Cotton Percale Sheets: Why They’re So Popular
- Otelia
- Apr 7
- 3 min read

When buying sheets, the choices are endless! You need to pick the right size and a style that matches your décor, but don’t overlook the importance of fabric selection. The material used for your sheets significantly impacts their comfort, maintenance, appearance, and price.
At Otelia, as a bedding supplier for hotels and other hospitality businesses, our preferred fabric for making sheets is cotton percale.
Wondering why? In the sections below, discover the characteristics of this fabric and the benefits of percale cotton sheets.
What Is Cotton Percale?
Percale refers to a specific weave known for its tight and even structure. The term comes from the Persian word pargalah, meaning “cloth,” though percale is anything but ordinary—it’s a refined and durable fabric.
Originally woven on handlooms in India, percale caught the attention of European manufacturers, who quickly recognized its superior quality and potential. This finer, denser fabric soon became a staple in the bedding industry.
Percale is primarily made from high-quality cotton, often blended with other fibers like polyester to enhance certain properties, such as wrinkle resistance. This weave consists of a perpendicular interlacing of horizontal and vertical threads, ensuring a smooth, soft, and sturdy surface.
Thread Count per Square Inch
It’s often said that the higher the thread count, the better the quality of percale. However, this idea requires some clarification.
Generally, a denser weave results in a softer and smoother feel. However, there is an optimal threshold that should not be exceeded. A thread count between 180 and 300 per square inch offers the perfect balance of softness and breathability.
Additionally, the longevity of sheets is not solely determined by thread count but rather by the quality of the fibers used.
The Benefits of Cotton Percale Sheets
As mentioned earlier, cotton percale is highly valued for bedding, especially in hotels and other lodging establishments. Here’s why:
Unmatched Comfort in Any Season
Percale’s tight weave gives it a matte finish and a softness that improves with every wash. Plus, this fabric allows air to circulate freely, preventing heat and moisture buildup. As a result, percale sheets provide natural temperature regulation, making them suitable for both warm and cool climates.
Exceptional Durability
The dense structure of percale allows it to withstand frequent washing without losing its softness or elegance. Percale sheets resist pilling, static, and fading, maintaining a polished look even with heavy use—making them ideal for hospitality. And when blended with polyester, their durability increases even further!
Easy Maintenance
Percale sheets, especially cotton-polyester blends, handle high-temperature washes well, dry quickly, resist shrinkage, and retain their softness wash after wash. Additionally, they are naturally wrinkle-resistant, meaning little to no ironing is required.
A Sophisticated Look
With a silky touch and elegant finish, percale sheets add a touch of luxury to any bedding ensemble, enhancing the premium feel that hotels aim to provide. This fabric is perfect for high-end hotels aiming to provide their guests with a luxurious sleep experience.
Excellent Value for Money
Cotton percale sheets stand out for their affordability. They offer high-end quality without the hefty price tag of fabrics like satin or linen, making them an excellent choice for hospitality businesses looking to manage their linen costs. Thanks to their resistance to frequent washing, they provide a long-term return on investment.
High-Quality Percale Bedding for Your Establishments
At Otelia, we use our expertise to provide hotels, inns, and short-term rental hosts (Airbnb) with high-quality cotton percale sheets at competitive prices.
Comfortable, durable, stylish, and easy to maintain, our bedding collections meet the high standards of hospitality professionals who want to provide their guests with a restful and refined sleep experience. These bedding sets are an essential asset in a competitive industry where comfort and quality are key differentiators.
Take a look at our collections!