The Best Percale Sheet Sets Are Cool, Crisp, and Feel Light as a Feather

Sign Up for Domino’s Newsletter

Email address Join Thank you!

Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

If you’re looking to upgrade your bedding to something effortlessly chic or want to sleep soundly through seasonal heat waves, why not try a favorite of interior designers? Both classic and cool (literally), percale sheets aren’t just for hot sleepers—they’re also key to nailing that perfectly casual-looking bed. “Think about sliding into a fancy hotel bed,” says interior stylist and author Emily Henderson. “Percale has that perfect amount of silkiness and an awesomely cool feeling.”

Percale bedding crinkles a little and is crisp to the touch, which is why it keeps you comfortable all night long. The light weave encourages exceptional airflow, and after you sleep on a set, chances are you’ll be hard-pressed to go back to anything else. Read on for our picks of the best percale sheets.

Our Favorites

• Best overall: Parachute Percale Sheet Set
• Best budget: Silk & Snow Percale Sheet Set
• Best ultra budget: Linen Home 100 Percent Cotton Percale Sheet Set
• Best long-lasting: Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set
• Best organic: The Citizenry Stonewashed Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set
• Best for gifting: Nickey Kehoe Cotton Percale Sheet Set
• Best splurge: Ralph Lauren Organic Cotton Percale Sheets

Best Overall: Parachute Percale Sheet Set

We could tell Parachute’s percale sheets were something special right out of the box. While most percale is matte, this set had the subtlest sheen; once unpacked and laundered, the fabric was so soft it almost felt like velvet without the fuzz. And still it managed to be lightweight and supremely breathable—all of the characteristics that make percale magical. Placed on the bed, the sheets looked sumptuous and, like fine linen, had a slightly rumpled, well-worn (and well-loved) look. These sheets are made from genuine Egyptian cotton that’s grown along the Nile River Valley region; like all of Parachute’s textiles, they’re woven at a family-owned factory in northern Portugal that Ariel Kaye, the brand’s founder, handpicked for its commitment to blending traditional weaving techniques with modern technology. 

With a choice of four sizes (from full to California king) and 12 neutral hues (plus seasonal shades), we’re calling it: This is one of the best bundles on the market, period. 

Best budget: Silk & Snow Percale Sheet Set

Silk & Snow’s four-piece percale sheet set comes in at a nice, even $100, and are lightweight and comfortable out of the packaging; washing should soften them up as time goes on. You can add a duvet cover or sham set, choose from seven colors, and pick from six sizes. In the name of transparency, the brand divulges exactly who and where their sheets are cut and sewn: by the Costa family in Guimarães, Portugal. Thread is also dyed in this location, using GOTS-approved organic dyes. Some reviewers remark that they wish the fitted sheet had a bit more depth, so measure your mattress before picking these up.

Best Ultra Budget: Linen Home Cotton Percale Sheet Set

If you’re looking to update your bed with percale sheets but don’t want to spend a ton, Linen Home’s set is a great option. Made with 100% long-staple cotton, this four-piece, 200-thread-count pick will give you all the luxuries of percale without breaking the bank. Fifteen-inch-deep pockets will stay put throughout the night, and both the flat sheet and pillowcases have a Z-hem (a lovely decorative touch not usually found at this price point). The sheets are also both Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Sedex certified, the latter of which affirms that the product is made with fair labor standards and ethically sourced materials. So go ahead and choose one, or two, of the brand’s numerous color options; we have our eye on taupe and sage. 

Best Long-Lasting: Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set

Long-staple cotton is prized for many reasons. It’s softer, lasts longer, has better color retention, rarely pills, and attracts less lint than regular old cotton. That’s why you see it touted by top bedding brands and can depend on it for a sophisticated and polished look. Quince’s percale sheet set, which is woven from the very same long-staple cotton, checks all of these boxes and then some. In addition to being named the “best cooling percale sheets” by the Sleep Foundation, plenty of happy shoppers can attest to sweat-free sleeps and a soft feel that gets better after washing.

Best Cooling: The Company Store Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet Set

With nearly 20 colorways to choose from, the Company Store’s percale sheet set offers the unique opportunity to mix and match bold and neutral shades that will complement several decor styles. Each set comes with the usual suspects—a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases—and you can add on a duvet cover and shams. It ticks all of the boxes of a good percale, washes well (no color fading!), and feels soft and cozy with little to no heft or weight. Made from combed cotton (a technique that removes impurities and short fibers from the crop, creating a softer raw material), these sheets are an excellent choice for those who want to have fun with their interiors but also invest in quality bedding that’ll last a long time.

Best Organic: The Citizenry Stonewashed Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set

If you’re looking for a percale option that is 300-thread count but breathable, luxurious but truly sustainable, this is your set. Crafted from 100 percent organic, long-staple cotton that’s loomed in India (and gives you the literal coordinates of the mill location), The Citizenry’s stonewashed percale set feels cool and looks even cooler on the bed in the brand’s beautiful earthy tones. The Citizenry makes our favorite linen sheets, so it’s no surprise their percale is also top notch. Each piece of bedding is Oeko-Tex and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, and is made to mix and match with the rest of the brand’s colors, duvets, and quilts. How’s that for versatile?

Best for Gifting: Nickey Kehoe Cotton Percale Sheet Set

From the moment these sheets arrived on our doorstep, packaged in an extremely giftable box and immediately cool to the touch, we were already enamored. If you aren’t familiar, Nickey Kehoe is a Los Angeles–based design studio and boutique that makes custom furniture and lighting, collects vintage objects, and sells modern accessories. Suffice to say, it’s after our hearts. After several sleeps and cycles in the wash, we can confirm they are as comfortable and lightweight as we had hoped. Unlike crinkly percales, Nickey Kehoe’s is smooth and softer than expected. We haven’t noticed any pilling, and the pockets are deep enough to accommodate a mattress and 3-inch topper. To top it all off, the sweet edge detailing makes a bed look finished even with the simplest color scheme. The most giftable sheets on the market? Likely.

Best Splurge: Ralph Lauren Organic Cotton Percale Sheets

Ralph Lauren Home is all over reddit: the masses seem aligned on the fact that the heritage brand makes excellent percale bedding. We’ve also fallen for the posh color palette that matches its silky yet crisp feel. Made from organic cotton with a 464-thread count, this set comes in five different sizes; just select a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases from the drop-down menus. The brand promises a lightweight, cool feel that translates into breathability, and deep 15-inch or 18-inch pockets means you’ll have plenty of wiggle room to stretch over mattresses of all heights. While definitely on the pricey side, it’s an investment worth making. Want a little detail? Try the Palmer style. And don’t forget the monogramming.

More Percale Sheets We Love

Snowe’s Percale Sheet Set is the perfect balance of crisp and smooth, which our managing editor (and hot sleeper), Samantha Weiss-Hills, confirms is cooling. (The set comes in a range of essential colors, too.) Looking for an iconic pattern? Give Schoolhouse’s Portugal-made percale a try. It comes in three colors of gingham that reviewers rave aren’t just for looks. “Crisp, wonderful-quality cotton, my favorite!,” one shopper shares. 

How We Chose These Products

Let’s face it: The world of bedding is super-saturated and overwhelming. At Domino, we prioritize bedding brands that balance style, high-quality manufacturing, and eco-conscious attributes. That’s why all our picks for the best percale sheets are made from 100% cotton: It’s breathable and soft and will last longer if cared for properly compared to other materials, namely blends and synthetic fibers. Our editors and writers conduct hands-on testing whenever possible, and we tap industry experts for their input, dig into brand stats, and conduct independent research. The thing is, there’s really no shortcut to finding your ideal sheets, especially if you’re looking to stay cool all night long. You just have to try them.

Shopping Checklist

Weave

So what exactly is percale anyway, if it can be made from so many different materials? The key is how the thread is woven, typically in a one-over-one weave. This results in a fresh matte sheet that’s cool to the touch (not unlike the texture of an oxford shirt) and moisture wicking. “Think of percale as a screen in a window: The air is able to transfer across with little resistance,” explains Erum Ilyas, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group, who recommends percale sheets to patients who suffer from night sweats, skin irritation, and breakouts. 

If you want something that has a light and airy look and feel, percale is probably the right option for you. “It’s a classic in the realm of clean, crisp summer beds,” says King. If you want a heavier drape at night, maybe choose a silky sateen or knit jersey weave instead.

Material

The raw materials and processing techniques that are used to create percale sheets have a big impact on how they feel. You definitely don’t have to spend a fortune to get nice percale sheets, but there’s a noticeable difference when they’re constructed from cotton (a natural material) versus polyester (a synthetic material), as cotton is far more breathable, durable, and sustainable. 

In fact, the quality of the materials (and how the sheets are made) is more important than the thread count when it comes to picking out the best percale sheets. Eileen Mockus, CEO of organic bedding brand Coyuchi, says that rather than look at thread count, buyers should consider the fiber content (natural versus synthetic materials) and how the sheets feel. 

Maintenance and Care 

Always read and follow the care instructions on any bedding or garments you invest in. That said, most people make the same three mistakes when it comes to washing cotton sheets: using hot water, adding fabric softener, and pouring too much detergent into the washing machine.

First, start with about a third or a fourth of the amount of detergent you’d normally use—and make sure it’s a gentle or plant-based option (such as the formula by Grove Collaborative). This is because, as Ilyas explains, bedsheets can easily become tangled inside the drum of the machine, making it hard for all of the suds to fully rinse off, which can cause skin irritation. Then make sure your water temperature is set to cold or warm. “Over time, hot water can aggravate and break down the fibers of the sheets. Laundering without heat helps them stay like new longer,” adds Mockus.

Ask Domino

Q: What is thread count, and is there a good number for percale sheets? 

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch in a fabric. It’s one metric—but not the only metric—for judging a sheet’s value. For percale sheets, you want to look for a minimum thread count of 180. Anything over a thread count of 300 is rare for percale and generally means that a brand has “folded the thread over itself to create a two-ply weave,” explains Logan Foley, managing editor at the Sleep Foundation. “This doesn’t create a higher-quality fabric, as it’s still the same number of threads.”

Q: Can I toss my percale sheets in the dryer? 

Line drying is almost universally recommended, but using the gentle cycle on your dryer with low heat will work, too. If you do hang your sheets to dry outside, the sun will naturally bleach them, which is handy since you shouldn’t actually bleach your sheets. Dryer sheets and fabric softeners will break down the integrity of your bedding, so it’s best to stay away from them, too. Percale can get wrinkly, so some suggest ironing directly on your bed with high heat and steam when they’re just out of the dryer and slightly damp. (Sheets in a hotel are typically ironed.)

All of that said, the weave of percale sheets is incredibly strong, making them an ideal pick if you’re like Henderson and don’t want to fuss with your bedding too much: “I look at the label to make sure there are no big no-no’s and then throw them into the washing machine and dryer,” she says. Just make sure to dial down the heat.

Q: I’ve seen the Standard 100 label on a lot of sheets; what does it mean? 

We mention Oeko-Tex quite a bit when it comes to bedding because its Standard 100 certification is an easy way to know whether or not a product has been treated with harmful chemicals or synthetic substances during the manufacturing process. According to Kaye, it’s one of the highest textile standards out there. 

The Last Word 

All percale bedding, due to its weave, will feel cool and maybe even make a subtle but audible “crunch” sound. (If you don’t like that, might we point you in the direction of Hawkins New York’s latest bedding offering?) But the very best percale sheets will always be made from cool, crisp cotton that feels weightless, embracing you lightly while preserving pockets of air in the bed to keep you cool and comfortable. As interior stylist Colin King so aptly summarizes, percale takes on “a very natural kind of luxury.”