What is the Difference Between Sateen and Percale

The main difference between sateen and percale is that sateen has a glossy shine and a soft touch, while percale has a matte finish and a crisp feeling. Furthermore, sateen is ideal for cooler sleepers while percale is ideal for warmer sleepers.

If you are looking for the perfect sheets for your bed, you have to consider four main elements: the cotton, weave, thread count and finish. Sateen and percale are two major types of weaves used for bed linen production. Although both are high-quality materials, there is a difference in their feel.

Key Areas Covered

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

Key Terms

Cotton, Percale, Sateen, Sheets, WeavesDifference Between Sateen and Percale - Comparison Summary

What is Sateen

Sateen refers to glossy linen or cotton fabric, woven in such a way that it resembles satin. This weaving technique has a long history and is frequently used in bed linen production. Sateen weaves are created vertically facing warp threads pass over three horizontally facing weft threads before they’re interlaced again. In other words, it’s a one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave, which exposes more thread surface. Hence, this weave results in a silky feel and luxurious sheen. It doesn’t require ironing.Main Difference - Sateen vs Percale

This is somewhat similar to the satin fabric, without the high cost or the fragile nature of the satin fabric. Sateen is wrinkle-resistant and durable. Moreover, it is typically heavier than percale. It is a good choice for cooler sleepers or those that live in colder climates. 

What is Percale

Percale is a closely woven plain-weave fabric that has existed over hundreds of years. This weave often refers to a plain weave fabric; it’s a simple weave since the warp, and the weft threads cross over and under each other one at a time during the weaving process.

Difference Between Sateen and Percale

It is often used for bed sheets and bed covers. Percale has a thread count of about two hundred or higher. Moreover, it is firm, smooth, has a matte finish and a medium weight. 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 Sateen and Percale

Definition

Sateen refers to glossy linen or cotton fabric, woven in such a way that it resembles satin while percale is a closely woven plain-weave fabric that has existed over hundreds of years.

Thread Count

In addition, sateen has a higher thread count than percale.

Weave

Sateen is a one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave while percale is a one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave.

Breathability

Percale is more breathable than sateen, which traps more heat due to its thread structure.

Type of Sleepers

Moreover, sateen is ideal for cooler sleepers, while percale is ideal for warmer sleepers.

Finish

While sateen has a sheen, percale has a matte finish.

Feel  

Sateen has a silky feel while percale is crisp against the skin.

Price

In general, sateen is more expensive than percale.

Conclusion

Sateen refers to glossy linen or cotton fabric, woven in such a way that it resembles satin while Percale is a closely woven plain-weave fabric that has existed over hundreds of years. Sateen is a one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave while percale is a one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave. Sateen has a glossy shine and a soft touch while percale has a matte finish and a crisp feeling. In addition, sateen is ideal for cooler sleepers whereas percale is ideal for warmer sleepers. Thus, this is the main difference between sateen and percale.

Reference:

1. “Percale.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Dec. 2019, Available here.
2. “Sateen.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Jan. 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Cape Royale – 2 Bedroom Suite #1” By John Hickey-Fry (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Luxury, sateen, love, fashion, shining, symbol, silk, golden, background, ornament, fabric” (CC0) via Pikist

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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