By Arabella Peterson Bedding 01.02.2025

Types of Cotton Weaves

Learn about the different types of cotton weaves and why percale is the best weave for sheets.

When it comes to cotton bedding, we’re not short on choice. From thread-count to fabric weight to the different kinds of cotton that are used to make sheets, blankets and more... needless to say, there’s a lot to pick from.

When it comes to choosing bed sheets for your bed, one of the most important things to look out for is the type of cotton weave.

Different weaves impart different features on cotton fabric, determining whether bedding is going to be summer-friendly or snug for the winter.

Read on for everything you need to know about the commonly-used cotton weaves and why percale is our pick of choice.

How is cotton fabric made?

Before getting into the finer details, it’s important to understand what cotton fabric actually is – and how it ends up on your bed.

Cotton fabric is an organic material and comes from the soft, fluffy fibres of the cotton plant. The plants are grown and harvested, and the cotton fibres are thoroughly cleaned. The cotton is then spun into yarn, which is then woven in a variety of patterns to make cotton fabric.

There are several ways that cotton yarn can be woven, with different weaves resulting in very different kinds of fabric. Some cotton weaves produce smooth, crisp fabric, while others are heavier, thicker or more textured. It’s thanks to this flexibility that cotton fabric is used to make just about every kind of textile including clothing, upholstery, car seats, and of course, bed sheets.

About cotton weaves

The term ‘weave’ simply refers to the specific pattern in which yarn is woven to make fabric.

This plays a significant role in the fabric’s qualities, including things like feel, weight, texture and durability.

Types of cotton weaves

There are several common cotton weaves, each with its own look, feel and purpose. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular cotton weaves:

Percale: Percale is a tight cotton weave that creates a smooth, matte surface. Percale fabric feels crisp to the touch and is superbly breathable, making it a popular choice for bed sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases and other bedding items.
Twill: Cotton twill has a distinctive diagonal rib pattern. It’s durable and resists wrinkles. Thanks to its strength and durability, cotton twill is commonly used in denim clothing and workwear.
Plain Weave: Plain weave cotton is simple, affordable and versatile. It’s commonly used in cotton clothing, bedding, curtains and other household fabrics.
Poplin: Cotton poplin is a plain weave with a fine, tightly packed texture. This cotton weave is lightweight but durable and structured, and is often used in shirts and warm-weather bedding.
Fleece: Cotton fleece is a brushed fabric knit. It is a softly textured and warm fabric most often used in loungewear, blankets, and cold-weather bedding.

About percale

Percale is a popular weave for making high-quality cotton bedding. With its clean look and matte finish, cotton percale creates the perfect polished, hotel-style look.

Cotton percale bedding also ages well, resists pilling and can withstand regular washing, without losing its crisp feel.

If you prefer bedding that looks neat and luxurious, this may be the sheet fabric for you. With clean lines and an elegant drape, cotton percale makes for a classy elegance.

Features of percale

Cotton percale is one of the most flexible, comfortable and durable cotton weaves. When used to make bed sheets its:

Cool and breathable
Has a crisp, matte finish
Feels smooth to the touch
Durable and long-lasting
Resists pilling and wear
Soft from the first use
Ideal for warm weather and hot sleepers

Why we use percale for our cotton sheets

Percale is our pick of choice for our cotton bedding, thanks to its luxurious feel, low-maintenance care, and all-season comfort. It keeps you snug and comfortable during the winter, or cool and airy during the summer.

Cotton percale bedding is also durable, long-lasting, doesn’t pill, and stays soft even with years of daily use.

Whether you opt for cotton percale pillowcases, sheets or even a duvet cover, you simply can’t go wrong with this versatile weave type.