Percale vs. sateen: Which cotton sheet type is best for you?

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• As you shop for cotton sheets, you'll come across two terms: percale and sateen.
• They refer to the different ways that cotton yarns are woven into fabric.
• We explain their feel and breathability so you can buy the best one for a good night's sleep.

What are percale and sateen?

Percale and sateen are types of cotton weave - how cotton yarns are woven together to create a fabric. They're the most common weaves and cotton sheet types you'll see while shopping for bedding. While both percale and sateen are highly popular and comfortable, you'll probably like one more than the other based on your body temperature and what kind of feel you prefer.

The differences in their properties are due to how each weave is made:

What does percale feel like?

Because percale has a tight, even 1:1 weave, it has a crisp, matte, and lightweight feel, similar to a white button-down shirt. It's airy and breathable. Percale is best for sleepers who like to stay cool throughout the night.

What does sateen feel like?

Due to its looser weave, where more yarn is exposed to the surface, sateen feels silky smooth, with a slight sheen to it. It's very soft and warm, but it's less breathable than percale, so it might not work for people who sleep warm. Thanks to its luxurious feel, many hotels use sateen sheets in their guestrooms.

Is percale or sateen better?

The best cotton sheet for you depends on how you like to sleep.

Percale is crisp and breathable, and it gets softer over time. Its tight grid pattern also makes it more durable than sateen.

Sateen has a luxuriously smooth and warm feel, but it tends to snag more easily due to its weave. Since sateen is less abrasion-resistant than percale, you must use more care when handling it.

In sum:

Keep in mind that other factors like the type of cotton used and the thread count also play a role in the feel and durability of your sheet. Long-staple cotton, for example, is longer, softer, and more durable than short-staple cotton. Extra-long staple cotton (also known as pima or Supima cotton) is even softer and more durable than long-staple cotton. Meanwhile, thread count - the number of yarns per inch, horizontally and vertically - also helps make a sheet softer and durable.

Take into account weave, cotton type, and thread count when you shop for sheets.

Does percale or sateen cost more?

The type of cotton and thread count affect the final cost. All things equal, you should be able to find percale and sateen sheets for about the same price.

However, since sateen tends to come in at a higher thread count, it's usually more expensive than percale. The higher price also helps contribute to the idea that sateen is more "luxurious" than percale.

How to care for and wash percale and sateen sheets

You should follow any specific instructions given by the brand you purchased. Generally, we recommend you wash your sheets every one to two weeks in cold water with a gentle detergent. Then, tumble dry on low.

Avoid hot water in the washer because it can cause colors to bleed, shrink your sheets, and weaken sheet fibers. Drying on high heat can also weaken the fibers or lead to pilling, especially in sateen sheets, which are already naturally more susceptible to abrasion.

Where to buy percale and sateen sheets

Many bedding brands offer both percale and sateen sheets. Once you've determined which type you want, try these sheet sets. We've personally tested them and can vouch for their comfort and durability.

The best percale sheets:

The best sateen sheets: