11 Best Percale Sheets for Hotel-Level Comfort

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If you’ve been searching for a new quality set of bedding, you might have seen the word “percale” pop up. Unlike silk or bamboo sheets, the best percale sheets are often simply made of cotton—with the term “percale” referring to the tight weave of the fabric. “[Percale] is a plain weave that provides a crisp, smooth feel, which helps it feel cool to the touch,” explains Whitney Thornburg, a textile expert and the current design director of Coyuchi. “The crispness of the percale allows for more airflow around your body, helping you to stay cool throughout the night.”

For that reason, “warm or hot sleepers benefit most from using percale options,” adds Thornburg. Just as with linen sheets, “people who live in warm climates or have warm springs and summers also enjoy percale options during the warmer months,” she notes. “If you find yourself waking up hot at night or searching for a cool part of the bed, percale sheets are perfect for you.”

Not only do they offer that smooth, crisp feeling reminiscent of your favorite hotel bedding, but when treated properly, their cotton weave also makes them one of the most durable types of sheets you can buy.

Whether you’re on the hunt for luxury bedding or some Amazon sheets that will arrive in two days, we did the testing and poured over customer reviews to find the 11 best percale sheets that will make your home feel like a five-star suite.

300 Thread Count Organic Percale Sheet Set

Percale sheets are known for feeling stiffer than sateen or flannel styles, but Coyuchi's 300 thread count set is designed to get softer over time. Not only are these crafted for cozy yet breathable comfort, but they're also built to be more planet-friendly—made with organic ingredients, plant-based softeners, and in a factory that recycles 90 percent of its wastewater. Plus, these sheets are available in a slew of neutral colors and sizes.

Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: 300

Colors: 5

What reviewers are saying: “I’ve never spent so much on sheets but the weight and breathability are priceless. I’ve never slept as well as I have since purchasing my new bedding from Coyuchi!”

Organic Percale Printed Sheet Set

Opting for printed sheets is one of the simplest ways to switch up the aesthetic of your room. This editor-approved set is not only soft and durable, but also comes in 10 gorgeous patterns to choose from.

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: Not listed

Colors: 5+

What our editors are saying: “I LOVE these! Super soft, great patterns (I am, ahem, not a bedding minimalist). They wash really well and I keep recommending them to everyone.” —Izzy Grinspan, Harper's Bazaar digital deputy editor

Percale Sheet Set

Odds are you've already about heard how wonderful Saatva mattresses are, but don't skip over the brand's bedding. This set of percale sheets from the label comes in every imaginable size and three neutral colors—not to mention with free shipping, a one-year warranty, and Saatva's incredible customer service.

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: 200

Colors: White, grey, beige

What reviewers are saying: “I’ve been using these wonderful sheets for almost a year and thoroughly enjoy them. Initially, I did have a problem with a badly crinkled hem on the flat sheet after laundering it the second time, but I contacted Saatva right away and they immediately sent me a replacement. Absolutely great customer service. Saatva’s lovely percale sheets don’t wrinkle any more than any of my other cotton sheets, but sleeping on them is a special treat. They’re so cool, crisp and comfortable!”

Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle

Brooklinen is known for its great deals on sheet bundles. This 300 thread count percale set has everything you need to immediately transform your bedroom: A fitted sheet, a flat sheet, four pillowcases, and a duvet cover. Plus, along with their range of size options, these sheets also come in a whopping 15 colors.

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: 270

Colors: 10+

What our editors are saying: “These Brooklinen sheets actually get softer with every wash. After over a year of use, I’ve found the fabric to be smooth but not slippery and surprisingly cooling. Even in chillier months, they do a great job of retaining warmth while feeling breathable, so they’re ideal if you want a single style of bedding to last you all year round. They also look super crisp on your bed and I’ve found they don’t wrinkle easily—a must-have feature for me since I tend to toss and turn at night.” —Samantha Jones, Hearst commerce editor

Percale Sheet Set

If you want high-quality sheets, go for Egyptian cotton. Lauded by reviewers for being ultra-soft and comfortable, this Parachute set is made from premium, long-staple Egyptian cotton and is OEKO-TEX certified to be free of harmful chemicals. Hot sleepers will also appreciate that it should be cooling even on the warmest summer nights.

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: Not listed

Colors: 5+

What reviewers are saying: “I’m a hot sleeper and these sheets have changed everything. Went from dreading sleep to loving it and looking forward to it. Four years later and the bedding is still holding up great.”

280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

L.L.Bean is popular for its sturdy outdoor gear, but true experts know that its selection of bedding is also top notch. These L.L.Bean percale sheets should be exceptionally smooth and durable, since they're made with long-staple pima cotton.

Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: 280

Colors: 5+

What reviewers are saying: “I bought these about eight months ago and have been very pleased with the quality, comfort, and good looks of these sheets and pillowcases. We liked them so much I bought a second set, plus extra pillowcases. I am sure they will last many years. They are truly the nicest sheets we have had in our over 50 years of marriage. I wish I had bought them sooner!”

Percale Sheet Set

When it comes to some of the best mattresses and bedding on the market, Casper has you covered. Shoppers say the brand's 300 thread count percale sheets are noticeably crisp, soft, and thick yet lightweight. Meaning, they should last through years of machine washing and still keep you cool at night.

Sizes: Twin XL, Full, Queen, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: 300

Colors: White, gray, navy

What reviewers are saying: “I absolutely love these sheets and pillow cases. They are light and airy and feel really soft. They allow me to sleep much, much cooler than heavier thread count sheets do. These might be my all-time favorite set of sheets. I’m going to keep ordering more!”

100% Cotton Percale Sheets

Amazon is a great place to pick up bedding on a budget. These sheets are not only affordable but also ethically made. With several colors to choose from, you can be sure to find a set that fits your home’s aesthetic and budget.

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: 200

Colors: 10+

What reviewers are saying: “These are the best sheets for the price! If you are a hot sleeper, then these percale cotton sheets are for you! Nice and cool, soft, don't pill, easy to wash. We have tested many sheets (we are short- term rental designers and test our products first for our guests) and these are by far our favorite for the price.”

Celeste Fitted Sheet

If you don’t believe that high-quality sheets are worth the price, you haven't felt these. Buttery soft and cooling, these made-in-Italy, long-staple cotton sheets are an investment in comfort. Each bedding item is sold separately, so building a full set will cost you a pretty penny. However, these sheets will last you a lifetime. While the thread count for this specific style isn't listed on the brand's site, it's been said to be above 400.

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: Not listed

Colors: 5+

Lux Percalle Sheet Set

If you want to treat yourself or give a loved one a housewarming gift they'll truly love, opt for these luxurious percale sheets. Made in Portugal with 100 percent cotton, they come in two shades of white and only in queen, king, and California king sizes. But let’s be honest—your kid in their twin size bed doesn’t need these, you do.

Sizes: Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: Not listed

Colors: White, beige

The Cotton Bundle

If you are building a collection of high-quality bedding from nothing, this bundle is a life-saver. It includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases—plus even a comforter and two pillows. Whether you’re sending your teen off to college or moving and need a whole new set of bedding, this kit is incredible for the price.

Sizes: Queen, King, California King

Materials: Cotton

Thread count: Not listed

Colors: White, blue, gray, cream, navy

How to care for percale sheets

No matter what kind of bedding you have, avoid scorching it in hot water, advises Thornburg. “Cold water cleans just as efficiently as hot water because new laundry soaps and detergents, even plant-based ones, are designed to work well with lower temperature water,” he says. “High heat can aggravate the fibers and break them down much faster—while switching to cold can help maintain the integrity of your textiles. Washing in cold water retains the initial softness you loved upon your first sleep while washing away any impurities or germs, and you’ll notice the difference over time. I also do not recommend the use of fabric softeners, as they are laden with toxic chemicals and often contain common allergens.”

Does thread count really matter?

It's long been thought that thread count is one of the best markers of sheet quality, however, there are some other key factors to consider. For instance, keep in mind that “the higher the thread count, the finer the fabric density and likelihood to trap heat,” Casper design director Naz Azodi previously told Bazaar. “If the thread count is too high for the material, you’ll wake up sweating, and if it’s too low, you may be irritated by the rough feel. It depends on the fabric, but the sweet spot is anywhere between 200 and 400.” Additionally, the weave of the fabric can influence how sheets feel and hold up over time.

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in home by working with the world’s leading authorities in interior and architectural design, textiles, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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