Sateen vs Percale Sheets

Sateen Sheets

Sateen fabric uses a one yarn under, three or four yarns over weave that gives them their distinctive look and feel. The appearance tends to have a subtle shine, and the fabric drapes exceptionally well. Sateen sheets are naturally wrinkle-resistant, so they have a smooth look without ironing.

This weave makes the resulting sheets a bit heavier than percale, which can make them seem cozy and luxurious. However, they may also be more likely to trap heat. Sleepers who tend to get cold during the night may appreciate this extra warmth, but it might not be ideal for hot sleepers. The fabric starts out very soft and smooth, but pills or snags could emerge as the sheets age.

Cotton, polyester, rayon, and lyocell can be used in sateen sheets, each influencing the performance. When silk and nylon are used with a similar weave, the resulting fabric is considered satin.

Sateen sheets vary in their materials and quality, and their prices also reflect this. Both budget-friendly and premium options are available.

Pros & Cons

Percale Sheets

Percale sheets use a one-over-one-under weave that gives them their classic crisp, smooth feel. Most percale sheets have a thread count of at least 200, so the weave is fairly tight. However, percale is still highly breathable. In fact, it is often considered the best type of sheet for people who tend to sleep hot.

While varieties of sheets are often defined by their materials, percale is a weave and not a material itself. This means that several materials could be used in the construction of percale sheets, including cotton, polyester, rayon, and/or lyocell. Each has its own performance implications.Percale sheets usually start out soft and get even softer with repeated washings. They have a smooth matte finish that some compare to an ironed button-down shirt. The best percale sheets also tend to be durable and easy to care for. However, since they’re prone to wrinkling in the wash, many sleepers choose to iron percale to enhance its crispness.

Pros & Cons

Sateen vs. Percale Sheets

Sateen and percale sheets are both popular, but for very different reasons. Customers often like sateen sheets for their silky texture, excellent draping, resistance to wrinkles, and stylish sheen. However, many prefer percale sheets for their crispness, breathability, and durability.

Both sateen and percale are weaves rather than materials. This means that options in either category could use different materials that affect their feel, performance, and durability. While these weaves have some common traits that should be relatively consistent between products, the materials will also play a big role.

Since sateen and percale each come in a wide range of materials and quality levels, they also both vary in price-point. Budget-friendly and luxury options are available for both types of sheets. Across the board, the price tags are similar between sateen and percale.

Our Verdict

Sateen and percale sheets have potential benefits that may appeal to some sleepers and potential drawbacks that may be a turnoff for others. Percale is light, crisp, and durable, whereas sateen is silky, heavier, and wrinkle-resistant. Percale’s main downsides may be its propensity to wrinkle and make noise when the sleeper moves, while sateen’s main weaknesses could be its added warmth and tendency towards pilling.

Both are popular for a reason, and either one could promote an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep depending on your personal preferences and sleep style.

You may prefer sateen sheets if:

• You like sheets with a sheen
• You tend to get cold during the night
• You dislike ironing but want a smooth look

You may prefer percale sheets if: 

• You tend to sleep hot
• You prefer durable sheets that get softer over time
• You plan to use the same sheet set through all seasons