The 12 Best Percale Sheet Sets to Keep You Cool This Season

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Travel lovers know, there's nothing quite like slipping into a set of fresh, clean, crisp hotel sheets. But that luxurious sleep sensation needn't be relegated to your five-star vacations; in fact, if you want to emulate the feel of hotel luxury at home, all you need is the right set of percale sheets.

“Percale sheets use a one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave, which is often referred to as a plain/percale weave," explains Katie Elks, Designer Director at bedding and home brand Brooklinen. "This results in a matte finish for that breathable, hotel-style feel.”

That crisp finish lends the style an especially cool feel, making them ideal not only for the sweaty seasons, but for anyone who identifies as a hot sleeper. “Bedding can affect your quality of sleep in quite a few ways! For those who run hot at night or for warmer months, sleeping on the wrong style of bedding can lead to more tossing and turning, thus a poorer quality of sleep, says Elks. "We recommend percale sheets for hot sleepers, warmer climates, and the summer months.”

So what should you keep an eye out for when buying percale sheets? Despite the long-held belief that higher thread count leads to softer sheets, those huge numbers you see on some sheets can be misleading. “Thread count matters but there are many other important qualities to look for, and be aware of places that are inflating their thread count!" says Elks, who recommends long-staple cotton (as opposed to short-staple) which creates finer, more durable fabric. "At Brooklinen we use single-ply yarns, which are made from strong long-staple cotton fibers, so we have a true thread count. Some manufacturers use multi-ply yarns made from poor short-staple fiber cotton, which is then plied together to make a durable yarn. These manufacturers then inflate their thread count by saying the multi-ply yarn is actually 2 or 3 yarns, so the thread count is inflated 2 or 3 times, when in fact the yarn is a coarse multi-ply yarn that can make the fabric rough.”

With all of that in mind, we've rounded up some of the finest examples of percale sheets around to meet every need, so you can rest your head in five-star style.

Classic Percale Core Sheet Set

Brooklinen, of course, is known for their fan-loved percale sheets—so essential to the brand that they simply call them Classic. "Our Classic Sheets have a crisp feel–like hotel sheets–and will keep you cool at night,” says Elks.

Crafted with 270 thread-count long-staple cotton, these OEKO-TEX certified sheets come in an array of shades and patterns, including 9 "essential" looks and an ever-changing roster of seasonal styles, with sizes from twin to California king. They also have handy features like tags marking the long and short sides of the fitted sheets, so making the bed is a breeze.

280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

For a minimalist bedroom style, L.L. Bean brings its classic preppy sensibility to their percale sheets. Made from long-staple Supima cotton, they're available in twin to California king sizes, and nine soothing solid shades.

Percale Sheet Set

While most of the sheets on this list can be bought separately or as a set, Parachute's percale set stands out for its myriad of options. Crafted from long-staple Egyptian cotton in Portugal, the baseline set includes a fitted sheet and pillowcases for those who prefer to live top sheet-free. However, in addition to 8 moody colors and six sizes, there's also an option to add a top sheet and to choose where you prefer your pillowcase to open along the side or at the back.

100% Cotton Percale Sheets

If you're looking to dip your toe into the world of percale without a huge price commitment, these 200 thread count long-staple cotton sheets have racked up thousands of five-star reviews with a low price tag. Available from twin to California king, they come in nearly 30 colors and patterns, and are especially well-loved for the deep pockets on their fitted sheets.

One reviewer writes: "These are the sheets you've been looking for! The ones that feel soft and comfortable, but crisp and cool. I have these on my guest bed and every person who has slept on them, order them. They love them so much. Stitching and material is very high end. They feel more expensive than they are! Love them!"

Organic Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set

Rest easy on these 100% organic cotton sheets crafted in a fair trade certified factory. Ultra-light and breathable, they've undergone a double sanforizing process to ensure they won't shrink in the wash, and come in three shades and sizes from twin to California king.

Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

If you crave a little color in your sleep space, The Company Store's 300 thread count percale sheets have you covered. OEKO-TEX certified and available from twin to California king, they come in 18 lush shades, from classic white to punchy teal and rich merlot.

Gatsby Percale Sheets

Prepared to really splash out for your best sleep ever? These Matouk sheets are the height of luxury (though the brand also offers five other percale styles ranging from 350 to 615 thread counts and a variety of weights so you can craft your perfect bedding environment.) The Gatsby sheets are crafted from 1000 thread count Giza 87 Egyptian cotton, with a silky sateen border, and are available in 10 colors from size full to king.

Percale Hemmed Sheet Set

The 17" pocket and top stitching on this fitted sheet set—made from 100% organic long-staple cotton—makes it a sturdy option even for thick mattresses. In fact, in addition to the usual twin through California king sizings (and 10 color options), they even offer a set for split mattresses, so you and your partner can share luxurious bedding, even if you're on different sleep settings.

400 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set

While there's plenty to be said for colorful bedding, there's something timeless and elegant about perfectly crisp, pure white sheets. Made from 400 thread count Egyptian long-staple cotton and available in twin through California king and split king sizes, these sheets come in just one shade—a brilliant white—to make your perfectly curated bedscape a reality. (Though if you're craving a little extra luxury, they do offer the option to monogram your set.)

Percale Sheet Set

Fans have flocked to these 200 thread count percale sheets from mattress brand Saatva for their light, breathable texture and effortlessly comfortable performance. Available from twin to California king and split king, and in three subtle shades, shoppers laud their lightweight feel.

One reviewer writes: "At long last, I have found the perfect sheet. Velvety soft after a few washings, but also crisp, perfect mattress fit, no pilling, nearly wrinkle free. I am extraordinary pleased with this product and so relieved that my search is over. "

Washed Cotton Percale Bundle

Make your sheet set truly your own with Piglet in Bed's percale bundle, which lets you choose from a variety of their curated collections to select your specific look. That means the chance to mix and match your duvet, flat and top sheets (available from twin to California king), pillowcase, and add-ons so they beautifully coordinate without being stuck with matchy-match sets.

Crinkled Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set

If the relaxed look speaks more to your style, this crinkled set (made from 100% organic cotton) if just the ticket. They come in 10 shades from sizes twin through California king, and will give your bed a soft, inviting, artfully rumpled look that's ideal for those who vibe with the cottage-y sense of rustic comfort.

The Bottom Line

Percale sheets are a great all around pick for those who like the feel of crisp, light, breathable bedding, and are particularly good for hot sleeper or those who live in warm environments, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

“For any sheets we always recommend shopping based on how you sleep and how the fabric feels to you," says Elks. "Percale is a great for hot sleepers who like the feel of crisp sheets—so if that’s not what you’re looking for a sateen might be a better choice. It has a buttery smooth finish that feels a bit cozier."

Percale can also be a great aesthetic choice of pulling a bed set together, Elks notes. “I always suggest percale for duvet covers as well—it provides a matte look, is lightweight, and appropriate for all seasons.”

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