Percale against bamboo, is it the same fabric
Short answer: No, percale and bamboo are not the same. Percale is a weave, often in cotton, while bamboo is a fibre, which in clothing is viscose from bamboo. The two are often compared, but they describe different things. Here we explain the difference.
What kind of material is percale
What kind of material is percale? Percale is not a fibre but a way of weaving the fabric: dense and even, often in cotton. It gives a firm, dry surface. So the word describes the weave and not the material itself. That is important to know when you compare percale with bamboo.
What is bamboo in bedding
Bamboo in bedding is viscose from bamboo. Viscose is a fibre made from plant material. How the fabric feels depends on weave and weight, just as with cotton. Bamboo therefore describes the raw material and not the weave. Look at bamboo bedding to read how the individual sets are described.
Fibre and weave are two different things
This is where the confusion arises. The fibre is what the yarn is made of. The weave is the way the yarn is put together. You can have percale in cotton and, in principle, in other fibres too. And bamboo viscose can be woven in different ways. The two terms sit on separate axes, and they can be combined.
How does percale feel
Percale typically feels firm, dry and crisp. Many know it from hotel bedding. It does not drape as softly as other weaves. If you like a fresh, clear feeling, percale may be for you. It is a matter of taste, and there is no right or wrong feeling.
How does bamboo feel
Bamboo viscose has a soft, smooth surface and often drapes calmly. The feeling depends on weave and weight. Some prefer the soft feel, others the firm one. Try both if you are unsure, and let your own feeling decide. There is no winner, because it depends on what you like. Notice over several nights, since the first impression can change once you have got used to the fabric and the weave.
Care and lifespan
Percale in cotton and bamboo viscose are cared for differently. Cotton often tolerates higher heat, while viscose should be washed gently and air dried. Follow the care label of the individual set. A set that is cared for properly lasts long. Use a gentle temperature for viscose and avoid high heat in the dryer. That applies whether the set is bamboo or cotton, so always read the label before the first wash and keep the instructions somewhere safe.
How to choose
Think about what you want: fresh and firm, or soft and smooth. Read the description to see whether the weave is stated. A set can be in bamboo and have a weave other than percale. For the bathroom you can look at bamboo towels, and for warm nights bamboo Night Shorts for Women.
Frequently asked questions
Are percale and bamboo the same?
No. Percale is a weave, often in cotton, while bamboo is a fibre, which in clothing is viscose from bamboo. They describe different things.
What is percale?
Percale is a dense, even weave that is often made in cotton. It gives a firm, dry surface.
Can bamboo bedding be percale?
It depends on the set. Bamboo is the fibre, and the weave can differ. Read the description to see which weave is used.
