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Last Updated September 29, 2026
Are you on the quest to find the perfect sheet for a good night’s sleep? If yes, you might have probably heard the two terms - ‘sateen’ and ‘percale’ a thousand times. But what are they? Got any idea? In this article, we will explain to you in detail about sateen and percale, their benefits, and how they differ from each other, so that you can be better equipped to choose between the two!
Before we directly head on to percale and sateen bed sheets, there’s something that you should know. Both percale and sateen don’t refer to any kind of material; they are actually the styles of weave used in textile manufacturing.
If you’re looking for sheets with a classic crisp and a smooth feel, this is it! Percale Sheets use a simpler weave, that is, one thread over - one thread under, and are characterized by a matte finish.
With its super-breathable weave, percale can make your skin comfortable, no matter what the weather is. Percale sheets can stand the test of time and get softer after every wash. Most of them have a thread count of at least 200 weaves, making the weave fairly tight.
Several materials can be used in the making of percale sheets. This includes cotton, polyester, rayon, and lyocell. A percale sheet offers a cooler sleep experience and is a better option for those living in warmer climates.
If you love sheets with butterfly softness, a silky feel, and a subtle shine, then go for Sateen Sheets. This type of sheet uses one yarn under - three or four yarns over weave. And so, when weaving, fabric production is 4 times faster than percale fabric.
Sateen sheets lie heavier on your body; this is great if you’re much more likely to get chilly during the night. They give you extra warmth, keep you cozy, and a good night’s sleep all year round.
Materials such as polyester, rayon, cotton, and lyocell are mostly used to make sateen sheets. They are naturally wrinkle-resistant, and so they have a super smooth look even without ironing.
Percale's one under, one over structure has better breathability than sateen. This makes the percale weave ideal during the summer months. If you are someone who sleeps with a foot hanging out of bed or are often hot at night, there’s no second thought; you can rush to the stores and grab the cool and crisp percale sheets. On the other hand, sateen, with its one-under and three (or more) over weave, traps more heat. Therefore, they make an excellent choice during the winter months.
Percale feels crisp, whereas sateen feels soft. The sateen structure is weaker than the percale structure. That is, to reach a good level of thread cohesion, sateen sheets require a much higher thread count compared to percale. Also, due to the higher thread count, more cotton is used, which in turn means ‘sateen costs higher.’
However, both these types of sheets have potential benefits that may conquer the hearts of some sleepers and potential drawbacks that may not be appreciated by others.
| Category | Sateen | Percale |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Moderately durable | Highly durable |
| Breathability |
Lower |
Higher |
| Comfort and feel |
Soft and silky. Ideal for people with skin sensitivity. |
Light, crisp, and smooth feel |
| Wrinkle resistance |
Wrinkle-free |
Prone to wrinkles |
| Thread count | Thread count | One-under-one-over (Lower) |
Whether you choose percale or sateen sheets depends truly on your personal preferences and choices. At Turmerry, we offer high quality percale and sateen sheets, as we believe their supreme softness and feel can give our customers the most comfortable sleep. But this is not just enough! There’s much more you have to do when it comes to bedding.
Combine your high-quality bed sheets with a fabulous latex mattress, pillows, and comforters to create a personal sanctuary. Consider the fabric of your bed sheets, pillowcases, and also your comforters. If you give careful attention to all these things, we’re sure that you are going to create a luxury bedding collection to cherish for years to come!
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Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
