The 12 Best Percale Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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For a cool, crisp feel, turn to one of these sheet sets from Lands' End, Parachute, Walmart, and more
People / Rachel Marek
Percale sheets are rising in popularity, thanks to their cool, crisp feel. Percale isn't a material per se but rather a weave style. The plain square (or criss-cross) weave uses a one-thread-over, one-under pattern to create a sturdy yet breathable fabric with a crisp matte finish. We tried nearly 40 percale sheet sets firsthand, narrowing it down to the most comfortable, breathable, durable options we'd like to sleep with night after night.
Percale sheets are usually made of cotton — but not just any cotton. "The quality of the cotton, especially the length of the cotton fiber, affects the feel and performance of a sheet as much as thread count," says textile expert Saana Baker, noting that this type of fabric is often loomed from long-staple cotton, like Supima, Turkish, or Egyptian cotton.
These are the best percale sheets PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Lands' End 300 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set
Pros
Soft and smooth out of the box; no visible imperfections
Breathable and cool against the skin
Durable, premium quality; washes well with no minimal wrinkles
Cons
We couldn't find any!
Lands' End Percale Sheets clocked perfect scores in almost all our tests. Out of the packaging, the high-quality, durable design was readily apparent. Save for one long thread hanging off the hem of the top sheet, there weren't any noticeable imperfections.
In our testing, we found these percale sheets extremely smooth and almost silky, and they felt great against our skin. They were immediately soft to the touch (whereas some other sheet sets feel somewhat coarse at first, then soften over time). The sheets are also slightly cool to the touch and super breathable, so you won't have to worry about heat getting trapped between the fabric.
They held up well in the wash, too, coming out with minimal wrinkles and absolutely no shrinkage. While these aren't the most affordable sheets we tried, we think the price is reasonable considering the premium quality and exceptionally comfortable feel.
Price at Time of Publish: $139.95+
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: 300 | Certifications: None
Best Budget: Better Homes & Gardens Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Pros
Great value; affordable with decent quality
Stretchy fitted sheet straps; stays securely in place
Holds up well in wash; no shrinkage or fading
Cons
Not to the quality of higher-end sets
Editor's Note: Better Homes & Gardens is owned by PEOPLE's parent company, Dotdash Meredith.
On a budget? BHG has you covered. This percale sheet set from Walmart might be affordable, but the quality is impressive. The stitching is well done, and there are no obvious snags or rips. The fitted sheet was easy to get on thanks to stretchy corner straps, and it stayed securely in place.
The breathable yet not too thin fabric is a great choice for year-round use. These sheets also held up nicely in the wash, feeling and fitting just as good as when they were brand-new. They might not be quite at the level of higher-end sets, but the wallet-friendly price is hard to beat. Plus, Walmart was rated one of the best places to buy sheets online.
Price at Time of Publish: $24.89+
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Thread Count: 300 | Certifications: None
People / Rachel Marek
Best Cooling: West Elm Organic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Pros
Breathable fabric doesn't trap heat
Durable and slightly weighty with excellent stitching
Washes well; no snags, fading, or shrinkage
Cons
We couldn't find any!
If you run hot or are prone to night sweats, West Elm's percale sheets might be your best bet. Though the material has a slightly weighty, high-end feel, it's not so thick that it traps heat. In our testing, we found that light shines through the breathable fabric and noted that these sheets feel consistently soft and cool to the touch.
These cooling sheets have excellent stitching with no visible flaws. There were no rips or snags after washing, and the fit and feel were even better than before. (The top sheet fits like a glove.) We also like that this set is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), so you can rest assured the fabric was sourced from organic cotton grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. In the end, we think the price is more than reasonable.
Price at Time of Publish: $139+
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: 200 | Certifications: GOTS
PEOPLE / Rachel Marek
Best Soft: Nordstrom at Home Percale Sheet Set
Pros
Supremely soft before and after washing
Excellent fit; easy to make bed
Reasonably priced; great value
Cons
Not resistant to oil and makeup stains
Slight discoloration from abrasion test
If softness is a top priority, go with Nordstrom's Percale Sheet Set. These sheets are supremely soft out of the box, which makes us think they were likely pre-washed as part of the production process. And to our delight, they became even softer after washing. Getting the fitted sheet over the mattress was a piece of cake, and it stayed snug through several nights of sleeping.
Unfortunately, these cotton sheets didn't do as well in our stain tests. While the coffee came out, the oil and foundation left visible marks. Also, although the fabric didn't pill when we ran sandpaper over it, we did notice slight discoloration. This might not be the most durable or stain-resistant set (if you're in the market for durability, opt for the Parachute percale sheets), but we think the exceptional softness makes up for the minor drawbacks. And the reasonable price tag makes these Nordstrom sheets an excellent value.
Price at Time of Publish: $109+
Sizes: Queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: 200 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex
Best Egyptian Cotton: Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Pros
Durable, high-end feel that gets softer over time
Cool to the touch with crisp finish
Lightweight and airy; tight weave doesn't sacrifice breathability
Cons
Some loose threads out of the packaging
Parachute Percale Sheets are made of long-staple Egyptian cotton. Due to the extra-long fibers, the fabric is more durable than standard cotton, lasting longer and getting softer over time. These sheets aren't silky, but they're soft for cotton, and we noted that they have a high-end, cool-to-the-touch feel during our tests.
While we noticed a few loose threads out of the packaging, the reinforced seams seem like they'll stand up to wear and tear. Although these sheets have a crisp finish, the weave isn't so tight that it sacrifices breathability, so we still found them lightweight and airy. The durable design washes well, too, with no visible shrinkage or signs of damage.
Price at Time of Publish: $129+
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: Oeko-Tex
PEOPLE / Dera Burreson
Best Breathable: Nest Crinkle Percale Organic Cotton Sheet Set
Pros
Incredibly soft with pre-washed, broken-in texture
Airy feel and cool to the touch
Absorbent fabric wicks away sweat
Cons
Makeup and oil may leave permanent stains
If you sleep hot or need summertime bedding, Nest Crinkle Percale Sheets are a great choice. Reminiscent of a baby blanket, they're incredibly soft to the touch and appear to be pre-washed, giving them a cozy, broken-in feel right out of the box. Though the organic cotton fabric has a weighty quality, it still feels very breathable and cool to the touch. Not only that, but it's just as soft and breathable after washing.
In addition to allowing air to pass through, these sheets proved to be absorbent, so you can bet they'll wick away sweat while you doze. They stayed cool throughout the entire night too. We also appreciate how well the fitted sheet fits, with extra room to spare for thicker mattresses. Though makeup and oil might leave permanent stains, we found the Nest percale fabric durable and of higher quality than most other sets we tested. In the end, we think the price is warranted.
Price at Time of Publish: $119+
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: 200 | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade
Best Color Range: Riley Home Percale Sheet Set
Pros
Durable and well-made with no visible imperfections
Soft, cool, breathable fabric
Crisp, hotel-like feel
Cons
Prone to minor shrinking
Some loose threads after washing
Riley Percale Sheets were also a hit during testing. Out of the box, they were soft to the touch with no loose seams, and they felt well-made, like they’ll hold up over time. They are not overly silky or slippery but have more of a standard cotton feel that is cool to the touch. They remind us of hotel sheets — crisp and cool.
The color selection is pretty great, too. You can choose from 14 hues, ranging from white pinstripes to soft oatmeal to olive green. While washing these sheets resulted in some minor shrinking and a few loose threads, they still seemed to be in good shape and will likely last multiple years.
Price at Time of Publish: $120+
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: Oeko-Tex
PEOPLE / Dera Burreson
Best Deep-Pocket: Casper Percale Sheet Set
Pros
Fitted sheet reaches underneath mattress and stays secure
Excellent stitching with no loose threads or snags
Very breathable; good for hot sleepers
Cons
Slightly coarse before washing
If you have a thicker mattress, go with Casper. The brand's Percale Sheet Set comes with an 18-inch-deep fitted sheet that reaches all the way underneath your mattress for a secure fit that won't slip off between washes. The stitching on these sheets is amazing; there was not one snag or loose string.
Made of organic cotton with a breathable thread count of 300, they're slightly coarse off the bat, but you can expect them to soften over time. (They remind us of hotel bedding.) These sheets are also super breathable, making them an excellent choice for summertime use, humid climates, and hot sleepers. All things considered, we think the price is right on point.
Price at Time of Publish: $109+
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed
PEOPLE / Rachel Marek
Best Crinkled: Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets
Pros
Puckered texture conceals stains and imperfections
Slightly heavy yet breathable and cooling
Washes well without affecting texture or seams
Cons
Minor shrinkage after first wash
Prefer a bit more texture in your bedding? You'll love Coyuchi's Crinkled Percale Sheets. We think the slightly puckered fabric feels soft but not overly silky with a natural, down-to-earth aesthetic. The texture will also likely conceal small stains and other imperfections. They're a bit heavy but still breathable and regardless of weight, they remain cool throughout the night.
The crinkled effect looked the same after laundering these sheets, and thanks to the reinforced seams, there were no loose threads in sight. There was some shrinkage post-wash, but since there was a little extra slack before, the fit was still good. These organic sheets are eco-friendly and ethically made, with the certifications to prove it. And while the price is high, we think the set is worth the investment.
Price at Time of Publish: $168+
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: Not listed | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade, MadeSafe, 1% for the Planet
PEOPLE / Dera Burreson
Best Organic: Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set
Pros
Well-made with reinforced seams and no loose threads
Smooth, soft feel before and after washing
Nice fit; easy to make bed and stays in place
Cons
Feels heavier and becomes very wrinkled after washing
Some substances (like makeup) may stain
These GOTS-certified organic cotton sheets from Pact seem well-manufactured, with extra fabric covering the reinforced seams and no loose threads or snags in sight. The material is very smooth and soft, and while it was still soft after washing, it felt a bit heavier and became very wrinkled. Thanks to the deep pockets and elastic hems, the fitted sheet fit easily on the mattress and stayed in place through several nights of sleeping.
Though the oil and coffee came out completely when we laundered the sheets during our tests, the foundation left a stain. Still, the material seems incredibly durable, passing our sandpaper assessment without pilling. It also feels breathable and appears to wick away moisture well, making it a good choice for hot sleepers. And while the price is high for cotton sheets, there's no denying the quality.
Price at Time of Publish: $150+
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: 300 | Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade
Best Structure: Lacoste 100% Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Pros
No imperfections out of the packaging
Nicely structured with smooth, breathable feel
Easy to make bed; fitted sheet stays in place
Cons
Stiff and slightly itchy before washing
Fitted sheet is not particularly tight
Lacoste's Cotton Percale Sheets also fared well in our tests. Though there were a few loose threads out of the packaging, we didn't notice any snags, discoloration, or other imperfections. The unwashed fabric was a bit stiff and itchy, but once we ran it through the wash, it had a smooth, structured texture that felt breathable enough to prevent overheating at night.
While the fitted sheet isn't particularly taut on the mattress, it was easy to make the bed, and everything stayed in place through tossing and turning. This sheet set is resistant to most stains (though makeup might be harder to remove), and it seems to stand up well to pilling and other wear and tear. In the end, we think the price is very reasonable.
Price at Time of Publish: $78+
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Thread Count: 220 | Certifications: None
Best Customizable: Saatva Percale Sheet Set
Pros
Thick yet cooling and breathable enough for year-round use
Top/bottom tags for fitted sheet; easy to make bed
Holds up well in wash; no shrinkage or tears
Cons
We couldn't find any!
We're also big fans of Saatva Percale Sheets. They have a smooth, weighty feel and didn't have any snags or imperfections when we pulled them out of the packaging. These were some of the nicest sheets we tested. They 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.
While the fabric is slightly thick, it's still cooling and breathable — a perfect choice for year-round use. These bed sheets also held up well in the wash, without any loose threads, noticeable tears, or shrinkage. While there's no option to forgo the top sheet, you can customize the set with additional pillowcases. The color selection is limited, but other than that, we have no complaints.
Price at Time of Publish: $115+
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king | Thread Count: 200 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex
PEOPLE / Rachel Marek
Things to Consider When Buying Percale Sheets
Material
Percale bed sheets are typically made of high-quality, long-staple cotton, such as Supima, Turkish, or Egyptian cotton, like Parachute's Percale Sheet Set. The longer plant fibers make for a softer, smoother finish that's unlikely to pill or fray. Due to the inherent durability, you can also expect long-staple cotton fabrics to last longer than standard cotton and get softer with every wash.
Weave
Percale bedding features a plain square weave with a one-over, one-under (or criss-cross) threading pattern. Sateen, on the other hand, is loomed with a four-over, one-under pattern. "Percale is crisp and has a more matte appearance than sateen," says Baker. The weave is also not quite as tight and, therefore, slightly more breathable, as with Lands' End Premium Supima Cotton Bed Sheets.
Thread Count
"Thread count refers to the number of yarns (or threads) in a square inch of fabric," says Baker, explaining that the vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads are added together to land on the number. "While it's an important number, it only tells part of the story of the quality of a sheet."
Lower thread counts are sometimes more breathable, as fewer threads allow more air to pass through the fabric. As noted, high-quality percale sheets are often made with exceptionally soft and durable long-staple cotton.
Certifications
You might want to look out for various certifications as well. Many percale sheet sets carry the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label, which means the fabric is free of upwards of 100 chemicals that could potentially harm you or the environment.
Organic sheets may be certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This tells you the cotton plants were organically grown without pesticides or artificial fertilizers, and the manufacturing process followed strict sustainability criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying percale sheets?
"The fiber used in sheets has the biggest impact on quality and feel," says Baker, who prefers 100% cotton fabrics. "Look for long-staple cotton, such as Egyptian or Supima, for the best quality." You may also want to keep an eye out for the Oeko-Tex label, a textile certification ensuring chemical safety.
Which brand sells the best percale sheets?
According to our tests, Lands' End sells the best percale sheets. Other brands that fared well include Saatva, West Elm, and Parachute.
What is the best thread count for percale sheets?
"Typical percale thread counts range from 200 to 460," says Baker. However, she explains that a higher number doesn't necessarily indicate a higher-quality fabric. Sometimes, it's more about the type of thread or yarn used and the weave pattern. "Percale is a plain weave, so a limited number of threads can be packed in."
PEOPLE / Rachel Marek
How We Tested Percale Sheets
After researching today's best percale sheets, our editors selected nearly 40 sets to try firsthand. We started by inspecting the quality right out of the packaging, noting the feel of the fabric and any visible imperfections. Next, we made the bed with the sheets to evaluate the fit and see whether any creases smoothed out.
We also assessed how the sheets felt against our skin and whether they stayed cool after being in contact with body heat. Lastly, we washed them to check for loose threads, winkling, or shrinkage. Each percale sheet set was scored for texture, breathability, durability, and quality, and those with the highest overall scores are featured in this story.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, housewares, and wellness. For this story, we interviewed textile expert Saana Baker for insight into bedding weaves and fabrics. Next, we compiled insights from our in-house testing team to craft thorough, trusted recommendations for today's best percale sheets. Theresa has personally tested bedding products from Nest, Coyuchi, Casper, Saatva, Parachute, and Snowe.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
Up Next: The 9 Best Foam Pillows of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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