What Is Percale? A Guide to Percale Weave Sheets

Percale is a type of weave commonly used to make bed sheets. A cotton percale weave uses a simple criss-cross pattern. Percale sheet sets are usually made from high quality cotton fibers, such as long staple cotton or extra-long staple cotton. However, not all percale bedding is made of one hundred–percent cotton; some percale sheets are made with a cotton blend containing other fabrics, such as silk or rayon.

Percale sheets have a medium-tight weave, with a thread count of 200 to 400 (typically, regular cotton bed sheets have a thread count of around 150). This weave creates a matte finish and crisp feel, and the lightweight quality and breathability of the fabric make it a favorite among hot sleepers and those living in warm climates.

A high thread count does not always equate to the best sheets. Choosing the right bed linens typically boils down to personal preference. Knowing the differences between the fabrics can help you to choose high-quality sheets and get you one step closer to more restful sleep. Consider the differences between percale, sateen, and Egyptian cotton sheets.

• Egyptian Cotton: Egyptian cotton has become a household name associated with high-quality sheets with a high thread count. However, Egyptian cotton sheets do not denote a type of weave. Instead, they specify a type of cotton. When you see Egyptian cotton listed on sheet sets, it means they're made using extra-long staple cotton. In fact, cotton percale and cotton sateen sheets can contain Egyptian cotton.
• Percale: With a thread count of 200 to 400, percale bed sheets have a crisp, matte finish. Their closely knit plain-weave (one yarn over, one yarn under) makes them breathable and less likely to pill. However, they are prone to wrinkling and do not provide sufficient warmth during winter months in cold climates.
• Sateen: Sateen sheets have a thread count of 300 to 500. A sateen weave (one yarn over, three or four under) produces a silky smooth finish and luxurious drape. They are more wrinkle-resistant and provide sufficient warmth during winter months in cold climates. However, they may not be the best sheets for warm summer months.

Here are a few factors to consider when searching for the right bed sheets:

• Size: Sheets sets containing a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and duvet cover come in various sizes to fit your mattress. Keep in mind that sheet sets intended for larger mattresses tend to provide pillowcases of corresponding size. If you've got a king-sized mattress but queen-sized pillows, a king-sized sheet set might not be the most economical choice.
• Thread count: Thread counts refer to the amount of horizontal and vertical threads within a single square inch. Lower thread counts tend to be crisp and breathable, while higher thread counts tend to be softer and warmer. Keep in mind, higher thread count sheets tend to be less durable and more prone to snags, rips, and pilling.
• Material and weave: Bed linens come in a wide array of fabrics. The most common are Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton. The type of cotton has less of an impact on the feel of the sheets than the weave. For more durable, breathable sheets, choose bed sheets made with a percale weave. For warmer, silkier sheets, choose a sateen weave.

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