What is Cotton Percale and Why is it Considered a Luxury?

When it comes to bedding, cotton percale is a popular choice due to its high quality, durability, and luxurious feel. But what exactly is cotton percale, and what makes it so special compared to other types of cotton weaves? Here’s everything you need to know:

What is Cotton Percale?

Cotton percale is a type of weave that is created by weaving one thread over and one thread under, resulting in a tight, closely woven fabric with a matte finish. The weave pattern creates a smooth, cool texture that feels crisp and comfortable against the skin. Cotton percale is typically made from high-quality cotton fibres, which makes it durable and long-lasting.

Different Types of Cotton Weaves

While cotton percale is a popular choice for luxury bedding, there are other types of cotton weaves to consider as well. Here are a few of the most common:

Sateen Weave

Sateen weave is a satin-like fabric with a lustrous finish. The weave is created by weaving four threads over and one thread under, resulting in a smooth and silky texture. Sateen weave is less breathable than percale, but it is softer and more luxurious to the touch.

Twill Weave

Twill weave is a diagonal pattern created by weaving one thread over and under two or more threads. This creates a strong and durable fabric that is often used for denim and other heavy-duty clothing items. In bedding, twill weave is often used for duvet covers and shams.

Jersey Knit

Jersey knit is a soft, stretchy fabric that is made by knitting cotton fibres together. This creates a fabric that is comfortable and breathable, making it a popular choice for casual bedding.

Flannel

Flannel is a soft, fuzzy fabric that is often brushed on one or both sides to create a fluffy texture. It is typically made from cotton or wool fibers and is often used for winter bedding due to its warmth and coziness.

Why is Cotton Percale Associated with Luxury Bedding?

Here are some reasons why cotton percale is often associated with luxury bedding and used in luxury hotels:

Tight weave and luxurious feel

Cotton percale sheets are woven using a one-over-one-under pattern, which produces a tight and closely knit weave. This tight weave pattern makes the sheets smoother and softer to the touch, creating a luxurious and comfortable feel that enhances the sleeping experience.

The use of high-quality cotton fibres in the production of percale sheets also contributes to their superior softness. The cotton used is combed to remove any impurities and shorter fibers, resulting in a smoother and more durable material. The combed cotton fibers are then tightly woven into the percale fabric, creating a smooth and soft surface that feels great against the skin.

Matte finish

Unlike other cotton weaves, such as sateen, cotton percale has a matte finish. This gives it a classic, timeless look that is often associated with luxury bedding.

Durability

Cotton percale is known for its durability and long-lasting quality. The tight weave helps to prevent the fabric from showing signs of wear and tear over time, making it a practical choice for those who want bedding that will last for many years.

Breathable

Percale cotton is a lightweight and breathable material that allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. This makes cotton percale sheets an excellent choice for warm climates or those who tend to sleep hot.

Frequently asked questions

Are percale cotton sheets better than sateen sheets?

Both percale and sateen sheets have their unique advantages. Percale sheets are known for their crisp and cool feel, while sateen sheets have a silky and smooth surface. It all depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a sheet.

When it comes to durability, percale sheets are often considered the better choice due to their tight weave pattern. They are less likely to pill or tear over time and tend to hold up well after multiple washes. Sateen sheets may be more prone to snagging or pilling, and their sheen may fade over time.

How often should I wash my percale cotton sheets?

It is recommended to wash your percale cotton sheets every one to two weeks, depending on use. If you tend to sweat at night or have allergies, you may want to wash your sheets more frequently

How to wash percale cotton sheets?

Bemboka cotton percale sheets are machine washable and tumble dry-friendly, making them easy to care for and maintain. To wash cotton percale sheets, use a mild detergent and cold water in a washing machine. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, and wash them separately from other items to prevent snagging. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Ironing is optional, but if desired, use a low heat setting. With proper care, your Bemboka cotton percale sheets can last for many years and continue to look and feel soft and luxurious.

Do percale cotton sheets wrinkle easily?

Percale cotton sheets may wrinkle more than other bedding materials, but proper care and ironing can help to keep them looking crisp and fresh.

Buy Cotton Percale Sheets

Bemboka offers a premium collection of 100% cotton percale sheets – woven in Portugal using the finest pure, single-ply cotton yarn. Bemboka percale flat sheets, fitted sheets and duvet covers are designed with a single-ply 300TC weave, providing the ultimate softness and durability.