What Are the Best Percale Sheets?
Percale bed sheets are perfect for hot sleepers because of their crisp texture and breathable construction that drapes gently over the body rather clinging to it. Percale doesn’t refer to a specific fabric but rather a weave that features a one-thread-over, one-thread-under pattern. That said, it’s most often produced from cotton.
To come up with our recommendations, we tested 52 percale sheets in our Des Moines lab, evaluating them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. After initial testing, we assessed some of the top-performing options in real-world conditions over a six-month period. For expert tips and insight on what to look for in percale sheets, we spoke to Jeffrey Kambak, president of Yunus Textiles Mills Limited and vice president of the Home Fashion Products Association, and textile expert Deborah Young.
Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set at Onequince.com
$80
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The sheets are breathable, fit well, and are soft to the touch.
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The lived-in appearance may not look as polished as other sheets on our list.
These percale sheets from The Citizenry check all the boxes of a great sheet set: high quality, soft, and breathable. They fit our mattress perfectly, too. We didn't have to struggle to squeeze them over the corners, but there wasn't any excess fabric, either. The stonewashed cotton has a lived-in look, while the envelope pillow closure adds a high-end appearance. We appreciate that the decorative detailing adds a nice touch to an otherwise simple design.
After sleeping with the sheets for two weeks, we found that they struck the perfect balance of soft and crisp. While they aren't as smooth as sateen, they remain incredibly airy and soft to the touch. We were also impressed by their breathability. We never felt overheated while sleeping with these sheets—even in the peak of the summer—nor did we feel too cold when temperatures dropped overnight. Thanks to their versatility, these sheets are a great all-season pick.
At the end of the testing period, these sheets looked and felt just as they did on day one, even after sleeping with a pet. There were no loose threads or tears, and the color was still as vibrant as when it came out of the package. We can't recommend these sheets enough.
Material: Organic cotton | Thread Count: 300 | Pocket: 15 inches | Size Range: Full–California king | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade, Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex | Return Policy: 30 days
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![A closeup of the embroidery on the The Citizenry Organic Stonewashed Percale Sheet Set]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Katie Bowler
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![A bed made using the The Citizenry Organic Stonewashed Percale Sheet Set]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Katie Bowler
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![A person touches the The Citizenry Organic Stonewashed Percale Sheet Set pillowcase]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Katie Bowler
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![A closeup of the stitching on the The Citizenry Organic Stonewashed Percale Sheet Set]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Katie Bowler
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