Biancheria

Biancheria is an Italian noun referring to textiles used in the home, especially those associated with everyday laundry and household linens. In general usage, it denotes bedding and other fabric items such as towels and table linens, and, in some contexts, underwear. The term can describe both the category of goods and the individual items themselves.

Historically, biancheria derives from biancho/bianco, meaning white; textile care and whiteness were important in traditional households, and the word came to encompass a broader range of home textiles beyond pure whiteness. Today, Italian retailers organize products under the umbrella of biancheria, with major subcategories: biancheria da letto (sheets, pillowcases, blankets, quilts), biancheria da bagno (towels, bath mats), biancheria da tavolo (tablecloths, napkins, placemats), and biancheria intima (underwear and lingerie). In everyday speech, people may refer to "la biancheria" when discussing laundry or laundry loads.

Materials commonly used include cotton, linen, and blends, as well as wool for blankets and synthetic fibers for durability. Care varies by fabric but typically involves washing, drying, and, for some items, ironing. In modern households, biancheria is produced by specialized textile manufacturers and sold in department stores, homedecor shops, and online, with a wide range of quality and price levels. The term remains a fundamental reference in Italian domestic culture for the collection of textiles that furnish the home.