By Johnson :strip_icc()/PercaleBambooandEucalyptusSheetsRound2_WestElmsilkyTencelSheetSetandPillowcases_RM_259-31bf8bf028ed4e69b3230b82c839bc37.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "The 6 Best Percale Sheets, Tested by BHG")
Cotton sheets are known for being blissfully soft and breathable. While most cotton fibers are soft, the type of weave is an important consideration for truly sumptuous slumber. And if crisp, cool sheets that make your bed feel like a fancy hotel are your preference, you’re going to want to look for percale sheets.
Made with an over-under structure, percale is one of the most common types of sheet weaves, and they’re usually (though not always) made of cotton. The over-under weave “results in a fabric that’s crisp, light, and has a fairly matte finish,” says Saana Baker, a textile expert based in San Francisco. “When you hold percale in your hand, it has body to it—it’s less limp than sateen, and has some structure, but can have an incredibly soft hand.”
To find the best percale sheets, we tested more than 70 sets of percale sheets both at home and in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. The sheets were assessed based on four categories: quality, texture, breathability, and durability. We also consulted Baker on what to look for when shopping for a set of percale sheets.
What We Tested
We’ve evaluated over 70 percale sheet sheets on their quality, texture, breathability, and durability. For more information on how we tested the best percale sheets, check out our testing process below.
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Why You Should Get It
Elegant, organic, and very breathable, these percale sheets are wonderful for hot sleepers.
The West Elm 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set’s stellar performance made it the best percale sheet set in our testing, and it’s an especially good choice for anyone looking for an organic option.
These 100% organic cotton percale sheets, which are both GOTS and Fair Trade certified, wowed us with their high-quality details such as elegant pleated edges and a crisp, clean texture. The fabric is flawless, and all in all, we think the set is a worthy investment.
These sheets are cooling, breathable, and just right for warm-weather use. They warm up a little when you snuggle up in them, but never caused us to overheat, indicating they’re a good option for hot sleepers. Some light shines through them, so they’re nice and airy, but they still feel somewhat thick and substantial.
They also performed perfectly after going through the wash—the fabric retained its nice quality and didn’t develop any imperfections. They resisted stains reasonably well, too. The makeup stain lingered somewhat at first on the white color we tested but easily came out with a laundry stain remover.
We have few criticisms of these sheets, but it’s worth mentioning that they’re not available in as many color options as some other percale sheets on this list. The fabric also became a little wrinkly after being washed, though we were able to mostly smooth the wrinkles out while making the bed.
How It Performed After Six Months
We used these sheets regularly for six months and were pleased to find that they held up beautifully. No holes or rips developed, and the texture remained as crisp and cool as the first day we started testing them.
Product Details: Pocket Size: Not listed | Sizes: Full, queen, king, and California king | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade Certified
Key Terms to Know
- Weave: The weave of a sheet refers to the way the fibers are woven in. With percale sheets, the fibers have an over-under structure that gives them their crisp texture.
- Thread count: This is the number of threads in a square inch of fabric—but more isn’t always better. In general, percale has a thread count of 200 or higher.
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They may be the most affordable percale sheets on this list, but the Better Homes & Gardens Cool & Crisp 3-Piece 300 Thread Count Blue Water Cotton Percale Sheet Set performed exceptionally well in all testing categories.
This set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, and is sold in a wide range of colors plus a few stylish patterns. The quality and design make these percale sheets a great choice for anyone looking for a good balance of style and value.
Made of 100% cotton, these percale sheets have a very nice hand feel. We noticed that they were smooth and soft against our skin and maintained a consistent texture after the first few washes. The material is also nice and breathable with good airflow, making them a good choice for hot sleepers or warm nights. The pocket on the fitted sheet is also deeper than average, so they’ll fit most mattresses with ease.
But we were especially impressed by the durability of these sheets, particularly given their lower price. By the end of the testing period, the sheets still looked nearly new, with no signs of wear and tear. The fitted sheet maintained its original size—no shrinkage here—and the fabric continued to look well-made and high-quality.
Less expensive sheets sometimes lack nice-to-have details, and this set doesn’t have a top/bottom marking along the sides of the sheets. But other than that, we had no criticisms for these nearly perfect percale sheets.
How It Performed After Three Months
Six months later, we didn’t notice any meaningful changes in the quality of these percale sheets: No loose threads, tears, fading, or lingering stains emerged after regular use, and the stitching and overall appearance remained nice-looking.
The fitted sheet continued to hold on a mattress firmly, and there was no shrinkage beyond what you’d expect from standard cotton sheets. The fabric also felt noticeably softer and more comfortable over time, though it did lose some of its crispness.
Product Details: Pocket Size: 18 inches | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king | Certification: Oeko-Tex
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If you’re seeking a classic percale set, the Pom Pom at Home Cotton Percale Sheets will deliver with their gorgeous crisp texture. In testing, we found these sheets to be wonderfully breathable and durable with a perfectly smooth hand feel.
These 100% percale cotton sheets are a little more expensive than some other options, but we thought their high quality justifies the price. The fabric performed very well in our abrasion test, and didn’t develop any pilling, thinning, or loose threads whatsoever. We feel confident they’ll hold up well with continued use.
As mentioned, if you are drawn to the crispness that can be found in percale sheets, these are a great option. While not quite as soft as some others (and in fact, the material became a little less soft post-wash), they have a structured, well-made feeling that invokes expensive hotel sheets. They also performed well in our water drop test, indicating they have very good moisture-wicking abilities.
The only downside, other than their higher price, is these sheets delivered a more average performance in terms of resisting stains: The coffee spill came out fully in the wash, but the foundation stain partially remained after the sheets were laundered.
How It Performed After Six Months
These sheets softened up a bit with regular use, but they still kept their wonderful crisp texture. After three months, they still look expensive and well-made. They’re cooling and are perfect for summer.
Product Details: Pocket Size: 15 inches | Sizes: Twin, queen, king, and California king | Certifications: Not listed
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For cooling percale sheets that will hold up for years, we recommend the Casper Percale Sheet Set. These sheets are breathable and lightweight but still maintain a nice sense of structure—as a result, they’re ideal for warm nights. We felt very cool and content sleeping on these sheets and never became too hot.
We were also very impressed by the durability of these percale sheets. Because they’re so lightweight and airy, we wondered if they might not hold up well as other options. So we were delighted to find that they washed beautifully and continued to look perfect with regular use, with no pilling, changes in color, or texture changes.
Though they scored very well in most categories we tested, these Casper percale sheets had a slightly lower score for texture: While not at all uncomfortable, they are a little bit scratchier and more crisp than some of the softer options on this list. If you’re drawn to super soft cotton sheets, these may not be the best percale sheets for you. The fitted sheet in the set also isn’t quite as snug as some others we tested, though the elastic band has held up well.
How It Performed After One Month
These Casper sheets held up exceptionally well after a month of daily use. We continued to appreciate how cooling they are—we never woke up overly hot—and love the lightweight, well-made texture.
Even though the fabric is lightweight, we haven’t experienced any pilling, holes, loose threads, or general signs of wear and tear. They even held up to a dog sleeping on them with no snags.
Product Details: Pocket Size: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Certification: Not listed
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Why You Should Get It
These soft, comfortable sheets aren’t quite as crisp as some others on this list, which some people may prefer.
If you are drawn to soft sheets that aren’t overly stiff, the Parachute Percale Sheet Set may be for you. These percale sheets have a high-end texture that’s cool to the touch, but they aren’t quite as crisp as some other percale fabrics on this list.
These sheets are on the pricier side, and you can tell as soon as you open the package that they have a quality construction. We didn’t spot any loose threads or imperfections, and there’s tight stitching at the seams. We immediately thought the fabric would be able to withstand heavy use and many washes, and it did indeed earn top scores in our tests for durability.
These percale sheets also held up well in our tests for breathability. Though they’re cozy to lie on, they also felt airy and didn’t cause us to become too hot. They washed well, too—the fabric retained its beautiful texture post-wash and didn’t experience any shrinkage.
These sheets are a little on the pricey side, but we thought the exceptional quality of these percale sheets justified the cost. Just keep in mind that the set doesn’t include a top sheet, though you can purchase one separately
How It Performed After Three Months
No complaints here: These lovely and lightweight sheets held up beautifully with continued use. We were particularly happy that we could continue using them in both warmer and cooler evenings, making them a good year-round choice. They also washed nicely, and we found stains came out easily.
Product Details: Pocket Size: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Certification: Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
The Bottom Line
The best percale sheet set is the West Elm 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set. They looked as good as they felt, with high-end details like elegant stitching that look beautiful on a bed. They also performed exceptionally well in our tests for breathability and durability.
Our Testing Process
To determine the best percale sheets, we tested over 70 sets both at home and in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We evaluated each set of percale sheets based on four categories: overall quality, texture, breathability, and durability.
First, we opened each set of sheets in the lab and checked to see if there were any loose threads or imperfections. (The label was covered up, so we didn’t know the brand or price.) We also measured the sheets to confirm their sizing and put them on a mattress to evaluate their fit.
Next, we considered the texture of the percale sheets, noting whether they felt crisp or silky, soft or rough. We also laid down on the sheet for five minutes to assess the breathability and conducted a durability test by washing the sheet to note whether there was any shrinkage or change in quality.
Finally, the top-rated percale sheets went home for additional long-term testing to see how they held up over time.
Better Homes & Gardens
Other Percale Sheets We Tested
Thuma Cotton Percale Sheet Set
There’s a lot to love about that Thuma Cotton Percale Sheet Set, including its soft, breathable, and lightweight texture and durability (makeup stains easily washed away, and the texture didn’t change post-wash). These sheets are on the expensive side, though, and given their higher price point, we thought they should have performed better in some areas—the fitted sheet, for example, kept popping off the mattress while we used it.
Brooklinen Organic Percale Core Sheet Set
The Brooklinen Organic Percale Core Sheet Set has a lovely crisp but still soft texture and a medium weight that’s comfortable to sleep on. These sheets didn’t perform very well in our absorbency tests, however, and stains also didn’t come out in the wash. What’s more, we noticed several loose threads, all of which suggest these may not hold up quite as well as some other percale options over time.
Better Homes & Gardens
What to Know About Percale Sheets Before Shopping
Pocket Size
The pocket size of a fitted sheet refers to the depth of the elastic corners. If you’re not sure how deep a fitted sheet you’ll need, think about the depth of your mattress: A thicker mattress will need a deeper pocket size than a smaller one.
In general, Baker recommends choosing a deeper pocket size when in doubt, since one that’s too shallow risks exposing your mattress.
Certifications
As with other kinds of sheets, you might find percale sheets that have been certified by groups such as Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) and Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex.
- GOTS: If a set of sheets has this certification, it means the supply chain has been verified to meet a strict set of standards and the company uses organic materials. In their products.
- Oeko-Tex: A common certification, the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex label indicates that the sheets are free of any substances that may be harmful.
Bedding certifications are “a matter of personal preference,” Baker says, though investing in one such as Oeko-Tex may give you peace of mind that you’re not bringing any toxic chemicals into your home. “In general, though, a cotton percale is going to be a pretty nontoxic item,” she adds.
Care
Percale is known for washing well, Baker says. While it’s a good idea to always check the manufacturer’s instructions, you can usually wash percale sheets in medium water or even a hot wash for a deep clean. Just keep in mind: “If you have colored sheets, hot temperatures will cause the colors to fade faster,” Baker warns.
Like all natural fibers, percale sheets do have a tendency to wrinkle—Baker says this fabric tends to wrinkle more than sateen but less than linen. The key to avoiding super-wrinkly percale sheets, she says, is to remove them from the dryer before they get overly dried.
“You want to dry them on a fairly low temperature—medium is fine—and don’t stuff the dryer,” she says. “If you take the sheets out when they’re still warm and barely dry, give them a good shake, and kind of press down as you fold them, you can often avoid ironing.”
And while percale in general is a sturdy fabric, you’ll always want to be a little careful when washing colored or printed percale sheets, as well as those with any embellishments or embroidery. “Those are beautiful but do require a bit more care,” Baker says.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of percale sheets?
Percale sheets have quite a few benefits, but the number-one reason to invest in a set is if you love the way percale feels. “Crisp is the best way to describe it,” Baker says. People who appreciate the feeling of crisp sheets (think expensive hotel linens) tend to be drawn to percale. These sheets can still be very soft, but they have more structure than other options.
Percale sheets can also be a great year-round option, Baker says, though they’re especially nice for warmer nights or hot sleepers. “To me, it sleeps a little cooler than sateen,” she says. “It’s definitely for all climates, but it does well when it’s warm out.”
Durability is another strength. “Percale can last really a long time,” Baker says, adding that she has percale sheets that she’s owned for over 15 years that still feel nice. You can expect them to become softer and softer with continued use, too. “If you buy a high quality one and wash it over time, the finish can almost become sueded or velvety.”
Who We Are
Kathleen Felton is a writer originally from Connecticut, now living in Sydney, Australia, covering home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. She specializes in bedding and furniture content. To compile this list of the best percale sheets, Kathleen spoke to Saana Baker, a textile expert in San Francisco, California.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.