Skip to Content

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

9 Best Percale Sheets in 2023, According to Our Testing

Our experts reviewed more than 13,000 data points from Lab and consumer tests to find these crisp, lightweight winners.

Headshot of Grace WuBy Grace Wu
best percale sheets
llbean

Airy, lightweight and the perfect amount of crisp, percale sheets are undeniably one of the most popular types of sheets to sleep on. While sateen sheets (another popular type of cotton sheets) are soft and silky smooth, percale is a more breathable material that's often more durable and feels natural against your skin, making it a popular choice for hot sleepers. That being said, the wrong kind of percale sheet can feel rough and scratchy instead of light and crisp, making the online shopping process daunting.

To help supplement your search for the best percale sheets out there, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested well over 275 of the best bedsheets in recent years (including nearly 50 percale sets). We've tested everything from cotton sheets and linen sheets to cooling sheets, soft sheets, silk sheets, organic sheets and more.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

    Best Overall Percale Sheets

    L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

    $129 at L.L.Bean
    Read more
  • 2
    Egyptian Cotton Percale Sheets

    Best Value Percale Sheets

    Sweave Egyptian Cotton Percale Sheets

    Read more
  • 3
    Classic Core Sheet Set

    Most Popular Percale Sheets

    Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set

    Read more
  • 4
    Percale Sheet Set

    Best Crisp Percale Sheets

    Parachute Percale Sheet Set

    Read more
  • 5
    Percale Sheet Set

    Most Durable Percale Sheets

    Standard Textile Home Percale Sheet Set

    Read more


Wentest each sheet set in our Lab for washability, shrinkage, wrinkle resistance, fabric strength and pilling resistance to help determine which styles are durable enough to last. We then have dozens of real users rate the feel in a blind softness test. Plus, we've worked with hundreds of consumer testers to try out the sheets at home and provide feedback on how they fared in their daily lives.

Read on for more about how we test and tips from our experts on how to shop for percale sheets. Looking for more bedding? Check out our guides on the best pillows and best comforters available.

Best Sheets | Best Cotton Sheets | Best Sateen Sheets | Softest Sheets | Best Hotel Sheets | Best Sheets on Amazon | Best Cooling Sheets | Best Organic Sheets | Best Flannel Sheets | Best Linen Sheets | Best Silk Sheets | Best Jersey Sheets | Best Microfiber Sheets

1
Best Overall Percale Sheets

L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
1
Best Overall Percale Sheets

L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Now 24% Off
$129 at L.L.Bean
Credit: Danielle Daly
Pros
  • Soft yet crisp feel
  • Strong, durable fabric
  • Cool and breathable
Cons
  • Not entirely wrinkle-free

Made with premium Pima cotton for extra softness, this percale set from L.L.Bean was the top performer in our thorough evaluations, earning top scores in both Lab and consumer testing. Testers appreciated the breathability and textbook crisp and lightweight qualities offered by the sheet set. They also especially loved the soft and cool-to-the-touch feel, with one comparing the set to "quality hotel sheets."

The cotton material also impressed our Lab analysts with its strength and durability, earning the top score with minimal pilling and shrinkage after extensive Lab testing. And while percale is known for wrinkling, this set had a smoother appearance compared to similar ones we tested. We also love that this set comes in a wide range of bright colors, solid neutrals and eye-catching prints.

Material100% Pima cotton
SizesTwin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Depth15"
2
Best Value Percale Sheets

Sweave Egyptian Cotton Percale Sheets

Egyptian Cotton Percale Sheets
2
Best Value Percale Sheets

Sweave Egyptian Cotton Percale Sheets

Credit: Sweave
Pros
  • Strong, durable fabric
  • Secure double elastic for easy bed making
  • Made in Green Oeko-Tex Certified
Cons
  • May shrink some
  • Cannot verify Egyptian cotton claims

This sheet set from Sweave offers the same durability as our top performers at a fraction of the price. In our Lab tests, the cotton fabric barely pilled after our machine rubbed swatches together 1,000 times, and it also earned high scores in fabric strength. Our testers appreciated the double elastic on the fitted sheet, making bed-making simple and easy. One tester especially loved the traditional percale feel, saying, "I like these sheets better than the ones I usually use. They feel like the sheets used on my bed when I was a child — soft, comfortable."

Our experts also appreciate that this set is certified Made in Green by Oeko-Tex, meaning this set doesn't contain any harmful chemicals and is made in a safe, socially responsible and environmentally friendly facility. Just note that these sheets may take a few washes to soften and exhibited some mild shrinkage in our laundering tests.

Material 100% cotton
SizesTwin, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Depth15"
3
Most Popular Percale Sheets

Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set

Classic Core Sheet Set
3
Most Popular Percale Sheets

Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set

Credit: Brooklinen
Pros
  • Classic percale feel
  • Doesn't need to be broken in
  • Tons of colors and prints
Cons
  • Not as durable in Lab tests

If you love the textbook lightweight, crisp and airy feel of percale, this set from Brooklinen is for you. It was a favorite among our testers and is a staple for many GH editors and analysts. Percale sheets often take time to soften up, but these sheets immediately impressed our testers with their soft, broken-in feel, straight out of the box while still feeling "nice and crisp."

One tester even said, "They are crisp without feeling rough, and lightweight without feeling cheap or papery." We also love that the brand offers both neutrals and a rolling selection of fun colors and prints. Just note that this popular sheet set didn't perform as well in our Lab durability tests compared to other percale sheets we've tested.

Material100% cotton
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Depth15"
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best Crisp Percale Sheets

Parachute Percale Sheet Set

Percale Sheet Set
4
Best Crisp Percale Sheets

Parachute Percale Sheet Set

Credit: Parachute
Pros
  • Textbook crisp percale feel
  • Strong, pill-resistant fabric
  • Good range of colors to choose from
Cons
  • Noticeable creases after laundering

Perfectly replicating the crispness of a nice button-up shirt, Parachute's popular percale set is one to look at. The fabric proved strong in our tests with great pilling resistance, but our analysts noted it wrinkled more than other percale sheets we evaluated. Still, it earned higher softness ratings than dozens of similar styles with testers calling it "crisp" and "cool."

On top of that, you have the option to skip the top sheet to save on the cost if you prefer only using a duvet cover or a comforter on its own. Plus, the brand offers a wide variety of muted colors to complement your bedroom decor.

Material100% cotton
SizesFull, Queen, King, California King
DepthNot listed
5
Most Durable Percale Sheets

Standard Textile Home Percale Sheet Set

Percale Sheet Set
5
Most Durable Percale Sheets

Standard Textile Home Percale Sheet Set

Credit: Standard Textile Home
Pros
  • Strong, durable fabric
  • Long-staple cotton fibers for softer feel
  • Available in seven different colors and prints
Cons
  • Takes time to soften

If you're looking for sheets that can withstand use without any signs of pilling or wear and tear, this percale set from Standard Textile Home checks all the boxes for a basic, long-lasting sheet set. The fabric is made using long-staple cotton fibers for breathability and crispness without feeling too scratchy.

The material also performed well in our intensive Lab durability testing, and testers appreciated how it kept them at a perfect, comfortable body temperature all night long. One tester also commented that while the sheet set was initially on the rougher side, it "softened up more after washing."

Material100% Supima cotton
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Depth16"
6
Best Luxury Percale Sheets

Crane & Canopy Bright White 400 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set

Bright White 400 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set
6
Best Luxury Percale Sheets

Crane & Canopy Bright White 400 Thread Count Percale Cotton Sheet Set

Credit: Crane & Canopy
Pros
  • Durable fabric
  • Crisp and cool
  • Light and airy long-staple cotton
Cons
  • Some shrinkage over time in Lab tests
  • Only available in white

Simple yet luxurious, this sheet set from Crane & Canopy is light, airy and perfectly crisp. It's also made with long-staple cotton for better durability that impressed our experts, showing no signs of pilling after 1,000 rubs and earning high scores for fabric strength in Lab tests.

Testers loved the textbook percale feel of these sheets, with one calling the fabric "crisp, cool and luxurious." Some testers also appreciated the deep-pocketed fitted sheet that fits mattresses up to depths of 16 inches, noting that they stayed put through any tossing and turning throughout the night. We also love the clean, bright white color and the ability to personalize these sheets with a monogram.

Material100% cotton
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Depth16"
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Most Breathable Percale Sheets

Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set

Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set
7
Most Breathable Percale Sheets

Pact Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set

Credit: Pact
Pros
  • Certified organic by GOTS
  • Breathable, cool weave
  • Durable and comfortable
Cons
  • Some testers noted that these sheets felt thin

Run hot at night? This sheet set from Pact was a favorite among testers for its cool and breathable feel. It had one of the highest durability scores in Lab tests, staying pill-free after our abrasion machine rubbed swatches together 1,000 times. It also received top marks for softness and comfort.

Testers noted that these sheets felt noticeably cooler than other percale sheets they've slept on, thanks to their breathable weave, and one even said, "These sheets provided me the most comfortable sleep in years." We also appreciate that this set is Fair Trade Certified and certified organic by GOTS, which means the entire manufacturing process adheres to strict standards. Just note that some testers told us these sheets felt thinner than others they've tried.

Material100% organic cotton
SizesTwin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Depth15"
8
Softest Percale Sheets

Tuck The Crisp Sheet Set

The Crisp Sheet Set
8
Softest Percale Sheets

Tuck The Crisp Sheet Set

Credit: Tuck
Pros
  • Unique cotton and lyocell blend
  • Soft, substantial feel
  • High praise from sleep testers
Cons
  • Not as airy or breathable as other picks

While most percale sheets are known for their crisp, cotton feel, this innovative style from Tuck blends the signature crisp texture of cotton with smooth Tencel lyocell. The result is a soft and substantial yet relaxed bedsheet. If you're unsure whether you prefer percale to sateen or find that you like both equally, these sheets offer an undeniably crowd-pleasing middle ground. In fact, this set earned the highest score in our blind softness tests.

On top of that, they performed well in Lab tests, with minimal wrinkling after washing compared to 100% cotton percale sheets. They also showed very few signs of wear in our pilling tests. Our at-home sleep testers also gave the set perfect scores for comfort, although some noted that the soft feel isn't as breathable for summer nights.

Material70% cotton and 30% Tencel lyocell
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Queen, King
Depth15"
9
Best Organic Percale Sheets

Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets
9
Best Organic Percale Sheets

Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

Credit: Coyuchi
Pros
  • Comfortable, relaxed look and feel
  • Certified organic by GOTS
  • Shrink-resistant
Cons
  • Wrinkles easily
  • Some pilling in Lab testing

One consumer tester summed it up best, calling these sheets "soft, luxurious and yet crisp and cool." Other testers, including hot sleepers, raved about the comfortable feel and said they maintained an optimal sleeping temperature on these relaxed sheets. The fabric also impressed our analysts with minimal shrinkage during Lab durability tests, although the material exhibited some pilling and wrinkling, as can be expected from the crinkled broken-in design.

Plus, these sheets are certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meaning the entire production process follows strict organic guidelines. It's also Fair Trade Certified, which focuses on ethical issues during the manufacturing process like wages and working conditions.

Material100% organic cotton
SizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Depth15"
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How we test percale sheets

"

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab rigorously tests sheets using specialized equipment in addition to working with real consumer testers for firsthand feedback on user experience. To determine the best percale sheets, we reviewed test results for over 275 different sheets and analyzed more than 13,000 data points. Here's what we evaluate to choose the best percale sheets:

an analyst places a sheet into a top loading washing machine
Philip Friedman

✔️ Washability: We wash each sheet multiple times according to its care label and evaluate the appearance after laundering and assess any shrinkage.

✔️ Wrinkle resistance: Immediately after laundering, we transfer the sheets to a room with specialized lighting to assess any creases or wrinkling using industry standards.

an analyst measures shrinkage markings on a sheet using a standardized lab measurement tool from aatcc
Philip Friedman

✔️ Dimensional stability: In order to document how much a fitted sheet shrinks or grows after washing, we use industry standards for measuring its dimensional stability. We measure after the initial wash and once again after multiple launderings.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
a woman touches one fabric sample from a row of different white sheet fabrics to evaluate softness and feel
Emma Seymour

✔️ Softness testing: Our large testing panel feels and rates each fabric for softness and comfort in a blind comparison or through sleep testing in their own homes.

✔️ Consumer testing: Consumer testers try sheets that match their personal preferences over the course of several weeks or months before completing a survey. They rate various criteria like softness, ease of use, temperature regulation, fit and appearance and share thorough feedback on how the sheets compare to others they've used. They also share any likes, dislikes or comments about their experience.

an analyst observes a fabric swatch that has undergone a thousand rubs against a larger fabric sample for signs of pilling
Philip Friedman

✔️ Pilling resistance: Our abrasion testing machine (called a Martindale Pilling & Abrasion Machine) rubs fabric swatches together exactly 1,000 times to mimic real-life wear and tear. The swatches are then scored for pilling — loose strands or balls of fabric that build up over time — using industry standards.

an analyst loads a fabric swatch into the clamps of our tensile strength testing machine
Philip Friedman

✔️ Fabric strength: We prepare swatches of fabric and load each in a machine called an Instron that tests tensile strength. It pulls apart each sample to measure the force needed to break it.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

What to look for when shopping for the best percale sheets

"

✔️ Types of cotton: Percale sheets are traditionally made using 100% cotton, although some may use cotton blends. There are a lot of different terms you may hear about the types of cotton used.

  • Long staple cotton means that the cotton fibers are longer, making the fabric feel more soft and luxurious compared to shorter fibers that can break off or stick out when twisted into yarns.
  • Egyptian and Pima cotton are different kinds of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. But cotton origin, especially when it comes to Egyptian cotton, is often hard to prove. In the past, brands have mislabeled their sheets when they weren't actually made of this luxury cotton fiber. Recently, some brands have started using DNA testing or consulting third parties to verify the origins of Egyptian cotton.
  • Organic cotton is cotton grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, but organic cotton fibers do not guarantee organic cotton sheets. Organic sheets are a fully organic product, meaning the sheets meet strict guidelines through the entire production process, rather than only the cotton growing process. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the best way to check whether organic sheets are truly organic.
  • Cotton blends: While unlikely, some percale sheets may contain a blend of cotton with other fibers. These fibers can affect the overall feel and durability of these sheets. Synthetic fibers like polyester are more affordable and durable but won't feel as luxurious. Regenerated cellulosic fibers, such as rayon, viscose, lyocell or modal, can be softer and silkier than cotton with a cool-to-the-touch feel.

✔️ Cotton manufacturing processes: The cotton in percale sheets may be processed or treated differently to affect the final feel of the cotton and bring out desired features.

  • Brushed cotton feels soft and fuzzy, allowing more air to be trapped for a cozy feel. It's comparable to flannel material but it doesn't hold onto as much heat.
  • Combed cotton refers to a process that removes any cotton fibers that are too short, allowing the resulting cotton to feel smoother and experience less breakage over time.
  • Wrinkle-resistant cotton isn't as widely used in percale sheets. You'll find it more often in sateen sheets. This refers to when cotton is treated with finishes to make the fiber smoother for a wrinkle-free look. This process often uses chemicals, so check for an Oeko-Tex certification to be sure that the levels of chemicals are safe.

✔️ Thread count: While it's not the most important factor you should consider when buying percale sheets, it's important to know what thread count really refers to. Thread count is a measure of the total number of threads in a square inch of fabric. A higher thread count doesn't exactly translate to a better quality sheet but does indicate a thicker, more tightly woven fabric. While this may result in smoother, more durable fabric, a tighter weave lowers breathability and creates a heavier sheet. In our testing, we've found that sheets in the 300 to 500 range have a good balance of softness and durability.

✔️ Certifications: In addition to GOTS for organic cotton, there are other certifications you can look for to avoid high levels of unwanted substances in your sheets. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Made in Green certifications both ensure that there are no unsafe levels of chemicals, and Oeko-Tex Made in Green ensures that the manufacturing process is environmentally friendly.

✔️ Care instructions: Most percale sheets are machine washable, but some may call for cold water or delicate cycles. Your sheets will be their cleanest when washed in warm or hot water, so it's best to shop for ones that can withstand these temperatures if you get night sweats or don't wash sheets regularly.

What's the difference between percale and sateen sheets?

"

Percale and sateen differ in how the fabric is woven and offer distinct benefits that come from their different fabric structures. Percale is a cotton fabric with a basic weave that feels light and airy. It's best for hot sleepers who want more breathability or those who prefer a crisp feel. Sateen is a cotton fabric with a satin-like weave that feels smooth and silky. It's often thicker than percale, less likely to wrinkle and feels softer, making it ideal for those who want something cozy.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

"

Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and has evaluated tons of bedding products using specialized laboratory equipment and feedback from hundreds of consumer testers. She's written several stories on various types of sheets, including the best linen sheets and hotel sheets, but percale sheets remain her absolute favorite. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.

Headshot of Grace Wu
Grace Wu
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

Watch Next
 
preview for Featured Videos From Good Housekeeping US

Product Reviews

11 best sleeper sofas for overnight guests

10 Best Sleeper Sofas of 2023

best portable acs

7 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2023

a photo of jolie's the filtered showerhead white box

We Tried the Viral Jolie Showerhead — Our Review

Brassiere, Undergarment, Lingerie, Clothing, Bikini, Swimwear, Swimsuit bottom, Lingerie top, Chest,

Are ThirdLove Bras Worth It? We Tested Them

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
tiktok icon
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices