Mattresses
Percale vs. Sateen Sheets: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to bedsheets, most of us make our choices by habit. High thread count might sound like the metric for the best sheets, but there's a much subtler player in the game of dreamy bedding experiences: the fabric weave.
Percale sheet sets boast a one-over, one-under weave that is tight, simple, and offers a crisp, cool handfeel. Conversely, sateen weaves place more thread on the surface, fewer underneath, which imparts a smooth, luminous finish with a buttery softness that's hard to resist.
The Perks of Percale Bedding
Percale sheet sets boast a one-over, one-under weave that is tight, simple, and offers a crisp, cool handfeel. Conversely, sateen weaves place more thread on the surface, fewer underneath, which imparts a smooth, luminous finish with a buttery softness that's hard to resist.
Plus, there’s the wear-and-tear: no matter how much you launder, percale sheets maintain their shape, texture, and resistance to pilling.
Bedding With Percale Fabric
The Allure of Sateen
Sateen's smooth feel and luxe matte finish make it the preferred choice for those who seek that touch of luxury in their sleep haven. The extra yarn surface, thanks to its four-over, one-under weave, presents a generous ‘right’ side, almost satin-like in its allure.
Higher Thread Count Myth-Busting
Shall we unravel the thread count mystery? Percale and sateen are quite content with mid-range thread counts. Unlike the inflated counts on some lower-quality sheets, these premium weaves need no more than 400 threads to exude opulence, each thread imbued with intention and purpose.
Consider Your Climate
If you live in a temperate or warm climate, the breathability of percale could be your saving grace. Conversely, if you reside in a colder region or simply get chilly at night, sateen's insulating property might just be the extra layer of warmth you need.
Wrinkle-Resistance and Care
Both weaves have their peculiarities in terms of maintenance. Although sateen can be slightly more prone to wrinkles initially, it generally irons out easily. Percale's tight structure makes it a low-maintenance favorite; even when draping percale over a bed, wrinkles won’t be an issue.
Looking for Percale or Sateen Alternatives?
You choose the best material with similar feels.
Cooling Sheets for Summer Months
Did you know . . . a percale weave sheet set can pair perfectly with a sateen fitted sheet for contrast? It's sheet layering for the sartorial savvy sleeper.
Which is better, percale or sateen?
The choice depends. Percale is lightweight, crisp, and has a matte finish. Sateen, on the other hand, has a silkier texture with a slight sheen, perfect for those who like a softer feel.
Silky Sheets With That “High-Quality” Feel
What is so special about percale sheets?
Percale sheets are prized for their crisp and cool feel. The tight percale weave leads to a durable and long-lasting fabric that tends to get softer with each wash without losing its crispness. You literally get the best of both worlds — soft, cool and easy to wash; what else do you need?
Are percale sheets cooler than cotton?
Percale sheets are made from cotton and are cooler than some other types of cotton fabric. The one-over-one-under pattern allows for better airflow, resulting in sheets that sleep cooler. For a hotel-like feel that helps you sleep through the night sweat-free, go with percale.
All Types of Sheets
Do hotels use percale or sateen?
Hotels favor percale sheets for their durability, ease of laundering, and crisp feel. (There's nothing that beats pulling back the covers for the first time to reveal a fresh, tucked and tight bed with percale sheets!) However, some luxury hotels use sateen sheets for a softer feel and more upscale experience.
Is percale better than Egyptian cotton?
Percale is the type of weave in fabric construction, a one-over-one-under pattern that results in a breathable fabric. Egyptian cotton, known for its long fibers, can be made into percale. Egyptian cotton percale fabric is considered high quality due to the fine cotton and weave.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
