If you’ve been asking yourself, “What is Percale?” look no further. Breathable and soft to the touch, it will certainly make you feel like you’re sleeping in luxury. Read on to learn more about percale and its benefits.

What Is Percale?

Percale refers to a style of weave; it is a finely woven crisscross pattern. The over-under style creates a tight-knit fabric that is smooth and crisp to the touch. Originally woven on looms, early types of percale weave were exported around the world from India. The benefits of the woven pattern quickly caught the attention of textile manufacturers. Percale weave is still a popular option today, known for its quality, softness, and luxury feel.

This particular style of weave is commonly used to make sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding materials. Cotton is often the go-to material for percale-weave fabric due to its lightweight and airy feel. Most percale sheets have a thread count between 200 and 400. In the United States, percale sheets have to have a minimum thread count of 180 to be considered authentic percale weave.The higher the thread count, the smoother, softer, and more luxurious your bedsheets will feel. With every wash, the material will soften.

Tip!

To learn more about thread sheet counts, read our guide Bed Sheet Thread Count: What You Should Know.

Benefits of Percale

Smooth

The fibers in percale are so finely woven that they create a surface that is smooth to the touch. Many hotels use high-quality cotton sheets with a percale weave so guests can enjoy the luxurious smoothness. To feel that same sense of luxury at home, opt for a percale set of sheets that will turn your bed into a hotel-like experience.

Breathable

Percale-woven sheets are known for being breathable. While they are tight-knit, they are usually made from high-quality cotton, making them light, airy, and breathable. Cotton, combined with the percale weave, does not trap heat within the fabric, making it the perfect option for warmer climates or warm sleepers.

Durable

The tight weave creates a durable fabric that is resistant to pilling and breaking. Percale-woven sheets are strong and will last a long time. Keep in mind that repeated washing can cause fibers to break down which could ultimately cause pilling over time.

Low-Maintenance

Percale-woven sheets are commonly made of high-quality cotton and are fairly low maintenance. Your percale-woven sheets will become softer with every wash. Some percale-woven sheets may be blended with silk, which may require dry cleaning. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before washing.

Affordable

Percale sheets vary in price depending on the type of cotton fiber, quality, density, and thread count. For a full sheet set, prices typically range from $40 to $70. For a more expensive option, look for percale weave that incorporates Egyptian cotton and a higher thread count. Egyptian cotton tends to be more costly than regular cotton or a poly-cotton blend of percale weave.

Tip!

Want to learn more about sheets? Read Your Guide to the Best Sheets for Sleepers of All Kinds.