How To Buy The Right Bed Sheets: Sateen Vs. Percale Vs. Linen

Nov 14, 2023

There's a wise old adage that says because we spend a third of our lives in bed, we should invest in a great mattress. And if you’ve ever had to stay at a cheap motel or sleep on a hide-a-bed, you know how true that is. Nothing ruins your day like a bad night's sleep.

But don't stop with the mattress. There's another old saying about spoiling a great recipe with cheap ingredients, and the same holds true for your bed. Why buy a great mattress only to cover it in lousy bedding?

With so many options on the market, buying new bed sheets can be a confusing process. Several new bedding companies like Parachute and Brooklinen have countered the crush of cheap, crunchy, mass-produced bedclothes by producing supple, luxurious sheets using high-quality fabrics, often hand made using sustainable practices. But are they worth it?

Here are some things to look for if you’re in the market for new sheets.

Despite the amount of eye-catching thread counts available at curiously low prices online and at big box stores, experts agree that a higher thread count does not necessarily translate to a softer, or better quality, sheet.

Thread count refers to the number of woven threads that make up one square inch of sheet fabric, combining horizontal threads (or "weft") and vertical ones ("warp"). This number ranges from about 150 (often found in inexpensive children's bedding) up to 1,000 or more in fabrics like satin and silk. But when it comes to cotton, don't be fooled.

Realistically, only so many threads can fit on a loom. Most experts consider 400 to 600 threads per inch to be ideal — but as a marketing ploy, extra threads are often twisted into the weft, adding to the thread count without actually doing anything to make the fabric softer or stronger. Fact is, as thread count rises, most cotton sheets become more fragile and prone to rips, pills and snags.

Instead, focus on the fabric. Look for sheets made of Combed or extra-long staple Egyptian or Pima (or American-made Supima) cotton. These extra-long cotton fibers are 50 percent longer than those of standard cotton, resulting in a sheet that is softer, stronger and longer-lasting than standard cotton sheets.

While thread count can be a misleading gauge of sheets, there's no question that when it comes to softness and quality the best cotton sheets are either Percale or Sateen. More expensive than standard short-weave cotton sheets, both utilize high-quality long-staple cotton; the difference between Percale and Sateen lies mainly in the type of weave.

A traditional one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave, Percale typically features a matte finish and a crisp, cool feel that improves with every wash. Its superior durability means it won't pill over time. It's lightweight and breathable, which means it's perfect for warmer sleepers.

Sateen is the closest thing you can get to satin — without the high cost and fragile nature of that expensive fabric. The one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave exposes more thread surface, giving Sateen a silky feel and luxurious sheen. Naturally wrinkle-resistant, Sateen is more tightly woven and therefore typically heavier in weight than Percale, making it ideal for year-round comfort.

More casual and laid back than either Percale or Sateen, strong and breathable Linen — made from the flax stem — is the way to go if you value softness and durability but want a less formal look for your bed. It's fine for all seasons and for all types of sleepers.

While a variety of sheets are widely available from typical retailers like Kohl's and Target, a new generation of bedding companies has sought to counter cheap sheets with outlandish thread count claims by introducing high-quality, often handmade and sustainably produced bedclothes. Yes, you’ll pay a premium, but remember: You spend a third of your life in bed.

Sateen is the closest thing you can get to satin without having to deal with its high cost and fragility. The one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave sateen uses exposes more thread surface, giving it a silky feel and luxurious sheen. Naturally wrinkle-resistant, Sateen is more tightly woven and therefore typically heavier in weight than percale, making it ideal for year-round comfort.

BROOKLINEN

This sheet set from Brooklinen falls right into the thread count sweet spot at 480. And you can bet it offers that luxurious, luminous finish and silky smooth, soft-to-the-touch feeling sateen sheets are known for. Made from 100 percent long-staple cotton that's Oeko-Tex certified free of harmful chemicals, you can not only sleep soundly but also with a clean conscience.

If making the bed has ever been a challenge for you, Brooklinen labels each of the sides short and long so you never get it wrong. With a near-perfect five star rating, fans of these Brooklinen sheets note their ability to keep users cool, while also retaining heat to keep them cozy. The balance makes it a great option for couples who prefer different temperatures as they sleep.

While Brooklinen's strong social media presence might have some shoppers thinking it's all for show, reviewer Chelsey H., for one, doesn't think so: "These sheets really are that great," she writes, "it's not just good marketing!"

Amazon

The fine yarns of long-staple cotton fiber and the sateen weave in these sheets give them a distinct hotel quality feel. Every night, you can slip into a deeper sleep feeling like you’re enjoying a luxurious hotel stay. Not only are these sheets Oeko-Tex certified, but they’ve also earned Oeko-Tex's Standard 100 Certification, which means that everything from the dyes and fabrics to the hardware like buttons and zippers are tested and verified as free from harmful levels of several hundred substances.

Over four in five Amazon reviews give this set of sheets a five-star rating, and it's a kids’ bedding bestseller. For the quality, the sheets are incredibly affordable. Few, top-rated sheet sets come in under $100, and this set is nearly half that.

In terms of looks, percale sheets — a traditional one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave — work for more modern and handsome tastes. Contrary to the sheen of sateen, percale features a matte finish and a crisp, cool feel that improves with every wash. Its superior durability means it won't pill over time, and it's lightweight and breathable, perfect for warmer sleepers.

Parachute Home

Made from 100 percent premium, long-staple Egyptian cotton, these classic sheets are "lightweight and durable with a crisp finish." These breathable sheets will keep you cool all night long and are perfect for anyone who might sweat in their sleep. Not only are the materials high quality (the sheets are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified) but the craftsmanship is too.

Parachute products are made in a family-owned factory in Portugal, and they still honor traditional techniques while using modern technology. The result is a crisp finish that only improves over time, as reviewers can attest.

"This must be my third or fourth set of Parachute sheets in the last five or six years, not because the quality is poor, but because I love them so much, I refuse to use anything else," Sandra S. writes. "I have this set in a few different colors now, and am so happy with the feel and wear over the years. My favorite is white, so naturally, they get the most use and have warranted a repurchase. These sheets are crisp and cool in the summer and soft and cozy in the colder months. I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve ever purchased from Parachute (towels, bath mats, duvets...) and don't think I’ll be switching any time soon."

Boll & Branch

Double-ply fine yarn long-staple cotton keeps these sheets structured but still lightweight and breathable. Designed like hotel sheets, they feature the standard percale one-over, one-under weave design and a 360 thread count. Not only is the cotton of impressive quality, but it's also ethically sourced.

The sheets are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, meaning their supply chain meets rigorous ecological and social criteria, and the cotton is fair trade. Unlike many brands, this high-quality sheet set comes with some style too. The damask stripe adds to its luxurious look and feel and the colorways can help make your space unique.

For more bohemian styles, linen is exactly the material you want. The sheets will be soft and durable, but not wrinkle free, which means a more organic vibe. While you might only wear linen in the spring and summer, linen sheets are fine for all seasons and all types of sleepers.

Sea Me

Sea Me sheets were designed to embody life by the sea. The site reads, "With lively eyes, with sunburnt hair, bold, impetuous, but at the same time very soft, with a smooth gait, they do not hurry, do not rush, do not run." The founders found this balance in their 100 percent pure European OEKO-TEK certified linen.

It keeps you cool during the summer months and warm during the winter months so you can use the same sheets year-round, while the distressed texture stimulates blood-flow and promotes relaxation. While the complaint with most linen sheets is the initial rough feel of the fabric, you won't have to worry about that with this set. Reviews say they arrive with that lived-in feel.

Casper

After making a name for themselves in the mattress world, Casper came out with fan-favorite sheets as well. Made from 100 percent Belgian flax linen, sleepers can avoid any discomfort that might come with the first night's sleep on linen sheets — these arrive pre-washed so your first night can be just as soft as every other. Quality features don't stop there: Securing snaps, visual cues and grippy elastic helps you to make the bed, and ensure the sheet stays in place, avoiding any middle-of-the-night discomfort.