If you struggle or want to avoid sleep disorders at any cost, then you must know how important it is to sleep on fresh, sleek, and soft bed sheets. As scientists suggest, choosing the right bed sheet material can also contribute to a healthier night rest and less waking up in the night. However, many people underestimate the power of bed sheets and the impact they have on our sleep and settle for cheaper and lower-quality materials.
What many people don’t know is that each one of us is different. Just as we may have a different taste in mattresses – you may like a plush memory foam mattress you’ll easily sink in, but your friend may be more comfortable sleeping on a firm hybrid mattress, we may also have different preferences for sheets. In simpler words, we should value our bedsheets, as much as we value our mattresses.
If you sleep hot, choosing a cool mattress may not be enough. That’s mainly because your mattress is covered by bedsheets. Those bed sheets may be made out of material that makes you sleep hot, especially in the summer.
That’s why we wrote this compelling comparison on how to choose the right bed sheets for your bedrooms. We won’t focus on aesthetics too much. This comparison is all about the quality and how different sheets feel for us when we go to sleep.
In this particular article, we’ll talk about percale vs. sateen sheets. You may not have used them before, or you can’t decide which one is better. Don’t worry, this article contains all the information you need to have a sound sleep, without tossing and turning, and of course, without irritations on your skin.
With that in mind, without further ado, let’s dive into the detailed explanations of what percale and sateen sheets are and how they compare to one another.
Percale Sheets
Percale sheets are among the most common ones on the market, especially if you want to sleep cool and snuggle down to a chilly bed environment. That makes sense because percale sheets are mainly made out of cotton. Some companies even feature 100% cotton percale sheets. Cotton is one of the most breathable materials, especially if organic cotton is used.
It is smooth and soft, so it feels like your favorite piece of clothing you just want to wear every day. It’s used in warmer and more humid climates, so that it can keep the body cool during the nights, especially during summer.
What makes percale sheets different than regular cotton sheets is that percale often refers to the weaving technique. Occasionally, it may be mixed with polyester, silk, or rayon.
Another good thing about percale is that it is mainly moderately priced, so you may be able to find it at prices that won’t break your bank. What’s more, percale bed sheets, because they consist of mainly cotton, are quite durable and can last for many years if you take proper care of them.
Another important thing to say is that percale is quite soft. What’s more, the more you wash it, the softer it gets, so you don’t have to worry about crunchy swabs by the material falling apart, it just keeps getting smoother and softer.
Editor’s notes:
While percale sheets may sound like the winning combination when it comes to all its nice traits, some drawbacks may turn you off from stacking up on percale bed sheets for your mattress.
- They may get wrinkly after some time, which can be annoying for maintenance. It would mean you’d have to iron it often.
- Depending on where you live, percale may occasionally feel hot, but it may also feel too cold for some people.
Sateen Sheets
Similar to percale sheets, sateen sheets are made with 100% cotton. It uses a special treatment compared to the traditional cotton weave technique, which gives it its signature sheen. Its technique of being made can be compared to the satin weave. However, sateen still uses cotton fibers inside of itself, whereas satin uses satin filling.
Even though it looks and feels premium, you can enjoy the sateen luxury without breaking the bank. The sheets are available at a variety of prices and you don’t have to worry about spending too much money.
What’s worth mentioning about this type of sheet is that that it has seen, as opposed to the matte touch of percale sheets. It’s also thicker when it comes to size. That’s why it’s suitable for colder climates where people want to warm up while sleeping.
If you live in a mixed climate, you can exchange between percale and sateen sheet, although the sateen sheet is more suitable for times that are centered towards winter. The weave of sateen is also looser, which also contributes to warming comfort.
It’s more resistant to wrinkles, so it’s maintenance-low and you won’t have to constantly iron it to keep it tight. Also, it being 100% cotton means that it’s more hypoallergenic, so it’s safe for people who suffer from eczema, other skin conditions, or simply have irritable and sensitive skin.
Editor’s notes:
Sateen also has drawbacks of its own, so it’d be good to check them out.
- Given its thicker yarn, it’s good to know that sateen will keep you warm during the summer. That being said, you may feel uncomfortable and have difficulties sleeping at night.
- It’s also bad for people who sweat a lot during the night.
Percale Vs. Sateen Sheets: The Comparison
We detailed the distinct details and information about each bed sheet. But, which one is the better one? If our explanation didn’t help you decide, we compared sateen and percale sheet one against another to help you conclude.
1. Thread Count
If you’re looking for the percale bed sheet, keep in mind that the minimum thread count for them is at least 180. The average range for these sheets falls from 250 to 300 thread count. When it comes to the sateen sheets, they tend to have a higher number of threads to ensure a softer sleeping surface.
For example, sateen sheets minimum thread counts come from 300 to 400, while lower budget options have around 360. Some companies even offer 400 to 600 thread count for sateen, which is soft for this type of sheet.
Editor’s notes: Although there is a percale sheet with a 500 to 600 thread count too, keep in mind they are pricier. Also, don’t forget that percale gets softer with each next washing.
2. Durability
When it comes to durability, both are quite durable. Sateen sheets can last you for years and not lose their silky and soft touch, as long as you wash them properly, and as instructed. However, even though they are quite durable, they can’t be compared to the durability of percale sheets. They can last well over a decade, especially if they are made with organic or high-quality natural cotton.
Editor’s notes: Percale sheets are low maintenance compared to sateen sheets, which just goes on to show how durable they are.
3. Cost
You may find both sateen and percale sheets at an affordable price, although it’s worth noting that they may not be of exceptional quality or 100% cotton in the first place. If you’re striving for better quality, it’s good to know that both percale and sateen sheets come at similar prices.
You’ll find affordable models at $30-$50 for both. The midrange sheets can come from $70-200, but the priciest models can be found at around $500 for both percale and sateen.
4. Feel
Both are extremely soft and comfortable materials. Sateen has its silk-like feel, that spans across the bed. It has a welcoming and warm texture that just lures you to jump in and snuggle with it. Percale is similar to pure cotton sheets, with its crisp and chilly feel, and it only gets better with age.
Editor’s notes: Sateen is more suitable for
5. Temperature Regulation
As we mentioned above, sateen has a thicker yarn and is a little more layered compared to cotton. With that in mind, it’s worth mentioning that it’s not recommended for people who sweat a lot and tend to sleep too hot at the night.
We can say that they can tolerate hot temperatures to some point, but if you want to sleep peacefully, breezy, and not wake up in the middle of the night sweating, panting, and having hot flashes, it’d be best to go with the percale sheet, that is breezy, airy, and simply breathable when it comes to temperature regulation.
However, percale is sometimes a bad option for the winter climate, because it may cause some people to feel too cold at the night. Feeling cozy during cold winter nights is of utmost importance for a healthy sleep cycle. That’s why choosing sateen sheets are good for winter.
Editor’s notes: It’s all about the balance. Percale sheets are ideal for hot and dry nights, while sateen excels at providing warm sleeping ground during chilly winter months.
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