There are many benefits to percale sheets due to their durable, smooth, affordable, and breathable nature. These factors make them an ideal bedsheet choice for many types of sleepers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Among the most popular selections you can make, Egyptian cotton sheets utilize long cotton fibers to produce a luxurious bedding fabric. Percale describes the weave of the fabric and can actually be used in Egyptian cotton sheets to create a durable material that will last through several washings.
The minimum thread count for percale is 180, but the optimal range for this material is 200 to 300. The ideal thread count for sateen sheets is 300 to 600. The looser weave requires more threads to hold the fabric together. The average percale sheet set costs between $70 and $150.
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.
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.
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.
When you first receive your brand new percale bed sheets, you might be surprised to find they are crisp but not as soft as you imagined them to be. That's the magic of percale - they will get softer and softer, the longer you have them and the more you wash them.
If you use a sheet set every day of the year, you'll need to replace it after about two years. However, luxury cotton sheets, like percale and sateen, can offer another year or so of use. And with linen, you'll get three to five years — sometimes more.
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.
As the sheet sets are all made with cotton, the largest price differentiator is the thread count, with higher thread-count-sheets falling at a higher price-point. The increased time and cost of manufacturing higher thread-count sheets accounts for this price difference.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – the crisp, cool hand of percale or the silky luxury of sateen. Either way, you can't go wrong with high-quality, 100% cotton bedding made from proven pure pima cotton.
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.
They're also usually made of higher-quality materials, such as 100% cotton or Egyptian cotton. As a result, they're softer and more durable than your average bed sheet. So next time you're wondering what makes hotel sheets so special, remember it's not just the thread count: it's the quality of the craftsmanship.
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.
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.
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. Some people should wash their sheets even more often than once a week.