Discover the Linen Bolster Pillowcase: Comfort, Quality and Natural Elegance

At Linenshed, we believe that great sleep starts with the right bed linen. Specializing in pure French linen, we craft our products in Portugal with traditional expertise. Our linen bolster pillowcase perfectly embodies this philosophy: combining comfort, durability, and respect for the environment.
How do you choose the right bolster pillowcase? Is it easy to care for? How does it differ from cotton or raw linen? Here are all our tips.

Why choose linen for your bolster pillowcase?

Benefits of linen

Linen is a remarkable natural fiber for a bolster pillowcase. It uniquely adapts to your body temperature.
Too warm? It wicks away moisture.
Too cold? It keeps a gentle warmth.
Our washed-linen bolster pillowcases are ideal all year round.

Linen’s natural antibacterial properties are another major advantage. Without any special chemical treatment, it naturally limits the growth of bacteria and dust mites.

Finally, unlike other textiles that wear out prematurely, your washed-linen pillowcase becomes more supple and softer wash after wash.

Comparison: Linen Bolster Pillowcase vs. Other Materials

Linen vs. cotton

Cotton is a safe bet in home linens, but it has some limits compared with linen:

• Washed linen avoids the “stuffy” feeling some cottons can cause at night.

• Cotton tends to retain body moisture, whereas a linen bolster pillowcase releases it more easily.

• Washed-linen fibers have greater natural strength than cotton.

Linen vs. percale

Cotton percale can be a good budget option for a cool feel, but it can’t match the outstanding properties of pure washed linen.
The freshness of washed linen is immediate and consistent—no break-in period required. And washed linen brings the visual and tactile authenticity of a noble textile, a natural elegance cotton percale does not offer.

How to choose your linen bolster pillowcase

Standard sizes to know

Choosing the right washed-linen bolster pillowcase isn’t always straightforward. We offer broadly standard sizes: 80 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, 140 cm, 160 cm, 180 cm, and 200 cm. Each size is designed to suit beds from singles to doubles and king size.

Precise sizing matters!
A pillowcase that’s too tight can strain washed-linen fibers and limit their natural movement. Conversely, a pillowcase that’s too loose affects both the look and the optimal support of the bolster.

Washed linen or raw linen: what’s the difference?

Depending on your preferences and usage, pure washed linen or raw (unwashed) linen may suit you better.

Natural washed linen:

• Immediate softness thanks to controlled pre-washing by our Portuguese artisans

• Less creasing from the very first use

• Ready to use as soon as you receive it

• Optimal comfort with no break-in period

Raw (unwashed) linen:

• More authentic, initially firmer look and feel

• Needs several washes to develop softness

• Texture evolves progressively over time

• The choice of purists who enjoy this natural transformation

We favor washed linen in our collections because it offers instant comfort while preserving the exceptional qualities of this fiber.

Quality criteria (weight, origin, OEKO-TEX certification)

How do you recognize a quality bolster pillowcase? We consistently check three essentials:

• Linen origin: Our linen is grown exclusively in France for especially long, strong fibers. This French provenance reflects world-renowned agricultural know-how.

• Fabric weight: We use 190 g/m², the perfect balance between the airy feel you want in linen bedding and the durability needed for everyday use.

• OEKO-TEX certification: All our products are certified free from harmful substances. For a bolster or pillowcase in direct contact with your skin for hours every night, this is indispensable.

How to care for a linen bolster pillowcase

Washing and drying tips

Caring for washed-linen pillowcases is easier than it looks!

Washing basics:

• Max 40°C / 104°F with a mild detergent

• No fabric softener (it damages natural linen fibers)

• Don’t overload the machine—washed linen needs space to circulate

Drying:

• Always prefer air-drying. It best preserves linen’s exceptional qualities.

• If you use a dryer, choose a low temperature.

Recommended care frequency

For normal use, washing every two weeks is plenty. Between washes, two simple habits extend your pillowcase’s lifespan:

• Regularly air out your bedroom and bed

• Turn your bolster from time to time for even wear

Tips to keep linen soft

If you want a perfectly smooth look, iron washed linen at medium heat while it’s still slightly damp. This delivers the best results while preserving the fibers.
Pro tip: leaving enough space in the washing machine lets the fabric move freely during the cycle—key to maintaining the natural suppleness of your pillowcase wash after wash.

Everything you need to know about linen bolster pillowcases

Is linen suitable for sensitive skin?

Linen is ideal for delicate skin. It has natural hypoallergenic properties and undergoes no harsh chemical treatment. Our collections in white, grey, blue, pink, or green use dyes that are gentle on the skin.

Can you coordinate your bolster pillowcase with the rest of your bedding?

Absolutely! We recommend it to create a harmonious look in your bedroom. Our complete collections make it easy to mix and match:

Our full washed-linen range:

• Fitted sheet and flat sheet in the same quality as the rest of the set

• Duvet cover to match your bolster pillowcase

• Pillowcases to complete the ensemble

Colors that pair beautifully:

• Natural white for timeless elegance

• Sophisticated grey that suits every style

• Soothing blue for a serene vibe

• Nature-inspired green for a fresh touch

The advantage? You can mix these shades to create exactly the atmosphere you love at home.

What’s the difference between a pillowcase and a bolster pillowcase?

This question comes up often, and the answer mainly involves shape and use.

Standard pillowcase:

• Square or rectangular formats

• Fits classic pillows

• Placed at the head of the bed

Bolster pillowcase:

• Elongated format spanning the bed’s width

• Fits the bolster’s cylindrical shape

• Dual function: neck support + “French-style” decorative look