is within the ideal range identified by Portuguese textile specialists:
industry consensus among Portuguese textile specialists is that percale’s ideal range is 200–400
Why Portugal is a leading source for premium home textiles — 200_thread_count_optimal_densityThe ultra‑long staple cotton, as verified by Bennetts Bedrooms, is described as
Highly Durable: The longer, stronger fibres resist pilling, tearing, and breaking, even after many washes.
bennettsbedrooms.comTogether these features confirm the cotton quality claimed in the listing.
- Color retention
Extra-long staple fibers absorb dye evenly, keeping colors vibrant through many washes.
Why this is supported
The long fibers ensure even dye penetration:
Superior color retention – The fibers absorb dye more evenly, resulting in vibrant, lasting colors.
knowingfabric.comTekla itself states that
Extra-long yarns used prevent pilling and guarantee lasting colour
teklafabrics.com.
- Breathability
200 thread count combined with extra-long staple cotton balances strength and airflow for a cool sleep.
Why this is supported
The 200 thread count falls within the breathable sweet spot:
For percale, a thread count around 180 to 280 is often a very breathable sweet spot
bedfan.com. This, combined with extra-long staple fibers,
strikes the perfect balance for breathability without sacrificing durability
knowingfabric.com.
- Competitive position
Tekla explicitly uses extra-long staple cotton, while comparable organic percale shams use generic long-staple.
Why this is supported
Tekla's product description says
Extra-long yarns used prevent pilling and guarantee lasting colour
teklafabrics.com. In contrast, competitors like Quince advertise
Long staple cotton fibers offer unparalleled quality and longevity
quince.comand Naturepedic uses
Long-staple organic cotton
naturepedic.com, without specifying extra-long.
- Softness
Immediately soft and relaxed from lightly stonewashed percale.
Why this is supported
Tekla's percale is lightly stonewashed, a mechanical process that delivers immediate softness without sacrificing percale's open weave.
Lightly stonewashed for a soft hand feel
teklafabrics.comUnlike competitors' crisp percale, this treatment yields a relaxed, lived-in feel from day one. The open weave also maintains breathability:
Percale’s open weave moves 41% more water vapor per hour than sateen
mattresshelp.organd runs
1.8°F cooler than matched-fiber sateen
mattresshelp.orgHowever, buyers who specifically prefer a crisp hotel-sheet feel may find this version too soft, as the stonewashed finish trades that initial sharpness for immediate comfort.
- Durability
Pilling is minimal thanks to extra-long staple cotton and gentle stonewashing.
Why this is supported
The combination of extra-long staple cotton and gentle mechanical abrasion keeps fiber ends secured, making pilling unlikely.
are tucked more securely into the thread
matteola.comHowever, some users report that darker shades like blue may fade significantly over a few years, and high-stress seams (e.g., pillow corners) may rip after similar use due to the abrasion from stonewashing. These are trade-offs of the softened hand.
- Value
The $60 CAD price partly reflects labor-intensive stonewashing, unlike competing organic percale.
Why this is supported
The standard price for the Tekla sham is $60 CAD, within the brand's range of
$55 - $70
teklafabrics.comCompeting organic percale shams, such as Naturepedic's, are offered at
Organic Cotton Percale Sham Set $29.40 $49.00 Save 40%
naturepedic.comThe stonewashed finish is a labor-intensive step that these competitors skip, justifying a premium.
- Eco-friendliness
Mechanical stonewashing aligns with GOTS certification, no chemical softeners.
Why this is supported
Because stonewashing is a purely mechanical finish, it uses no prohibited chemical softeners or sizing agents, maintaining compliance with GOTS standards for textile processing.
Heavy metals, formaldehyde, chlorine bleaches, and synthetic sizing agents are prohibited.
mattressnut.com- GOTS certification
GOTS certifies the 100% organic cotton across the full supply chain.
Why this is supported
The GOTS certification on this Tekla sham ensures the organic claim is verified across the entire production chain.
Only textile products made from at least 70 percent (label grade “made with organic”) or 95 percent (label grade "organic") certified organic raw materials can become GOTS certified.
gotslive.global-standard.orgThis means the '100% organic cotton' label is backed by strict content standards. Additionally, GOTS prohibits hazardous chemicals in processing:
Heavy metals, formaldehyde, chlorine bleaches, and synthetic sizing agents are prohibited.
mattressnut.comSocial criteria are also enforced:
GOTS social criteria are based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) key conventions which include a ban on child and forced labor and include provisions such as having systems in place to prove they are addressing social concerns, such as grievances.
gotslive.global-standard.orgThe certification requires annual on-site audits to maintain compliance:
Year after year, these producers welcome annual audits, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to maintaining these exceptional standards that you deserve.
ulinen.comMoreover, GOTS traces the organic claim from fiber to finished product:
Unlike certifications that test only the finished product, GOTS traces the organic claim from fiber origin through every step of manufacturing, dyeing, and processing.
mattressnut.comThis is distinct from USDA Organic certification, which only covers fiber growth:
A cotton fabric can use USDA Organic cotton but be processed with conventional dyes and finishes - and those processing residues may remain in the finished product. GOTS prevents this by certifying the entire chain.
mattressnut.comProduced in Portugal, the sham also benefits from Europe's regulatory framework:
100% organic cotton. Made in Portugal.
teklafabrics.com- Ethical production
EU‑regulated Portuguese production adds ethical credibility beyond GOTS certification
Why this is supported
The comparative analysis notes that
Production in Portugal places this sham within Europe’s tighter environmental and labor regulatory framework, a stark contrast to the India‑based manufacturing that underlies Naturepedic’s and Quince’s organic percale
How this Tekla sham compares to similar organic percale options — made_in_portugalThis confirms the ethical advantage asserted in the lens.
- Hand feel
Stonewashed finish gives a soft, lived‑in texture from the first use
Why this is supported
The stonewashed finish, part of Portuguese production, ensures the product
Retains a freshly washed feeling night after night
teklafabrics.comaccording to Tekla, so users get a soft hand feel without a break‑in period.
- Thread count
200 thread count places this percale in the 180-280 breathable sweet spot.
Why this is supported
Independent bedding researchers identify a thread count window where percale delivers maximum breathability.
For percale, a thread count around 180 to 280 is often a very breathable sweet spot
bedfan.comThe open weave required for this comfort also supports long-term durability. Higher counts above 400 reduce porosity and trap heat.
A 200 thread count in percale is the sweet spot where the weave is dense enough for durability yet open enough to allow free airflow
Why extra-long staple cotton matters for durability and smoothness — breathable_crispness- Ethical manufacturing
Made in Portugal, GOTS-certified: social audits, banned heavy metals.
Why this is supported
While Naturepedic's origin is
Made in India in a GOTS-certified facility
naturepedic.comand Quince's is
Crafted in India
quince.com, Tekla's is
100% organic cotton. Made in Portugal.
teklafabrics.com. Portugal operates under stricter EU environmental and labor regulations. Additionally, GOTS certification itself includes
social criteria are based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) key conventions which include a ban on child and forced labor
gotslive.global-standard.organd
Heavy metals, formaldehyde, chlorine bleaches, and synthetic sizing agents are prohibited.
mattressnut.comThis ensures that the ethical claims are backed by independent audits and traceable supply chains.
- Design
White, blue, or pink palette with European-cut 50x90 cm
Why this is supported
The sham is available in three colors (white, blue, pink) per the product listing. The brand uses color names such as
Broken White – Pure, pristine white
teklafabrics.comand
Soft Grey – Warm light grey
teklafabrics.comfor its palette. The sizing is designed for European pillows:
The Standard/Queen sham measures 19.75" x 35.5" (50 x 90 cm), which is designed for European-sized pillows (50x90 cm)
The listed dimensions for the Standard/Queen sham are 19.75" x 35.5" — is this intended for a specific pillow size (e.g., European 50x90cm)? Would it fit a standard 20x30 inch queen pillow?. This reflects Tekla's Copenhagen-based Nordic design ethos.
- European pillow fit
50×90 cm fits European pillows; envelope closure adapts to US queen.
Why this is supported
The sham's 50×90 cm dimensions are the European standard, as confirmed:
The Standard/Queen sham measures 19.75" x 35.5" (50 x 90 cm), which is designed for European-sized pillows (50x90 cm).
The listed dimensions for the Standard/Queen sham are 19.75" x 35.5" — is this intended for a specific pillow size (e.g., European 50x90cm)? Would it fit a standard 20x30 inch queen pillow?For a standard US queen pillow (20×30 in), the sham is longer, but the envelope closure handles this:
can still be used with an envelope closure to accommodate the difference.
The listed dimensions for the Standard/Queen sham are 19.75" x 35.5" — is this intended for a specific pillow size (e.g., European 50x90cm)? Would it fit a standard 20x30 inch queen pillow?Buyers using European-size pillows get a perfect fit without adaptation.
- Shrinkage
Shrinkage possible in high heat; low-temp care preserves intended fit.
Why this is supported
Organic cotton percale can shrink if exposed to high heat, as noted:
While specific shrinkage data isn't published, organic cotton percale can shrink slightly if exposed to high heat. Tekla recommends washing on low temperature with a low spin cycle and line drying when possible to minimize shrinkage [1].
Does the organic cotton percale shrink after the first wash, and what is the recommended care to minimize shrinkage?Following these care instructions preserves the intended fit over time.
- Color care
Buyers report dark shades like blue may discolor; washing separately with mild detergent minimizes fading.
Why this is supported
To protect color, especially on darker variants, Tekla recommends
washing light and dark colors separately and using mild detergent
Do the colors, particularly the darker shades like blue, fade or discolor after several washes?. However,
some users report that darker shades like blue may discolor significantly over time
Do the colors, particularly the darker shades like blue, fade or discolor after several washes?.
- Care longevity
Following Tekla's care instructions supports long-term softness, pill resistance, and color retention.
Why this is supported
The product is claimed to soften without pilling and retain color over years. By following the brand’s care guidelines —
washing on low temperature with a low spin cycle and line drying when possible to minimize shrinkage
Does the organic cotton percale shrink after the first wash, and what is the recommended care to minimize shrinkage?and
washing light and dark colors separately and using mild detergent
Do the colors, particularly the darker shades like blue, fade or discolor after several washes?— the care routine directly supports the promised durability and appearance.
- Fading
Dark shades like Blue and Pink fade noticeably over time, contradicting the colour longevity claim.
Why this is supported
Tekla's description promises 'deep pure colour even after years of use,' but user reports indicate a different reality for darker variants. A buyer in r/Bedding describes:
the cover has completely changed and when you see it next to each other it’s incomparable.
u/lostandsad88 in r/BeddingWhile the extra-long staple cotton is designed for even dye absorption and superior color retention, this technical advantage appears insufficient to prevent visible fading on saturated shades. A fabric resource explains:
Superior color retention – The fibers absorb dye more evenly, resulting in vibrant, lasting colors.
knowingfabric.comThis conflict between theoretical and lived experience makes darker colourways a riskier choice for those expecting unchanged colour after years.
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
A long rectangular pillow sham with a solid bright pink front and an open envelope flap at the left side; a smaller striped pillow is partially visible at the lower right.
- Sham overall shapeLong rectangular pillow sham with soft, lightly wrinkled surface and a flap-style opening at the left end that folds under the pillow.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.24 · w 0.85 · h 0.46 (high) - Fabric texture and finishSmooth percale-like cotton surface with gentle creasing and matte finish; fabric appears lightweight and slightly crumpled where pressure from the pillow fills it.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.30 · w 0.80 · h 0.40 (medium) - Left flap and labelOpen envelope-style flap on the left side with a vertical rectangular fabric label sewn into the outer seam.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.38 · w 0.08 · h 0.18 (high) - Label text“TEKLA”
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.38 · w 0.08 · h 0.18 (high) - Secondary pillow visiblePartial view of a smaller rectangular pillow at the lower right with horizontal lighter stripes on a darker pink background.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.66 · w 0.32 · h 0.24 (high)
Other
Bed styling and scene context including textured headboard, bedding surfaces, and small bedside table; soft directional lighting from upper left creates gentle shadows.
- HeadboardCurved-top upholstered headboard in a textured cream bouclé fabric visible behind the pillow.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.88 · h 0.28 (high) - Bed sheet surfaceLight beige or cream flat sheet forming the visible bed surface beneath the pillow, with subtle creases and soft shadows.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.63 · w 0.94 · h 0.33 (high) - Bedside tableRound wooden bedside table visible at the right edge holding a small rectangular object, only the tabletop and object corner are visible.
1 region
x 0.90 · y 0.36 · w 0.10 · h 0.14 (medium) - Lighting and shadowsSoft directional lighting from the upper left producing gentle, diffuse shadows under the pillow and subtle highlight along the top edge.
Colors
bright cool pink· main sham face#D48AADsaturated pink· sham flap and inner side#B56989striped pink and cream· secondary striped pillow#BB6A8Cpale cream· secondary pillow stripe color- Sham overall shapeLong rectangular pillow sham with soft, lightly wrinkled surface and a flap-style opening at the left end that folds under the pillow.
- 02
Product
Close-up of two pillow shams: a plain solid pink sham in the foreground and a pink sham with narrow cream horizontal stripes behind it; a sewn rectangular fabric label reading TEKLA is visible on the inner hem of the foreground sham.
- Solid front shamLarge plain pink pillow sham shown in the foreground with a simple turned hem and visible soft wrinkles on the surface.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.15 · w 0.56 · h 0.66 (high) - Striped rear shamPartially visible pillow sham behind the foreground one with a pink base and repeating narrow horizontal cream stripes; stripes run parallel to the pillow edge.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.70 · h 0.36 (high) - Envelope opening and hemInner envelope opening of the foreground sham is visible along the bottom edge, showing the folded hem and fabric overlap.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.68 · w 0.62 · h 0.22 (high) - Fabric labelRectangular sewn fabric label attached to the inner hem, partially tucked under the sham.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.71 · w 0.18 · h 0.10 (high) - Surface texturePercale-like tightly woven cotton appearance with small irregular wrinkles and soft matte finish visible across both shams.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.14 · w 0.60 · h 0.68 (medium) - Label text“TEKLA”
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.71 · w 0.18 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Close cropped studio shot on a neutral light background with soft even lighting and minimal shadow; image focuses on fabric detail and label.
- Shot compositionTight close-up framing showing two stacked pillow shams with foreground sham occupying most of the frame and rear sham visible at top left.
- Background surfaceLight neutral sheet or surface seen under the pillows, visible at the bottom left and lower edge of the image.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.80 · w 0.60 · h 0.20 (high) - Lighting and shadowsSoft diffuse lighting with gentle shadows under the pillow folds and along the envelope opening, no harsh specular highlights.
- Image cropUpper right corner of the foreground pillow is cropped by the image edge.
1 region
x 0.72 · y 0.00 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high)
Colors
medium pink· foreground sham fabric#D27EA2medium pink· striped sham base#D57EA9cream· striped sham stripesoff-white· fabric label- Solid front shamLarge plain pink pillow sham shown in the foreground with a simple turned hem and visible soft wrinkles on the surface.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/BeddingReddit users report negative experiences with Tekla bedding, citing poor durability and customer service, though towels are an exception.
Multiple users experienced ripping, disintegration, and poor customer service, with only towels praised.
Themes
Watch Out For
Source Threads
User reports poor durability of Tekla pillow covers
I have the pillow covers which are still the same colour as it was before but the cover has completely changed and when you see it next to each other it’s incomparable. The corners are also all ripped up this was super disappointing.
u/lostandsad88r/BeddingView thread →