Finish, Hand, and Drapability
Mercerization can tighten and brighten cotton, calendaring smooths and adds subtle sheen, and sanforizing controls shrinkage for predictable fit. Luxury often reveals itself in how sheets drape, pool, and recover after folds. Hemstitching or double‑stitched borders resist warping, while understated piping signals craftsmanship over flash. Crumple the fabric and listen: a soft hush suggests flexibility, a crisp snap suggests structure. Five-star properties prioritize a hand that marries hush, glide, and resilience under industrial laundering pressures.