When browsing for a new luxury bedding set, you may have come across the term ‘percale cotton’ and wondered how it differs from your regular cotton sheets. But what is percale cotton? Understanding its unique qualities can help you pick the perfect bedding for your best night’s sleep. Here’s everything you need to know about percale cotton, including how it’s made, what to look out for, and how to care for it.
What Does Percale Mean?
Percale cotton is not, in fact, a fabric but a specific type of weave. The percale weave is characterised by a one-over, one-under structure, which creates a smooth and crisp finish. Its cool and lightweight feel makes it perfect for those warmer nights, and it has a matte finish, which is ideal for those who prefer a classic look to their bedroom setup.
What are the Benefits of Cotton Percale?
- Breathability: Cotton percale is highly breathable, which is ideal for warmer climates or those who tend to sleep hot. The airy weave allows for excellent air circulation, keeping you comfortable no matter the season.
- Durability: Although the weave is airy and breathable, it has a tight structure, meaning percale cotton is more resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, it can last for years.
- Crisp Feel: One of the hallmarks of cotton percale is its crisp, fresh feel- like slipping into a freshly made bed at a luxury hotel.
Percale vs Sateen
When comparing percale vs sateen, the main difference lies in the weave. While percale uses a one-over, one-under pattern, sateen has a more complex weave of, typically, four-over, one-under. This gives sateen its characteristic sheen and softness while percale remains matte and crisp. If you love a silky feel, sateen might be for you, but if you prefer a breathable fabric that will keep you cool, percale cotton is the way to go.
Why Choose Percale Cotton?
If you’re looking for luxurious yet practical bedding, percale cotton is an excellent choice. It’s durable and lightweight, keeping you comfortable throughout the night, while its timeless look complements any bedroom decor. Whether you’re shopping for something to keep you cool during the summer or bedding that will provide you with an opulent sleep experience for years to come, percale cotton is the fabric for you.
How to Care for Percale Cotton Bedding?
Although the fabric is known for its longevity, even percale cotton sheets will be prone to wear and tear if you don’t care for them properly. Fraying, bobbling, rips and loose threads can all appear on your percale cotton bedding when they’re not adequately looked after.
Washing your percale cotton sheets on the wrong setting is one way to guarantee early ageing. Using the right temperature and spin is paramount to keeping them fresh and long-wearing for years to come. We recommend washing your percale bedding in cool water at 30 degrees with a mild laundry detergent. Fabric softener can cause buildup on your sheets, leading to extra strain on the fibres. How often should you wash percale cotton bedding? Every 7-10 days should suffice.
If you prefer to dry your sheets in a tumble dryer, you’re in luck, as percale cotton can be tumble-dried. However, make sure you use a low heat setting and only load the drum to half capacity, or you’ll risk twisting and tearing the fabric. You can always air-dry your bedding if you want to err on the side of caution, but remember to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Always check the washcare instructions that come with your bedding before washing and drying your sheets.
So, what is percale cotton? Simply put, it’s a tightly woven fabric known for its durability, breathability, and crisp texture. Looking for a refresh? Why not browse our collection of luxury bedding and upgrade to a fresh, comfortable sleep experience that will stand the test of time.
