FAQs
Egyptian cotton can be woven in a percale fashion, making for a strong sheet fabric that is also very soft and comfortable. Because Egyptian cotton can be woven as a percale, it allows for a very high-quality sheet that may cost more, but it certainly is worth the investment.
Is 100% cotton the same as percale? ›
The term “percale” refers to a type of weave used to make bed sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding accessories. Most percale sheets are made of 100 percent cotton fabrics, but sometimes they are blended with other fabrics such as silk, synthetic, or rayon. Percale sheets are cool, crisp and breathable bed sheets.
What are the pros and cons of percale sheets? ›
This classic sheet is also airy and breathable, making it a great option for hot sleepers or those who live in warmer climates. 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.
What is better, 100% cotton or Egyptian cotton? ›
Finally, Egyptian cotton is superior because of the natural breathability of the material. Air can easily pass through the sheets, resulting in a more comfortable night's sleep. Poor quality cotton, however, will cause you to feel overheated in the night.
What is the best type of cotton for bed sheets? ›
Egyptian cotton sheets are made with extra-long staple cotton, making them more durable and breathable than regular cotton sheets.
What is the coolest cotton fabric for sheets? ›
Percale: Percale is generally considered the best weave for cooling bed sheets. It features a simple one-thread-over, one-thread-under pattern that gives the sheets a crisp, cool feel. Most percale sheets are cotton, but they may also use a blend of cotton and synthetic materials.
Do hotels use percale or sateen? ›
Hotels opt for a percale weave over sateen as percale epitomises the cool, crisp feeling typical of a luxury hotel suite. A percale weave is also naturally longer-lasting as by definition, it's a tighter weave (one under, one over - in comparison, sateen is typically three over, one under).
Why do people like percale sheets? ›
Benefits of Percale Bedding:
Smooth, cool and crisp to the touch. Moisture-wicking. Breathable and lightweight. Doesn't trap heat.
Why are my percale sheets scratchy? ›
Brand new sheets (of any material) usually come with a chemical coating that make them look and feel crisp (i.e. stiff) so they look better in the packaging. Older sheets can feel rough if they were washed and/or dried improperly. Sheets that have been in storage for a long time can dry out and feel rough.
What are the disadvantages of percale sheets? ›
Here are just a few downsides if you're considering percale sheets:
- Not great for cold sleepers: If you get cold easily at night, these sheets may not be for you. ...
- Prone to wrinkling: Since percale sheets are made up of dense cotton threads, they are more prone to wrinkling — especially so if the thread count is higher.
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.
Why are percale sheets so rough? ›
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").
What is closest to Egyptian Cotton? ›
Egyptian, Pima and Supima are all extra-long staple cottons and share some similar characteristics, but there are also some key differences to know. The most prominent difference is where they originate from.
What is a good thread count for Egyptian Cotton sheets? ›
Yes, if you want super-soft, premium-quality sheets, Egyptian cotton is a great choice. Egyptian cotton sheets commonly range in thread count from 300 to 400 and are known for being luxurious, breathable, comfortable and long-lasting.
Why is Egyptian Cotton so special? ›
Egyptian cotton is picked by hand, and not by machines, leaving the fibers straight and intact. It makes it possible to lengthen the yarns, making them finer, without sacrificing the strength. These finer yarns can be woven in multitude into each square inch which makes the fabric super soft and flexible.
Which is better, percale or cotton sheets? ›
Seasonality: Cotton Percale Sheets are often favored in warmer climates or for summer bedding due to their breathability and crispness. Cotton Sheets can be versatile, but some weaves, like sateen, might be warmer, making them more suitable for cooler climates.
What is the best quality cotton? ›
Pima Cotton
Pima is considered the finest cotton on earth. As an extra-long staple (ESL) cotton, its long fibers make it extra soft and extra strong. The result? Luxuriously smooth fabric that is resistant to fraying, tearing, pilling, wrinkling, and fading.
Is cotton percale the best? ›
Throughout our testing, we've found that percale sheets made with long-staple cotton offer superior softness and durability. The longer cotton yarn withstands abrasion and regular washing better.
Is all Egyptian Cotton percale? ›
Similar to percale sheets, Egyptian cotton bed sheets feature a very high thread count. However, Egyptian cotton is only made with the cotton that grows only in the Nile region of Egypt. Egyptian cotton can also be woven in combination with percale.
