Percale vs. Sateen Sheets: What is the Distinction and Which Is Higher?

Searching for the very best sheets is difficult sufficient, even when you favor cotton over another supplies. However when in search of the very best cotton sheets on the market, you will possible come throughout technical language like “percale” and “sateen” which may make it tougher to search out what you are in search of. Whereas these phrases could appear international to some, they’re pretty easy when you be taught what they imply. Percale and sateen describe the weave of the material, which is simply as essential as realizing what fibers (cotton, linen, silk, and so forth.) the sheets are made from.

Fortunately, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is stuffed with knowledgeable analysts with backgrounds in textile science who’re consistently testing sheets. In reality, we have evaluated greater than 250 sheet units in recent times for the whole lot from softness and wrinkle resistance to cloth energy, shrinkage and extra. Along with placing sheets by means of standardized Lab exams utilizing specialised gear, we have labored with tons of of shopper testers who attempt them out at dwelling earlier than offering thorough suggestions on their expertise. The outcomes communicate for themselves, and we have discovered the very best percale sheets and finest sateen sheets accessible for each kind of sleeper. This is the right way to resolve which weave is best for you.

What is the distinction between percale and sateen sheets?

Percale sheets are light-weight, ethereal and crisp, whereas sateen sheets really feel silky clean and substantial. The distinction is because of how the yarns are woven. Regardless that they’re made with the identical supplies — cotton or cotton blends — the structural variations end in very totally different textures and bodily properties for every cloth.

Percale sheets have a fundamental one-over, one-under plain weave that enables for extra interlacing — factors the place the threads overlap — making it one of many extra sturdy materials utilized in bedding. This construction additionally gives percale’s signature mild and crisp really feel whereas providing the mandatory breathability to take care of a cushty physique temperature. Alternatively, satin sheets usually have a four-over, one-under satin-like weave that gives a clean really feel and good sheen. Plus, it would not are likely to wrinkle as a lot as percale.

Each kinds of sheets can be found in a variety of thread counts. Opposite to fashionable perception, larger thread counts typically do not translate to raised high quality sheets, however we have discovered that sheets within the 300 to 500 vary have an ideal steadiness of softness and sturdiness.

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What’s percale?

Percale sheets are recognized for his or her crisp really feel and light-weight high quality and are sometimes in comparison with button-down shirts, which generally have the identical 1:1 weave. This basic sheet can be ethereal and breathable, making it an ideal choice for warm sleepers or those that reside in hotter climates. The draw back to percale sheets is that they’ll really feel tough or scratchy in comparison with sateen sheets and have a tendency to wrinkle extra due to their crisp, sturdy nature.

Execs:

• Feels light-weight and crisp
• Breathable
• Sturdy

Cons:

• Wrinkles extra simply
• Can really feel tough when new

However whereas percale can typically really feel tough in comparison with sateen, LLBean’s Pima Percale Sheet Set nonetheless earned excessive softness rankings with shopper testers, due to the premium Pima cotton, and excelled in sturdiness testing in our Lab. Testers additionally beloved the breathability and raved in regards to the cool-to-the-touch feeling. Alternatively, in case you’re in search of one thing that is a fraction of the worth with out compromising on high quality, Sweave’s Egyptian Cotton Percale Sheets are one to have a look at. Simply be aware that our specialists weren’t capable of confirm the Egyptian cotton claims.

Trying to find a fair softer percale sheet? Go for The Crisp Sheet Set from Tuck. It earned the very best marks in a blind softness take a look at, due to the texture of the cotton-lyocell mix. Or in case you desire natural bedding, Coyuchi’s Natural Percale Sheets have the identical relaxed look with GOTS-certified natural cotton that one tester referred to as “comfortable [and] luxurious but crisp and funky.”

READ MORE: The Greatest Percale Sheets, Examined by Consultants

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What’s satin?

Sateen sheets stand out for his or her clean really feel and slight sheen, with some materials having a slippery or silky texture. Sateen bedding is good for many who desire softness over crispness. The material can be inherently extra wrinkle-resistant in comparison with percale, and a few satin sheets are even handled with a wrinkle-resistant end for a no-iron, picture-perfect look. However take into account that sateen sheets can really feel heavier or thicker than percale sheets, in order that they’re finest fitted to somebody in search of a comfy, comfortable sheet. They do not present the identical breathability as percale.

Execs:

• Silky and clean really feel
• Slight sheen
• Sturdy
• Tends to wrinkle lower than percale

Cons:

• Might really feel too thick for some
• Not nice for warm sleepers

The Brooklinen Luxe Core is without doubt one of the hottest sateen sheet units accessible with high quality cloth that is each clean and sturdy. To not point out, the fitted sheet consists of game-changing “brief” facet and “lengthy” facet labels for simple bed-making. California Design Den’s On a regular basis Tender Sateen Sheets are additionally a wonderful choice, outperforming different sateen choices greater than 4 instances its value, they usually are available in all kinds of colours at an inexpensive value.

For a fair softer really feel, Riley’s Natural Cotton Sheet Set earned a number of the highest softness rankings throughout all different cotton sheets in our exams, with testers calling them “comfortable but ethereal.” Though, if the natural issue is essential to you, we weren’t capable of confirm if the set is absolutely natural. For a totally licensed natural choice, take into account Delilah Dwelling’s Natural Cotton Mattress Sheets. Not solely are they GOTS-certified natural, comfortable and light-weight, however they’re additionally below $200.

READ MORE: The Greatest Sateen Sheets, Examined by Consultants

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The ultimate verdict: percale or sateen?

Our testers usually desire the texture of sateen in side-by-side comparability exams, however finally it is a matter of private choice. Our evaluations present that whereas percale cloth is inherently stronger and sateen is inherently softer, each sheets carry out effectively in our Lab and at dwelling with shopper testers.

• When you love a lightweight, crisp sheet with good breathability and are not bothered by wrinkles, go along with percale.
• When you desire a comfortable, clean sheet with a bit of extra wrinkle resistance and thickness, go along with it sateen.

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Why belief Good Housekeeping?

Grace Wu joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a textiles product evaluations analyst with a deal with hands-on testing and evaluating shopper knowledge. With a powerful background in textile engineering, she has evaluated all kinds of bedding merchandise together with sheets, pillows, silk pillowcases and extra utilizing specialised laboratory gear and suggestions from tons of of shopper testers. Previous to working at Good Housekeeping, Grace earned a Grasp of Engineering in Supplies Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell College.