What is the Difference Between Cotton and Cotton Percale

The main difference between cotton and cotton percale is that cotton is a breathable fabric made from cotton plants, while cotton percale is a type of weave that uses a traditional crisscross pattern.

Cotton sheets come in a few types of weaves, including percale, Oxford, and sateen. Therefore, cotton percale is a type of cotton weave. There are several differences between cotton percale and other cotton weaves.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Cotton
– Definition, Features
2. What is Cotton Percale
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Cotton and Cotton Percale
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cotton, Cotton Percale

What is Cotton

Cotton is a breathable fabric made from cotton plants. Therefore, it is a natural and organic option. It is one of the most commonly used fabrics. It’s used for clothing (t-shirts, dresses, formal and informal wear, etc.), beddings, bath linens, and even medical supplies.

There are many styles and varieties of cotton available in different price ranges. Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, Supima cotton, short staple cotton, and long staple cotton are some types of cotton. Cotton also comes in different weaves. Sateen, percale, and Oxford are the three most common cotton weaves. Cotton with low thread counts is coarse and scratchy and creates small balls on the surface. However, high-quality cotton has higher thread counts. Cotton fabrics, especially cotton sheets, become softer and more comfortable with each wash. Moreover, they wick away moisture and are naturally breathable.

The advantages of cotton are that it is natural, soft, breathable and cool, and good for people with allergies. The main disadvantages are expensive and not as durable as synthetic fabric.

What is Cotton Percale

Percale is a common type of weave in cotton. Cotton percale or percale cotton is a type of weave that uses a traditional crisscross pattern. This is a plain weave fabric. We can describe it as a simple weave since it involves weaving one thread over and one thread under. This fabric has a thread count of about 200 or higher. High-quality percale is made with fine yarns and long cotton fibers and has a thread count of 200 – 400, and it feels luxurious and breathable. In addition, it is firm, smooth, has a matte finish, and a medium weight.

Cotton percale is generally used for bed sheets and bed covers. Percale is smooth to the touch and dry and crisp against the skin. Moreover, it is durable and doesn’t lower in quality after multiple washes. This means it won’t pill over time. In addition to that, percale is breathable and can handle a lot of heat. Therefore, it’s a good option for warmer sleepers.

Difference Between Cotton and Cotton Percale

Definition

Cotton is a breathable fabric made from cotton plants, while cotton percale is a type of weave that uses a traditional crisscross pattern.

Weave

Cotton sheets come in a few types of weaves, including percale, Oxford, and sateen. Therefore, cotton percale is a type of cotton weave.

Nature

Cotton percale is more delicate and comfortable than cotton Oxford and sateen weaves.

Cost

However, cotton percale tends to be more expensive than other cotton weaves.

Conclusion

Cotton sheets come in a few types of weaves, including percale, Oxford, and sateen. The main difference between cotton and cotton percale is that cotton is a breathable fabric made from cotton plants, while cotton percale is a type of weave that uses a traditional crisscross pattern.