I recently hosted my parents, and as any doting daughter would, I put them up in my bed while my partner and I took the blow-up mattress in the living room. Now, my mother has high standards when it comes to fabrics (she taught me to always check the tags), and she's also never been one to shy away from telling you what she thinks. So, safe to say, I slept well that night after I heard her slip under the Wave Embroidery Duvet Set from Christy that I'd be testing, and say, "Oh, these sheets make such a lovely crispy, crunchy sound."
And while, in my eyes, that should say enough, I won't leave the review there. While she spent just a few nights beneath the sheets, I've been reviewing them for a few months — testing how they feel as the temperature drops, how well they wash, and, importantly, what they look like on the bed.
During this review process, I also happened to be invited to the 175th anniversary celebration for Christy, and learned so much about the heritage bedding brand that has supplied everyone from Queen Victoria to, more recently, Wimbledon. In short, Christy's sheets have really impressed me (and my mother), and I'm already considering trying out the towels next.
I tested the 200 thread count cotton percale duvet set (which includes a duvet cover and two Oxford-style pillowcases), with the China Blue embroidered wave edge detail. It also comes in a Rose Pink color, too. It's available in a single, double, king, and super king size.
Is Christy Bedding Good Quality?
There is a lot you can tell about a bedding material just by looking and touching it. The first test is always the touch test — good bedding will often feel cool to the touch, but this also gives you a chance to feel how close the fibers are, and therefore, how soft and breathable the bedding will be.
This Christy duvet set instantly felt cool to the touch. It also had a firm rigidity that gives it that 'crispy' hotel-like feel, but it didn't feel tough or scratchy in the slightest. It's made from 100% Cotton Percale in a 200 thread count, which isn't the highest, but certainly isn't bad.
The next thing I always look for is the quality of the seams, and, on a duvet cover specifically, the closure mechanism (whether buttons, a tie, or a zip). In this case, it's clear buttons, nice and evenly spaced, so your duvet won't sag between the gaps.
The stitching along the seams is also very neat and feels somewhat reinforced in the corners, which makes it feel especially durable compared to other bedding I've tried.
It's worth noting that it doesn't have internal ties in each corner of the duvet cover, which some do to hold the insert in place — a detail I typically like — but I also haven't had any issues with my duvet gathering or bunching yet. (If this is a big concern of yours, you can buy these duvet snap clips from Amazon that solve the problem for just £5).
How Is Christy Bedding to Sleep In?
As my mother can attest, as soon as you slip into this Christy bedding set, it makes that satisfying 'crunchy' sound, and feels cool yet soft. I've been sleeping in it for a few months now — October through to December — and even as the temperature has dropped, I've found it has remained warm and snuggly, yet still super breathable (and my partner is a particularly hot sleeper).
Similarly, the pillowcases are soft yet cool, so if you're someone who finds themselves constantly flipping to the 'cool' side throughout the night, with this set, you won't have to as much.
I also have a double bed, but a king-sized duvet cover, so that it generously drapes over the side, so I sized up for this duvet cover and haven't had any issues with it slipping or sliding on my bed.
How Easy is Christy Bedding to Care For?
As cotton bedding, it's relatively easy to care for. The instructions say a 40-degree 'normal' wash is best (though I've been doing it on cold), to tumble dry on low heat (but line drying is best), and to iron at no more than 150 degrees. It also says not to bleach, dry clean, or wash in products containing optical brighteners.
I will admit, though, that it wrinkles quite easily — I guess that's the downside to the 'crisp' feel, and I'm not really one to be bothered to iron my bedding, but I find that after sleeping in it for a few nights, it smooths out a bit. (And for the sake of the photos in this review, I ironed it.)
I used to be fiercely loyal to linen bedding, but I've grown to learn that, as much as I like the relaxed look, there is something about crisp cotton bedding that's also very appealing. And, even though I religiously wash my bedding weekly, cotton tends to somehow feel fresher for longer, which is a bonus.
How Does Christy Bedding Rank On Style?
As previously mentioned, the sheets do crinkle very easily (and after washing), so to ensure they look their best, they'd really require ironing — probably before and after they're put on the bed.
I'll also admit, when it comes to bedding, I typically tend to reach for classic white sheets. This set is a great foundation for any bedroom, while the blue embroidered wave edge detail adds a little touch of something-something without having to commit to anything too trend-led or overwhelming.
That said, it's probably not the first design from the Christy range that I'd choose for myself (it reminds me a little too much of the scallop-edge decor trend that was everywhere in 2023), but there are plenty other, more timeless styles to shop.
I love the antique-white color of this 400-thread count sateen duvet set.
The piped edge of this 500-thread-count duvet set oozes hotel-chic.
I love this ruffle bedding, but I'm not sure I could convince my partner.
Is Christy Bedding Worth It?
For the price (which feels very reasonable), Christy's bedding seems like a no-brainer to me. When you find a brand that's been around for 175 years, there's typically a reason why... and now I know why.
If you're someone who loves the feeling of 'crisp' sheets, or perhaps you're a particularly hot sleeper, I think these 100% cotton sateen sheets are a wise investment. Honestly, regardless, I don't think anyone will find these sheets uncomfortable — it's not like a linen that takes time to soften.
But it's also worth considering the upkeep that may be required in terms of aesthetics. If you like not only the feel of crisp sheets, but the look, you'll have to be prepared to iron your sheets (likely both before and after they're put on the bed).
For me, they've already replaced my John Lewis' Washed Cotton bedding as my go-to sheets, and yes, now I'm eyeing off a set of Christy's towels...
