Line drying is preferred on most fabrics as the weight of the fabric on the washing line just allows the creases to drop out. When this is not always possible or convenient, tumble drying on a low to medium setting with easy care also helps make light work of those hard to remove creases. Polycotton does sometimes get a bad reputation for being slightly rough to the feel than say cotton, however this is not the case with a percale fabric as the quality of the polyester is much greater and the cotton portion is mainly combed, to give it a much softer and supple feel.

When thinking about the best thread count for sheets, it’s important to remember an age-old saying: Quality over quantity. The quality of the yarns or threads used is often more important than the quantity of threads, or thread count. The SOL Organics Percale Cotton Sheet Set is made with organic cotton that feels luxuriously soft against the skin while keeping the crisp look that percale bedding is known for. These sheets are breathable and lightweight enough for summer months while still keeping you cozy in cooler months. Blended Percale: In most cases, blended percale refers to a blend of cotton and polyester. This material is not as strong or durable as pure cotton percale, but it is affordable and feels quite soft. Lastly, percale sheets are a solid investment because the material offers better longevity than sateen. Percale won’t pill as easily, either. If you’re in the market for a cotton sheet set that will deliver high value over time, percale is your best bet – especially long-staple and extra-long staple cotton varieties. Our panel of 33 testers rated them exactly the same in a blind comparison for softness and feel. The durability scores were also similar in our Lab tests; the only noticeable difference was the 1,000 thread count version looked slightly less wrinkled coming out of the dryer. What’s the best thread count for sheets?While percale is quite breathable and well suited to warm weather, the fabric is a bit too thin and lightweight to insulate you from the cold. You may want to consider a heavier sheet set for the winter months.

Of course, remember that thread count is not an end-all, be-all measurement. The quality of the yarns, the manufacturer’s production process, the weave type, and many other factors all contribute to the performance of a set of bed sheets. Surprisingly, it's not the thread count that makes hotel sheets so luxurious, it's the type of weave. Most hotels use percale sheets with a thread count of 400-500, with the idea they with suit most sleepers and stay in good condition despite washes. Percale itself is the simple weaving technique of one yarn over, and one yarn under, resulting in a matte finish that's cool to the touch. This is what creates the fresh, high-quality feel you get with hotel bedding. What type of sheets are the best quality? Silk: Measured in momme. Momme is a measure of weight that looks for the number of pounds in a piece of silk that is 45 inches by 100 yards. Look for silk sheets around the 17-22 momme range.At a minimum, look for sheets with an advertised thread count of 200. Anything lower than likely won’t feel as soft, and may result in a less comfortable sleeping experience. Like percale, sateen is a weave commonly used for sheets and pillowcases. In the table below, we’ll outline the key differences between these two weave types. We recently tested a 1,400 thread count cotton/polyester sheet set that uses one of these techniques and (not surprisingly) it wasn't a top performer. Polyester does have its own selling points – it’s stronger, more wrinkle-resistant and less expensive than cotton – but it certainly doesn’t feel as luxurious as a natural fiber. Percale sheets are best suited to people who prefer crisp, lightweight bedding. They also offer above-average breathability.