Bamboo bedding and how to choose the weave
Short answer: Percale is tight and cool, sateen is smooth and a little warmer, and jersey is knitted and stretchy. The three weaves give three quite different experiences in bed, so it is often the weave and not just the material that decides whether you sleep well.
Percale is the coolest
In percale, the thread goes alternately over and under, which gives a matt, even surface that feels cool and slightly crisp against the skin. Air moves easily through the fabric, and it does not cling if you get warm during the night. If you sleep hot, it is usually the right choice. See bamboo bedding.
Sateen is smooth and heavier
In a sateen weave, several threads lie on top of each other before going under, which gives a smooth, glossy surface with a soft drape. It feels softer and a little warmer to lie under, because the fabric sits closer to the body. Many prefer sateen in winter, or if they easily feel cold at night.
Jersey is knitted
Jersey is not woven but knitted, just like a T-shirt. That gives stretch and a soft, slightly elastic feel that many know from their nightwear. On the other hand, it is the warmest of the three and can lose a little shape over time. Jersey is a good choice if softness matters more to you than a cool, smooth fabric.
How you sleep decides
If you sleep hot and sweat at night, choose percale. If you feel the cold easily or like the feel of a smooth, heavy fabric, choose sateen. If you want something that reminds you of your favourite T-shirt, choose jersey. If two of you share a bed with different needs, the duvet covers can easily differ.
Thread count says less
Thread count is often used as a measure of quality, but beyond a certain point more threads make the fabric heavier rather than better. A very high thread count can even make it less breathable. The weave matters more for how it feels. See the rest of the home textiles in home and homewear in bamboo.
The material in bamboo viscose
Whatever the weave, bamboo viscose gives a smooth, soft fabric that absorbs moisture and feels cool when you lie down. It is something many notice the first time. The combination of material and weave decides the final feel, so percale in bamboo feels different from percale in cotton.
Wash from day one
Wash the set before you use it for the first time. That removes any residue from production and makes it softer straight away. Wash at 40 degrees with a mild detergent, skip the fabric softener and dry on low heat or on a line. Read more about washing and care of bamboo textiles.
Protect the surface
Sateen and percale can pill if washed together with rough fabrics like towels or jeans. Wash your bedding on its own, turn duvet covers and pillowcases inside out and close buttons or zips. That way the surface keeps its smooth look and soft feel for longer.
In short
Percale is cool and matt, sateen is smooth and warmer, and jersey is soft and stretchy. Choose by how you sleep, not by thread count. Wash the set before first use, skip the fabric softener and wash it on its own, and the surface will last longer.
Frequently asked questions
What is percale?
A tight weave where the thread goes alternately over and under. It feels cool, matt and slightly crisp against the skin and suits you well if you sleep hot.
What is the difference between percale and sateen?
Percale is matt and cool, because the thread goes alternately over and under. Sateen is smooth and glossy, sits closer to the body and therefore feels a little warmer.
Does thread count matter?
Up to a point. Beyond that, more threads make the fabric heavier rather than better and can make it less breathable. The weave matters more for how it feels.
See our range of Nordic Weaving bedding.
