I tried the brand’s 300 thread count organic percale sheet set and the organic printed percale sheet set. Unlike the organic print, this set has a wider hemline on the sheets and pillowcases, and (I’m assuming) a higher thread count since it’s highlighted in the product name. I must say, I’m not 100% sure how they are technically different, but they both have their own unique feel. 300 thread count sheets are thick, crisp and truly mimic linen bedding. My main complaint is that it’s too brittle and not amazing to snuggle in after a long day, and I wish it was unwashed linen instead of percale. But I’ve found that there’s also a benefit: I’m sure that, like linen, it gets softer with every wash and will last for years to come. The main thing that stands out is the breathability. It wasn’t the coldest sleep of my life, but it was light and airy (like linen too). So, linen lovers, if you don’t want to iron wrinkled sheets every week, then definitely give this percale set a try.
Best Smooth Percale Sheet Set: Double Stitch
Double-needle stitching completes the smooth, percale sheet. I know people who choose sateen sheets or bamboo don’t like percale because of its stiffness – this set is an outlier for them. Why? Because it contains 65% lyocell fiber and 35% cotton. Tencel Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fabric derived from wood pulp (in many cases bamboo pulp) that replicates the luster of silk at a lower price. It also has moisture-wicking properties. Mixing a satin texture with matte cotton threads, this soft percale sheet set is born.
Double Stitch is the new, more upscale sister company to popular and affordable bedding brand Bedsure, so it’s understandable that the set is at a disadvantage with only 14 reviews on the site. As a fan of bamboo lyocell and occasionally fatigued by its smooth properties, I think this hybrid is genius. The construction is also great and the sheet covers my mattress well. I slept comfortably, not freezing, but definitely mild. This might be obvious, but this set really gives you the best of both worlds, making it a huge hit with the crowd.
Best Cool Percale Sheet Set: Shipped
Most reviewers from Saatva (known for its luxury mattresses) praise this sheet set’s cool and soft threads, but they warn about the wrinkled nature of the fabric. I didn’t have too many problems and found that the steam dryers did a good job of removing wrinkles from the sheets, but what they lacked in smoothness they made up for in temperature regulation. They’re lightweight, slightly thin so they don’t trap body heat, and have a lovely soft braided construction. The fabric is made of long-staple cotton with a thread count of 200 for improved breathability. Bonus: The sheets feature deep pockets that can accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches. If you prefer a softer, more comfortable experience, steer clear. If you’re feeling hot, though, definitely try these.
Best Crisp Percale Sheet Set: CB2
I admit, as a soft bedding lover, I wasn’t blown away by these sheets, but if you like crisp bedding, you need to get these sheets ASAP. They have a pleated quality to them and are a bit thin, and while I’m personally not crazy about the texture, they’re still quite comfortable to bury my face in, especially when I’m flipping my pillow over in the middle of the night. And, the 400 thread count of this set is very impressive. I opted for the white colorway, but many reviewers raved about the deep emerald green hue, which according to one CB2 reviewer is a “rich color that doesn’t lose its luster when washed.”
Other Percale Sheets We Love
protocol
I didn’t have a chance to test Pact’s popular cooling sheet set. However, based on live reviews, it’s definitely worth a look. Pact is another eco-conscious brand that uses organic cotton from Fairtrade companies. You can purchase this set in six chic yet earthy colorways. Besides softness, one of the main things reviewers have in common is size. According to one verified buyer, the top sheet is long enough to tuck the bottom into the mattress while still covering the pillows.
bedesur
At just over $40, it can’t hurt to add this sheet set to your collection. Although the price is low, the quality is high according to reviews. It has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon, with many reviewers mentioning how soft, cool, and classic they are. They’re made from 100% Oeko-Tex certified cotton and are available in nine colors, depending on the size you choose. The reviewer’s main annoyance is that they do have a stubborn problem.
What to look for in the best percale sheets:
Here are a few things to consider when deciding which cotton percale sheet set to buy.
Percale cotton sheets can range in price because the quality of cotton varies. Are the sheets 100% cotton? Are they organic? Are cotton fibers long-stranded? Is it Egyptian cotton? Does it have certification? The list goes on. Many of the sets on this list cost over $100 because they’re made from organic long-strand cotton, which has a cool, breathable, and soft feel, just like percale sheets. That being said, you can still find worth-buying sets, like this one from Bedsure, for as little as $40. But to be on the safe side, scope the price range between $100 and $200 for a durable complete set of sheets, and make sure the sheets have a solid return policy. If your price is over $200, it should offer the same high-quality, luxury hotel style as Parachute’s.
Many hot sleepers love percale sheets because of their crisp feel and breathable weave. Percale fabrics can sometimes become so brittle that people are afraid to use them at all. (Blends are a good choice here.) A good percale sheet set knows how to balance the matte texture of the weave with the softness of the threads. This is why so many people covet high-end Egyptian cotton sheets—thin and long threads provide a softer feel. Overall, the sheets you choose should have a cool, dry, and functional feel, rather than the luxurious comfort of silk or bamboo sheets.
