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We spend a third of our life in bed, so it’s only logical to make that the most comfortable experience possible. One critical factor in a good night’s sleep is the quality of your bed sheets, so identifying the right ones for you should be a priority. Shoppers today can choose between a range of fabrics, from linen to sateen, but cotton percale remains a favorite among customers thanks to its cooling feel and crisp texture. Percale sheets are easy to find, but identifying the best sets can be trickier. We put together this guide to help you find exactly the right sheets for you, whether you’re a hot sleeper who wants something cooling, or you’re looking for something specific like organic fibers, wrinkle resistance, or deep pockets.
Our top percale sheets picks
Best budget percale sheets: Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set
Known for affordable collections that cut out the middleman, Quince has another winning product in its Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set. Starting at almost half the price of its DTC competitors, the Quince sheet set is made in an environmentally-friendly way with 100% organic cotton and comes in 10 fun colors, including a stylish geometric print. With a one-year return policy, these sheets are a safe purchase—but we’re confident you’ll want to keep them.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% organic cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thread count: 270
- Return policy: 365 days
- Price: $59.90+
What we like:
- Great price
- Colorful range of 10 shades
- Made using windmill-powered green energy
- Long return policy
What we don’t like:
- No Twin XL size
- Not as soft as other sets
Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set
Best luxury percale sheets: Riley Percale Sheet Set
Made from 100% premium long-staple Portuguese combed cotton, the Riley Percale Sheet Set is designed to feel like a luxurious, high-quality shirt. The basic bundle doesn’t include a top sheet, but one can easily be added for a customized experience. Available in every size and in a pretty range of neutrals and blues, the Riley set is a great choice for anyone who wants an upgraded sleeping environment.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% long-staple cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thread count: 400
- Return policy: 60 days
- Price: $120.00+
What we like:
- High quality cotton for a crisp, yet soft feel
- Stylish range of colors
- Sets for every size of bed
What we don’t like:
- For the price, a top sheet is expected as part of the set
- Can be prone to wrinkling
Riley Percale Sheet Set
Best Egyptian cotton percale sheets: Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Parachute has one of the most popular sheet sets around and for good reason. The Percale Sheet Set comes in 10 attractive colors and is made of 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton that offers more softness than other cotton fibers. You do pay a premium for this quality—and will pay more if you want a top sheet—but these sheets are designed to feel better and better over time, so they make a great long-term investment.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thread count: N/A
- Return policy: 60 days
- Price: $129.00+
What we like:
- Wide range of muted, yet stylish colors
- Long-staple Egyptian cotton creates a softer feel
- Comes in Twin XL sizing
What we don’t like:
- Higher price point, yet the base price doesn’t include a top sheet
- Prone to wrinkling
Queen Percale Sheet Set in Dark Grey | Parachute
Best crisp percale sheets: Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set
Most people shopping for percale sheets want that crisp feeling on their skin and that’s exactly what the Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set delivers. The 270 thread count ensures a breathable experience, ideal for hot sleepers or warm nights, and a crispness that’s comparable to a luxury hotel. Available in a mix of classic colors and limited-edition prints and shades, these sheets also offer convenient long- and short-side labels to help simplify the bed-making process.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% long-staple cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thread count: 270
- Return policy: 365 days
- Price: $139.00+
What we like:
- Fun colorways that include bolder shades and prints
- Long- and short-side labels for easier bed making
- Thread-count that prioritizes cool, crispness
What we don’t like:
- Higher price point
- Not as soft out of the box as higher thread counts
Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set - Blue Mist size Full
Best wrinkle-free percale sheets: Land’s End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
These Land’s End Premium Supima Cotton Percale sheets are consistently ranked as the best across the board, thanks to their ideal balance of comfort and performance. Made entirely from American-grown Supima cotton, these 300 thread count sheets are durable and lightweight, with great breathability and softness straight out of the box. Unlike most other percale sheets, they have minimal wrinkling post-wash and yet never sacrifice that crisp coolness for which percale is known.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thread count: 300
- Return policy: 90 days
- Price: $139.95+
What we like:
- Made entirely from American-grown Supima cotton
- Washes with minimal wrinkles, no need to iron
- Durable, yet lightweight and breathable
What we don’t like:
- Higher price point than others on the list
Land’s End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
Best organic percale sheets: Coyuchi Crinkled Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set
The Coyuchi Crinkled Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set offers something a little different with its crinkled texture, yet with the same cooling crispness of percale. The more relaxed style comes in 15 attractive colors and is designed to soften over time for maximum comfort. These are the most expensive sheets on the list, but you’re paying for premium fibers. These Coyuchi sheets are certified organic, Fair Trade compliant and ethically made.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% organic cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thread count: Not listed
- Return policy: Any time
- Price: $168.00+
What we like:
- Unique crinkle effect is relaxed yet stylish, no pressure to iron
- Greatest range of colorways
- Certified organic and Fair Trade
What we don’t like:
- Most expensive on the list
- Some reports of shrinkage after the first wash
Organic Crinkled Percale™ Sheet Set
Best quality percale sheets: Saatva Percale Sheet Set
The Saatva Percale Sheet Set was crafted with a 200 thread count, to ensure a soft feel but also significant breathability. Recommended as a great choice for hot sleepers, this sheet set comes in every possible size and is handmade in India from 100% long-staple cotton. Saatva emphasizes its commitment to ethical craftsmanship and nontoxic, eco-friendly dyes, making this a high-quality choice throughout the production cycle. Although they only come in three simple colors (white, ivory, gray), these sets include a fitted sheet and flat sheet for great value. Good to know: Saatva has made our list of the best mattresses (and best pillows) many times over, if you’re looking to upgrade your entire bed.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% long-staple cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
- Thread count: 200
- Return policy: 45 days
- Price: $115.00+
What we like:
- Thread count and material chosen to balance softness with breathability
- The most comprehensive sizing selection
- Ethically made
What we don’t like:
- Only comes in three colors
- Not as soft as higher thread count options
Saatva Percale Sheet Set
Best deep pocket percale sheets: Casper Percale Sheet Set
There’s nothing more frustrating than struggling to make a bed with sheets that just won’t fit around the mattress, but that won’t be a concern with Casper’s Percale Sheet Set. The sheets are designed to accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches deep, which is at least 2 inches more than the nearest competitor. Stylewise, these sets are minimal and come only in white or gray, but they are designed to feel crisp and soften over time; they are often likened to hotel sheets, which will be a hit with many sleepers.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% organic cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thread count: 300
- Return policy: Any time
- Price: $109.00+
What we like:
- 18-inch deep accommodates even the thickest mattresses
- Have a hotel-room feel
- Sets include a top sheet and a fitted sheet
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options
- Can be rough before the first wash
Casper Sleep Percale Sheet Set, Twin,White
Best cooling percale sheets: Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set
It’s all in the name with the Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set: these are sure to give all hot sleepers a blissful night’s rest. The lightweight fabric, made of 100% organic cotton, is notably moisture-wicking and therefore a favorite choice during the summer months. Pact offers a fun range of saturated shades in addition to the expected neutrals and although the price is high, each set purchase includes a top sheet, a fitted sheet and a reusable laundry bag.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% organic cotton
- Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Thread count: 300
- Return policy: 60 days
- Price: $150.00+
What we like:
- Powerful cooling effect, great for hot sleepers
- Saturated color options
- Includes a top sheet and a reusable laundry bag
What we don’t like:
- High price tag
- No Twin XL size
Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set
Softest percale sheets: Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set
Percale sheets aren’t usually associated with softness—for that, people usually go for sateen or silk. Still, no one wants to sleep on rough sheets and the Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set combines the crispness of percale with surprising softness even without washing. This set is minimalist, coming in just two sizes and in only one color (white), but it’s ideal for anyone who values a cool night’s sleep, yet doesn’t want to compromise on comfort.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% cotton
- Sizes: Queen, King
- Thread count: 200
- Return policy: Any time
- Price: $109.00+
What we like:
- Not just the softest but actually soft, which is rare for percale
- High quality construction for the price
What we don’t like:
- Only available in white
- Only available in Queen or King size
Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set
What to consider when buying percale sheets?
How much do I want to spend?
As with any purchase, percale sheets come in a range of prices that suit different budgets. First, it’s important to figure out how much you want to spend. You’ll likely be using these sheets night after night, for years in a row, so you may want to invest in premium quality—but a higher price isn’t always the right choice for you. If you plan to upgrade your bed to a different size in the near future, it may not make sense to spend a lot on sheets that won’t fit that new frame.
Do I want a flat sheet?
While some of these sheet sets include both a fitted sheet and a flat sheet, others offer a flat sheet as an optional extra—for an additional cost. Consider if you actually use a flat sheet regularly at home, or if you prefer to use a duvet cover or other set of bed linens. If the sheet is included in the set then this question may not be important, but knowing in advance what your preferences are could save you money that would be wasted on an extra sheet.
What features are most important to me?
Some people want a smooth bedspread and will prioritize sheets that don’t require ironing after every wash. Others will value Egyptian cotton, organic fibers, or sheets that have more softness than the average percale material. Then, there are those who are shopping for a specific color scheme or aesthetic and need to find sheets that will complement their existing decor. While we recommend every set of sheets on this list, they each have different strengths, so it’s good to know what you value most before you make your selection.
What kind of bed will I be using these sheets on?
These sheets will only make your bed better if they’re designed to fit the bed you have. It’s not just about the size of your bed frame—although that is critical—but also about the depth of your mattress, so double check these details before you purchase. You’ll notice not every sheet set comes in a size Twin XL, so keep that in mind.
Percale sheets vs. sateen sheets vs. linen sheets
Sheets come in many styles and fabrics, to suit different kinds of sleepers. To find out if you want percale linens, or should instead go for sateen or linen sheets, ask yourself these questions.
Do I run hot or cold at night?
Most of us will know if we run hot or cold in our sleep, ignoring the external temperature of the room. If you’re a hot sleeper, then you won’t want a heavy fabric that will trap body heat; Instead, you want something light and breathable like percale. Sateen is better for those who run cold and want some extra coziness, as the weave is tighter. Linen is a good middle-ground as it’s a looser weave, known for being cool on warm nights but providing good weight and warmth on colder nights.
Do I want something soft or crisp?
All sheets should be soft enough to sleep on, but there’s a big difference in feel between percale, sateen, and linen. Percale has a crisp, cool feeling that can be refreshing, while sateen is silkier on skin and heavier. Linen is once again in the middle: While it can be a little scratchy initially, after each wash the fabric becomes softer and it is usually a mid-weight.
Will I be using these sheets year-round?
Depending on your local climate, you may want a different set of sheets for summer and winter or you may be able to use the same fabric year-round. Warm climates are more suited for percale and linen, while cold climates will benefit from sateen—or even something heavier like flannel. For a mild climate with smaller seasonal changes, linen could be a sensible option that is able to handle these fluctuations.
How we chose the best percale sheets
To identify the best percale sheets on the market, we consulted experts, customers, and our own personal experience to ensure a variety of trusted perspectives. We used a mixture of research, reviews, and product testing to create our final list. We assessed each product on a set of criteria that included price point, fiber quality, breathability, crispness, size, and color selection, and set components. We considered what different customers would value most from their sheets and identified the best sheets for those needs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is percale?
Percale doesn’t refer to a specific textile but to a specific weave; percale can come in many fibers, although every sheet set listed here is made from cotton. Specifically, a percale weave uses a one-over, one-under weave that creates a more breathable fabric than a sateen weave, which uses a one-over, three-to-five-under pattern. Percale fabrics are therefore cooler to the touch and more crisp, a desirable trait to many sleepers.
What is the best thread count on percale sheets?
Though the debates around the best thread count for sheets will continue around the internet seemingly indefinitely, there are some general numbers you can go by before you go buy. The recommended range of thread count for percale sheets is between 200 and 400. Higher than 400 and you risk a too dense fabric that doesn’t offer the breathability that percale is prized for. Too low and the resulting fabric will be scratchy and unpleasant to sleep on. Every sheet set in this selection (with a listed thread count) falls within this range, with some opting for the lower end to increase cooling, and others leaning higher for a softer feel.
Are percale sheets better than cotton sheets?
Percale sheets and cotton sheets don’t need to be mutually exclusive, with most percale sheets being made of cotton. However, cotton sheets can also come in a sateen weave, so it’s easier to find the right choice for you by assessing sheets by their weave as well as their fiber. Percale isn’t better than sateen per se, it’s more about personal preference. For hot sleepers, people who live in warmer climates, or simply those who like a crisper bedsheet, percale will likely be a better choice than another form of cotton sheet. And if you really sweat through the night, you may want to read our list of the best cooling sheets, the best cooling mattresses, and possibly the best men’s or women’s pajamas for a more comfortable night’s rest.
How do you wash percale sheets?
Most percale sheets don’t require complicated laundering, but there are a few standard practices to keep them in best condition and avoid shrinkage or pilling. In general, it’s recommended to wash sheets on a cool setting with similar colors, to avoid fabric damage or color bleeding. To dry, it’s recommended to use a low setting on the dryer, as high temperatures can stiffen fibers, fade colors and shrink the overall sheets. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach, as these can damage fibers.
Some people want to iron their sheets and percale is suitable for that, just be mindful of the temperature setting to ensure you don’t burn the fabric. If possible, don’t iron too often to prevent heat damage and, when you do iron, do so while the material is still damp. It’s also a good idea to wash new sheets before using, to help soften the fabric and remove any lingering smells or stiffness from the packaging. If you’re wondering how often you should wash your sheets, the quick answer is once per week.
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