Percale Sheets
Key Characteristics
- ✓One-over-one-under plain weave construction
- ✓Crisp matte finish with cool hand feel
- ✓Excellent breathability for warm sleepers
- ✓Minimum 180 thread count by definition
- ✓Becomes softer with repeated washing
- ✓More wrinkle-prone than sateen weaves
Types & Variations
Common Materials
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Percale sheets look best with a slightly rumpled, lived-in aesthetic rather than being ironed perfectly flat. Pair with a lightweight coverlet or quilt for a classic layered look. The matte finish complements both modern and traditional bedroom furnishings equally well.
💡 Pro Tip
New percale sheets may feel slightly stiff due to manufacturing starches, but they soften dramatically after three to four washes. Resist the urge to add fabric softener, which will coat the fibers. Instead, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for the first few washes to help remove residual starches naturally.
Related Terms
Sateen Sheets
Bed linens woven with a four-over, one-under pattern that creates a silky smooth surface with a subtle sheen, offering a warmer and more luxurious feel than percale.
Thread Count
A measurement of fabric density calculated by counting the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch of woven textile, commonly used as an indicator of sheet quality.
Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Premium bed linens woven from extra-long staple cotton fibers grown in the Nile River Valley, prized for their exceptional softness, durability, and ability to improve with washing.