I need sheets and have been shopping online for days. I want percale sheets (or something very like them) which is to say, smooth, crisp, and cool. I think true percale sheets are 100% cotton; however, I remember my grandma ironing cotton sheets; I don’t iron. (I don’t even iron clothes; certainly not sheets!)
I’ve seen some online that are called percale but are a cotton/poly blend. I have a cotton/poly blend that is close to percale, but it’s getting threadbare. Amazon had a set by Martha Stewart, 100% cotton percale. I’ve never bought Martha Stewart products, but it’s my impression she doesn’t put her name on crap. So, my questions for you:
. Will 100% percale sheets wrinkle so much it will affect comfort? (Note: appearance not so much an issue; I do sorta kinda make the bed.)
. If you have/know of a brand/source for a cotton/poly sheet that is very close to
percale, please let me know if you’re satisfied with it and where you got it.
Percale is the weave, and is generally indicative of the cheapest line of sheets offered. Usually 200 or less thread count. I used to make sheeting for a living so I know a thing or two about bedding. Martha Stewart’s 300 thread count or better won’t hurt your wallet too bad and will last a good while. I recommend buying the highest thread count you can afford. Higher thread count sheets last much longer, resist pilling (little fuzzballs), and get softer with each washing. Tuesday Morning is a good place, but I usually buy sheets at QVC or ShpNBC.
Ironing sheets is something I have never ever done, and will never ever do. If you have any other questions, I’ll be glad to answer.
ETA: What price range are you looking for, and I’ll link you some recommendations.
Your grandma probably ironed her sheets because she didn’t have a tumble dryer, and sheets dried on a line are stiff and uncomfortable, besides being wrinkled. Or maybe she was just really anal about sheets.
Cotton sheets that aren’t permapress in my experience will tumbledry to a state not quite smooth, crisp, and cool, but still not as horribly wrinkled as you might think. Think of that cotton blouse you bought that said “Tumble dry; touch up with warm iron if necessary” on the care label. That’s how your non-permapress cotton sheets will come out of the dryer. And once you smooth them on the bed, they’re perfectly fine.
For “smooth, crisp, and cool” straight out of the dryer, you’re talking cotton/poly blend.
To HM: Now see, this is why I’ve gotten confused about the whole issue of how to select sheets you like. I’ve read different sources (online and in magazines & newspapers) that a higher thread count does not necessarily mean you’re getting what you want in a sheet. I’ve read that a TC of around 300 can be a good sheet, so I’ve been looking for sheets with TC’s of 300-400; if longevity is the issue, then, yes, a higher TC is okay by me. I knew that “percale” is a type of weave, but never thought of it as being the “cheapest line” of sheets. While browsing the internet, I’ve seen percales made with 100% Egyptian cotton and costing over $100. As I understand it, Egyptian cotton is supposed to be very high quality (maybe the best?), so how can you say that percale is the cheapest line when well known brands are selling 100% Egyptian cotton percale sheets with a 400-500 or more TC? I’m not doubting your expertise, but asking why there seems to be conflicting info, and doesn’t it depend on more than just the thread count.
I didn’t say all percale was bad, but as a typical shopper looking for sheets at Target, WallyWorld, Penney’s etc, percale is generally a lower quality sheet. You are correct that Egyptian cotton is very high quality. If you have found some higher thread count Egyptian cotton sheets in a percale weave, then go for it. I have typically seen the higher thread counts in a sateen weave (which may not give you the snap that you want.)
I’m sleeping on some 330TC sheets from JC Penney. Link here. They feel really nice and silky, but the best thing is the spandex panels at the top and bottom. Finally, a fitted bottom sheet that isn’t a struggle to get over the mattress, and it doesn’t slip.
I have some softer sheets, the Egyptian cotton ones, but they don’t have those spandex panels.
I appreciate the suggestions, but finding a bargain isn’t really the issue. I’d be able to pay $500 for a sheet set, but I’m not going to.
I think my main issue was confusion over the TC, 100% cotton vs. cotton/poly, wrinkling, and how to be sure I’m buying the sheets I want.
DDG: You make a good point. No, grandma didn’t have a clothes dryer, but I do, so I’m not going to worry about wrinkling.
I’ve checked ebay, overstock and Penney’s, but I’m going to go back to Penney’s site and check out the ones Auntie Pam mentioned (bed-making made easier is something to consider!) Thanks everyone.
I’ve found some good deals on Amazon–my strong advice is not to go with anything other than 100% cotton sheets. Cotton/poly pills more and since poly fabrics mate irretrievably with grease they tend to get dingier over time and can’t really be effectively bleached if it’s needed. Yes, the blends last longer but personally I can’t stand them, they always feel cheap and nasty.
