Percale vs. Sateen: What’s the Difference?

When we set out to create the perfect sleep experience, we knew it would depend on one core factor: fabric.

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The chosen textiles would need to possess the power to relax the mind and put the body at ease, to beckon you to bed each night and return you to the world rejuvenated the next morning.

We visited factories all over the world in search of this perfect product and sensation, and when we first set foot in our factory in Italy, we knew we’d found it. This facility is manufactured by true artisans who have been making world class bedding for over 80 years. Their passion for linens is demonstrated in their attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship.

What is Percale? 

Parachute’s percale and sateen bedding is made using the finest long-staple Egyptian cotton, combed with precision to remove all impurities and dyed naturally in a process that surpasses the highest safety and environmental protection standards.

Our percale weave is most easily comparable to the perfect white button-down: crisp, clean, and livable. It’s stonewashed for ultimate comfort and will only become softer as it’s laundered.

Its tightly woven weave—accomplished in a classic one-thread-over-one-under fashion—gives the fabric a simple, matte finish while providing ultra breathability. Cool to the touch, percale fabric is perfect for all seasons and is especially forgiving during the balmy summer months.

Parachute Percale Venice Set

Our signature Percale Venice Bedding Set is an homage to our California hometown – and to an easily made bed. Designed without a Top Sheet (because that’s our favorite way to sleep).

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Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets

To create our softest, most relaxed percale yet, we took pure organic cotton and applied proprietary spinning and weaving to create a washed fabric with a lightly crinkled effect all over.The result is what may be our favorite sheeting yet: breathable, comfortable, beautifully rumpled sheets that wash and wear well over time. Exclusive to Coyuchi, the fabric is perfectly broken in right out of the box and just right for every season.

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Allswell Organic Garment Wash Percale Duvet Set

Top off your bed with a layer of livable luxury, courtesy of our game-changing duvet cover. 100% organic cotton and a plush garment-washed finish make it a pleasure to snuggle with, and it’ll get even softer with every wash. Oh, and about that game-changing part: A built-in hook-and-tie system (made to work with our duvet inserts) makes for a seamless — and shiftless — experience. Completing the picture are shams with a generous 4-inch flange, for an elevated look and feel. Photo Courtesy of Allswell Home

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Parachute Percale Sheet Set

The start to making your perfect bed. Crafted in Portugal from 100% premium, certified long-staple Egyptian cotton – our percale is lightweight and durable with a crisp finish that only gets better with time. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

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Allswell Organic Garment Wash Percale Sheet Set

Looking to give your bed an effortlessly stylish upgrade? Look no further. Our special garment wash process imparts these sheets with a laid-back, luxuriously lived-in feel that you can dress up or down just like your favorite T-shirt — yet ultra-soft 100% organic cotton plus subtle details (like embroidery on the generously oversized 4" hem) make them unmistakably luxe. And their toned-down neutral hues go with any design style or color scheme you’ve already got going. In sum, they’re elevated essentials you’ll love sleeping on — and living with. Photo Courtesy of Allswell Home

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Allswell Percale Euro Sham

Premium softness; cool-to-the-touch feel. The Percale Duvet Sham provides a light yet luxurious feel achieved through a unique cotton/Tencel fabrication and garment washing process. The result: premium softness and a cool-to-the-touch feel that will look as good after many washings as it does coming out of the package. 26" x 26" 64% Lyocell/Tencel ®, 36% Cotton 300 Thread Count Percale Hidden Envelope Closure Machine Washable Made in China Photo Courtesy of Allswell Home

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What is Sateen?

Sateen, on the other hand, is a more lustrous experience. Its unique weave—four-over-one-under—gives this material the luxurious sheen and drape of satin with the comfort and durability of our world-class cotton.

Silky to the touch, sateen fabric is smooth and fresh against your skin and comfortable any time of the year. All sateen sheets are outfitted with our signature double stitch tipping, a classic look that provides a regal feel.

No matter which fabric you select, you’re sure to be delighted each night as you crawl into your bed. Sweet dreams.

Parachute Sateen Sheet Set

Crafted in Portugal from 100 percent premium, certified long-staple Egyptian cotton, the Sateen sheet set is soft and durable with a smooth feel that only gets better with time.

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Parachute Sateen Venice Set

Our signature bedding set is an homage to our California hometown. Designed without a top sheet (because that's our favorite way to sleep), it has everything you need to upgrade your bed. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

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Parachute Sateen Duvet Cover

Our Sateen Duvet Cover will protect your Duvet comforter while keeping you cozy. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

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Visit the Parachute Blog for more stories that enhance your sleep and inspire your waking moments. Take me there >>

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