Percale is a tightly woven weave so percale sheets tend to feel crisp and cool. Percale fabric can be woven with pure cotton or with a blend of cotton and polyester.

Percale sheets (pronounced “per-kail”) are made with cotton. These have a plain weave — one yarn over, one yarn under — that creates a matte, crisp finish. These sheets get softer with each wash and are best for hot sleepers and warm weather. They aren’t wrinkle-resistant, so it’s best to remove them from the dryer immediately following the end of the cycle.