The 9 Best Percale Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

These picks are crisp and comfy for a great night's sleep

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Person wearing mask making bed with Kassatex Salerno Percale Sheet Set

The Spruce / Dena Burreson

A great set of percale sheets is an ideal bedding option for anyone who wants to stay cool on warm nights, including hot sleepers. Percale sheets not only stand out for their cooling, perfect-for-summer qualities but also their durability, due to the nature of their weave. That's right: Percale isn't actually a material or fabric, but rather a particular type of weave used to create lightweight, breathable bedding.

"The percale weave is a basic over-under weave," says Anna Brakefield, co-founder of Red Land Cotton. "It’s woven tightly, but the nature of the over-under is going to allow for more airflow." She adds that other weave styles, such as a sateen finish, do not allow for as much airflow, because there are more fibers on the top of the weave, which also results in a higher thread count. Percale sheets are typically made with cotton fibers, which can lend an extra crisp feel to the resulting fabric.

To highlight the best percale sheets available, we researched and tested different sheets from all of the top brands, both in The Lab and at home. During our process, we evaluated the sheets' quality, texture, breathability, and value.

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

Lands' End

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Soft and smooth texture

  • High-quality material and construction

  • Very breathable

What We Don’t Like
  • Not exceptionally cooling

Earning a near-perfect score during our tests, the Lands’ End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set is our overall top pick, thanks to its luxurious softness, high-quality construction, and top-notch breathability. The sheets are made from 100 percent American-grown Supima cotton, a long-staple cotton that makes for a luxuriously soft yet crisp texture. While some percale sheets may feel a bit too stiff for some, we were impressed with just how comfortable and smooth these feel. We also found that these sheets have high-quality construction and feel sturdy for long-term use.

When using the sheets, we noted that they are highly breathable, providing enough airflow to release heat. Despite the sheet set’s breathability, we wouldn’t describe the material as dramatically cooling, so it may not be the best choice for those who tend to run hot at night. But because of the sheets’ crispness and breathability, they should work well as a year-round option for most folks.

We also love how easy these sheets are to launder, as they don’t require any special care—simply throw them in the washer and dryer when they need a refresh. Over time, they held up well with no signs of wear and minimal wrinkles. We tested the “rich steel” hue, which we really appreciated in person, but you can choose from seven other colors as well. 

Price at time of publish: $170 for a queen set

Material: Supima cotton | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 90 days

Best Budget

Feather & Stitch 100% Cotton Percale Weave Bed Sheets

Feather & Stitch 100% Cotton Percale Weave Bed Sheets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    3/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Cool and crisp texture

  • Very breathable

  • Affordable

What We Don’t Like
  • Not the most durable

  • More limited size options

For solid bedding that won’t break the bank, we recommend the Feather & Stitch 100% Cotton Sheets. Despite the set’s low price point, we were impressed with the sheets’ comfortable texture, breathability, and overall value. The 300-thread-count sheets are made from 100 percent cotton and feel cool and crisp to the touch. While the construction of the medium-weight sheets seemed sound, they aren’t as luxurious as some of the other options we’ve tested. We found quite a few loose threads upon inspection. However, we loved just how nice these sheets looked after making the bed, as the fitted sheet contoured beautifully around the mattress and stayed put even after tossing and turning.

This sheet set earned a perfect score in terms of breathability, and they seemed to wick moisture well. After staining the sheet set, we found that these sheets performed better than most—the oil and coffee were barely visible after spot treatment. However, we did find that the Feather & Stitch sheets couldn’t hold up to our abrasion testing, as three different holes appeared when we swiped it with sandpaper 25 times. This indicates that the sheets may not hold up to long-term, everyday use, but may be more suitable as a backup or guest room set. While the sizing is more limited for these sheets (they skip out on fairly common twin XL and California king sizes), they do come in 16 colors and patterns so you can find a set you love the look of. 

How It Performed Long-Term

After using these sheets at home for several weeks, we did notice some changes in the texture. The material felt less soft and the colors weren't as bright. That being said, the sheets' breathability was put to the test on warm nights, and they performed very well, keeping the tester cool and comfortable. They also fit our test mattress quite well, so we didn't have to worry about the corners slipping up in the middle of the night. With all this in mind, we still consider these a solid budget-friendly set for folks who like percale sheets.

Price at time of publish: $47 for a queen set

Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 300 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Mattress Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 30 days

Best Luxury

Saatva Percale Sheet Set

Saatva Percale Sheet Set

Saatva

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Soft, silky feel

  • Cool and breathable

  • High-quality materials

  • Deep pockets

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat expensive

  • Not the coolest option

Turn your bed into a luxurious place to lay down with Saatva's Organic Percale Sheet Set. The details of these sheets, from the long-staple cotton to the deep, 16-inch pockets to the crisp percale weave, make them a step above your basic set, and as we discovered firsthand in our testing, they're luxurious. Saatva's percale sheets feel extremely plush and high-quality, and we love that the fitted sheet has little tags to indicate which end of the bed it's supposed to go on.

The soft, sumptuous feel of these percale sheets is what sets them apart from the rest. They offer a luxury-like sleep experience, and they do run a bit more expensive than other cotton sets, but you can truly feel the difference. Our tester noted that while other sheets felt very papery and stiff, these were a standout for their cozy and smooth nature—and the texture gets even better after every wash.

However, a set of these sheets does cost a bit more than other options. Additionally, if you're a particularly hot sleeper—or worried about keeping cool on especially warm nights—these percale sheets are breathable and comfortable, but not the most cooling choice.

Price at time of publish: $185 for a queen set

Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 200 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Mattress Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 45 days

Best Cooling

Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Wayfair

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight, breathable construction

  • Feel cool to the touch

  • Smooth texture

  • Gets softer after washing

What We Don’t Like
  • Some loose threads

Rest easy in the Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set, which we especially love for those who tend to sleep warm. With a lightweight and breathable construction, these 220-thread-count sheets are sure to provide enough airflow so you can stay comfortable all night long. We gave them a perfect score for breathability during our tests. We also found that the sheets felt cool to the touch and performed well in terms of moisture management.

Upon initial inspection, we found the unwashed sheet to be uncomfortable and itchy. However, after just one wash, the material’s texture improved greatly. We found that they instantly felt smoother and cozier. The sheets had a nice structure to them but didn’t feel overly stiff, which we appreciated. We did notice a few loose threads throughout the sheets and pillowcases, but they were very minor and there were no other signs of imperfections throughout. These sheets were also surprisingly durable considering their low price point, as oil and coffee stains in our tests came out completely, and there was no difference in texture after abrading the material with sandpaper.

How It Performed Long-Term

When we tested this sheet set at home for a month, we didn't notice any change in the texture of the sheets. We sent them home with a self-identified hot sleeper, and they did a fair job of keeping the tester cool at night. While there were some nights where they felt a bit warm, they were more cooling than the tester's previous sheets. We also noted that they stayed on our test bed well—we didn't have any issues with the corners coming off. However, like many other percale sheets, these do come out of the dryer looking wrinkly.

Price at time of publish: $100 for a queen set

Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 220 | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: None listed | Return Policy: 30 days

Best Organic

West Elm 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set

West Elm 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set

West Elm

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    3.8/5
What We Like
  • GOTS and Fair Trade certified

  • Super crisp feel

  • Breathable

  • Easy to remove stains

What We Don't Like
  • Very limited sizes

  • No long or side labels

If you strive to opt for organic products when shopping for your home, you’ll definitely prefer a set of certified organic cotton sheets like West Elm's 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set. The sheet set is made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and manufactured in a Fair Trade-certified factory. And the set did swimmingly in our lab and at-home testing.

When we evaluated these sheets in the lab, we found that they have a lightweight, smooth texture. They don't feel cool to the touch and they could absorbed moisture better during our breathability test, but we appreciate their crisp texture, like a true percale. And we were impressed with how nicely oil and coffee stains, which we applied during our testing, lifted from the fabric with a stain treatment and wash.

When we rubbed the fabric with sandpaper, the abrasion did leave a small hole in the fabric. So keep in mind that these aren't the most durable option out there. After washing the sheets, we found that they were quite wrinkled, but that's not uncommon among percale sheets. We also wish the sheets came in more sizes and had long and short labels to make putting them on the bed easier—but neither of these drawbacks were dealbreakers for us.

You'll find another organic option on the list: Coyuchi's Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets, our Best Color Selection pick. But it's quite a bit more expensive—so if you are just looking for an organic option in white or gray, we think the West Elm pick is the way to go.

How It Performed Long-Term

Based on our lab testing, we considered these percale sheets to land somewhere "middle of the road" compared to other sets, but we grew to love them more when we tested them at home for a month. We continued to appreciate how crisp they feel. While they did indeed continue to wrinkle after washing, we didn't mind, especially because they were easy to wash. We even successfully removed makeup stains using a simple stain treatment. We were a bit concerned about durability in our lab tests, but the sheets have not shown signs of wear and tear in our long-term testing thus far. Despite not performing as well in our lab tests for breathability, we found that they seemed to absorb moisture during the night and feel breathable. If you prefer a soft sheet, these likely won't be the best fit—but if you love a crisp percale cotton, they should be right up your alley.

Price at time of publish: $149 for a queen set

Material: Organic cotton | Thread Count: 400 | Sizes: Queen, king | Mattress Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified Factory | Return Policy: 30 days

Best Color Selection

Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

Coyuchi

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Wide range of sizes and colorways

  • Breathable through the night

  • Made with organic cotton

  • GOTS, Fair Trade, and Made Safe certified

What We Don't Like
  • Wrinkles easily

  • May shrink slightly

There's a lot to appreciate about Coyuchi's Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets. Here, we've chosen to highlight one thing we appreciate: These percale sheets come in a lovely range of muted yet super chic colors for the modern-day shopper. But based on our lab and real-world testing, there's plenty more to love.

During our testing process, we loved how these sheets felt high-quality while remaining breathable throughout the night. In fact, when we tested Coyuchi's sheets at home, we actually looked forward to slipping into bed! The crisp, matte feel made them cozy and cool, and we didn't experience any overheating during the night. Though we found them to be not necessarily silky, the sheets felt natural and comfortable. However, we also noticed that the sheets were heavier than competitors and showed slight shrinkage after washing them.

Like our Best Organic pick, these sheets are constructed with organic cotton that's GOTS certified (though, it's worth noting that they're slightly more expensive than the West Elm Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set). Plus, they're Made Safe certified and produced by Fair Trade-certified suppliers, so you know they've met rigorous standards during the harvesting and manufacturing process.

How It Performed Long-Term

We tested these sheets at home over the course of six months, and we were blown away by how comfortable and crisp they remained. We observed zero wear and tear—which is pretty impressive because these sheets became our tester's go-to set for sleeping throughout the testing period. Coyuchi is one of the best places to buy bedding, so don't be surprised if you find yourself deciding to purchase a matching duvet cover and an extra set of pillowcases. (That's what our tester did!)

Price at time of publish: $208 for a queen set

Material: Organic cotton | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress Depth: Not Listed | Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, Fair Trade Certified Factory, Made Safe | Return Policy: 30 days

Best Egyptian Cotton

Parachute Percale Venice Set

Parachute Percale Venice Set

Parachute

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Softens after each wash

  • Lightweight, airy weave

  • Good color selection

  • Top sheet is optional

What We Don’t Like
  • Post-wash wrinkling

  • Expensive

If you prefer the feel of long-staple Egyptian cotton sheets, you’ll love the Parachute Percale Venice Set. When we tested this high-end percale sheet set at home, we appreciated its durability and continued comfort. We noted that the material softens after washing, making it one of our favorite options on this list. We also love that these breathable sheets can help keep you cool if you get toasty at night. During our testing process, we particularly loved the crisp and cool feel of this set—and that’s not just marketing speak. These sheets actually feel cool to the touch, and we found that they stay crisp and clean after multiple nights of sleep.

One thing to note is that these sheets appear wrinkled after washing, even if you take them out of the dryer as soon as the cycle ends. If wrinkled sheets are a no-go for you, these won’t be the best option. But if you enjoy a more lived-in, airy look, they’re a fantastic option. Parachute's percale sheet set comes with two pillowcases, a fitted sheet, a duvet cover, and an optional top sheet. You can select from various sizes and colors, including sand, light gray, and moss green. While this option is more expensive than others, the high quality justifies the splurge. 

Price at time of publish: $339 for a queen set (without flat sheet)

Material: Cotton | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress Depth: Not listed | Certifications: Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX | Return Policy: 60 days

Best Soft Sheets

Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set

Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set

Nordstrom

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.6/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
What We Like
  • Soft and cozy texture

  • High-quality construction

  • Very breathable

What We Don’t Like
  • Stains may not come out completely

  • Limited sizes

Although softness may not be the first descriptor that comes to mind when thinking about percale bedding, the Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set perfectly balances coziness and crispness for ultimate comfort. We were surprised with just how soft to the touch these sheets felt upon arrival—in fact, they felt as though they had even been pre-washed. The sheet set’s construction seemed very high-quality, as well, with no loose threads, snags, or color fading in the fabric.

These sheets also proved to be very breathable during our lab tests, as they seemed to have enough moisture management to keep you comfortable throughout the night. They weren’t necessarily cooling nor did they trap heat, making them a great option for all-season use. During our stain test, however, we did notice that neither the oil nor the foundation came off completely. The abrasion test discolored the fabric slightly but didn’t affect the material otherwise. We think these are a great choice if you prefer a super soft sheet set and although we love the four neutral and elegant hues the sheets come in, note that they’re only available in queen, king, and California king sizes.

How It Performed Long-Term

After a month of use in a home setting, we found that these sheets maintained their soft, cool texture. There were nights when we almost felt too cool using them—so we think they'd be great for hot sleepers. We continued to appreciate their high-quality construction, and we think they are an awesome sheet set for the price point.

Price at time of publish: $109 for a queen set

Material: Cotton | Thread Count: 200 | Sizes: Queen, king, California king | Mattress Depth: 16 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX | Return Policy: Varies

Best Deep-Pocket

Casaluna Washed Supima Percale Solid Sheet Set

Casaluna Washed Supima Percale Solid Sheet Set folded on white surface

Target

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Breathability
    4.4/5
What We Like
  • High-quality construction

  • Crisp texture

  • Roomy fitted sheet that's ideal for taller mattresses

What We Don’t Like
  • Prone to wrinkles

  • Not as durable

Certain mattresses, especially those with a pillowtop, can be quite thick, making it challenging to find sheets that will fit properly. If you have a deep mattress, your best option for percale sheets may be the Casaluna Washed Supima Percale Solid Sheet Set, which boasts an impressive 18-inch pocket on the fitted sheet. You won't struggle with these Supima cotton sheets when it comes to comfort or ease of making the bed. The fitted sheet has a wide elastic band that helps hold it to the mattress and an additional elastic band that secures it to each corner. 

Note that these sheets definitely lean more crisp than soft, so the texture might not be suited to everyone’s preferences. However, we were impressed with the high-quality construction of these sheets, as they appeared to be excellently made with no loose threads, snags, or fading. There were quite a few wrinkles evident on the sheet set, but you can iron those out if this bothers you. The sheets also proved to be fairly breathable and performed okay when we tested them for durability. The oil and foundation were not removed fully, but the coffee was. Post-abrasion, we noticed a bit of color fading but no other signs of thinning or wear. 

How It Performed Long-Term

We used these sheets for a month on a 15-inch-deep mattress, and we found that the fitted sheet fit nicely, even when used by a restless sleeper. We didn't notice any change in texture during the testing period, and they felt thick, soft, and durable yet still comfortable to use on warm nights. We also appreciate that they don't seem to wrinkle badly after washing. However, we observed that cat hair does cling to the material, so they might not be the best option for pets. But all in all, we think this sheet set is well worth the cost.

Price at time of publish: $95 for a queen set

Material: Supima cotton | Thread Count: 250 | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Mattress Depth: 18 inches | Certifications: Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX | Return Policy: 365 days

Compare

Quality Texture Durability Value Breathability
Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
Best Overall:
Lands' End Premium Supima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
4.5 5 5 5 5
Feather & Stitch 100% Cotton Percale Weave Bed Sheets
Best Budget:
Feather & Stitch Percale Weave Bed Sheets
4.5 5 3 5 5
Saatva Percale Sheet Set
Best Luxury:
Saatva Percale Sheet Set
5 5 5 4
Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Best Cooling:
Lacoste Percale Sheet Set
4 5 4.8 5 5
West Elm 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set
Best Organic:
West Elm Organic Percale Sheet Set
4.8 5 4 4 3.8
Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets
Best Color Selection:
Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets
4 4 4 4.5 4
Parachute Percale Venice Set
Best Egyptian Cotton:
Parachute Percale Venice Set
4 4 5 4 4
Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set
Best Soft Sheets:
Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set
5 5 4.6 5 5
Casaluna Washed Supima Percale Solid Sheet Set folded on white surface
Best Deep-Pocket:
Casaluna Washed Supima Percale Sheet Set
5 4 4.3 4 4.4
Final Verdict

Overall, our top choice is the Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set, which is made from long-staple Supima cotton and available in classic solid colors. These percale sheets offer a smooth and luxurious texture and proved to be highly durable and nicely breathable during our lab tests. A more budget-friendly option we love is the Feather & Stitch 100% Cotton Sheets, which boast a breathable, crisp, and cool feel for a fraction of the cost of high-end sheet sets.

How We Tested the Percale Sheets

For this roundup, we researched the highest-rated percale sheets from various brands to test, then put our top picks to the test in The Lab and in real-world settings with at-home testers. We test sheets several times throughout the year, and we've tested over 200 different sheet sets to date. In our last round of testing geared towards percale sheets specifically, we tested 23 sheet sets. During initial testing in both settings, we wash, touch, and sleep on the sheets to assess their comfort, construction, durability, weight, and breathability.

In The Lab, all of the percale sheets we tested were carefully inspected for quality and any potential flaws or construction concerns. We then put the sheets on a bed, evaluating their texture and the details of their construction, from the corner seams to pocket depth to hemming and fabric flaws. We rated each set on a scale of 1 to 5, with sheets earning the highest ratings as the softest and most luxurious to the touch. Each sheet set was also put through the wash after its initial assessment, to determine whether key signs of quality or durability concerns appeared, like shrinkage, loose threads, or holes.

When developing our testing methodologies, we speak to industry experts. For our percale sheet testing, we spoke to Diana A. Wyman, Executive Vice President of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, to ask about textile shrinkage. Wyman informed us that the industry average is 5 percent shrinkage, but each manufacturer will set its individualized quality standards. In our percale sheet testing, we found that the median shrinkage for length and width were 1 percent and 2 percent, respectively—in other words, our sheets didn't shrink a lot, but they were all pre-washed, which translates to less shrinkage. Our testing team also simulated real-world use to determine the breathability of each set of percale sheets, assessing the top sheet for airflow and heat retention.

Once our in-lab testing wrapped up, the sheets were used for almost a month by testers who slept on them nightly. Our testers rated each pick on its quality, texture, breathability, and overall value on a scale of 1 to 5. At the one-, three-, and six-month marks, we ask our testers to rate the comfort, durability, texture, and value of their sheets to assess how they performed, both in the short-term and over many months of daily use. We then combine our testers' insights with our writer's independent research to compile this list.

Cat lying on bed made with Snowe Percale Sheet Set

 The Spruce / Lindsay Boyers

What to Look for in Percale Sheets

Thread Count 

Thread count simply means the number of threads, both vertical and horizontal, in a square inch of fabric. While you might think that thread count correlates to quality in a set of percale sheets, it's actually a bit more complex. Percale is a tightly woven fabric, so thread counts for percale sheets do tend to be on the higher end, ranging from around 250 to 500. In our firsthand testing process, we noticed that a higher thread count can sometimes signify a softer sheet, but it's not always a clear indicator of quality.

It's important to keep in mind that percale sheets with a super-high thread count aren't always the most comfortable, particularly for sleepers who run hot. Higher-thread-count percale sheets will be less breathable than those on the lower end of the range, with an extra-tight and dense weave of fibers that can retain heat and limit airflow. Our Best Cooling pick, the highly breathable Lacoste Percale Sheet Set, clocks in at just 220 thread count.

Type of Cotton 

Percale sheets should always feel cool and crisp, which our testers can confirm, but the type of cotton they're made from can have an impact on how breathable they are, as well as how affordable they are. Premium percale sheets are made from long-staple cotton. "When we talk about long-staple—it really just means that the length of the fiber is long enough to meet the spec that is long-staple (1 and 1/4 inches)," says Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton. "We’re also looking at strength or how much weight can be put on it [the fiber] before it breaks." She adds that the longest available staple length will always be preferred when constructing a strong set of sheets and purchasing a finished product.

Percale sheets made from long-staple cotton will fray less, feel softer, and even wrinkle less. They also will be more expensive, but you can rest assured that they'll last longer. Our Best Egyptian Cotton pick, the Parachute Percale Venice Set, is made of Egyptian cotton and scored high marks for breathability and comfort in testing.

Certifications

There are two main certifications to look out for when shopping for bed sheets: GOTS and OEKO-TEX. GOTS stands for "Global Organic Textile Standard." While some sheets may be labeled as "organic," that may just mean they were made with a certain percentage of organically grown cotton. GOTS is the certification to look for if you're interested in buying sheets made with 100 percent organic cotton. Our Best Organic pick, West Elm's 400-Thread-Count Organic Percale Pleated Edge Sheet Set, are GOTS certified.

Another certification you might come across when it comes to organic fibers is OEKO-TEX's Organic Cotton certification, which indicates that the cotton used met strict manufacturing standards established by a global team of scientists and independent testing facilities.

FAQ
  • What is percale?

    Percale is a type of weave with a plain criss-cross (one thread over, one thread under) weave that results in a breathable, crisp fabric. In general, percale sheets have a stiffer (almost linen-like) feel than cotton sateen or microfiber sheets, and they stay cool to the touch even during the hottest months of the year.

  • When buying percale sheets, does thread count matter?

    In some cases, thread count can be a good indicator of the quality of percale sheets, but don't rely on it alone. Percale sheets are designed to be breathable, so even thread counts as low as 200 are acceptable. It's equally important to consider the type of cotton that percale sheets are made from. Seek out percale sheets that specify that they're made with long-staple cotton for superior softness and durability.

  • How do I wash percale sheets?

    You should always check the tags for specific care instructions for your sheets, but in general, percale sheets can be washed in either cold or warm water (in moderation) without the use of fabric softeners or chlorine bleach, as those products can weaken cotton fibers over time. Percale cotton sheets should always be dried on a low-heat setting and removed immediately after the cycle. Fold them or smooth them out over your bed as soon as possible to help prevent wrinkles.

  • What is the difference between percale and cotton sheets?

    Percale sheets are often cotton sheets, and cotton sheets can also be percale sheets! Many percale sheets are made with cotton fibers and yarn. Because percale is a weave, not a material, cotton can be used to create the classic crisp, stiff style of percale sheets. However, it's important to keep in mind that percale sheets aren't always made with cotton; they can feature a blend of different materials and fibers.

A person stains the Pom Pom at Home Cotton Percale Sheet Set

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was edited and researched by Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer who specializes in home products and organization hacks. To make this list, she read customer reviews and brand websites, and she considered each style's wrinkle-resistance and cost, as well as a person's temperature needs. Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce, also offered additional support for this roundup by speaking to Anna Brakefield, the co-founder of Red Land Cotton, a family-owned and -operated bedding business. Brakefield offers a unique, expert perspective on bedding by having previous professional experience in marketing and branding and working on her family's North Alabama cotton farm, which supplies all of the fibers for Red Land Cotton's bedding.

Additional reporting was contributed by Bianca Pineda, commerce writer for The Spruce, and Wesley Salazar, contract senior commerce editor for The Spruce. Pineda and Salazar included additional product picks based on new testing insights. We also interviewed Diana A. Wyman, Executive Vice President of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, to ask about textile performance, including average shrinkage.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Skyline Exports. Global Organic Textile Standard.

  2. Why Fair Trade? Fair Trade Certified.

  3. Coyuchi Inc. Global Organic Textile Standard.

  4. MADE SAFE Certified Products. MADE SAFE.

  5. OEKO-TEX Standard 100. OEKO-TEX.

  6. OEKO-TEX ORGANIC COTTON. OEKO-TEX.

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