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 term “percale” refers to a type of weave used to make bed sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding accessories. Most percale sheets are made of 100 percent cotton fabrics, but sometimes they are blended with other fabrics such as silk, synthetic, or rayon. Percale sheets are cool, crisp and breathable bed sheets.
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.
Because of the tight weave, percale sheets feel impossibly smooth to the touch. Percale fabric sheets have a minimum thread count of 180 and are usually made with extra-long-staple or long-staple cotton, which feels softer than short-staple cotton.
Seasonality: Cotton Percale Sheets are often favored in warmer climates or for summer bedding due to their breathability and crispness. Cotton Sheets can be versatile, but some weaves, like sateen, might be warmer, making them more suitable for cooler climates.
Percale is woven in a basic criss cross weave (one-over, one-under) and has a thread-count higher than 200. It tends to be more crisp and cool, like a classic button down shirt. Cotton Satin fabric is made using a satin weave structure (four over and one under), which gives the fabric a sheen and silkier feel.
Hotel buyers in the know most often choose percale sheets over sateen or other weaves. Hotels want white. White sheets are bright, clean-looking, and give a feeling of newness, even though they may have been laundered multiple times. Hotels don't want patterns, colors, or designs that may fade or stain easily.
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.
You're used to a softer, synthetic-material sheet, then 100% cotton sheets may feel rough in comparison (especially percale) You're using more detergent and/or fabric softener than the manufacturer's instructions recommend. You're overstuffing the washer, and the detergent isn't able to fully rinse out.
Cotton percale bed sheets tend to have a crisp, matte appearance. Because of their durable construction, percale sheets are fairly resistant to pilling and are usually easy to care for. However, they may be more likely to wrinkle.
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).
What Is the Ideal Thread Count for Percale Sheets? At minimum, percale sheets and pillowcases must have a thread count of 180, but the ideal thread range for this material is 200 to 300. If the yarns are exceptionally dense or the cotton staples are longer, then the thread count may be higher.
Gopinath said a 250 to 300 thread count was optimal (there's wiggle room, though, as Maher said 200 was also good). Gopinath told us a 400 to 500 thread count for percale could reflect a denser sheet made of fine, good-quality yarns. Over 500 was “not necessary or likely,” she said.
Percale isn't for everybody. We do hear from readers who just find these sheets to be too scratchy on their skin. In many cases, those readers prefer the satiny, smooth feel of cotton sateen sheets instead.
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.
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.
The First Wash of your Luxury Percale and Sateen Bedding
Be sure to fully unfold items, set the machine to include a cold pre-soak, and use minimal liquid detergent. Either line dry or tumble dry on low heat. Remember that natural cotton fibers will wrinkle, and ironing may be required, depending upon your preferences.
Like all 100% cotton fabrics, percale can shrink if it's not properly dried. In this case, the best course of action is to take your bedding out of the dryer when it's just ever so slightly damp (as opposed to bone dry) and immediately put it on your bed, smoothing out the creases as you go.
Just make sure the final rinse is with cold water. If you can opt for an extra rinse cycle, do it! This will make sure all excess soap is removed, which can make even the best sheets feel scratchy. Tumble dry on low or permanent press settings, or hang dry.
Each wash makes percale sheets softer. The longer you have them, the softer they become. To put numbers into this, percale sheets last three times longer than other sheets. You can pass them down to your children, knowing that these hand-me-downs are even better than new.
Looking for sheets with a reasonable thread count (200-600 for most styles) will typically produce the best results. Be sure to modify your expectations somewhat depending on the material used. Excessively high thread counts (600-800) likely won't change much beyond the price tag.
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.
Although top sheets prevent your comforter from getting dirty, the widespread use of duvet covers has made them somewhat obsolete. Either way you choose to go, make sure your bedding is soft, comfortable, customized to your liking — and regularly washed.
Our Signature sheets are the perfect combination of comfort and elegance, with an easy care blend that eliminates the fuss. You will enjoy our 300-thread-count sheets as they caress your skin, easing you into a peaceful slumber so you can wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready for your busy day.
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.