The Great Debate: Sateen Vs. Percale Sheets (2024)

In the great debate between sateen versus percale sheets, many people erroneously assume they’re two entirely different fabrics. But the terms “percale” and “sateen” actually describe two different weaving patterns, which give the resulting sheets (which can be made with almost any textiles material, including cotton, polyester and viscose) very distinct characteristics.

“Percale is a fabric option that follows a one-over, one-under weaving pattern,” says Parima Ijaz, textile expert and founder of Pure Parima. “This results in a matte and crisp hand feel that works best for hot sleepers.” Sateen, she explains, has a three over, one-under weaving pattern. “This weave results in a soft, silky and smooth hand feel, which is great for those who prefer a warmer sheet.” Since percale and sateen are among the most popular sheets you can buy, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of both weaves to help you decide which is best for your bedroom.

What Is Percale?

The tight-weave knit pattern of percale is often compared to a crisp dress shirt. “It’s the most common weave used for standard fabrics because it’s simple, efficient and results in a product that is crisp, comfortable and durable,” says Leo Wang, bedding expert and co-founder of Buffy. That durability means this material won’t pill with time, and you can expect these sheets to get softer and better with every wash.

Percale is ideal for hot sleepers because the basketweave pattern allows for excellent airflow between the threads. “The main benefit of percale is its ability to keep you cool throughout the night, especially those who live in a warmer climate,” says Ijaz. It also gives the finished sheet a slightly coarser feel than sateen. But for smooth softness and breathability, Ijaz advises looking for percale sheets made with extra-long staple Egyptian cotton.

Pros Of Percale

• Smooth, matte finish that softens with time
• Breathable weave pattern that encourages airflow
• Durable

Cons Of Percale

• Coarser finish than sateen
• More prone to wrinkling
• May not be suitable in colder climates

What Are Some Of The Best Percale Sheets

What Is Sateen?

The sateen weave exposes more thread surface, which creates a silky feel and luxurious sheen. If you look closely enough, you notice a diagonal pattern. “Sateen is usually made with thicker yarn and creates a heavier, but silkier, fabric,” says Ijaz. The weaving pattern means it’s generally more resistant to wrinkles, and according to Wang, sateen is also softer, more lustrous, more luxurious looking and slightly cooler to the touch.

“Sheets made with an extra-long staple cotton, especially Egyptian cotton, will result in the most luxurious sheet that has all the benefits of cotton while giving the look and feel of cotton,” says Ijaz. But be warned that the tighter weave means sateen tends to hold more warmth, which isn’t ideal for hot sleepers. Wang also cautions that sateen made from lower-quality materials or not cared for properly can be more fragile.

Pros Of Sateen

• Soft and silky
• More resistant to wrinkling
• Smooth drape

Cons Of Sateen

• Retains more warmth
• May be more susceptible to pilling or snagging
• Slippery feel and subtle sheen may not appeal to everyone

What Are Some Of The Best Sateen Sheets

Sateen Vs. Percale Sheets

The differing weaves in percale and sateen sheets give them different characteristics. “Either is great and has its benefits,” says Ijaz. “It simply depends on whether you prefer sleeping on softer or crisper sheets.”

Hot sleepers should appreciate the crisp, cool feel of percale, which generally has a matte finish and excellent durability. For a smoother, more luxurious feel (on the order of satin, minus the expensive price tag and inherent fragility), sateen is a great option. It has a heavier feel and a smooth drape, and sateen sheets are also more resistant to wrinkling.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between percale and sateen sheets really comes down to what you personally find comfortable. “If you prefer a matte, cooling material and want to avoid overheating in the night, percale would work better for you,” says Ijaz. “However, if you need more warmth and prefer a softer, silkier feel, sateen would work best for you.”

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

We’re no strangers to good sleep here at Forbes Vetted, and we tapped into our extensive collective experience to research this story. In addition to personally testing some of the sheets we’ve recommended here, we also consulted with two textile experts for their insight.

What Is Better Sateen Or Percale?

It’s largely a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a matte, cooling material to combat overheating, percale is a good choice. If you need more warmth and like sheets with a soft, silky feel, sateen is likely the better option.

Do Hotels Use Sateen Or Percale?

While some luxury or boutique properties may offer sateen linens for their silky feel, Wang says most hotels use percale. Ijaz agrees. “Percale is more durable due to its weave and has greater longevity for hotel use,” she says. “The cooling nature of the sheets also creates a more comfortable environment for guests.”

Which Wrinkles More Sateen Or Percale?

Ijaz says it can vary depending on the fabric, but percale is generally more likely to wrinkle. “The tight-knit weave doesn’t flow as easily as sateen.” She shares this tip for avoiding wrinkles: “Pull out your sheets from the dryer when they’re 90% dry and make the bed. Not only will your sheets be pulled taut and free of wrinkles, they’ll dry to the shape of your bed, avoiding any shrinking.”

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