How to Choose the Perfect Bed Sheet

Percale Percale is a type of bedsheet fabric, but it actually refers to the weave used to make the sheet—not the fabric. A sheet’s weave can affect its look, feel, and how it’s made! So, when you see percale, that means its thread is woven with a one-over-one-under pattern. Percale sheets are usually made with cotton, but not exclusively—so if you want cotton, be sure to check the material type when you buy percale sheets.

The “one-over-one-under” weave in percale makes it super breathable and light, making it an ideal sheet for anyone who gets hot easily or lives somewhere warm. Here’s a simple summary of percale sheets:

• Feel : Crisp and cool
• Weight : Light
• Durable : Yes
• Style : Percale sheets give any bed a neat, polished look
• Maintenance : Machine-washable; can be ironed occasionally
  
  

Linen Linen is unique in that it can naturally regulate the temperature of sleepers while also being a little heavier (and great for making a cosy sleeping space) than percale or sateen. The fabric itself is made from the stems of flax plants—and because of the loose weave used to make linen sheets, it also has a soft, textured feel that some people may prefer to perfectly smooth sheets—and it’ll get progressively softer every time it’s washed.

Linen is prone to wrinkling, but that doesn’t detract from its style; rather, linen just has a more casual and homey aesthetic. Here’s a simple summary of linen sheets:

• Feel : Airy and textured
• Weight : Medium
• Durable : Yes
• Style : Linen sheets offer a rustic and relaxed look
• Maintenance : Machine-washable, though air-drying is best
  
  

Sateen Sateen is another type of cotton fabric (like percale); it just has a different weave pattern. When making sateen sheets, the fabric is woven with a three-over, one-under pattern; this makes the sheets feel buttery-smooth and even gives them a slight sheen. These sheets definitely have a luxurious feel, and the way they’re woven also gives them more vibrant colors. And, while sateen isn’t too heavy, it’s very cozy and warm for cold sleepers.

Here’s a simple summary of sateen sheets:

• Feel : Extra-smooth and silky
• Weight : Slightly heavier
• Durable : Yes
• Style : Sateen sheets give beds an elegant, classic vibe
• Maintenance : Machine-washable, though hang-drying is best
  
  

Flannel Flannel sheets are also typically made with cotton, just like percale and sateen—though they can also be made with wool, fiber blends, and synthetic fibers (like polyester). Flannel is much heavier and fluffier than the other sheets mentioned here (percale, linen, sateen, and hemp) because it undergoes a “napping” process after being woven. That means the fabric is brushed to raise the fine fibers, giving flannel its trademark texture and softness.

The napped texture of flannel is also designed to trap body heat, making it ideal for cool sleepers. Here’s a simple summary of flannel sheets:

• Feel : Warm and fluffy
• Weight : Heavier
• Durable : Yes
• Style : Flannel sheets give off cozy, homey, and inviting vibes
• Maintenance : Machine-washable, though air-drying is best
  
  

Hemp In terms of sheets, hemp is a material type (rather than a type of weave). Hemp is a natural plant fiber and is quite a bit stronger than linen or cotton! It can naturally regulate temperature, which means it’ll work for any time of year, and it’s highly breathable, so the sheets can feel light and airy. Hemp can be a bit stiffer than other sheets at first, but that goes away with use. It even has antibacterial properties—go figure!

Here’s a simple summary of hemp sheets:

• Feel : Textured and slightly rough, but softer over time
• Weight : Medium
• Durable : Extremely
• Style : Hemp sheets look similar to linen, with a relaxed drape and appearance
• Maintenance : Machine-washable, though air-drying is best