Choosing the right bed sheets can make all the difference in how you sleep - and how your bed looks and feels. But with so many different names, fabrics, and thread counts available on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you.
Why do some sheets feel cool and crisp while others feel silky and smooth? Which fabrics are best for hot sleepers? Which ones get softer over time, or create that effortlessly relaxed, lived-in look?
In this guide, we'll break down four of our most popular sheet fabrics: cotton sateen, cotton percale, linen, and modal. We'll explore how they're made, how they feel, and who they're best suited for, so you can choose the fabric that fits your sleep style, comfort preferences, and lifestyle.
Whether you're searching for cooling sheets, luxury bedding, or simply trying to understand the difference between percale and sateen, you'll find everything you need to know below.
Cotton Sateen: Soft, Smooth and Luxurious
Despite the somewhat misleading name, cotton sateen sheets aren't actually made from satin or polyester. Instead, they're made from 100% pure cotton - the word sateen refers to the fabric's weave. You may see these sheets labelled as cotton sateen or cotton satin - both names are used interchangeably but mean the same thing.
Cotton sateen is woven in a "four over, one under" pattern that places more threads on the surface of the fabric. This creates a fabric with subtle sheen that feels exceptionally soft and silky - hence the name sateen.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptionally soft and smooth to the touch
- Elegant appearance with a subtle lustre
- Slightly warmer and cozier than other cotton weaves
- Drapes beautifully on the bed
- Resists wrinkling better than percale
Potential Drawbacks:
- Sleeps slightly warmer than percale
- May feel a bit heavier weight
- Less crisp than cotton percale
Best For:
- People who love a silky-soft feel
- Cold sleepers
- Cooler climates
- Those who prefer a polished, luxurious look
EXPLORE ALL COTTON SATEEN SHEETS
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Cotton Percale: Crisp, Cool & Breathable
There's a reason that cotton percale sheets remain an eternal customer favourite. They're like the bedding equivalent of a classic button-up shirt: crisp, airy, long-lasting, and gets softer and more worn-in with every wear.
Cotton percale is woven with the threads in a one-under, one-over pattern that creates a matte finish and a light, airy feel.
Key Benefits:
- Cool, breathable and lightweight
- Crisp, hotel-like feel
- Excellent airflow for warm sleepers
- Becomes softer with every wash
- Durable and long-lasting
Potential Drawbacks:
- Wrinkles more easily than sateen
- Less silky to the touch, and more structured in feel
- May feel too cold for some sleepers during colder months
Best For:
- Hot sleepers
- Warmer climates
- Those who love the feeling of crisp sheets
- Fans of luxury hotel sheets
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Percale Vs. Sateen
Choose cotton percale if you prefer sheets that feel cool, crisp, and breathable.
Choose cotton sateen if you prefer a smoother, silkier feel with a touch more warmth.
Linen Sheets: Relaxed Luxury & Natural Breathability
Linen is one of the oldest fabrics on the plant and has been used for clothing and home decor for thousands of years. Woven from fibres of the flax plant, linen is known for its relaxed appearance, incredible durability, and its ability to regulate temperature throughout the year.
While you may think of linen as being a rough, coarse fabric, modern linen bedding is pre-washed for softness, and continues to get softer each time you wash and use it.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptional breathability and airflow
- Naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating
- Gets softer with every wash
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Has a relaxed, lived-in look that never goes out of style
Potential Drawbacks:
- Wrinkles easily
- Typically more expensive than cotton
- Textured feel may not appeal to everyone
Best For:
- Hot sleepers
- Those who love a casual, effortless aesthetic
- Summer bedding
- Those looking for the most eco-friendly bedding
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Linen Vs. Cotton Sheets
Linen is generally cooler and more breathable than cotton, while cotton tends to feel smoother and lighter.
If you like a relaxed look for your bed that's effortlessly rumpled and wrinkled, linen sheets will give you that look. If you prefer a more classic and polished look (or even the look of ironed sheets), cotton sheets are the better choice.
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Modal Sheets: Silky Soft & Moisture-Wicking
What is modal? Modal is a cellulose (which means plant-based) fibre made from pulp of the beech tree. It's prized for its silky softness, fluid drape, and moisture-wicking properties.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptionally soft and silky
- Lightweight and breathable
- Moisture-wicking (absorbs sweat)
- Resists shrinking and fading
- Drapes beautifully on the bed
Potential Drawbacks:
- Not as durable as linen or percale
- May pill if not cared for correctly
- Lacks the structure of cotton or linen; many people may find it too flowy or not textured enough
Best For:
- Those who prioritize softness above all else
- Hot sleepers who dislike crisp fabrics
- Sensitive skin
- Anyone who like the feeling of satin sheets, but prefers a natural fibre
EXPLORE ALL MODAL SHEETS
Hopefully this guide has helped you to decide which sheets are best for you. If not, take a look below for some answers to our most frequently asked questions about bed sheet fabrics. Here at Au Lit Fine Linens, we've been in the bedding business for over 45 years, helping our customers get their best sleep ever.
Which Sheets Are Best For Hot Sleepers?
If staying cool is your top priority, here's what we would recommend for you:
- Linen
- Cotton Percale
- Modal
- Cotton Sateen
Linen and cotton percale offer the most airflow and breathability, while modal offers cooling comfort with a softer, silkier feel. Cotton sateen is still breathable, but its tighter weave creates a slightly warmer sleeping experience than the others.
Do Linen Sheets Get Softer Over Time?
Yes! One of the best qualities of linen is that it gets softer over time and with laundering. if you love the look of linen but the soft hand of cotton, consider looking for sheets that offer a blend of both. Our Washed Linen/Cotton collection is made from a 50/50 blend of Italian linen and long-staple cotton, giving you the best of both worlds.
How Can I Make My Bed Feel Like a Luxury Hotel?
If you want your bed to have the crisp, luxurious feeling of a hotel bed, look for cotton percale sheets. While thread count is important, it isn't the key to getting that five-star feeling. Instead, look for percale sheets made from high quality, long-staple cotton (we especially love Egyptian and Pima cotton). Luxury hotels love using cotton percale for its crisp, airy feel and excellent durability and longevity.
