What are Percale Sheets?

Percale is a closely woven plain-weave fabric often used for pillows and bedsheets. It is one of the most common weaves, characterized by its matte finish and crispness. Additionally, percale is luxuriously soft with lightweight breathability, making it perfect for summertime or warmer climates.

In the next article, we’ll look at some advantages of buying a percale sheet and if they are a good fit for your bed. We’ll also tell you what to look out for when purchasing your new sheet set.

Should You Purchase Percale Sheets?

Many people find percale sheets to be comfy and enjoy their cool, crisp feel. Percale sheets are considered to be extremely affordable, making them a great buy for those who want durable sheets without hurting their wallets. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of percale sheets to see if they’re the right fit for you.

Durable and Soft

Percale sheets are made with long-staple cotton fibers. These fibers are known for being resistant to breaking and pilling. Pilling is the uneven clumping of broken fiber ends and makes your sheets feel a bit rough.  However, these long natural fibers are finely woven together to create a soft surface, keeping sleepers feeling extra comfy.

Affordable

Purchasing percale sheets is a great idea if you have a tight budget because they are made from cotton, one of the most affordable fabrics. Sheets made from materials like silk and linen tend to be a little bit pricey for shoppers, but you can find percale sheets for as low as $50. Percale cotton sheets make a good alternative because they can match the durability of other high-quality fabrics.

Promote a Cooler Sleeping Environment

Percale cotton is lightweight and airy, and it provides a lot of breathability for sleepers. Cotton is known for its moisture-wicking capabilities and can keep you cool and dry throughout the night. These sheets are perfect for warmer sleepers who may sweat while sleeping. They also are suitable for the summertime or for those who live in humid climates.

Easy to Maintain

Another great thing about purchasing percale sheets is they require little maintenance. They can be easily washed in your home washing machine and will not fade or deteriorate the fabric. Percale sheets get softer after every wash, so you can clean as frequently as you want. These sheets do not require dry cleaning unless they’re blended with more sensitive textiles such as silk.

Disadvantages of Buying Percale Sheets

Sleepers have different needs, so purchasing percale sheets may not be the best option for you. In this next section, we list some of the drawbacks of sleeping on percale sheets.

Prone to Wrinkling

Cotton fabrics are prone to wrinkle more than others. Since percale sheets are usually made with 100 percent cotton, they tend to wrinkle after each wash. Cotton and polyester sheets, such as microfiber, have a similar feel. Some cotton blend sheets may contain some polyester to make them wrinkle-resistant.

It’s best to tumble dry your sheets on to prevent wrinkling. To lessen wrinkles, once your sheets are completely dry, remove them from the dryer and quickly make your bed. You can also go the extra mile and iron your percale sheets to keep them looking crisp.

Not Ideal for Colder Sleepers

Percale sheets are not very good at providing insulation or warmth and may not be the best fit for colder sleepers. It may be better for those who live in cold climates or sleep cold to look to other fabrics like silk, fleece, or flannel bedding to stay warm.

What to Look For When Buying Percale Sheets

Before purchasing percale sheets, you should consider the most comfortable while you’re asleep. Percale sheets come in different materials to offer durability, softness, and appeal to a variety of other sleep needs.

Next, we’ll take a look at something to keep an eye out for when shopping for a new bed set.

Thread Count

A sheet’s thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch. Percale cotton sheets require a thread count of 200 to 400. Generally, a higher thread count is an indication of the material’s softness and durability. However, high thread count sheets can be a bit more expensive and are not always the best choice.

Sheets with a high thread count may be thicker and less breathable for some, so it may cause you to feel a bit smothered. Additionally, some manufacturers may use multi-ply yarn to inflate thread count, so it’s wise to stay within the recommended range.

Fabric Material

Percale sheets can be made from different types of cotton. Some of the most common variations of cotton include Egyptian, Pima, and American Upland cotton. You may also see other synthetic fabrics like polyester added to percale sheets to create a cotton blend. Below, we highlight some of the qualities of each material.

• Egyptian Cotton: An extra-long-staple cotton produced in Egypt. Egyptian Cotton has softer fibers and a thinner compound, making the material more porous. Air moves easily through these sheets, so you’ll be free of feeling stuffy or sweaty at night.
• Pima Cotton or Supima: A high-quality, long-staple fabric. Pima is planted in the Southwestern part of the U.S. These long, silky fibers produce an extra soft fabric. The material is incredibly strong and is resistant to fraying, tearing, and fading.
• American Upland: A short- to long-staple fabric, American Upland is the most commonly used cotton. Typically, if a label only says “100 percent cotton,” it is likely to be American Upland. This material is not as durable as Egyptian and Pima because it has shorter fibers.

Fiber Length

Cotton’s fiber length is important when shopping sheets because it can tell you about the quality of different options. Longer fibers are softer and more durable than shorter fibers, which break down easily.

As you’re browsing for your next sheet set, try looking for long-staple and extra-long-staple cotton because they are longest-lasting. Most people look for Egyptian and Pima sheets since they have extra-long fibers. Others may choose shorter fibers because they are more affordable, but they will not last as long.

FAQS

What are the best sheets for summertime?

During the summer, you’ll more than likely want sheets that keep you dry and cool. The best choice for warm weather is cotton percale because of its extreme breathability. Cotton sheets are lightweight and are great at wicking away moisture. This can be helpful for warmer sleepers or those who experience night sweats.

Are percale sheets made of cotton?

Percale sheets are usually made with 100 percent cotton, but sometimes they contain a cotton blend—some fabrics blended with cotton include polyester, silk, and rayon. More often than not, the label on your bed sheets will tell you the breakdown of the material used.

Are percale sheets better than sateen?

Percale fabric is lighter in weight and more breathable making it better for warmer climates and summertime use. On the other hand, sateen sheets are woven tightly and are a bit thicker than percale, providing warmth and comfort for those who sleep cooler.

Both percale and sateen sheets are easy to maintain since they are safe for washing machines and dryers. All in all, both are great options for sleepers, and choosing which one is better depends on your specific sleep needs.

Is Egyptian cotton the best type of cotton?

Egyptian cotton is the highest quality cotton because of its extra-long-staple fibers. The long fibers in Egyptian cotton make it smoother and more durable than other sheets. These sheets are usually expensive, so people usually turn to alternatives like Pima cotton to save money. Pima cotton sheets are an excellent choice because they also have extra-long staple fibers, but they are shorter compared to Egyptian cotton.

Do percale sheets feel stiff?

Percale sheets and pillowcases may feel extra-crisp or stiff when you first place them on your bed, however, these sheets soften over time, giving you a balance between smooth and scratchy. Percale’s tight weave structure makes the material quite durable, especially compared to other sheets like sateen.

Conclusion

When looking for the best sheets, you’ll want to consider the type of fabric, length of fibers, and thread count you want for your bedding. Finding sheets with the perfect combination of these materials will keep you cozy at bedtime and help you sleep better. It’s important to remember, percale sheets come in a variety of cotton materials. So you’ll want to invest in sheets that are not only long-lasting but keep you feeling comfy.