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.
The Feel — Percale fabric has a cool, crisp handfeel, and sateen fabric feels silky and smooth. The Weight — Percale is lighter and more breathable than sateen; sateen weaves produce a thicker sheet that lies heavier on the body. The Warmth — Percale bedding tends to sleep cooler than sateen bedding.
Most individuals choose to use sateen sheets year-round, but especially hot sleepers may find them too warm. Since they regulate temperatures well, percale sheets are good for all seasons. They're breathable enough to satisfy hot sleepers, but they can also help keep you warm on a cold night.
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.
Percale: As mentioned above, a percale weave usually makes for a lightweight, airy, and cooling set of sheets. Most commonly seen in cotton bedding, the percale weave style is a pretty safe bet for hot sleepers. Sateen: Sateen, on the other hand, is almost like the counterpart to percale.
Opt for percale weaves, as they're more breathable and airy than sateen picks. Linen: Like cotton, linen is also a natural fabric that is popular for its loose weave, providing excellent airflow. Note that linen sheets tend to be less soft than other materials.
Several of the sleep experts I spoke to suggested linen sheets. According to Dr. Joshua Tal, a psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders, they are very breathable and “pick up cool air.” Oks says that since linen is made of a looser weave than, say, a cotton sheet with a high thread count, it traps less heat.
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.
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.
Percale sheets are primarily composed of cotton, featuring a signature tight weave that resembles your favorite crisp white button-up. Sateen sheets are made with 100% cotton fiber, a high thread count, and lustrous feel. Think of slipping into your favorite silk robe.
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.
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.
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.
Opt for natural sheets: Just as cotton pyjamas are better than polyester at keeping you cool, 100% cotton sheets and duvet covers are more effective than synthetic alternatives. From sheets to duvet covers and pillowcases, aim for an all-natural sleep environment to help manage menopausal night sweats.
Type of fabric
Picking out a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry at night is essential if you're particularly prone to night sweats. Think natural materials like silk, cotton, and linen.
If you are a hot sleeper or live in a place with longer summer months, cool, breathable, percale sheets will be perfect for you. However, if you live in a cold place you may prefer cotton sheets with a sateen weave, which is not as breathable as percale, or materials such as fleece and flannel.
Fabrics made from natural fibers are more breathable and cool than synthetics, whether used for bed linens or clothing. Natural fibers include wool, cotton, linen, and silk. Some of these can be quite expensive, and that's why many synthetic products exist.
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so.
Bamboo sheets are cool, breathable and absorbent
They are also cooler to the touch than cotton sheets. Beyond that, bamboo can absorb 40% more water than cotton. So a bamboo sheet is a great choice to absorb sweat.