You may think because percale sheets have a tighter weave that they are also warmer. However, due to the less thick yard used, Percale sheets will give you a cooler sleep experience. Percale sheets are better for those who sleep hot or live in warmer climates and will give you a crisp, cool sleep year round.
Percale sheets use a one-over-one-under weave that gives them their classic crisp, smooth feel. Most percale sheets have a thread count of at least 200, so the weave is fairly tight. However, percale is still highly breathable. In fact, it is often considered the best type of sheet for people who tend to sleep hot.
Percale sheets are made from cotton, which is lightweight, airy, and breathable. Even if it is tightly woven, it does not trap the heat. Percale is great to use in warm climates or for hot sleepers.
Cushner adds that percale-cotton sheets are the way to go if you're looking for something that's both cooling and affordable. In terms of how to choose a percale set, Trapskin says to look for a single-ply thread count — meaning that each thread used in the sheets is made of one strand of yarn rather than two.
Bedding made from bamboo, eucalyptus, linen, or even cotton with a percale finish has natural cooling properties that will help hot sleepers stay cool and everyone else sleep well during hot weather. Just as you may flip your pillow to the fresh side, these cooling bed sheets will feel crisp to the touch.
For people who get hot during sleep, choosing sheets made of bamboo, cotton, or linen — breathable fabrics that wick away moisture from the body and help maintain a comfortable temperature — can help.
Linen and cotton are both great options for hot, sweaty sleepers. Both fabrics are breathable (and therefore, cooling). "Fabrics like bamboo are breathable and cool, even in warmer seasons," Holliday-Bell explains.
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.
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).
Percale sheets made from long-staple Egyptian-cotton are famously lightweight sheets. This naturally cool and breathable cotton is the best bed sheet material for night sweats. Also worth noting, the soft-to-the-touch material will have you sleeping better in general as well.
The difference between the two terms is that one refers to the actual material, that is, cotton. Percale is the style or design of weaving that makes the material strong. Percale is not only used as a term for Egyptian cotton. There are other types of cotton that are woven in the same way.
The goal with percale bedding care is to wash your sheets as little as possible. Frequent washing breaks down cotton fibers. How often to wash percale sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers depends on your use. As a rule, run the laundry every seven to 10 days.
The Verdict: Choosing Between Percale and Cotton Sheets
The choice between Percale and Cotton Sheets boils down to personal preference. If you're seeking that luxurious, crisp hotel bed feel, and reside in a warmer climate, then Cotton Percale Sheets might be your champion. Their coolness and crispness are unrivaled.
Most hotels opt for percale sheets with a 500 thread count, knowing they will be more durable and comfortable than those with other weaves.
Eucalyptus silk one of the best fabrics for night sweats, making it the perfect pick. Not only is it great at keeping you comfortable in any temperature, but it's also made with cool-to-touch technology that stays fresher for longer and keeps you snug and cosy without overheating.
Percale sheets are most comfortable for sleepers who get too warm in the night, for people who live in warmer climates and for those who prefer to use the same sheets and bedding year round.
Cotton percales are more breathable and cooler-feeling than other sheets, and they're built to last. These tightly woven sheets tend to resist pilling, so they can withstand years of washing without compromising any of you bedtime comfort.
Percale sheets are known for their crisp feel and lightweight quality and are often compared to button-down shirts, which typically have the same 1:1 weave. This classic sheet is also airy and breathable, making it a great option for hot sleepers or those who live in warmer climates.
If you're a hot sleeper, percale is going to be a better choice than sateen because of its natural cooling properties. For those who sleep cool and comfortably, sateen is the ultra-soft fabric your bed needs.
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.
It's best for percale sheets to have a thread count within the range of 200 to 400. While there's no upper limit, percale sheets must have a minimum thread count of 180 thread. Usually, the higher the thread count, the smoother and more luxurious the feel of the bedsheet.
Types of Percale
As mentioned, percale is usually 100% cotton. However, other natural materials like silk and bamboo can be woven into the fabric. Lots of people prefer 100% cotton, but blended fabrics are sometimes a little warmer and resistant to wrinkles.
Moisture-Wicking Properties: Moisture-wicking fabric can actually move sweat away from your body and keep your sleeping environment dry. Tencel, linen, bamboo, and polyester are all great examples of naturally moisture-wicking materials that can be blended with other fabrics or enjoyed solo.
What is a hot sleeper? For those of you lucky enough not to have not heard the term, a 'hot sleeper' refers to people who constantly feel hot when they're in bed and struggle to cool down during the night. This can be incredibly frustrating and lead to a disruptive and uncomfortable night's sleep.