The Difference Between Cotton Percale And Cotton Sheets (And Which Is Right For You)

When it comes to all you need to know before buying bedsheets, you may think that your material and thread count are all that is important. Well, it turns out that's not necessarily true. Both cotton and percale sheets are made from cotton material, but they feel and wear completely differently. It comes down to the weave. Cotton sheets can vary a bit in weave type with twill or sateen, but the main difference with percale is that it has a much crisper and airier feel with a one under, one over weave pattern. Other weave patterns like sateen use one under, four over which creates floats that give the sheets a softer, shinier appearance, and a warmer feel. 

So why do people want percale? It's known for its durability and breathability, so it will keep you feeling cool and wear well over time. It is also a great choice for someone that wants an organic material, has sensitive skin, or needs a hypoallergenic option. Some people also just prefer cotton sheets but may find that other weaves are too heat trapping, so percale allows you to both stay as cool as possible and reap the benefits of cotton. 

When choosing your percale sheets, it's not quite as simple as just picking something that says "percale" and heading to the checkout. Since the weave will be the same regardless, the quality of your sheets really comes down to the quality of your cotton. Most obviously, there is the difference between organic and non-organic cotton as far as how it is cultivated, but something else you will want to keep an eye out for is extra-long staple cotton. The staple length refers to the length of the cotton fibers. The longer the staple, the softer and stronger it will be. 

And when it comes to the quality of cotton itself, not all cotton sheets are made equal. There are also specific types of cotton. Supima and Pima cotton are both long staple cottons and regarded as high quality, making it one of the most soft, luxurious, and sought-after percale materials. The main difference is that Supima is a brand of Pima cotton grown exclusively in America. Egyptian cotton is also known for its high quality, long fibers, and durability. If you do opt for Egyptian cotton, make sure that it is certified, as some brands claim to offer Egyptian cotton but it is not authentic.

While percale is known for being light and breezy, it doesn't have moisture-wicking abilities that some other materials have — like bamboo. So if you are not just a hot sleeper but a sweaty sleeper, it could help you to stay cooler, but may not do enough to make you dry. Especially since cotton is notorious for holding onto moisture. 

On the other hand, if you tend to get chilly at night, these are also probably not the best pick for you. Besides layering your bedding to stay warm in the winter, your sheets are also integral to regulating your temperature. Because of the looser weave, percale is less effective at holding in heat than other options, so it may not be enough to keep you warm if the temperature drops at night. It also does not feel as soft as some of the other cotton options and could feel stiff or scratchy, especially at first, if you are used to a brushed weave and/or higher thread count.