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Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer and editor since 2007, covering everything from health and wellness to sleep and beauty (and beyond). Her writing has appeared on Forbes Vetted, Healthline mindbodygreen, Everyday Health and other popular outlets. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband and four kids, traveling and generally being active. See what she’s up to these days on her website.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleepopolis and a certified sleep science coach. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing. Lewis also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer, and her sleep recommendations have been featured in Livingetc. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
Livvi DiCicco is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach. She has been writing, editing, and researching sleep-based content for over a year, and her sleep recommendations and insights have appeared in Bustle, Livingetc, and Authority Magazine. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing, she decided to work in the digital marketing field, continuing her creative works on the side. Her other interests (besides napping and writing) include digital art, history, and boba tea.
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 cotton percale sheets below, along with our suggestions on what to prioritize most for that crisp percale feeling.
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—much like a top-notch 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 have labeled sides, as well, for easier, quicker bed-making.
Temperature regulation: Percale’s hallmark is its breathability. That’s all thanks to its weave pattern, which allows for better 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.
The percale sheet set from Silk & Snow is proof that you don’t need to break the bank for high-quality percale bedding. Sleepopolis tester Melanie Kassel calls them a bargain, even at full retail. A queen-size set is typically $125, but they’re often on sale for $100. “I own more expensive sheet sets that I don’t like as much,” she added. It’s a great value considering the 100-night sleep trial and overall comfort level: “That almost starchy, dress-shirt texture just has a clean and lovely feel to it without being too intrusive or bulky.”
Our product tester thoroughly enjoying the Silk & Snow Cotton Percale Bed Sheets.
Don’t confuse the low price tag for low quality, though. These Silk & Snow sheets are made in Portugal with 100% cotton and organic dyes, with seven colors to choose from. They’re OEKO-TEX certified, and Melanie noted that they seem like very durable percale weave sheets. “The thread count is 200, which is about where you step into luxury territory,” she said. Melanie also agreed with the brand’s assessment that they have a “hotel look and feel,” and noted that she thinks they feel better than standard hotel sheets. She gave the set 5 stars out of 5 for its materials and durability.
The fitted sheet in this set is sized for mattresses up to 15 inches. With the topper, Melanie’s bed is closer to 15.5 inches, but it didn’t pose an issue. “The sheets fit our bed snugly but well, which is impressive—we need those deep pockets,” she said. “I was pleased by how easy it was to make the bed with the fitted sheet, and by the ample size of the top sheet.” As an added bonus, the fitted sheet is labeled, so you always know how to put it on the bed.
Melanie tested this cotton sheet set right after turning on the heat for colder weather, and she found it to be a great solution to the overheating she’d been experiencing. “These sheets brought a welcome change to my sleep quality,” she shared. “The cotton is quite breathable and never felt like it was sticking to my skin or causing me to overheat.” She gave the set 4.5 out of 5 stars because they lack a cool-to-the-touch feel.
Snug-fitting and maintain placement over your bed.
For an additional cost, you can have these sheets embroidered with your name or initials.
Peacock Alley offers three complimentary sheet swatches.
Cons
Some customers report that these sheets wrinkle easily.
Sleepopolis tester Sosha Lewis calls these percale sheets from Peacock Alley her favorites, and considering how many sheets she’s personally tested, that’s saying something. They’re made with extra-long-staple cotton with a 200-thread count, and each set is made to order.
That level of high-end luxury, however, is reflected in the price tag, which Sosha admits is hard to swallow—a queen set is $430. “They are my favorite sheets of all time, but does that mean they are worth more than eight times the amount of the sheet set I got from HomeGoods? Probably not,” she says. Still, she gave the sheets 4 stars out of 5 for price. That’s partly because of the overall value: Sosha found that they’re extremely well made and said the craftsmanship is evident in the construction and stitching. “I look forward to having them for years,” she added.
The Boutique Percale Sheet Set fit Sosha’s 14-inch mattress exceptionally well—like the proverbial glove, as she put it. “They’re snug but stay in place,” which was a welcome change from sheets that pop off the corner or drape the floor. As such, this earned the set 5 stars for fit.
Peacock Alley’s sheets also deliver on breathability. Sosha describes herself as a warm sleeper, but says her husband especially qualifies as a hot sleeper. She stated that these sheets did a better job of keeping sleeping conditions cooler than other sets she’s had in rotation.
Now, it’s worth noting that these sheets are only offered in white, but there is an option to choose the color of the embroidered satin stitch on the hem of the flat sheet and pillowcases. Another potential drawback? There is no sleep trial, though the company has a 30-day return policy. Keep in mind that a flat rate shipping and restocking charge applies.
They’re made with durable long-staple cotton fibers in a 200-thread count.
The sheets’ lightweight nature makes them a good match for hot sleepers.
The fitted sheet has 16-inch pockets to help it stay on the bed.
Cons
The sheets only come in a few neutral colors.
Saatva’s Percale Sheet Set is made with extra-long-staple cotton that’s ethically sourced. According to the brand, it’s committed to improving the livelihood of the workers handcrafting these textiles in India, as well. The sheets are also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified for bonus peace of mind.
Our tester’s hand feeling the surface of the Saatva Organic Percale Sheets.
While the sheets are on the pricier side at $205 for a queen set, the quality is evident. “They’re thicker-feeling than I expected and somehow breathable without feeling light or airy, so I thought they felt more durable than other percale sheets I’ve tested,” tester Cait Giddings said. She gave the sheets 5 out of 5 for quality, but because they’re more substantial, she docked half a point for cooling. “I liked the thickness for durability reasons, but in the hottest weather, I might want something more featherweight,” she noted.
As far as construction is concerned, it’s clear Saatva’s high-end sheets are well-made. “They have deep enough pockets to fit the bed well, and are just snug enough to keep the sheets looking smooth without being so tight that it’s a hassle to pull the elasticized corners over the mattress,” said Cait. “I also love that the pillowcases are long enough to cover a king-sized pillow, even though we only ordered full-sized sheets.”
Saatva offers a 45-night sleep trial along with a one-year warranty, and the organic cotton percale sheets are available in three solid colors (or in white with a banded accent).
They’re made with single-ply yarn and long-staple cotton fibers.
They boast OEKO-TEX Made in Green certification.
100-night return policy.
Cons
They’re fairly expensive.
The Cotton Percale Sheet Set from Coop Sleep Goods is made with single-ply yarn, which indicates long-staple cotton fibers. Not only does that mean they’re smoother and finer, but they’re incredibly durable, as well. Sleepopolis tester Livvi DiCicco gave these Coop sheets 5 stars for durability, noting that despite the sturdy construction, they still had a lightweight feel. “They appear sheer to the eye, but I can tug them without feeling like they’ll tear,” she said. “They also survived a wash without any shrinkage or pilling.” Plus, Livvi adds that they softened in the wash, which she says bodes well for repeated use.
The Coop Sleep Goods Cotton Percale Sheets at the home of one of our testers.
A queen set is $199 and includes the standard fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases. It’s not the cheapest or the most expensive on our list, but note that these sheets have OEKO-TEX Made in Green certification. Not only have they been verified free of harmful substances, but they’re also ethically made, environmentally friendly, and fully traceable. The sheets come in four light colors and have a 100-night sleep better guarantee. In other words, you can return them within 100 days if you don’t like them.
Livvi reported that the sheets fit her queen-size 14.5-inch mattress without incident. She added that she’s a pretty restless sleeper but didn’t notice shifting or bunching. Additionally, while the sheets aren’t cool to the touch, she found them lightweight and breathable. “ I don’t often find that cotton works great for my tastes, but I was pleasantly surprised by my experience,” Livvi said, noting that she often sweats at night but conditions felt more manageable on these Coop sheets. “I think these would be good year-round, all-season sheets,” she noted.
The biggest downside for Livvi was largely personal. “The only negative about these sheets is that it’s not my preferred feel, which is not the fault of the sheets,” she said. “For the price, I almost wish they were organic, but I think 100% cotton gets a thumbs-up, too. If you like lightweight cotton sheets with that crisp feel, they’re for you.”
The sheets are available in a wide variety of earthy colors, including Moss, Raisin, and Clay.
Made in Portugal, the Parachute sheets are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
Cons
They’re bit more delicate than other sheets.
Percale may be known for its breathability, but these Egyptian cotton percale sheets from Parachute manage to improve on that quality. There’s probably no one more qualified to speak to their cooling ability than Sleepopolis tester Cait Giddings, who tested these in her Texas home while the heat index was over 105 degrees and in the middle of a power outage. “The temperature inside the house was over 90 degrees one night at 10 p.m., so I slept directly on the fitted sheet wearing nothing but the top sheet lightly threaded through my legs,” she shared. “These glorious sheets (and a giant box fan pointed directly at my torso) were the only thing protecting my sanity—they felt so crisp and light and airy against my skin that the entire situation became at least 20% easier to endure.” Needless to say, she gave them 5 stars for their outstanding temperature regulation.
One of our testers sleeping on the Parachute Percale Sheets.
Parachute’s sheets earned another perfect score for their outstanding fit. “The sheets fit our queen bed perfectly, but what stood out about their fit is how the pillowcases were designed,” noted Cait. “Each pillowcase wrapped entirely around the pillow with the opening in the middle and the pillow tightly stuffed inside, so there were no wrinkles or risk of the pillowcase sliding off at the ends.” Parachute offers a choice of back envelope or side open designs for the pillowcases in this set.
Parachute’s percale sheets are made in Portugal with long-staple Egyptian cotton, which makes them lightweight and durable with a classic crisp finish. The biggest drawback, however, is the price tag. While Cait noted their exceptional quality and her overall positive experience, a queen size retails for $269. “I probably wouldn’t have spent this much on my own sheet set,” she admitted. “That said, if they’re in your budget, you won’t be disappointed.” Parachute offers a 60-day return window for the set, as well.
The sheets are very breathable for improved temperature regulation.
Available in five muted colors.
Cons
They’re rather pricey.
This Classic Percale Sheet Set from Tuft & Needle wowed our tester, Cait Giddings, earning perfect or close to perfect marks across the board. They’re made with Supima cotton, which is a premium extra-long-staple variety grown in the United States. The longer fiber length makes for a softer, smoother yarn with excellent durability. Plus, these cotton bed sheets are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning they’ve been independently tested and verified to be free of harmful substances.
A corner view of the Tuft & Needle Classic Percale Sheet Set.
Cait gave the Tuft & Needle Classic Percale Sheet Set 4.5 stars out of 5 for quality, as well as a full 5 stars for temperature regulation. Cait lives in Texas and tested these sheets in the late summer months. “Even on nights when it was probably too hot to sleep beneath a single wisp of fabric, I absolutely loved the feeling of tucking into these percale sheets,” she said. “They’re delightfully crisp, breathable, and light despite also being somewhat strong and thick-feeling.”
The percale fitted sheet can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches deep, and Cait said she was impressed with the secure fit on her queen-sized mattress and two-inch topper. “My only quibble with the fit is that the pillowcases seem really short and don’t even begin to cover my standard or queen-sized pillows.”
On the plus side, she said the sheets felt light but sturdy, like they’ll hold up to a lot of wear and tear. The set comes with flat and fitted sheets, plus four standard pillowcases for full and queen sizes and four king pillowcases for king and California king sizes. The set is available in five muted colors.
While the set is on the pricier end at $180 for a queen size, Cait notes it’s not out of range for luxury percale sheets. “I also found these to be of very high quality, which justifies that higher cost,” she added. Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial, which gives you time to put them to the test at home, and they come with a 10-year warranty. “That feels generous for sheets,” Cait noted.
Sheets that don’t fit well can get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, that shouldn’t be an issue with Quince’s Percale Sheet Set. Sleepopolis tester Kenny Timper gave the sheets a perfect 5 stars out of 5 for their excellent fit on his 14.5-inch mattress. “I was worried about these sliding off or scrunching up like some of the other sheets I have, but these stay perfectly in place overnight,” he said. “Some of the comfiest sheets I have still scrunch up a bit, which is super annoying, but not these. I love these for the fit, alone.”
Our tester feels a set of Quince Cotton Percale Sheets.
He was also optimistic about their durability after following the care instructions. “They appear to be fine after washing and drying them in high heat, but only time will tell,” he said. Still, he added that he didn’t anticipate them wearing out anytime soon. Quince’s percale bed sheets are made with long-staple organic cotton with a 270-thread count, so they should perform well for the long run.
Quince is known for its direct-to-consumer sales model, which means excellent budget-friendly pricing. A queen-size set is just under $100, and there are 15 colors available. Plus, you can opt to forgo the flat sheet, which brings the price down by $30. Quince also accepts returns on its percale sheets for 365 days.
Kenny reported being a little apprehensive when the sheets arrived. “They looked a little thin and felt stiff coming out of the packaging, but they softened up after a couple nights of sleeping on them,” he said. “The fit alone is a real game-changer for me, and I’m probably going to use them for a while just because of that.” That said, he did add that they came out of the dryer very wrinkled. This is typical for percale sheets, though, especially when they’re new.
Breathable despite no specific temperature-regulating features.
Available in five color options.
Cons
Pricier than other sheet sets.
If you’re looking for a certified organic sheet set with ethically sourced materials, the Verlee Organic Percale sheet set is for you. These sheets are constructed from GOTS-certified, organic cotton sourced from India, guaranteeing an organic manufacturing process from the farm to the finished product.
Our tester rated the Verlee Organic Percale sheets 4.5 out of 5 stars overall. “I appreciate that they have direct relationships with their mill partners,” she says, “And I love the intentionality in ensuring ethical practices in the creation of their products.” Verlee also donates 1% of the brand’s yearly revenue to environmental non-profits.
A set of Verlee Organic Cotton Percale sheets anchored at the corner of a mattress
Our tester also adds that she appreciates the quality craftsmanship of these sheets, calling them durable and well-made. “These sheets are thick yet still have good give,” she notes. “I am a rough sleeper and toss myself around, but the sheets held up great.” She gave this sheet set a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for durability thanks to their performance, adding that they stayed anchored in the corners of her mattress very well.
The Verlee Organic Percale sheets are a little on the pricier side at $125 (for a queen-size set)—a price that includes two pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a top sheet. Despite this, our tester says she thinks the quality and ethically sourced materials justify the cost. “The fitted sheet is designed extremely well,” she said, adding, “It was easy to get on the mattress and the corners stay anchored.” The quality earned these sheets a perfect 5-out-of-5-star rating for both materials and fit.
Even though this sheet set doesn’t have any specific cooling technology, our tester was impressed with the breathability, giving them a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars for the category. “I sleep pretty hot and recently have been waking up sweating,” she said, “But since using these sheets, I have not been waking up! I wouldn’t say they are cooling, but they lean on the cooler side and are extremely comfortable.” However, particularly hot sleepers may still want to explore sheet sets with dedicated cooling features.
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. However, they didn’t perform as expected for breathability. “I didn’t notice any cooling from these sheets,” Riley 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.” Plus, while the long-staple cotton indicates decent durability, Riley noted that the sheets seem thinner than average. “While they aren’t see-through, they aren’t as thick as cotton sheets typically are,” she said.
Kenny Timper tested the Brooklinen sheets, and they scored well, overall. He found them lightweight and durable, stating, “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.” Comparing them to Quince, though, Kenny found them to be less comfy and overpriced. A queen set is $209 at full retail, for reference.
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 Otis 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 particularly rough, stiff, or scratchy.
A closer look at the organic certification tags on Quince Percale Sheets.
We also judged the sheets after repeated washings for an idea of how well the material holds up over time. That’s because percale naturally softens over an extended period, 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.
A closer look at the corner fitment of some Saatva Sheets.
Temperature Regulation
Dr. Shelby Harris says that percale sheets are a favorite for hot sleepers because the weave promotes airflow better than others (like the weave you’d find in sateen sheets). That said, some percale sheets 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, as well as those that layer their percale sheets under comforters and duvet covers.
One of our testers feeling the Coop Sleep Goods Cotton Percale Sheets.
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.
A closer look at a Peacock Alley Percale Sheet.
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. 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, as well as the quality of the cotton. For example, 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 cottons—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, 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. That said, pay attention to mattress depth, as well. 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, too. It’s wise to measure your overall mattress height and then check for sheets that can accommodate accordingly.
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, though, 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 Silk & Snow Percale Bed Sheets. These bargain sheets can often be found for around $100 (for a queen-size set), and the 100% cotton construction makes for a luxe feel perfect for creating that comfortable, rest-enhancing setup.
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.