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8 Cozy, Cool Cotton Percale Sheets to Purchase for a Better Bed

Because it’s Hot Girl Summer year-round for all the sweaty sleepers out there.

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Not to brag, but things have been getting pretty ~steamy~ in my queen size bed lately. And by steamy, I mean I have been waking up in a puddle of my own sweat with the collar of my fav oversized sleep tee *drenched* in perspiration. Despite the cozy sweater that I just ordered in anticipation of fall and the return of the Starbucks PSL, it is still very much summer over here. Mainly, it's still very much too HOT for this sweaty sleeper to handle.

So I traded in my worn, frumpy bedding for a set of airy cotton percale sheets in hopes of combating my sweaty slumbers. And OMFG you guys, percale sheets actually helped me stay cooler throughout the night. Basically, percale is a type of fabric weave, and when paired with a natural fiber like cotton, the result is a crisp, lightweight sheet that feels like one of those fancy button-down dress shirts that costs some serious $$$. And unlike that clingy ex of yours, percale gives you room to b-r-e-a-t-h-e, making it perfect for all my friends out there who struggle even with the AC on full blast.

To help you get the beauty sleep you deserve (sans sweat, ofc), I rounded up the best cotton percale sheets and answered some common q's below so you can find your dreamiest set. Now, keep on scrolling for alllll the super crisp and cooling percale sheets you will want on your bed right this very moment.

Best Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Nilaa Percale Luxe - Sheet Set

Percale Luxe - Sheet Set

Pros

  • Ethically Sourced
  • Responsibly Made
  • Extra-Long Staple 100% Organic Cotton

Cons

  • A Bit Stiff, But Softens Over Time With Washing

You can rest easy knowing these 400 thread count sheets are made from 100 percent organic cotton AND without the use of any harmful chemicals or dyes. This made-to-order set from Nilaa is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for hot sleepers and those lingering summer nights (thanks, climate change :/). Also, shoutout to Nilaa for making a point to pay their workers a livable wage. We love!

Glowing Review: “These feel like such a slice of heaven…I am so glad I found the perfect sheets.”

Printed Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Now 33% Off

Pros

  • Fair Trade-Certified
  • OEKO-TEX Certified
  • Several Patterns Available

Cons

  • May Not Be As Crisp As Other Percale Sheets

If you're feelin' a lil nervous to add some print and pattern to your bedroom, this is your sign to just GO FOR IT. This 220 thread count set from Target’s Opalhouse/Jungalow collab is exactly what you need to liven up your tired bedding sitch. Available in five vibrant patterns, these percale sheets won’t just keep you feeling cool, but will also keep your bed looking 🔥.

Glowing Review: “I can only tolerate cotton sheets due to night sweats so these sheets are perfect for me. This is the second percale sheet set I have purchased from Target. They are the best! Lovely pattern, comfortable, soft, breathable, good quality.”

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Best Cozy Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Castlery Waffle Duvet & Percale Sheet Set

Waffle Duvet & Percale Sheet Set

Pros

  • Added Texture
  • Amazing Quality
  • OEKO-TEX Certified

Cons

  • Only Available In Two Sizes

According to the reviews, this cotton percale sheet and duvet combo are as comfy cozy as they look and still stay cool against your skin. The added texture to this 200 thread count sheet set gives the coziest vibe, making them ideal for a midday nap or repeatedly hitting the snooze button in the AM. Catch those Zzz's, girl.

Glowing Review: “Perfect cotton feel for this hot weather. The touch and feeling is that of soft cool bed sheets. Simple but does the work and lets the body breathe during the night.”

Best Luxury Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Jonathan Adler Paradise Percale Sheet Set

Paradise Percale Sheet Set

Pros

  • Available In Several Colors
  • Durable
  • OEKO-TEX Certified

Cons

  • Some Reviewers Say The Pillowcases Are Small

Jonathan Adler, aka the interior designer and home decor icon, puts the lux in luxury with this long staple 400 thread count percale cotton set. The crisp, matte finish will leave you feeling like you’ve just woken up from a five-star slumber at The Plaza. Now, all that is missing is some room service brought to you in one of those fancy silver domes!

Glowing Review: “I’ve always wanted bedding at home that has that luxurious soft hotel feel that makes you not want to get out of bed, and I’ve definitely achieved that goal with these sheets. I love the finish of the bedding and the variety of colors. I would highly recommend if you’re looking for good quality bedding that has personality.”

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White Casserly 400 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheet Set

Pros

  • Great price
  • Deep pockets
  • Available in classic colors

Cons

  • Some Sizes/Colors Are Currently Out Of Stock

Sometimes you don’t need the fanciest schmanciest option out there in order to log some serious, high-quality sleep. This 400 thread count, long staple cotton set will take you back to basics, with seven classic colors, including a crisp white option. Perfect for people who don’t eat or drink in bed (aka not me)! 

Glowing Review: “These sheets are seriously awesome. It's really hard to find a 400 thread count sheet set in cotton. The sheets are crisp and comfortable and keep me cool through the night. The color is classic white, you cannot go wrong!”

Percale Starter Bedroom Bundle
Credit: Jessica Schramm

Pros

  • 100% Long-Staple Egyptian Cotton
  • Comes with sheets, pillows, pillowcases, duvet cover, and duvet insert

Cons

  • Def An Investment $$$

Okay, I’ll be honest, this set is def a splurge, but if you're looking to give your bed an entire makeover this total bundle from Parachute comes with everything you could possibly need. Airy 300 thread count sheets, two pillowcases, a duvet cover, duvet insert, AND two pillows of your density preference are all included, proving this bundle really does have it all.  

Glowing Review: “We always joke that we love and hate our Parachute bedding set, because it’s amazing but has made it 1000x harder to get up everyday! It’s the perfect balance of light material that keeps you warm, but never too hot. We’re obsessed.”

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Best Bargain Sheet Set

Everspread 100% Cotton Bed Sheets

100% Cotton Bed Sheets

Pros

  • All Sizes Under $50
  • Available In Several Classic Colors
  • Deep Pockets

Cons

  • A bit thin

One of the many major perks of cotton percale sheets is just how affordable they are. With all sizes coming in under $50 (including Cal King!!), you can sleep cool with this set knowing you will def have enough $ left to cover rent at the end of the month. Plus, several reviewers swear that this 200 thread count feels waaaay higher quality thanks to the 100 percent long staple cotton used. Talk about bang for your buck!

Glowing Review: “I purchased these sheets twice before and I keep coming back. The price point is great for these you can't go wrong! Go for it! if you are looking for super soft and silky these are not like that. They are soft, but more of a crisp feel. Won't buy anything else!”

Best Overall Cooling Sheet Set

Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set

Classic Core Sheet Set

Pros

  • Multiple Colors and Prints Available
  • OEKO-TEX Certified (aka no Synthetics Or Dyes Used)
  • V Generous 365-Day Return Policy

Cons

  • Some Reviewers Say The Fitted Sheet Is Tight

With over 15,000 reviews, (mine being one of them!) Brooklinen is *the* brand for crisp, 100 percent long staple, aka a longer fiber that makes the fabric softer, cotton percale sheets. These 270-thread count bbs stay cool to the touch, making them a must for hot sleepers. Brooklinen has managed to put that cool-side-of-the-pillow feel into a sheet set, which is honestly magic.

My Glowing Review: Love, love, LOVE climbing into my bed at the end of the day because I know these breathable, crisp sheets are waiting for me. They feel so luxurious against my skin and manage to keep me, a notoriously hot sleeper, nice and cool throughout the night. This set has gotten softer with each wash, which means they will only get better with time. Totally in it for the long haul with this Brooklinen set!

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So, what's the difference between cotton percale and sateen?

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Even though they're both made from cotton, percale (a light one-over-one-under weave) and sateen (usually a three-over-one-under weave) sheets have a few major differences you should know about before treating yourself to new sheets. Sateen weave cotton sheets have a luster to the finish and feel silky against the skin. Although they look and feel great, sateen cotton sheets are typically a bit heavier, which makes them *not* exactly the best option for hot sleepers. On the other hand, percale cotton is known for its airy breathability and matte finish. Crisp and cool to the touch, percale is def the frontrunner bedding for those looking to avoid night sweats.

How to choose the best cotton percale sheets

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Go with long staple cotton.

Despite what mom might have said, thread count isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Look for sheets made from long staple cotton—it's super durable and won’t get those annoying little pills that are a mega pain in the ass to remove. Plus, higher quality, long staple cotton only gets softer over time.

Shop for sheets that are OEKO-TEX certified.

(All the bbs on this list are!) This is essentially a big thumbs up and lets you know that the materials used have been tested and are free of any potentially harmful substances like chemicals that shouldn't be on your sheets or skin. It's always good to know what you're sleeping with (which is exactly why you should fully investigate any rando from Bumble and your bedding before buying).

Keep your budget in mind.

There are a lot of great percale cotton options that won’t break the bank.  You can splurge on a full set that includes a duvet, or you can snag a quality cotton percale set for $50 or less. The fabric really is a win/win!

Remember that 100% cotton wrinkles 100% of the time.

Always, always take them out of the dryer ASAP and get these sheets on your bed rather than allowing them to sit in a pile for hours (days?) on end. That ~fresh sheet feeling~ will be unmatched. Happy snoozin'!

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