Percale sheets are a cotton fabric that have been woven with thread of the same size and weight. This gives them a crisp, smooth and cool feel. Percale sheets are ideal for summer and winter temperatures, giving you a comfortable night’s sleep all year round.
What is Percale?
Percale is a type of 100% cotton fabric. It is made by weaving two threads, one warp and one filling. The weave produces an extremely smooth surface which is then traditionally treated with an enzyme wash to give it the crisp feel that makes percale sheets so popular.
What are Percale Sheets
Percale sheets are made from 100% cotton and have more crispness than other sheet materials. They are smooth, cool to the touch and durable.Pros of Percale Sheets
The pros of percale sheets? They have a crisp, cool, smooth feel that's perfect for hot weather. These sheets are also breathable and matte, which means they won't get as wrinkled as other types of bedding. Plus, they're durable—they don't pill or loose their shape after washing—and cost less than other types of sheets!
Crisp
Crispness is the result of the weave, not thread count. As you may know, percale sheets are made from cotton because cotton is a popular fabric for bedding. Nonetheless, weaves like sateen and flannel can also be made from cotton and feel soft to touch. The reason why percale sheets feel crisp is due to the size of their weave holes; they're smaller than other weaves so less air passes through them at a given time (and therefore feels more "scratchy").
Cool
Percale sheets are cool. Compared to other types of bedding, they’re the coolest option. This is because percale sheets are made from cotton that has been treated to give it a tighter weave, meaning that there are fewer threads in each blanket square inch. The result is that air can pass through more easily when you move around in your sleep (or even when you just toss and turn).
Smooth
Percale sheets are smooth and comfortable. They feel cool and soft to the touch and do not pill or wrinkle easily. Percale sheets are durable and long lasting, so they won't wear out quickly.
Breathable
Breathability is one of the key features that separate percale sheets from other types of bedding. If you're familiar with flannel, you know that it's a very thick fabric that doesn't breathe very well at all, which can make your skin feel clammy on hot nights. Percale fabrics are much thinner than flannels and allow air to pass through them much more easily. This makes them much more comfortable in the summertime because they don't trap heat as well as thicker bedding does.
Matte
Matte fabric is neither shiny nor dull; rather, it's somewhere in between. If you're familiar with the difference between satin and silk, you know that satin is a little shinier than silk. Matte fabric is even less shiny than satin—it's closer to what we think of as "linen."
Durable
Percale sheets are durable and tend to hold up well over time. If you want sheets that will last, percale is a good choice. Percale sheets will not pill as much as other fabrics, so they should be less expensive to maintain than other types of sheets.
Cost
Percale sheets are generally more expensive than other types of sheets. When you compare percale to sateen, for example, percale is usually about 25% more than sateen. What's the reason behind this? Well, it's because percale sheets are made from cotton and are very durable. Because they're so strong, manufacturers can press their fibers tightly together with fewer threads in each weave.
Cons of Percale Sheets
Not Suitable for Cold Climate
Percale sheets are not suitable for use in cold climates. This is due to the fact that they are not made of a material that retains heat well, and so they don’t provide much warmth.
Wrinkle
Wrinkles are a natural part of the fabric. If you’re in a hurry, or if you don’t want to iron your sheets, then percale is not for you. You may be able to live with wrinkles because they wash out after a few washes and dryings. They become less visible over time as well. Alternatively, there are some ways to remove them yourself.
Care for Percale Sheets
To care for your percale sheets, wash them in cold water with a mild detergent. This will keep the fabric from becoming pilled. You can also dry them on low heat and avoid using bleach or dryer sheets to maintain their softness. Avoid ironing your percale sheets because they are usually quite wrinkle-resistant, but if you do need to iron them, use a low temperature setting and check out our tips for how to get rid of wrinkles in clothes!
Washing
Percale sheets can be washed in warm water, but they should never be dried in a dryer. You can machine or hand wash percale sheets, but it is best to use a gentle cycle so as not to cause damage. Do not use bleach on your percale sheets and make sure that any detergent you use is mild.
Drying
Use a low temperature setting
- DON'T use fabric softener
- DON'T use bleach
- DON'T use dryer sheets (those are for clothes)
- Don't hang them outside to dry
Conclusion
Percale sheets are a great option for those who live in a warm climate, don’t want to iron their bedding, and want an affordable bedding option that will last through the years. If you’re looking to purchase some percale sheets, we recommend doing so from reputable brands like Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein.
