If you’ve ever wondered what percale sheets are, you’re not alone.

Percale refers to a specific type of weave used in fabric, characterized by its one-over-one-under pattern. This tight, simple weave creates a crisp, breathable, and lightweight fabric.

Despite popular belief, percale is not only made from cotton but can also come from a blend of silk, polyester, or rayon, as it is the weave that makes percale, not the material.

One of the primary reasons percale sheets help you sleep better is their breathability. Unlike thicker or shinier weaves, such as sateen, percale allows for better air circulation, helping to regulate your body temperature through the night.

The result is a smooth and cool sheet that feels refreshing against your skin, especially in warmer climates. It’s no surprise that many consider cotton percale sheets to be a top choice for a good night’s sleep. This is why percale frequently shows up in expert roundups like the New York Post’s best cooling sheets, where breathability and moisture-wicking are key features.

The best percale sheets end up on curated lists like the best bed sheets overall and even the best Target bed sheets for shoppers who want quality on a budget.

Experience the foundation of your perfect bed with this luxurious sheet set, crafted in Portugal from 100% premium, certified long-staple Egyptian cotton. Its lightweight, breathable percale weave feels cool against the skin and softens beautifully with each wash.

Great for toxic-conscious sleepers, the OEKO-TEX certification ensures the fabric is tested for harmful substances, giving you peace of mind along with comfort.

Size: Full to California King | Depth: n/a | Color options: 12 | Certifications: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 | Hohenstein16.HUS.93300

New York Post Review: “Immediately after placing these sheets on the bed, I noticed a difference from my usual 100% cotton set. Not to be a cliché, but the fabric felt cool against my skin. While I typically prefer viscose sheets for their silky texture, I found the wide weave of the percale helped wick moisture throughout the night and kept me cool during my usual night sweats.

The button-down shirt texture may feel a bit too structured for those who favor ultra-soft or silky sheets like sateen or viscose, myself included.

My husband, however, gave these sheets a 10 out of 10. What sets Boll & Branch apart is its commitment to sustainability and quality. This particular set is made from long-staple cotton, which holds up well after multiple washes and gets softer over time. The packaging is also beautiful, perfect for a wedding gift or a future grad.”

Size: Twin to Split King/California King | Depth: 17 inches | Color options: 19 | Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certified by Hohenstein #18.HUS.40240

Percale sheets have a crisp, breathable weave that promotes airflow due to their woven in a crisscross pattern. So, if you sleep hot, it’s a great choice for you, but they tend to feel a bit more textured compared to viscose or traditional cotton. Several of our editors are fans of Quince for delivering impressive quality at a fraction of the price. By skipping retail markups and selling directly to customers, Quince keeps costs low without compromising on performance.

Size: Twin to King | Depth: 16 inches | Color options: 12 | Certifications: GOTS Certified

If you’re after softness that doesn’t fade over time, Pima cotton is a solid bet. Its long fibers give it a naturally smooth, almost silky texture that gets softer over time. Unlike some fabrics that wear out or pill, this one stays looking and feeling new even after repeated washes. Need more Twin XL picks? Check out these sets. Other places to find percale sheets are Lands’ End and Pottery Barn.

Size: Twin to California King | Depth: 15 inches | Color options: 9 | Certifications: n/a

Egyptian cotton sheets are made from high-quality, long-staple cotton grown in Egypt, renowned for their exceptional softness, breathability, and long-lasting properties: 100% long-staple cotton. Brooklinen designed these Cooling Cotton Percale Core Sheet Sets for hot sleepers with an OEKO-TEX certification for chemical safety to protect you against any allergies or toxic materials in cheaper bedding.

Size: Twin to California King | Depth: 16 inches | Color options: 18 | Certifications: OEKO-TEX certified for chemical safety

If you’re looking for high-quality, affordable bedding that doesn’t compromise on comfort or sustainability, the LANE LINEN 100% Organic Cotton Full Sheet Set is a standout choice. Made from OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton with a crisp percale weave, these sheets offer a breathable, hotel-quality feel that’s soft, durable, and ideal for hot sleepers. With eco-conscious packaging, reinforced seams, and deep pockets for a secure fit, this 4-piece set delivers both everyday luxury and peace of mind — all at a price that’s hard to beat.

Size: Twin to California King | Depth: 15 inches | Color options: 30 | Certifications: OEKO-TEX certified

For a crisp and soft set of bed sheets, we recommend the OneBed Cool & Lazy Sheet Set. It’s percale weave makes them feel similar to hotel sheets, and they come in lots of different color options. While they’re prone to wrinkling, we do like the 360-degree elastic that stops edges from slipping off while you snooze. Best of all, they’re OEKO-TEX certified, so if you’re concerned about chemicals, rest easy.

Materials: 100% organic cotton | Depth:15 inches | Colors: 11 options | Size: Twin to California King | Certifications: OEKO-TEX certified free of harmful chemicals

To find the best percale sheets, we evaluated dozens of popular brands and models across several key categories: breathability, softness, wear and tear, and overall sleep experience. Although we have a small amount of percale sheets we’ve tested, we’ve gone through many, many cotton sets to understand how the material breathes.

We paid special attention to how the fabric felt on the skin, how well it regulated body temperature, and how it held up after repeated laundering.

We also considered consumer reviews and expert recommendations, including insights from trusted sources such as The New York Post’s bedding guides, to make sure our selections aligned with what real users value most.

When it comes to thread count, more isn’t always better, especially with percale. The best thread count for percale sheets typically ranges from 200 to 300. This range offers the perfect balance of softness, breathability, and how it wears over time. Unlike sateen sheets, which benefit from higher thread counts for a silkier feel, percale’s lightweight weave thrives in a lower range to preserve its crisp, cool texture.

Raising the thread count above 400 can sometimes result in denser, heavier sheets that reduce airflow, counteracting one of the primary benefits of percale. When shopping for cotton percale sheets, look for a thread count in the 200 to 300 range for the most comfortable sleep experience.

When comparing percale vs. cotton sheets, the differences are minimal because, most of the time, both are made from cotton.

The label 100% cotton simply refers to the material itself, but it doesn’t tell you anything about how the fabric is woven. 100% cotton percale, on the other hand, means the sheets are made entirely of cotton and use the percale weave. This distinction matters because the weave dramatically affects the feel, breathability, and performance of your bedding, allowing more air to circulate between the sheets.

Regular 100% cotton sheets might use a sateen, twill, or jersey knit, all of which have different textures and thermal qualities. Percale sheets made from 100% cotton are matte, crisp, and cool to the touch, making them ideal for hot sleepers or those who prefer the just-washed feel. When comparing your options, understanding the difference between simple cotton and 100% cotton percale can help you make a more informed choice for better sleep.

And if you’re comparing percale vs. sateen sheets, it really comes down to personal preference. Percale sheets are matte, crisp, and tend to get softer with each wash, while sateen sheets are smoother and silkier with a subtle sheen. Bottom line? It’s all a matter of personal preference.

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