Definition of Percale Sheets

Percale sheets are cool, smooth and comfortable.

The word "percale" is from the Persian word "pargalah," meaning "rag." Percale has come a long way from those origins, as it is now used to describe a type of high-quality bed sheets. Percale sheets are crisp, comfortable, and long lasting, compared to other types of sheets. Percale sheets are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they come in degrees of luxury ranging from "everyday" to extravagantly opulent.

Content

The fabric content of percale sheets varies considerably according to its quality. Percale is made of either 100 percent cotton, 100 percent polyester, or a cotton/polyester blend. Generally speaking, the higher the cotton content, the higher the sheet's quality. A sheet's softness also depends on the thickness of the fibers and the quality of the cotton. The fibers can be either combed--which uses the longer fibers and produces a uniform thread--or carded, which uses the shorter, coarser fibers left after combing, and produces a rougher thread.

Manufacturing

Percale fabric is woven with an equal number of threads horizontally and vertically. Unlike the manufacturing process for other types of fabric, percale fiber is not dyed before weaving. The threads are woven together to make what is called "greycloth," and the color and pattern are added later. The greycloth fabric is firm and the surface is smooth, so it will take color well.

Thread Count

The thread count is one indicator of how luxurious a sheet will feel. Thread count is simply the number of threads going one direction in a square inch of fabric--naturally, since percale is woven in a 1:1 ratio, the number is the same in both directions. To qualify as percale, a sheet must have at least a 200 thread count, but it can go as high as 1,000. The higher the fabric's thread count, the closer the weave and the higher the quality of the sheet.

Coloring

Since percale fibers are not dyed before weaving, the color is sprayed onto the greycloth after it is woven. Because of this technique, the final color of the percale will affect the way the sheet feels. Darker colors require more dye, which builds up and can impart a stiffer texture to the finished product. The dye that is used and the amount of cotton in the fiber will also affect the sheet's appearance and texture.

Other Factors

A high thread count is not the only indicator of sheet quality. A closely-woven fabric with a high polyester content will probably not be as soft as a lower thread-count fabric with a higher percentage of cotton in the fibers. Conversely, though a very high thread-count percale will feel smoother and more satiny, it will not wear as well as a lower thread-count sheet made from thicker fibers. It is these factors that determine how expensive your sheets will be.

References

• Bedding Plus: What is Percale?
• Waterbedland: What is Percale?
• Percale Sheets Shop