What is percale cotton?

Percale cotton is a type of cotton fabric known for its crisp, smooth, and cool feel. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

• Weave: Percale is a plain weave fabric, meaning the warp (lengthwise) and weft (crosswise) yarns are interlaced in a simple over-under pattern. This creates a tightly woven fabric with a higher thread count than many other cotton types.

• Thread Count: A defining characteristic of percale is its relatively high thread count, typically ranging from 180 to 800 threads per square inch (TPI). The higher the thread count, generally the smoother, softer, and more durable the fabric will be. However, thread count alone doesn't guarantee quality; the quality of the cotton fibers themselves also plays a significant role.

• Feel: Percale's tightly woven structure gives it a crisp, cool, and slightly stiff hand feel. This makes it breathable and comfortable, especially in warmer climates. It's often described as having a luxurious, yet not overly soft, feel.

• Durability: Due to its tight weave, percale is relatively durable and resistant to wrinkles compared to other cotton weaves like sateen. However, it will still wrinkle more than fabrics treated with wrinkle-resistant finishes.

• Uses: Percale is commonly used for:

  • Bed sheets: Its breathability and durability make it a popular choice for bedding.
  • Pillowcases: The crispness and smooth surface are pleasant against the skin.
  • Clothing: Lightweight percale is sometimes used for shirts, blouses, and dresses.

• Maintenance: Percale is relatively easy to care for. It can usually be machine washed and dried, although following care instructions on the garment label is always recommended. Higher thread count percales may benefit from gentler washing cycles to maintain their quality over time.

In short, percale cotton offers a balance of crispness, durability, and breathability, making it a popular and versatile fabric for various applications, particularly bedding. However, the price tends to reflect its higher quality and tighter weave compared to lower thread count cotton sheets.