Sheets are a key part of your sleep setup. That’s because the right sheets can boost comfort and contribute to the kind of relaxing environment conducive to sleep, says Dr. Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and medical advisor here at Sleepopolis. Different materials and weaves impart different benefits, but when it comes to a cool, crisp feel, nothing beats percale.
Percale is actually a weave, not a fabric. It’s a one-over/one-under pattern that creates a basket weave, and in bedding, it’s most frequently done with cotton and occasionally with polyester. The resulting fabric is smooth, breathable, and durable, which is why percale sheets are among the most popular cooling sheets on the market. It means there are a lot of options to wade through, from high-end organic versions to budget-friendly buys. Fortunately, our team of sleep experts did the research and the hands-on testing to find the best percale sheets.
Our product experts and sleep science coaches have tested hundreds of sleep accessories, and that includes a lot of bedding sets. Our testers sleep on their sheets at home for months for the truest sense of comfort and performance. Beyond this at-home testing, we also consult with medical advisors such as Dr. Harris and Sleepopolis’s Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta to give you a comprehensive and thorough overview of sheets and how they affect sleep health.
Find our recommendations of the best percale sheets below, along with our suggestions on what to prioritize most for that crisp percale feeling.
Best Percale Sheets for 2025
- Tuft & Needle Classic Percale Sheet Set – Best Percale Sheets Overall
- Saatva Percale Sheet Set – Best Eco-Friendly Percale Sheets
- Silk & Snow Percale Bed Sheets – Best Budget Percale Sheets
- Peacock Alley Boutique Percale Sheet Set – Best Luxury Percale Sheets
- Coop Sleep Goods Cotton Percale Sheet Sets – Best Durable Percale Sheets
- Parachute Home Percale Sheet Set – Best Cooling Percale Sheets
- Quince Percale Sheet Set – Best-Fitting Percale Sheets
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked for in Percale Sheets
For most people, price is a driving factor when it comes to new bedding. And while that’s certainly a key consideration, it’s not the only one that matters. Here’s what we prioritized to find the best percale sheets.
- Quality: The expectation from a great set of percale sheets is that signature crispness and outstanding breathability. These sheets have a matte finish that softens with time, but a high-quality set will maintain its crisp feel — like a dress shirt. We paid attention to weave consistency and details like durable elastic and finishing stitches. All of the percale sheets on our list are made with cotton, and we prioritized premium long-staple varieties.
- Fit: Nothing ruins bedtime like sheets that don’t fit. We considered pocket depth and overall fit on queen-size mattresses to ensure that all of the percale fitted sheets on our list won’t pop off awkwardly during the night. Many of our picks also have labeled sides for easier, quicker bed making.
- Temperature regulation: Percale’s hallmark is its breathability. That’s all thanks to its weave pattern, which allows for airflow. We assessed how well each set of sheets promotes moisture-wicking and air circulation for cooler, more comfortable nights.
- Price: Percale sheets can vary significantly in price, and we made sure to include a range of options in our final list. We considered the overall value based on materials, craftsmanship, and certifications.
We focused on these factors to find percale sheets that aren’t just cool and crisp — they also deliver tremendous value and should perform well for at least a few years.
Tuft & Needle Classic Percale Sheet Set – Best Percale Sheets Overall
Tuft & Needle Percale Sheet Set
This sheet set might be a particularly good pick for sleepers who love that soft cotton feel, but also need a little help keeping cool.
Sleepopolis Score
4.40 / 5
Saatva Percale Sheet Set – Best Eco-Friendly Percale Sheets
Saatva Percale Sheet Set
These luxurious percale sheets are made from GOTS‑certified long‑staple cotton that stays breathable and cool.
Sleepopolis Score
4.50 / 5
Silk & Snow Percale Sheets – Best Budget Percale Sheets
Silk & Snow Percale Bed Sheets
Crafted in Portugal from 100 percent cotton, these sheets are priced affordably while still giving you hotel-like luxury.
Peacock Alley Boutique Percale Sheet Set – Best Luxury Percale Sheets
Peacock Alley Boutique Percale Sheet Set
Made from long-staple cotton, with a crisp feel and lots of breathability.
Coop Sleep Goods Cotton Percale Sheet Set – Best Durable Percale Sheets
Coop Sleep Goods Cotton Percale Sheet Sets
With a strong build, deep pockets, and year‑round breathability, these cotton percale sheets should appeal to a wide array of sleepers.
Parachute Home Percale Sheet Set – Best Cooling Percale Sheets
Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Lightweight, breathable Egyptian cotton sheets ideal for hot sleepers.
Sleepopolis Score
4.40 / 5
Quince Percale Sheet Set – Best-Fitting Percale Sheets
Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set
These organic percale sheets from Quince are made with long‑staple cotton, designed to treat sleepers to a coolness and a crisp texture.
Other Percale Sheets We Considered
We went through quite a few percale sheet sets to find our winners. Here’s what else we tested and why they didn’t make the final cut.
L.L. Bean 280-Thread Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Our tester Riley Otis had no issues with the fit of these sheets — they worked well on her 10-inch mattress without bunching, despite their ability to accommodate a depth of 15 inches. But they didn’t perform as expected for breathability. “I didn’t notice any cooling from these sheets,” she said. “In fact, my partner and I both noticed that we felt hot throughout the night while sleeping on these sheets.They felt lightweight at first, but I didn’t notice a ton of airflow.” And while the long-staple cotton indicates decent durability, Riley noted that the sheets themselves seem thinner than average. “While they aren’t see-through, they aren’t as thick as cotton sheets typically are,” she said.
Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set
Kenny tested the Brooklinen sheets, and they scored well overall. He found them lightweight and durable. “These sheets fit my 14.5-inch mattress like a glove with room to spare. There’s almost no bunching up beneath me after tossing and turning on my bed, which is a big win for me.” he added. But comparing them to Quince, he found them to be less comfy and overpriced. A queen set is $209 at full retail.
West Elm Organic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set
The West Elm percale sheets are incredibly lightweight, airy, and breathable — exactly what you’d expect from this type of bedding. They’re also reasonably priced at $129. But our tester Riley wasn’t impressed with the fit. While the fitted sheet is sized to accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches, she had issues with the corner popping off as she made the bed. It’s something she hasn’t experienced on her 10-inch mattress. “I can usually tell when I’m putting deep-pocket sheets on my short mattress,” she said, noting that these didn’t seem as tall as claimed.
How We Picked and Tested These Percale Sheets
When we test bedding, we cast a wide net to get the most comprehensive picture possible of how they feel and perform. For this roundup of the best percale sheets, we zeroed in on quality, fit, temperature regulation, and price point — factors that make the biggest difference in comfort and longevity.
Quality
Our team of testers did more than just sleep on these sheets. The testing process began the moment the sheets arrived at their doors, with careful evaluation of the fabric right out of the package. Percale sheets have a crisp feel, but the good ones aren’t rough, stiff, or scratchy.

We also judged the sheets after repeated washings for an idea of how well the material holds up. That’s because percale naturally softens with time, but it should maintain its structure and signature feel if you follow the care instructions. We checked for even weaving and durable stitching, and we tugged a little harder than usual as we made up our beds to assess durability.
Fit
To judge this category, our testers paid attention to how well the sheets stayed on the bed. Mattress depths vary, and the best sheets should be able to accommodate anything from 12 inches to 16 inches without bunching or simply not fitting. Perks like labeled sides, oversized top sheets, and fitted sheets with continuous elastic all the way around are always a nice bonus for bed making.

Temperature Regulation
Dr. Shelby Harris says that percale sheets are a favorite for hot sleepers because the weave promotes airflow better than other weaves, like the weave in sateen sheets. But some do the job better than others. We considered whether the sheets we tested had a cool-to-the-touch feel, but more importantly, how effectively they allowed air to circulate. Plus, with testers in different climates, we got great feedback on comfort and performance from both hot sleepers in regions with high humidity, and those that layer their percale sheets under comforters and duvet covers.

Price
Dr. Harris advises investing in bedding that’s not only high quality, but also meets your sleep needs and preferences. With that in mind, we included both luxury and budget options in this roundup of the best percale sheets.
When we assigned scores for this category, we considered the cost in terms of quality, comfort, relevant certifications, and perks like sleep trials, return policies, and warranties (since you’re not trying the sheets in-store). Our scores reflect overall value, not just price. “Ultimately, the best sheets are the ones that make you feel the most comfortable and relaxed,” says Dr. Harris.
What to Consider When Shopping for Percale Sheets
To round out our testing insights, let’s go through a few additional considerations as you shop for the best percale sheets. Details like thread count, fiber length, size, and ease of care can make a big difference in how different sheets feel and perform.

Thread Count
Thread count describes how many threads are in a single square inch of fabric. More isn’t necessarily better, but it’s a common misconception. And with percale sheets, the ideal thread count range is 200 to 400.
It’s better to focus on the quality of the weave itself, which should be even throughout the sheet, and the quality of the cotton. A 300-thread-count percale sheet set made with long-staple cotton is going to have a smoother feel and a longer lifespan than a 600-thread-count set made with regular cotton.
Fiber Length
The fiber length is also known as the staple, and it has a big impact on how the finished fabric feels and performs. Long-staple or extra-long staple cotton, like Egyptian and Supima, create smoother, stronger yarns that are more resistant to fraying and pilling. Brands that use long-staple cotton are quick to point it out, so check product descriptions on websites or packaging to find these kinds of sheets.
While short-staple cotton sheets are inexpensive, they’re noticeably scratchy and rough and won’t perform well over time.
Size
You already know to match your sheet size to your mattress size — if you have a queen-sized bed, you need queen-sized sheets. But pay attention to mattress depth. Standard fitted sheets typically accommodate beds up to 14 inches deep, but many modern mattresses are even taller than that. If you have a mattress topper, you’ll need to factor for that as well. It’s wise to measure your overall mattress height and then check for sheets that can accommodate.
Ease of Care
Percale is relatively low maintenance, which adds to its appeal. Percale sheets can be laundered at home in cool or warm water and go right in the dryer on low heat. Keep in mind that the weave is prone to wrinkling, which is particularly common with new percale sheets. To minimize this tendency, tumble dry on low heat, remove them when they’re still slightly damp, and then put them onto the bed right away.
FAQs About Percale Sheets
What are the highest-rated percale sheets?
During testing, we were impressed with the percale sheets from Tuft & Needle. Not only do they have the signature crispness and excellent breathability of this weave, they’re made with Supima cotton for a smoother feel and long-term durability.
What is the best thread count for percale sheets?
Look for percale sheets with a thread count between 200 and 400. That’s the sweet spot for the signature crispness and excellent breathability. A higher thread count will be dense and compromise airflow, and a lower thread count will feel noticeably thinner and rougher. Remember to consider the quality of the cotton too — long-staple cotton with a lower thread count is a better option than short-staple cotton with a higher thread count.
What are the downsides of percale?
Percale sheets have a crisp, matte feel that doesn’t appeal to everyone. They can feel a little stiff at first, but they soften every time they’re washed. The lightweight weave also means percale sheets are prone to wrinkling.
Is Egyptian cotton better than percale?
Egyptian cotton is a fiber, but percale is a weave, so one isn’t really better than the other. Egyptian cotton has long fibers that make for smoother, stronger yarns. Percale is a one-over-one weave that makes sheets feel crisp and cool. The best option is actually both — Egyptian cotton sheets with a percale weave are smooth, durable, and wonderfully airy.




