What is Percale – Key Characteristics and Top Suggestions
One of the best ways to relax from a hectic schedule and stress is to get a nice rest in bed. People spend about a third of their day in bed. Bedding plays a role that impacts sleep quality. Having the right set of bed sheets can make a world of difference. Different fibers, type of weave, and quality gives bed sheets a different feel. Varies on personal preferences, sheets may feel silky, buttery, fuzzy, velvety, crisp, or rough depending on their materials, weave, and quality. A popular bed sheet weave, percale is a crisscross weave that feels light and crisp. It is durable, lightweight, and breathable. However, it is prone to wrinkles, and it can feel slightly rough. This article provides specifics on what percale is and why it may be the best type of weave for some users.
Weaving Style
Percale is the most common bed sheet weave. Percale is a crisscross one-thread-over-one-thread-under tight weave (shown in the image above). The basket weave feels light and crisp which is similar to men’s dress shirts with a relatively matte finish appearance.
Fiber Materials
To maximize the benefits of percale weave, many manufactures use extra-long-staple (ELS) or long-staple cotton fibers. Egyptian cotton sheet sets fall into this category. These fibers’ long length is excellent for percale weave. These finer yet stronger fibers allow sheets to have slightly higher thread-counts. The end result is a softer and silkier fabric than those made with traditional cotton fibers.
Also, organic extra-long-staple and long-staple fibers are available. Organic bed sheets are great for users with allergies and sensitive skin. Babies and small children can minimize the exposure to toxins that may affect their development. Fabrics with organic fibers without chemical treatments and dyes have better durability. Also, organic bed sheets are more breathable and comfortable. Finally, without the use of pesticides and other chemicals, farming organic materials are better for the environment as it minimizes pollution.
To validate their authenticity, organic sheets should have the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). GOTS is an internationally recognized organic textile standard that ensures the product contains at least 70 percent certified organic natural fibers. Some brands may advertise bed sheets to have natural materials that imply organic. However, they are typically not genuinely organic. Look for the GOTS label to enjoy the full benefits of organic sheets.
Breathability
Percale’s basket weave provides excellent air permeability. Moreover, since percale sheets are almost always made with high quality cotton, they are very breathable. Cotton percale sheets have better breathability than sateen. This is why percale sheets are ideal for warmer seasons or hot sleepers.
Durability
Percale weave bed sheets are quite durable. However, percale weave’s softness is not compromised by the weaving structure that provides such durability. Rather, percale beddings are generally soft when new, and they get even softer with each wash. Overall, percale’s one-thread-over-one-thread understructure is stronger for most thread counts. This is the reason percale is used in commercial applications such as hotels.
Furthermore, long-staple cotton fibers are strong and resistant to breakage and pilling. Pilling takes place on fabric when broken fibers become tangled in small knots or balls. They are unpleasant and make the sheet feel rough. Repeated washes may cause some inferior quality cotton fibers to break, causing pilling.
Ease of Care
Ease of care is an important consideration as one should wash bed sheets regularly. Like most sheets, percale sheets are machine washable, typically in a gentle cycle. Wash the sheets separately from other clothes or towels. Refer to the sheet’s care label on proper washing instructions. Hot water may fade colors, and it can be harsh on fine threads. Typically, the best overall washing temperature to wash long-staple cotton bed sheets is cold. This will help to reduce your cotton sheets from shrinkage.
The care label for the sheets likely recommends that you can tumble dry them on low heat. Shake the washed sheets from the washer before placing them into the dryer. Place them in your clothes dryer on a low-temperature setting. If your dryer has a setting that stops the heat when it senses sheets are dry, this is a great setting to use. Do not leave the bedding in on an extra-long dryer setting, as this can cause shrinking and extra wear.
In general, while percale sheets are durable, lightweight, and breathable, it is prone to wrinkles. This characteristic may require extra attention during washing and drying. Afterward, percale sheets may require ironing to remove the wrinkles. Alternatively, when you apply the fitted sheet and the top sheet to the bed, you can spray them lightly with tap water using a spritzer bottle. Then, tuck the sheets to create surface tension. You’ll then find that the sheets will dry wrinkle-free.
Summary of Key Traits
| Item | Percale Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Weaving Style | Percale is a crisscross one-thread-over-one-thread-under tightly woven weave. |
| Feel | The basket weave feels light and crisp which is similar to men’s dress shirts with a relatively matte appearance. |
| Breathability | Percale’s basket weave is very breathable. They have better breathability than sateen. They are ideal for warmer seasons or hot sleepers. |
| Durability | Percale is strong and quite durable for most thread counts. They are generally soft when new, and they get even softer with each wash. This is the reason percale is used in hotels. |
| Ease of Care | Most percale sheets can be machine washed and dried. However, they’re prone to wrinkles that may require ironing. |
Conclusion
Choose percale sheets if the following conditions applied to you.
- Prefers a light, cool to the touch, and crisp feel
- Hot sleepers that need cool sheets
- Prefers durable sheets
Since sateen weave bed sheets typically require high thread count, they require more fibers to make. As a result, sateen sheets are more expensive. The combination of higher thread-count numbers and higher prices creates the myth that sateen is better than percale. However, hot sleepers that have used both the sateen and percale sheets will understand the significance of breathability. These users can only reach optimal sleep with lower body temperature. Consequently, they will likely choose percale over sateen.
Check out our article on the best percale sheets if you are ready to get them! Or, visit the article on percale vs sateen sheets for additional comparison!
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