Choosing between percale and sateen sheets comes down to how you want your bed to feel. Percale is lightweight, crisp, and breathable, while sateen feels softer, smother, and a little more substantial. Both are excellent options when it comes to cotton sheets, but it all comes down to which texture you prefer.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've tested more than 400 sheet sets, evaluating everything from softness and fabric strength to pilling, shrinkage, and wrinkle resistance. We also work with hundreds of consumer testers who sleep on the sheets at home and share feedback on comfort, fit, and overall feel. Here's what you need to know to choose between percale and sateen.
What's the difference between percale and sateen?
Percale and sateen are different types of weaves. Even though they're both made from cotton, the way that the yarns are woven together gives each weave distinctive characteristics and feel.
Percale uses a simple one-over, one-under weave, which creates more points where the yarns intersect. This gives the fabric its signature crisp, lightweight feel while allowing plenty of airflow.
Sateen typically uses a four-over, one-under weave, creating a smoother surface with a subtle sheen. It's generally softer and more substantial than percale and tends to wrinkle less.
Both types of sheets are available in a wide range of thread counts. Contrary to popular belief, higher thread counts often don't translate to better quality sheets, but we've found that sheets in the 300-to-500 range have a great balance of softness and durability.
What is percale?
Percale sheets are known for their crisp feel and lightweight quality and are often compared to oxford button-down shirts, which typically have the same 1:1 weave. This classic sheet is airy and breathable with a matte finish, making it a great option for hot sleepers or those who live in warmer climates. The downside is that they can feel rough or scratchy compared to sateen sheets and tend to wrinkle more because of their crisp, durable nature.
Pros:
- Feels lightweight and crisp
- Breathable
- Durable
Cons:
- Wrinkles more easily
- Can feel rough when new
Our favorite percale sheets
Crisp, hotel-like feel and excellent durability
Offers strong value at a lower price
Has a washed finish for a more relaxed, lived-in feel
What is sateen?
Sateen sheets stand out for their smooth feel and slight sheen, with some fabrics having a slippery or silky texture. Sateen bedding is ideal for those who prefer softness over crispness. The fabric is also inherently more wrinkle-resistant compared to percale and sometimes even treated with a wrinkle-resistant finish. Still, sateen sheets can feel heavier and less breathable than percale sheets, so they're best suited for someone looking for a cozy, soft sheet.
Pros:
- Silky and smooth feel
- Slight sheen
- Durable
- Tends to wrinkle less than percale
Cons:
- May feel too thick for some
- Not great for hot sleepers
Our favorite sateen sheets
Soft, smooth feel without being overly heavy
California Design Den 400 TC Cotton Sateen Sheet Set
Stands out for its performance and affordable price
The Company Store Legends Hotel Supima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sheet Set
Has an especially smooth, luxurious feel
The final verdict: percale or sateen?
It’s ultimately a matter of personal preference! In our evaluations, testers typically preferred the soft feel of sateen when compared side-by-side, while percale stands out for its breathability.
- If you love a light, crisp sheet with good breathability and aren't bothered by wrinkles, go with percale.
- If you prefer a soft, smooth sheet with a little more wrinkle resistance and heft, go with sateen.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu has tested over 100 sheet sets in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. She's written several stories on different types of sheets and personally tested dozens of sets, but cotton percale remains her favorite. Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
