Introduction

Choosing bedding is often reduced to thread count or softness at first touch. But how bedding performs over time — night after night — depends far more on weave structure than on surface feel.

Two of the most common cotton weaves are percale and sateen. Both are made from cotton, yet they behave very differently. Understanding the difference helps you choose bedding that supports your sleep, your climate, and your daily habits.

What Is Percale?

Percale is a plain weave — one thread over, one thread under. This structure creates a fabric that is:

• Breathable

• Crisp and structured

• Matte rather than shiny

• Cool against the skin

Percale is often associated with classic hotel bedding because it balances comfort, durability, and airflow.

What Is Sateen?

Sateen uses a satin weave, where more threads float over the surface. This creates a fabric that feels:

• Smooth and silky

• Slightly warmer

• Heavier against the skin

• More lustrous in appearance

Sateen is often chosen by people who prefer a warmer, draped feel.

How Weave Affects Sleep Comfort

• Breathability - Percale allows air to circulate more freely, helping heat escape. Sateen retains more warmth due to its denser surface.

• Temperature Regulation- Percale is often preferred by warm sleepers or for year-round use. Sateen can feel comforting in cooler environments.

• Everyday Use - Percale becomes softer over time while maintaining structure. Sateen may feel soft immediately but can trap heat and show wear sooner.

A Scandinavian Perspective on Bedding

In Scandinavian homes, bedding is designed for daily use, frequent washing, and changing temperatures. Comfort is not seasonal, it must work all year.

From this perspective, bedding should:

• Breathe naturally

• Feel fresh rather than heavy

• Age well over time

This is why percale is often favored in Nordic design.  

Our Approach

At Home by Ilse Jacobsen, we design exclusively in percale because it aligns with how we think about comfort: breathable, practical, and quietly supportive.

Rather than choosing bedding for how it feels in the first five minutes, we design for how it performs over years of use.

Final Thoughts

Percale and sateen are not better or worse — they are different.

Understanding that difference allows you to choose bedding intentionally.

For those who value airflow, structure, and everyday comfort, percale remains a considered choice.