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Struggling to choose between pima cotton, combed cotton, and percale sheets? Learn about the differences between these popular fabrics and find the best one for you.
Pima cotton
- Soft and strong
- Long-lasting
- Breathable
- Wrinkle-resistant
- More expensive than other cotton fabrics
Combed cotton
- Soft and smooth
- Hypoallergenic
- Wrinkle-resistant
- More expensive than other cotton fabrics
Percale
- Crisp and cool
- Breathable
- Affordable
- More likely to wrinkle than other cotton fabrics
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pima cotton is soft, strong, long-lasting, breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and more expensive.
- Combed cotton is soft, smooth, hypoallergenic, wrinkle-resistant, and more expensive.
- Percale is crisp, cool, breathable, affordable, more likely to wrinkle, and less durable than sateen.
- Ideal thread count is between 200 and 400.
Thread Count
When shopping for sheets, consider a thread count between 200 and 400. The higher the thread count, the more luxurious the sheets will feel. However, it’s important to note that a higher thread count doesn’t always equate to better quality.
Some of the best cotton sheets on the market have a thread count of 400 or less.
Here are some other things to consider when shopping for sheets:
- Type of fabric:
- Muslin
- Percale
- Pima or Supima
- Organic cotton
- Polyester/cotton
- 100-percent cotton
- Sateen
- Percale
- Flannel
- Jersey
- Make sure fitted bottom sheet has elastic all the way around the sheet and not just on the corners.
- Deep mattresses need fitted sheets with deep pockets.
Type of Fabric
When shopping for sheets, consider the following:
- Thread count:
- Ideal thread count is between 200 and 400.
- Type of fabric:
- Muslin
- Percale
- Pima or Supima
- Organic cotton
- Polyester/cotton
- 100-percent cotton.
- Weave:
- Sateen
- Percale
- Flannel
- Jersey
Weave
There are two main types of weave used in cotton sheets: percale and sateen.
| Weave | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percale | Woven using a traditional one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave. | Has a matte finish and a cool feel. | More susceptible to wrinkles. |
| Sateen | Woven with a slightly thicker yarn and utilizes a looser 3-over-1 weave. | Has a subtle sheen that’s elegant to the eye and silky smooth to the touch. | Not recommended for those who often find themselves cold while sleeping. |
Extras
Make sure fitted bottom sheet has elastic all the way around the sheet and not just on the corners.
Deep mattresses need fitted sheets with deep pockets.
Look for thread counts of 200 or higher for durability and temperature regulation.
Organic cotton and Supima cotton are good choices for people with sensitive skin.
Beware of Tricks of the Trade
Beware of manufacturers coating sheets with silicon to produce that irresistibly soft feel.
Some labels such as wrinkle-free, no-iron, or durable press often mean the fabric is treated with some kind of formaldehyde or urea-based resin. These take longer to wash out, and in some cases, have caused skin rashes from trace amounts of formaldehyde.
Crisp, Cool Percale
Percale is woven using a traditional one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave, resulting in a crisp, cool hand.
Benefits of percale:
- Durable
- Breathable
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Cool and soft
Buttery Soft Sateen
Satin offers a luxurious feel and is wrinkle-resistant.
| Fabric | Feel | Wrinkle Resistance | Durability | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sateen | Silky smooth | Yes | Yes | Expensive | Warm sleepers |
Pima Cotton
Pima cotton is a type of cotton that’s known for its softness, strength, and durability. It’s grown in arid regions of the world, such as Peru, Egypt, and the southwestern United States. Pima cotton is often used to make high-quality sheets, towels, and other bedding products.
Pima cotton is often compared to Egyptian cotton, which is another type of long-staple cotton that’s known for its softness and durability. However, Pima cotton is typically stronger than Egyptian cotton and has a slightly higher thread count.
Pima cotton is also a good choice for people who’ve sensitive skin, as it’s less likely to cause irritation than other types of cotton.
Here are some of the pros and cons of Pima cotton:
Pros:
- Soft and luxurious
- Strong and durable
- Hypoallergenic
- Breathable
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Easy to care for
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than other types of cotton
- May not be as absorbent as other types of cotton
Combed Cotton
Combed cotton is another type of high-quality cotton that’s often used in sheets.
Combed cotton sheets are more expensive than percale sheets but less expensive than Pima cotton sheets.
Combed cotton sheets are wrinkle-resistant and drape nicely.
Percale
Percale is a type of cotton fabric that’s woven using a traditional one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave.
It has a matte finish and a cool feel, and is more susceptible to wrinkles than sateen.
Percale is durable and breathable, making it a good choice for warm sleepers.
Which One is Better?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when choosing between percale and sateen sheets.
Percale sheets are crisp and cool, while sateen sheets are silky and luxurious.
Percale sheets are more durable and wrinkle-resistant, while sateen sheets are more delicate and require more care.
Percale sheets are typically less expensive than sateen sheets.
Pima Cotton Vs Combed Cotton
Both pima cotton and combed cotton are high-quality types of cotton, but there are some key differences between the two.
- Pima cotton has a higher thread count than combed cotton, which means it’s softer and more durable.
- Combed cotton is more breathable and less likely to pill.
Ultimately, the best type of cotton for you depends on your personal preferences.
Pima Cotton Vs Percale
When choosing between percale and Pima cotton sheets, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and sleep style.
Percale is a crisp, cool fabric that’s more durable than sateen.
Pima cotton is a soft, luxurious fabric that’s more breathable than sateen.
Both fabrics are high-quality and will last for years. However, the best fabric for you’ll depend on your individual needs.
Combed Cotton Vs Percale
Combed cotton and percale are both types of cotton fabrics, but they’ve different properties that make them better suited for different purposes.
Here’s a breakdown of the two fabrics:
- Combed cotton is softer and more durable than percale, but it’s also more expensive.
- Percale is more breathable and less durable than combed cotton, but it’s also less expensive.
Ultimately, the best fabric for you depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking for a soft, durable fabric that will last, then combed cotton is a good option. If you’re looking for a breathable, affordable fabric that won’t last as long, then percale is a good option.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between combed cotton and percale:
| Feature | Combed Cotton | Percale |
|---|---|---|
| Softness | Softer | Less soft |
| Durability | More durable | Less durable |
| Breathability | Less breathable | More breathable |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Best for | Warm sleepers | Cold sleepers |
| Best for | Summer | Winter |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between pima cotton and combed cotton?
Pima cotton and combed cotton are both high-quality types of cotton, but there are some key differences between them.
- Pima cotton is stronger and more durable than combed cotton.
- Combed cotton is smoother and softer.
- Pima cotton is also more expensive than combed cotton.
What is the difference between percale and sateen?
Percale is woven with a one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave, while sateen is woven with a looser 3-over-1 weave.
Percale has a matte finish and a cool feel, while sateen has a subtle sheen and a silky smooth feel.
Which type of cotton is better for hot sleepers?
Percale is better for hot sleepers because it has a cool, crisp feel and is more breathable than other types of cotton.
Which type of cotton is better for cold sleepers?
If you’re a cold sleeper, sateen is the better choice for you.
It’s woven with a looser weave that creates a silky, smooth feel that traps heat.
What is the best way to care for cotton sheets?
To properly care for your cotton sheets, wash them once a week using cool or warm water and dry on low heat. This will help maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan for years of comfortable sleep.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best type of cotton sheet for you depends on your personal preferences.
If you want:
- Soft, strong, and long-lasting sheets, pima cotton is a good option.
- Soft, smooth, and hypoallergenic sheets, combed cotton is a good choice.
- Crisp, cool, and affordable sheets, percale is a good option.
