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Home » » Percale vs. Sateen: Which Sheets Are Best?
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The quality and feel of your bed sheets may impact your sleep and overall comfort. For example, some fabrics have a rough texture and can irritate your skin, whereas others can trap in sweat.
Cotton is generally a good choice but can have different weaves, textures, and thread counts. Two popular options, percale and sateen, are made from cotton fibers. Yet, one has a crisp, cool feel and a matte appearance, while the other is silky smooth, with a shiny finish.
When it comes to percale vs. sateen, you’ll want to factor in their breathability, durability, texture, and price, among other aspects. Here’s what you know about these types of cotton weaves.
In This Guide
Differences | | | Summary
What’s the Difference between Percale and Sateen?
The terms “sateen” and “percale” refer to how the fabric is woven. Simply put, these are weaving techniques used to make sheets, pillowcases, and other bed linens.
- Percale sheets are usually made of cotton. The yarns are woven over and under each other, resulting in a crisp feel and increased durability.
- Sateen sheets are made of cotton, too, but the yarns are woven in a pattern where three or four threads go over one thread. This gives the fabric its distinctive smooth finish and luxurious sheen.
With either option, you can opt for 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and other fabrics, such as polyester. For example, some manufacturers combine cotton with rayon, nylon, or silk to make sateen sheets, scarves, and other products.
Pros and Cons of Percale Sheets
Percale feels like a freshly ironed shirt. It’s lightweight, breathable, and crisp, bringing a smooth aesthetic to your bedroom.
Another advantage is its durability and low maintenance. Percale sheets can last three to five years or longer due to their tight weave. Plus, they’re less prone to pilling than other types of sheets and can withstand frequent washing.
Their weave is cool to the touch, which makes them suitable for hot sleepers and people living in warmer climates. At the same time, they have a snug feel to them, keeping you comfortable during sleep.
A potential drawback is their susceptibility to wrinkling. Percale sheets are easy to wash and care for but require regular ironing.
Apart from that, they tend to cost more than other types of sheets, with the price being around $70 to $150. What you’ll pay depends on their composition, size, thread count, and brand. However, their durability and longevity may offset the initial investment.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Hypoallergenic
- Cool to the touch
- Durable and easy to care for
- Suitable for hot sleepers
- Tend to soften with every wash
- Have a crisp feel to them
- Maintain their quality over time
- Less prone to pilling than other fabrics
Cons
- Can feel stiff and scratchy at first
- May shrink slightly after the first wash
- Prone to wrinkles and creases
- Have a higher price tag than other fabrics
While this fabric may also feel “stiff” when new, it gets softer with every wash. You just need to give it some time.
Pros and Cons of Sateen Sheets
With its smooth surface and subtle shine, sateen can be a good choice for pillowcases and bed sheets. Just like percale, this weave is durable and has a luxurious feel to it.
But while sateen sheets are softer and silkier than percale sheets, they also tend to feel heavier. Plus, they’re less breathable and more likely to pill and retain heat. Though you may use them year-round, you may find them too warm on the hot summer days.
Sateen is prized for its resemblance to silk. It’s super smooth and drapes well, offering a cozy sensation throughout the night.
As far as pricing goes, sateen bed sheets tend to cost slightly more than percale sheets due to their higher thread count. You can get a high-quality set for less than $100, though some models can go over $200. Again, it all comes down to their brand, composition, and other factors.
Pros
- Smooth and silky, with a subtle sheen
- Have a heavier drape and retain more warmth than percale sheets
- Suitable for cold sleepers and people with sensitive skin
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Resistant to wrinkles and piling
- Remain soft over time
Cons
- Tend to bunch up due to their slippery finish
- May develop wrinkles and piling over time
- Their sheen may fade after repeated washes
- Less breathable than percale
- May feel too thick and heavy
- Can shrink if washed with hot water
Note that sateen sheets are wrinkle-resistant and less prone to pilling than percale sheets. However, they may develop creases and piling over time.
Percale vs. Sateen: Which Weave Is Right for You?
Sateen has a luxurious, silky feel and subtle sheen that can give your bed a polished look. Percale, on the other hand, feels lightweight and crisp and has a matte finish that fits into any bedroom.
Choosing between the two is a matter of personal preference. For example, not everyone enjoys the crisp feel of percale, and some people prefer silky fabrics like sateen, bamboo, or charmeuse.
As far as durability goes, both sateen and percale sheets can last for years. However, sateen is slightly more prone to wear and tear. Its sheen can fade over time, and the fabric can develop pilling and snagging, especially with improper care.
Our advice is to choose sateen sheets if:
- You want a luxurious feel
- You tend to get cold during sleep
- You enjoy the buttery-soft feel of sateen
- You’re looking for bed sheets that don’t require regular ironing
Percale sheets, on the other hand, might be a better option for those who:
- Tend to sleep hot
- Prefer the light, crisp feel of percale
- Want long-lasting sheets
- Live in a warmer climate
Lastly, note that both types of sheets can vary in quality. Our recommendation is to choose a thread count of 300 to 600 for sateen bed sheets or 200 to 400 for percale weave sheets.
If you’re ready to splurge a little, look for sateen or percale sheets made from Egyptian or Pima cotton. Sea Island cotton is an excellent choice, too. These fabrics are soft, smooth, and luxurious, blending durability and aesthetics.
About Derek Hales
Derek Halesis the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab. His insights and work has been featured on ABC's Tamron Hall Show, CBS News, ESPN, Reader's Digest, Homes & Gardens, New York Post, Business Insider, CNET, & More. Derek has personally 360+ mattresses and began testing mattresses in 2014.
9.82 Best Score (Best Mattresses Ranked)
6.23 Worst Score
For more information see our testing and scoring system explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-cooling', {content: 'Mattress materials and design can impact how cool or hot a mattress sleeps. Our cooling score is a subjective assessment based on materials, design, sinkage, and objective temperture data.Cooling Score Summary
8.7 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (Best Cooling Mattresses)
6.0 Worst Score
For more information see our cooling score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-sinkage', {content: 'Sinkage is the level to which sleepers will sink into the layers of the mattress. To test sinkage we use a 12 pound medicine ball to objectively measure the depth to which that ball sinks. This is representative of pressure point sinkage.Sinkage Data Summary
2.13" Average Sinkage (240+ mattresses tested)
3.20" Most Sinkage
1.05" Least Sinkage For more information see our sinkage score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-motion-transfer', {content: 'Motion transfer is the level of motion felt when a sleep partner moves, changes position, or gets in / out of bed. Our motion transfer score is an objective measure based on our accelerometer tests. We drop a 12 pound medicine ball on one side of the mattress and place an accelerometer on the other side. Acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2). If an object (in this case our accelerometer) accelerates in 5 m/s^2 that means the speed is increasing by 5 meters every second.
Motion Transfer Score Summary
8.2 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score
3.7 Worst Score
For more information see our motion transfer score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-ease-of-movement', {content: 'How quickly a mattress responds to sleeper movements impacts how easy or difficult it may be to change positions, move around, and get up from the mattress. Our response score is an objective measure based on mattress response time (aka responsiveness). Response time is how long the mattress is able to respond to movements and adjust back to its original shape.Response Score Summary
9.0 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score
5.0 Worst Score
For more information see our ease of movement score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-bounce', {content: 'Our bounce test is an objective measurement based on the level of bounce achieved by dropping a 12 pound medicine ball on the mattress.Bounce Data Summary
9.66" Average Bounce (240+ mattresses tested)
17.15" Most Bounce
3.34" Least Bounce
For more information see our bounce score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-edge-support', {content: 'Edge support is the amount of support provided by the edge of the mattress when sitting or lying directly on it. We measure edge support by sitting directly on the edge and taking an objective measurement of edge sinkage. We also lie directly on the edge and make a subjective assessment of performance.
Edge Support Score Summary
8.6 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score
5.1 Worst Score
For more information see our edge support score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-sex', {content: 'Our sex score is based on 5 factors including: bounce, edge support, noise, cooling, and pressure relief. Those 5 factors are weighted based on their relative importance.Sex Score Summary
8.5 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score (Best Mattresses for Sex)
6.0 Worst Score
For more information see our sex score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,}); tippy('#tooltip-pressure-relief', {content: 'Mattresses with thin comfort layers, poor material quality, poor material design, and other factors may create pressure points for some sleepers. Our pressure relief score is a subjective assessment of multiple factors.Pressure Relief Score Summary
8.7 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score
4.0 Worst Score
For more information see our pressure relief score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-off-gassing', {content: 'New mattresses may release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for a period of time. This off-gassing can create a strong smell that lingers for a period of days. Our off-gassing score is a subjective measure of the duration of the off-gassing period.Off-Gassing Score Summary
8.3 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
10 Best Score
0.0 Worst Score
For more information see our off-gassing score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-company', {content: 'Our company score is based on 5 factors including: trial period, warranty, returns, shipping, and trust. Each score is an objective rating, excluding trust, which is a subjective assessment.Company Score Summary
8.7 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
9.7 Best Score
5.2 Worst Score
For more information see our company score explanation here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-performance-tests', {content: 'Our performance tests look at 10 unique factors. These factors are a blend of objective testing data and subjective expert analysis. For more information see our performance tests explanation here. Most testing factors are color coded (green = good, yellow = okay, red = bad). However, sinkage and bounce are not color coded, despite being testing factors. These factors are not color coded because sinkage and bounce are preference based.Overall Score Summary
8.64 Average Score (240+ mattresses tested)
9.82 Best Score (Best Mattresses Ranked)
6.23 Worst Score
',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-firmness', {content: 'Firmness is rated on a 1-10 scale where 10 is the most firm. Most sleepers prefer a medium firm feel, which is a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Our firmness rating is a subjective assessment. For help in choosing the right firmness for you please visit our mattress firmness guide.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-support', {content: 'Mattress type, materials, firmness, and sleeper weight impact how a mattress will support you and the sleeping positions that are best suited for that mattress. Our support rating analyzes mattress firmness alongside body weight and sleeping positions to help ensure you select the mattress that best meets your needs.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-mattress-types', {content: 'Different mattress types have different feels. The materials used within the mattress and the mattress design can dramatically alter how a mattress feels. Your preferences and needs may make one or more types better suited to your needs. Our mattress types guide explains the major mattress types in-depth and can help guide you to the type that is best for you.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-best-for', {content: 'Our best for selections are mattresses that earned spots on one or more of our best mattress lists. You can learn how we test and score mattresses here and how we choose our best mattress winners here',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,}); tippy('#tooltip-mattress-prices', {content: 'Prices include any relevant promotions, sales, and discounts at the time of update. All mattress pricing listed in USD, except for mattresses exclusively available in a non-US country, in which case prices are listed in the respective local currency of that country. Prices subject to change without warning.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,}); tippy('#tooltip-body-contour', {content: 'Body contour is how the mattress hugs and wraps around the body. Mattresses that create a slight body contour don’t have a significant hug and float sleepers more on top of the mattresses. Mattresses with a dramatic body contour create a more significant hugging sensation and wrap around the exact shape of the body. Mattresses with a balanced body contour create more of an even and less polarizing feel.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-mattress-sinkage', {content: 'Sinkage is how deeply the body sinks into the mattress when you’re lying down. More / less sinkage is neither good nor bad. However, it will create a more specific feel. Mattresses with more sinkage generally have a more dramatic body contour. Mattresses with less sinkage generally have only a slight level of body contour, creating more of a floating on top fo the mattress feel.Sinkage Data Summary
2.12" Average Sinkage (240+ mattresses tested)
3.20" Most Sinkage
1.05" Least Sinkage',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-mattress-bounce', {content: 'Bounce is tested by dropping a 12 pound medicine ball onto the mattress. The bounce height is determined by how far the ball sinks down and rebounds back up. High / low bounce is neither good nor bad, but subject to personal preferences. However, most sleepers prefer a bounce in the moderate to high range, as it improves sex performance and makes it easier to move around on the mattress.
Bounce Data Summary
9.66" Average Bounce (240+ mattresses tested)
17.15" Most Bounce
3.34" Least Bounce',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-derek-bio', {content: 'Derek Hales - Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Derek has tested 360+ mattresses to date and began mattress testing in 2014. Derek leads all mattress tests on NapLab and is a respected voice in the world of mattresses and sleep. His insights have been featured by ABC, CBS News, ESPN, Reader's Digest, & More.
You can read Derek's full bio here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-kayla-bio', {content: 'Kayla Hein - Creative Director
Kayla has been writing about mattresses since 2017. She leads our review development process, ensuring our tests, analysis, and data come together in a way that is both easy to understand and aesthetically beautiful. Her dual master’s degrees in Product Design & Architecture give her a unique perspective that helps to improve our reviews. Kayla’s insights have been featured by Homes & Gardens, Apartment Therapy, Realtor.com, Elle, and others.
You can read Kayla's full bio here.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-kyle-bio', {content: 'Kyle Wandelt - Content Manager
Kyle joined NapLab in 2021 and works directly with Derek to conduct the actual testing on each mattress we review. He uses the data we collect on each mattress to build relevant charts, graphs, tables, and video clips. These assets allow Derek to create more interesting insights and analysis, and provide visual aids that help make our reviews easier to understand. ',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});tippy('#tooltip-samantha-bio', {content: 'Samantha Hales - Data Analyst
Samantha is married to Derek and has been an integral part of our mattress testing success since 2014. In 2021, she helped Derek develop the underlying systems, processes, and data structure that would allow Derek to build NapLab. Samantha’s degree in mathematics and genius level Google Sheets skills empowers our team to create the better reviews, comparisons, and best lists.',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,}); tippy('#tooltip-earning-trust', {content: 'Data-Driven Testing
All mattresses are tested with a consistent battery of data-driven tests. We conduct 10 individual tests and gather 35 data points on each mattress. We've tested 240+ mattresses using the exact same tests, photos, and videos so it's incredibly easy to compare mattresses.
Transparent & Fair Scoring
All testing and scoring methodologies are summarily explained within our reviews and tooltips, and fully here. Our scores are formulaically derived from our objective, systematic, and data-driven reviews.
No Paid Content
The brands we test cannot pay us to review their mattress, give them a higher score, or buy a top ranking. While many other sites promote certain mattress brands based on who pays them the most, we select winners based on our scores and clearly defined metrics',interactive: true,interactiveBorder: 30,allowHTML: true,});
