Bamboo Bedding vs. Percale Cotton – The Difference Explained

Bedding is an investment that affects every single night. Two popular choices are bamboo viscose and percale-woven cotton. Both are good, but they offer different benefits. In this comparison, we’ll go over the two materials based on the most important factors.

What is percale cotton?

Percale is a tightly woven cotton fabric with a noticeable "crinkled" and slightly cool texture. It is popular because it feels great against the skin and is breathable. Egyptian cotton in a percale weave is often considered premium quality.

Bamboo viscose

Bamboo viscose is made from the fibers of the bamboo plant and has a silky-soft texture that is more reminiscent of silk or satin than percale. It is significantly softer against the skin and lies smoothly on the duvet without bunching.

On softness and cooling

When it comes to softness, bamboo wins. Even high-quality percale doesn’t quite match that silky-soft feel. Bamboo also wins when it comes to cooling—the fabric breathes better and wicks away moisture 2–3 times faster than cotton. For summer, bamboo is clearly the better choice.

Check out our bamboo bedding collection to see the full selection. For standard sizes, we offer bamboo single bedding in 140x200, and for extra-long duvets, bamboo single bedding in 140x220 cm.

Based on durability and price

Both are long-lasting with proper care. Percale may be slightly more resistant to rough washing, but it requires higher wash temperatures. Bamboo should be washed at 30–40 degrees—this is sufficient to keep the fabric clean and extend its lifespan. In terms of price, there isn’t much difference—both are premium.

Everything You Need for Your Home

If you want to upgrade your entire home, check out our bamboo towels and pair them with bamboo sleepwear—such as women’s bamboo sleepwear or men’s bamboo sleepwear. See our entire selection of bamboo home goods in the Home & Homewear section.