Hotels opt for a percale weave over sateen as percale epitomizes the cool, crisp feeling typical of a luxury hotel suite. A percale weave is also naturally longer lasting as by definition, it's a tighter weave (one under, one over - in comparison, sateen is typically three over, one under).
The most common weaves found in hotel sheets are cool, crisp percale and sleek, luxurious sateen.
The higher the thread count, the finer and more luxurious the fabric will feel. Cotton percale sheets found in hotels usually have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets will usually have a thread count between 300 and 600.
Cotton percale has become synonymous with luxury, being a go-to for many 5-star hotel beds. Percale is a weaving technique that uses a tight criss-cross pattern to create a dense finish.
Sateen and percale sheets are both popular, but for very different reasons. Customers often like sateen sheets for their silky texture, excellent draping, resistance to wrinkles, and stylish sheen. However, many prefer percale sheets for their crispness, breathability, and durability.
The type of cotton and thread count affect the final cost. All things equal, you should be able to find percale and sateen sheets for about the same price. However, since sateen tends to come in at a higher thread count, it's usually more expensive than percale.
Temperature Control
Sateen sheets tend to sleep warmer due to their heavier weave, although temperature regulation also depends on thread count and the type of material. The percale weave is highly breathable, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.
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The bedsheets used on hotel beds accentuate the feelings of comfort and relaxation, so you feel completely at ease. They are not only soft, but also smell fantastic, thanks to special detergents, fabric softeners, cleaners, and other deodorizing agents that enhance the overall relaxation experience.
Hotel bed sheets are washed regularly at high temperatures, crammed into high-speed dryers and heavy steam pressed to remove ugly creases. The trick is to press the sheets while they're still slightly damp. This makes them extra crisp, fresh, and ready quickly for the next guest.
Hotels prioritise quality over thread count
That's why hotels generally use low thread count sheets (250TC). Fewer threads require less cotton, less cotton means lower costs, and this allows hotels to get quality for a reasonable price.
Percale fabric is lighter in weight and more breathable making it perfect for summertime or warmer climates. Sateen sheets are woven to create a silky smooth surface with a luminous sheen and is known for its luster and drape. Sateen is usually a little thicker and more tightly woven.
Although percale sheets are popular for their lightweight and cool texture, they also have a few drawbacks, like being wrinkle-Although percale cotton sheets are popular for their lightweight and cool texture, they also have a few drawbacks, like being wrinkle-prone and not being ideal for cold sleepers.
Due to its tighter weave and lower thread count, percale sheets tend to be very lightweight and breathable. Cotton percale is also absorbent and will wick moisture away from the skin. Percale sheets and pillowcases feel crisp at first but soften over time, striking a fine balance between smooth and scratchy.
The downside to percale sheets is that they can feel rough or scratchy compared to sateen sheets and tend to wrinkle more because of their crisp, durable nature.
The best sheets typically have a thread count between 200 and 400. Any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rougher texture. Any number over 400 is most likely an inflated figure due to multi-ply thread, meaning you'll pay a premium price for a sheet that doesn't actually feel any softer.
It's possible to buy sheets with over 1,000 thread counts, yet luxury hotel sheets often opt for sheet with 200-300 thread count.
Luxury sheets have no limits on thread count or price. Generally, the more you pay, the better sheets you get. Most hotels use sheets with a thread count of 250 while high-end hotels use sheets with a 300 thread count. Some luxury hotels even use sheets of 600 or 800 thread counts, but it varies from hotel to hotel.
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The most important thing is to choose bed linen made from good quality, 100 percent natural fibres, as this will respond to changes in temperature and humidity to keep you comfortable all year round. Two popular choices include: Cotton. This is the most commonly used material for luxury bed linen and for good reason.
Brand new sheets, and in particular percale cotton sheets often initially feel scratchy or stiff. And that's sure to come between you and a good night's sleep.
Percale vs Sateen for Sleeping Comfort
The tighter sateen weave retains heat more effectively than percale, so if you tend to feel cooler in the night, you'll be happy with sateen. If you're a hot sleeper though, sateen may not be your best choice of bedding.
Percale: A smooth, flat, closely woven and combed fabric that comes in 100 percent cotton or 50/50 cotton/poly blends. Finer than muslin, expect thread counts here to range from 180 to 200. Pima or Supima: A high-quality cotton whose long fiber staple is somewhat similar to that of Egyptian cotton.