Linen vs Percale
When you go bedsheet shopping, you will likely come across Linen and Percale bedsheets. But which one of these is better? Between Linen vs Percale, which one should you buy?
Today's blog post compares Linen vs Percale to help you choose between them. Additionally, we will answer various FAQs pertaining to these 2 fabrics below.
What is Linen?
Linen fabric is made from fibers derived from the Flax plant. Flax cultivation is done in numerous parts of the world, but the finest Linen comes from Europe. That's because the climate in Europe is conducive to the growth of the Flax plant.
What is Percale?
Unlike Linen, Percale isn't made from a particular fiber or plant. It is characterized by the weave pattern which it uses. It means any fiber that is woven tightly in the one-over-one-under pattern can constitute the Percale fabric. The materials which can be weaved in this pattern include:
Most percale sheets you'll find online are made from 100% cotton because of the breathability of cotton and its softness.
Another option in Percale sheets is those made from a blend of different fabrics. Usually, the blend includes cotton as one component and synthetic fibers as a second component. The most common second component is polyester. Such a blend offers higher durability.
Percale sheets can also be made from Linen and Cotton blend since Percale refers to a weave pattern and not a fabric in itself.
Percale can also be made from a Bamboo Cotton blend. This variant is known for its softness and moisture-wicking properties.
Another premium variant of Percale is the silk-cotton blend. Both Percale and Silk are soft, with Silk being more so. Due to Silk, this fabric variant has a luxurious and soft feel. That's why such bedsheets are often used by people who have sensitive skin.
Irrespective of the fabric blend, one thing that is common in all Percale variants is the thread count. Usually the thread count is 180 or higher. That's the only way you can get a tight and durable weave.
Linen vs Percale - Key Differences
Now that you're aware of how each fabric is made, it's time to take a look at the key differences between Linen vs Percale.
1. Texture
Linen has a unique texture. While it can't be termed rough, it is indeed unique. Additionally, Linen becomes softer with each wash, but the unique texture is still retained. The texture of Linen comes from the unique feel of the Flax fibers. The crisp texture is certainly noteworthy.
Percale is made from a criss cross thread pattern. Moreover, Percale fabric often has a thread count of 180. Consequently, you get a tight and uniform texture. However, a lot depends on the blend of fabrics in use.
For example, if Percale consists of Silk, it is extremely soft. Cotton, too, is on the softer side. Thus, the Percale texture can't be determined without looking at the fabric blend.
But the question is, which one has a better texture between the two?
The answer is Linen because of its crisp, unique texture. Moreover, most consumers don't have time to understand how the texture of different fabrics in Precale will span out. A better option is to simply go with Linen.
2. Breathability
The thread count of any fabric determines whether it's breathable. The higher the thread count, the less space between the threads, which reduces space for air to move around. That's why, in most cases, fabrics with lower thread counts provide better breathability.
Usually, Linen's thread count can vary between 80 and 150. Even with such a low thread count, the high strength of the Flax fibers ensures the fabric is extremely durable. Since the space between the threads is considerable, Linen offers excellent breathability, making it perfect for any season.
Thread count of Percale on the other hand is upwards of 180 as highlighted above. Moreover Percale uses a tight weave. Both these factors combined reduce the breathability of the fabric. While in the winter season this might not pose a problem but in the summer months this makes Precale less comfortable as it won't cool down your body.
Purely based on breathability, Linen is an excellent option.
3. Lifespan
Nobody likes to buy their bedding repeatedly because the older one got frayed or damaged. That's why considering the lifespan of both these fabrics is extremely important.
Pure Linen can last more than seven years with the right care and washing methods. It is also not uncommon for pure Linen to last more than a decade. The strong Flax fibers contribute to this long lifespan, which is also why most premium hotels use Linen sheets.
The lifespan of Percale varies from one variant to another. Reason being that Percale is not made from a single fabric but can be a blend of different fabrics. Not only that, even if it uses a single fabric, the type of fabric can vary. However, any other variant than Linen Percale usually lasts less than a decade which means Linen is a better option when it comes to durability.
On this count, Linen wins.
4. Maintenance
When choosing any fabric, it's extremely important to know the maintenance routine, including the washing and drying cycle.
The good news is that Linen isn't that difficult to maintain. You can hand wash or even put it in the washer along with a mild detergent. Thereafter, air drying is one of the best options. That means you need not follow any special procedure to maintain it. You can check our Linen washing guide to learn the exact step-by-step procedure.
Percale, on the other hand, poses a problem in this regard. The reason is, let's say you have multiple Percale sheets. In that case, the composition of those sheets can vary. Depending on the composition, the recommended washing and drying procedure will vary.
For example, Percale Cotton sheets can be put into the machine, but Silk Percale sheets require a different washing procedure. It's not easy to remember all the different procedures, making it difficult to maintain Percale sheets.
Once again, Linen scores higher in this regard.
5. Climate Compatibility
No point in buying a bedsheet or a garment that you can't use in a particular season. That's why it's important to know about climate compatibility before choosing between Linen vs Percale.
According to Wikipedia, Linen is absorbent but dries quickly as well. Additionally, it's breathable despite these properties. That means you can easily use it in the monsoon and summer seasons. According to a report by NC State University, Linen has anti-static properties. This means that in the winter months, you can layer them with thicker and warmer fabrics. Thus, Linen is suitable for all seasons.
Percale, on the other hand, has too many variants. Even if you take the example of Cotton, its comparatively slower drying time and high moisture absorption capability make it unsuitable for winter or monsoon months. Once Cotton Percale is damp, it loses its insulating properties, making it difficult to use in the winter months. Alternatively, Silk Percale results in static, making it unsuitable for winter months.
Even if you find a Percale sheet made from a versatile fabric, the tight weave makes it difficult to use in summer because of less breathability.
Thus, the versatility of Linen makes it suitable for all seasons.
6. Carbon Footprint
Let's take the example of a bedsheet.
Linen bed sheets have a lower thread count, which means the amount of fiber used in a standard-sized bed sheet will be less. According to this report, producing Flax fibers has a lower environmental impact than hemp and other fibers.
Even if you take the example of Linen Percale, the tighter weave means more Flax fibers are used, which means the carbon footprint is slightly higher than that of pure Linen bed sheets. Percale bed sheets made from other fabrics have an even bigger carbon footprint.
Once again, Linen excels in this aspect.
7. Price Range
Manufacturing Linen from Flax fibers requires following a precise procedure, which makes it somewhat expensive upfront. However, since pure Linen sheets can last for a decade or more, in the long term, the value for money you get is much higher than any other alternative.
Percale sheets, on the other hand, are cheaper, especially those made from synthetic materials. However, since they last for a handful of years, they turn out to be expensive in the long term.
Thus, in the long term, Linen is a much better choice.
Which One Should You Choose Between Linen vs Percale?
In the comparison between Linen vs Percale, Linen scores higher in almost every aspect. If you're confused between these two, go with Linen. Check out our Linen Bedding Collection to start shopping.
Faqs on Linen vs Percale
Is Linen More Suitable for Hot Climates Than Percale?
Yes, Linen is more suitable for hot climates than Percale because of its higher breathability and low thread count. The tighter weave of Percale works against it in hot climates.
Why is Linen Often Preferred for Its Natural Texture Over Percale?
The natural texture of Linen provides a clear and crisp texture, making it distinct. Percale, on the other hand, has a texture that depends on the fabric composition, which means it might or might not be uniform.
How Does the Durability of Linen Compare to Percale?
Linen, especially pure one, can last more than a decade. Percale, on the other hand, can last 5 to 7 years, depending on the fabric composition.
Why is Linen Considered More Eco-Friendly Than Percale?
Cultivating Flax plants from which Linen is made results in less environmental impact than making Percale, making Linen more eco-friendly.
Why Might Linen Be a Better Choice for Sensitive Skin Compared to Percale?
Linen's breathability, progressively softer texture with each wash, and breathability make It an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin.
Buy Pure Linen Today!
If you are confused between Linen vs Percale, Linen is the clear winner. In addition to excellent durability, Linen also offers unique texture, breathability, and much more. So, it's best to choose Linen bedding or garments. Go through our Linen Bedding Collection to buy pure Linen today.
