You don't need to be an expert to feel the difference between a silky-soft sheet and one of those crisp, fresh sheets that almost crackle when you lie under them. You'll sleep like a baby under both - but what exactly is the difference between percale and sateen?
A little misunderstanding
First of all, let's clear up a misunderstanding. It is often thought that sateen and percale are two different types of cotton. Wrong. Both are (Egyptian) cotton, but the difference lies in the weaving. In other words: they are two different weaving techniques.
Sateen is a so-called 1-over-4 weave, percale a 1-over-1 or plain weave. This gives the fabric a different feel: sateen silky-soft, light and with a slight sheen, - percale breathable and crisp.
400 TC (thread count)
With percale, too, DOUXE goes for the best of the best. While most competitors (and hotels) use cotton with a thread count (thread density) of 300, DOUXE percale has a thread count of 400 - and you can feel that immediately. Because the higher the thread density, the softer the cotton. Even after many washes, cotton with a percale weave lasts a very long time.
Different tastes
And now, of course, the question of whether you belong in #teampercale or #teamsateen. That depends on taste - and tastes differ, even when it comes to cotton sheets. As well as being crisp, percale feels refreshingly cool: perfect for summer, for example. Sateen feels a bit warmer and softer, and is therefore really lovely in winter.
Difficult choice? See below how many times you answer ‘yes’ to a question - and you've found your answer. If you then want to hand out the sheets at home straight away, take a look at our webshop and order your favourite cotton right away.
- Do you like soft, smooth sheets?
- Do you like to use the same sheets all year round?
- Do you like the luxurious feel of bed linen?
- Do you like the slight sheen that adds depth to the colour?
Are your answers yes, yes, yes and YES? Then our Egyptian cotton with a sateen weave is really for you. Not unanimously convinced? That could be because:
- You like a soft look but not the sheen of Egyptian cotton with a sateen weave
- You like slightly firmer bed linen than Egyptian cotton with a sateen weave
- You like to use the same sheets all year round (admittedly, that is also the case with Egyptian cotton with a sateen weave)
- You like that ultimate five-star luxury feeling in your own bedroom
- You like good basics that you maintain without much fuss.
Does the above apply to you? Then percale bed linen suits you best - especially now that it's (almost) summer.
Whether you choose the luxurious sheen of sateen or the crisp freshness of percale, your bed is only complete with the right bedding. Discover our collection of silky-soft fitted sheets, stylish duvet covers and breathable pillowcases, and create your ultimate sleep experience. With high-quality materials and attention to detail, DOUXE ensures your bedroom exudes the luxury of a five-star hotel, night after night.
