Percale, Jersey and Sateen – Weaves Explained
Short answer: Percale, jersey and sateen do not describe the material, but the way the fabric is woven or knitted. Percale is tightly woven, matte and cool, jersey is knitted, soft and stretchy, and sateen is smooth with a light sheen. The same fibre, such as bamboo viscose, can therefore give three quite different experiences in bed.
Percale: tight, matte and cool
Percale is a plain weave where the threads cross one over and one under. This creates a dense and stable fabric with a matte surface and a crisp, cool feel against the skin. Many people know it from hotels. Percale creases a little more than the other qualities, but plenty of sleepers value that fresh, crisp handle.
Jersey: soft like a T-shirt
Jersey is not woven but knitted from loops, just like an ordinary T-shirt. That is why the fabric is soft, giving and stretchy from the very first night. Jersey moves with you and suits those who prefer a warm and relaxed feel. It is usually less crisp than percale and rarely shows visible creases after washing.
Sateen: smooth with a light sheen
In a sateen weave the threads are laid so they float over several threads at a time. This gives a smooth surface that reflects the light and has a discreet sheen. Sateen feels silky and glides easily against skin and hair. Many find it slightly warmer than percale, and it drapes softly over duvet and pillow.
The fibre matters most for sleep
Whatever the weave, it is the fibre that decides how well bedding handles moisture and heat. Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture and moves it away from the skin, so the bed feels drier and cooler. This is especially welcome for people who tend to get warm at night. The weave changes the feel, while the fibre keeps its properties. Read more in the article on better sleep with bamboo.
If you sleep hot
If you get warm easily at night, it is a good idea to combine a breathable fibre with a weave that feels cool. Bamboo percale is an obvious choice, because the tight, matte weave rests lightly on the skin. Sateen can also work, while jersey often feels warmer. If you have heavy night sweats over a longer period, talk to your doctor. See also the comparison bamboo bedding vs percale cotton.
Sheet and duvet cover belong together
A sheet that fits well does as much for your sleep as the duvet cover. A fitted sheet with elastic all the way round stays on the mattress all night and does not bunch up underneath you. Browse our bamboo fitted sheets, and consider choosing the same feel for sheet and cover, so the bed feels consistent.
Caring for the three qualities
All three bamboo qualities do best with a gentle wash at a low temperature and a mild detergent without bleach. Avoid fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fibres. If you tumble dry, use low heat. Percale is best taken out slightly damp and smoothed by hand, while jersey and sateen usually look neat straight from the line.
How to choose in practice
If you like cool and crisp sheets, go for percale. If you want it soft and warm like a favourite T-shirt, jersey is the right pick. If you dream of a smooth, slightly shiny bed, choose sateen. You will find the different qualities in our bamboo bedding, where each product description tells you which weave is used.
Frequently asked questions
Which weave is the coolest?
Percale is usually felt as the coolest, because the tight plain weave is matte and crisp against the skin. Combined with bamboo viscose you get both the cool feel and good moisture handling.
Does percale crease more than sateen?
Yes, percale usually creases a little more, because the weave is tight and crisp. Take the bedding out of the machine straight away, shake it well and hang it up to dry.
Is jersey bedding warmer than percale?
Many find jersey warmer, because the knitted fabric lies close and soft around the body. In bamboo it still does not feel clammy, because the fibre keeps moving moisture away from the skin.
See our range of Nordic Weaving bedding.
