Satin or percale, which fabric is better for bed linen

     When buying bed linen, you want to buy high-quality, comfortable, and most importantly, suitable for you. To do this, you need to know the differences between the kits, as well as the fabrics from which they are made. After all, the material of bed linen provides more than 90% of its qualities. In this article, we will describe in detail which material is better for bed linen percale or satin.

What is the difference between percale and satin?

Percale differs from satin mainly in the way the threads are weaved, as well as in the way the fabric is treated to secure color and increase durability. Satin is made using the satin weave method, when there are five weft threads per warp thread.

Also, in the production of satin, highly twisted threads are used, the more they are twisted, the better the gloss of the front side. Satin has a wrong side, it differs in appearance and structure, it is also rough, which improves adhesion to the surface of the mattress and prevents the sheet from shifting. Percale is made using the linen weaving method, that is, cross-cross like calico and ranfors. In this case, the threads are applied of the same thickness and do not twist, but lie freely.

Therefore, percale does not have a wrong side, but differs only in the side of drawing. Also, percale does not have a shine, but a matte structure. To fix the dye on the fabric, as well as to improve the duration of use, satin is subjected to a mercerization procedure, which consists in exposing the finished fabric to alternate dipping in solutions of natural acids. With this procedure, cotton fibers swell and form fluff, which, when dried, is sheared and satin acquires a glossy structure and color brightness.

In the future, satin fabric is rinsed many times. Percale, on the other hand, undergoes a sizing procedure, this is a safe process of dipping the finished material into an adhesive composition consisting of natural glue, as well as starch. The adhesive substances of the dressing penetrate deep into the structure of the percale fibers and make them soft and durable. This solution is not completely removed from the percale, it is firmly absorbed into the structure and subsequently acts as a protection.

What is better in quality percale or satin?

These fabrics for bed linen belong to the luxury class. In the modern textile industry, percale and satin are produced mainly from high-quality cotton raw materials. Long-staple cotton is best suited for this, but its price is high. The production technology varies, but high-quality percale and satin will last a long time without losing their original qualities.

What is the density of percale and satin?

The density of these materials varies from 120 g/m2 to 145 g/m2. These indicators refer to quality standardized products and show the amount of material per unit weight per 1m2.

Which bedding is more comfortable and more comfortable satin or percale?

Satin is smooth and slippery, also has an increased density of weaving threads, which makes it difficult to breathe. This feature of satin fabric is more pronounced in the summer. The body sweats faster under satin bedding than percale. Percale, with an identical density, having a cruciform weave, forms small gaps between the threads, thanks to which the air easily passes and supplies the body with oxygen, and also contributes to its thermoregulation. But in winter it is warmer to sleep under a bed made of satin, all because of the same peculiarity of weaving threads in a special way.

What is more beautiful percale or satin?

Satin has a chic sheen, it drapes beautifully. If satin has gone through an expensive mercerization process, then the sheen will remain for a long period and there will be no cotton fluff after several washing cycles. If the satin has been processed with rolling rollers at high temperature, then the shine will last no more than 3-5 washes. Home textiles made from this fabric look presentable. A bed made of satin can not be covered with a bedspread. The satin material is practically not enlightened, the colorful cover of the blanket will not be visible from under the plain duvet cover, as well as the pillowcases.

Percale has a low sheen due to sizing treatment, this feature does not fade with time and does not wash out. Percale is looser than satin, this does not mean poor quality, it's just that the structure is different and it shines in the light. Therefore, colorful blankets and pillows are better to enclose in dark shades and prints of percale bed linen, so as not to spoil the look. This feature should be considered when choosing the color of bedding.

What wrinkles more bedding made of percale or satin?

PBC from percale is practically not subjected to crushing and deformation due to sizing. When touched, it doesn’t feel like it’s starched, it’s not rough, but it holds its shape well. Satin of good density from 130g/m2 and mercerized also does not wrinkle and is resistant to deformation.

Which is softer satin or percale?

The softness of these two materials is different. Satin is similar in feel to silk, it is smooth and flowing, slightly slippery. If made of pure cotton, it is pleasant to the touch, does not irritate even the most sensitive skin. The surface is uniform without scars and spools. Percale is similar in softness to cambric, it is weightless, the body practically does not feel it, it is so light like a breath of wind. 

What is more durable and stronger than satin or percale?

Satin is stronger than calico and poplin, but inferior to percale. Satin bedding can boast, with proper care, a lifespan of over 300 wash cycles. Without a strong deterioration of its original properties. Percale of the same density will last three times longer for about 1000 washes. This feature makes percale bedding preferable in terms of cost savings. But it can get boring during operation).

What is more expensive CPB percale or satin?

Prices for high-quality sets of these fabrics are almost identical. After all, both of them belong to the price segment above the average. If the sets are made of pure cotton, the cost will be higher than those with the addition of synthetic impurities, but lower in the case of additions of silk or linen fibers.

How to distinguish percale sleepwear from satin?

First of all, pay attention to the weaving of threads, it should look like the photo below. For satin, this is a 5 to 1 weave, for percale, the usual cruciform.
Differences in gloss, in satin it is pronounced, in percale it is more matte.
Satin is smoother to the touch and in appearance, percale is similar in touch to muslin and cambric.

Composition of bed linen made of satin and percale

In most cases, satin and percale are made from high quality cotton raw materials. Cotton is famous for its good hygienic properties, softness and relative cheapness. Satin can also be made from bamboo, tencel or silk. Percale can be improved by introducing linen or silk into the composition of the fibers. There may also be additives of synthetic fibers - polyester, polyamide, acrylic. But such materials, at a lower price than natural counterparts, do not fully provide all the qualities of percale and satin bedding, so we do not consider them in this article.

What is better percale, satin, poplin or calico?

Poplin is produced by the method of plain weaving of threads of various thicknesses, as a result of which a soft and pleasant to the touch fabric for bed linen is obtained. Coarse calico is made in the same way, only the threads are used the same thickness, so the calico bed linen is more rigid than poplin and has a shorter service life. In terms of cost, calico is the most attractive, if you do not take into account premium calico, then comes poplin, then percale and satin. According to tactile sensations, the arrangement is exactly the opposite. With the same density, the calico will be three times coarser than poplin, four percale and 5-6 times satin.

What is more prone to shrinkage bedding satin or percale?

Cotton fabrics have a rather unpleasant property, under the influence of elevated temperatures and moisture, to shrink. Percale is less susceptible to this than satin. The sheets do not stretch out, but remain in their geometric dimensions. In percentage terms, the loss of initial values ​​for percale sets is 2-3%, while for satin sets it is 3-5%.

How to care for a percale and satin bedding set?

• Before the first use, both sets must be washed in a gentle cycle no higher than 30 degrees, after turning inside out and closing all existing zippers or buttons. You can squeeze at a speed not exceeding 400 per minute.
  
• Further care instructions vary.
  
• Sateen is not recommended to be washed at a water temperature above 40 degrees, to preserve the appearance for a long time.
  
• Percale can be washed in water at 60 degrees, but pre-soaking is prohibited. Hang only immediately after washing.
  
• It is not recommended to dry bedding made of percale and satin in the open sun, as cotton tends to turn yellow when exposed to sunlight.
  

Features of bed linen made of satin and percale

• natural composition and hypoallergenicity;
• eco-friendly and environmentally friendly, cotton in nature decomposes without residue;
• they are well painted and do not wash for a long time;
• percale absorbs less moisture, satin copes with this better;
• the breathability of satin is weaker than that of percale due to the structure of the fabric;
• long service life;

To summarize: what is better satin or percale?

The table below shows the final comparison of the parameters of the two fabrics, evaluating them, you can make a choice in favor of one of them.