What is a Sateen Sheet?

Sateen sheets are usually cotton sheets that have been produced using a special weaving and chemical treatment process, resulting in a satin-like feel and lustrous shine. Many people enjoy the luxurious look and feel of sateen sheets, though the sheets may not last as long as regular cotton percale sheets because of their unique weave.

History

Cotton has been used for much of human history to create thread, yarn and fabrics for clothing and other home textiles. Typical cotton sheets are made from "cotton percale," referring to the use of a weaving method that produces a soft, linen-like surface. However, another weaving method produces sateen, which has a satin-like, smooth surface. The unique chemical process that results in contemporary sateen fabric's shine and luster--called mercerization--was patented in 1850. People have enjoyed garments and bedding made from this type of sateen ever since.

Features

Sateen sheets are typically made of cotton sateen fabric, which looks somewhat like satin, but is instead crafted by using a "satin" weave of mercerized cotton. Mercerized cotton thread or fabric has been treated with chemicals to increase its shine. Egyptian and Pima cotton, varieties of cotton often used for sheets, are frequently mercerized because of their fine and long fiber structure.

Identification

Sateen sheets, when compared to regular cotton percale sheets, will have a noticeably different texture and look. They will feel much more slick and "satin-like" than cotton percale, and will have a visible shine to them when light plays over their surface.

Considerations

Though sateen is luxurious in look and feel, sheets made from it are likely to be less durable than those made from regular cotton. The unique weaving method that produces sateen both makes it feel satin-like and leaves more of its threads exposed to wear and tear. Some people find sateen sheets to be breathable and extremely comfortable; others find that the sateen surface sticks to their skin in bed and do not enjoy the sensation. The quality of the cotton used in the manufacturing process will affect the ultimate feel of the sheets against the skin; like most things, a more expensive and higher-quality item is likely to feel more pleasant and look better for longer.

Warning

Some companies are now selling organic cotton sateen sheets. However, consumers should be wary of these products. The cotton may have been raised using organic methods, but the process of producing mercerized thread or mercerizing sateen-woven fabric does involve chemical treatments. Examine retailers' claims carefully to determine how ecologically sensitive the production process truly was.

Resources

• The Story of Textiles