Not all percale cotton sheets are created equal, and if you want to buy a set that’ll last you years without losing its quality, then you’ll wanna keep a few things in mind:
Check the thread count
When shopping for new sheets online, look for a thread count in the product description box. Though it’s not necessarily an indicator of quality, the thread count will tell you if sheets are actually percale. Typically, the optimal thread count for percale sheets is between 200 and 300, and the fabric must have a thread count of 180 to be considered percale. However, you can find a 400 to 500 thread count for percale if you prefer a denser sheet.
Make sure they’re certified
There are a couple of benchmark certification stamps to mark organic and chemical-free percale sheets. Like, when a set is labeled “OEKO-TEX® Certified“, that means Every. Single. Part. (from the threads to the buttons) has been thoroughly tested for potentially unhealthy chemicals. There’s also the “GOTS Certified Organic” seal of approval, which is another quality assurance system that inspects a product’s risk factor, and tests them for toxins. JFYI: All of our fave percale sets featured above have one or both of these certifications. 🫡
Look for durability
It’s normal for percale sheets to feel a little coarse or scratchy at first, so the true test of quality is how they feel after a wash or two. With this in mind, you’ll want to choose percale sheets that reviewers say “wash well” or “soften over time,” as the best percale sheets are made to last.
Find the right size
Nothing is more infuriating than sheets that are just a *tad* too small. If you don’t want your fitted sheet popping off your mattress in the middle of the night, then check out the pocket size to make sure the sheets you choose will easily fit over the corners and sides of your mattress.