Editors Tested The 5 Best Percale Sheet Sets (That You’d Find at a Luxury Hotel)—Here’s How They Compare

“As soon as we put these on our bed, my husband said he felt like we were sleeping in a hotel bed,” says PureWow’s Executive Editor Alexia Dellner. This is thanks to the set’s 100 tight percale weave, which includes a dainty, color-on-color baratta stitch on the flat sheet and pillowcases. “Overall, I found these sheets to be good for medium to cold sleepers…They're not as cooling as bamboo sheets (good for me, since I tend to get cold at night) and they definitely have some weight to them. The material almost feels linen shirt-like, so there's some structure to it, but they're not overly stiff or crisp.” 

What’s more, Dellner notes, “Amazingly, they don't look dirty even after a week of sleeping on them, and also having my kids crawl and play on them, probably thanks to their thickness and durability. Yes, they wrinkle a fair amount, but this doesn't bother me.  I feel like they wrinkle in a kind of lived-in chic kind of way.”

Fast Facts

• What’s Included: 1 fitted sheet and 2 pillowcases (option to add flat sheet)
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

I’m obsessed with this set from Frette for two reasons: A) they keep me cool all night long, and B) the set makes me feel like I’m crawling into a neatly made bed at the Four Seasons. For those who don’t know, the Italian label has become synonymous with the high-end hotel industry—and this sophisticated, open hemstitched design lives up to its reputation (yet at a price point you can actually stomach). Not only does the crisp, 240 thread count percale offer maximum breathability—making a noticeable difference in my night sweats—but after a year of constant use, it still comes out of the wash looking brand new. My only warning, however, is that the fabric is designed to be breezy and lightweight (as opposed to super soft and thick). If you’re looking for a more substantial version, I’d recommend going with the more luxurious Doppio Ajour Sheet Set (which features a thicker sateen weave).

Fast Facts

• What’s Included: 1 fitted sheet, 1 top sheet and 2 pillowcases 
• Sizes: twin, queen, king, California king

This set’s $80 price point may say, “budget-friendly,” but PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera argues that doesn’t mean they’re cheaply made. “They’re super lightweight and breathable—not at all heavy, which I love for the warmer months,” she adds. This is thanks to the 270 thread count percale weave, which was engineered to be ultra-crisp and cooling. “I tend to get pretty hot when I sleep and the airy feel of these sheets have definitely kept me cooler,” she explains. Plus, aside from the fact that they’re breathable enough for hot sleepers like LaBarbera, she says they’re durable: “I cleaned the sheets on a regular wash cycle in cold water and dried them on normal heat; they’re just as soft as when I first got them! The pet hair from my dog sleeping next to me totally came out, too.” Bonus: The fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 16 inches deep—and it comes with top and bottom labels with elastic all the way around.

Fast Facts

• What’s Included: 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet and 2 pillowcases 
• Sizes: twin, full, queen, king, California king

Right out of the box, I was blown away by how soft this set was. They somehow had the sumptuous feel of a heathered cotton sheet, but maintained the crinkly percale look I was going for. Plus, while it’s not as sophisticated as my Frette set, Brooklien’s percale has become my go-to for winter nights. The 275-thread count is woven with an over-under stitching technique, which allows hot air to pass through, but it has a thicker hand that almost passes for a plush brushed cotton sheet. Add to that the fact that I also love the edgy matte finish in each colorway. While I currently have the cream set, I’m constantly seeing new colors introduced—the ‘Botanical Green’ hue is totally in line with this year’s color trends.

Fast Facts

• What’s Included: 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet and 2 pillowcases
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

Finally, if you’re committed to turning your bedroom into a five-star hotel, this set is beloved by luxury resorts like The Carlyle and L'Ermitage Beverly Hills. The 406-thread count has an elegantly polished finish, where the classic-style flanges with minimal hemstitching make it ooze sophistication. “The cotton felt extra luxe, but I found a noticeable difference in the feel after washing it (which helped reduce any out-of-the-packaging stiffness). I love how breezy and cooling it feels, too. The hotel quality can’t be beaten and it only gets better with wear and tear (i.e. additional washes and use),” says Rachel Bowie, PureWow’s senior director of special projects. She continues, “That's the thing about the Celeste bedding set—the more you wash it, the softer it feels. It took a few washes to really feel buttery; the tighter weave of the percale seems to relax a bit the more you wash it.” The best part? While some people reported ironing the sheets to help keep their shape, Bowie said they stayed wrinkle-free without ironing.

Fast Facts

• What’s Included: flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcases are sold separately at Sferra (available as a full set at Amazon)
• Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king