Percale vs. Sateen Sheets

Category	Criteria	Percale Rating	Sateen Rating
Durability	With proper care, a sheet set can last for several years – but in many cases, regular use and frequent washing/drying cycles can cause the material to deteriorate.	The more you wash percale sheets, the softer they will get. They will last through years of wash/dry cycles.	Sateen sheets are prone to pilling, and the sheen will eventually decrease with use and repeated washes.
Temperature neutrality	Breathable sheets and pillowcases provide better temperature neutrality than those made from fabrics – often synthetics – that trap heat and cause sleepers to feel excessively warm.	Percale sheets are more breathable for better temperature regulation. They are good for both warm and cool nights.	Sateen sheets are better in cool and dry climates. They are sometimes preferred by those who wear lighter or less clothing to bed.
Comfort and feel	Excessively thin sheets often bunch up and cause comfort issues, while inflexible sheets tend to snag around the sleeper’s body; the ideal sheets offer a balance of softness and flexibility.	Percale sheets have a crisp feel, like a clean cotton shirt. The sheets become softer the more they are washed and dried.	Sateen sheets have a very smooth hand feel. The material feels silky against bare skin, and is better for sensitive skin.
Cleaning and care	Although most sheets are made from materials that can be washed and dried in machines, some require more extensive cleaning and care.	Percale sheets are easy to clean. There's no need to worry about heavy-duty washing machines, though the material is prone to wrinkles.	Gentle cycles work best for sateen. The material is more wrinkle-resistant.