When you usually go to hunt for the perfect cotton weave, you’ll probably notice that you’re frequently confronted with two words: Percale & Sateen. 

But, first things first. Both sateen and percale refer to the style of weave used while manufacturing the textile. So even within each category, there’s a good deal of variation between sheet sets.

 Let's have a better look at how these weaves are different from each other.

PERCALE

Percale refers to the type of weave. The yarns, or threads, form a grid-like pattern with a one-under, one-over weave. The threads are tightly woven together. It is defined by an ultra-breathable weave that feels comfortable against the skin no matter what the weather.

As percale sheets have a simpler weave, they are often matte textured and have a sharp handfeel. Percale sheets often weigh less, are cooler, and breathe better. Its exceptional resilience ensures that the fabric won't pill over time. Percale sheets are a game changer for those who sleep hot or live in warmer climates and will give you a crisp, cool sleep year-round.

SATEEN

Sateen weave uses one vertical thread woven for every four horizontal threads, which gives them their distinctive look and feel.  This type of weave creates a silky smooth surface with a luminous sheen and is known for its luster and drape. Sateen sheets are naturally wrinkle-resistant, so they have a smooth look without ironing.

Unlike percale weave, this weave makes the resulting sheets a bit heavier than percale, which can make them seem cozy and luxurious. However, they may also be more likely to trap heat. Sleepers who tend to get cold during the night or live in colder climates may appreciate the extra warmth from these sheets. They will keep you warm and comfortable all year around.

Which one to choose?

Bedding made of percale and sateen has quite diverse personalities, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Sateen is smooth, heavy, and wrinkle-resistant, but percale is light, crisp, and long-lasting.

We advise trying both styles for a perfectly balanced bedding set rather than attempting to decide which one you should choose. They do, after all, complement one another! Enjoy percale's crisp coolness in the summer and sateen's creamy-soft softness when winter arrives.

Shop our finest collection of SATEEN and PERCALE bedding ranges.