Comparing My Pillow Percale and Giza Sheets: Which is the Better Option?

When looking for sheets that provide exceptional comfort, many people wonder if My Pillow Percale or Giza sheets are the better option. Although both materials offer excellent qualities, there are some key differences that need to be taken into account when deciding which is best for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between My Pillow Percale and Giza sheets, the pros and cons of each, and the factors to consider when comparing the two fabrics. Finally, we’ll examine the relative durability, comfort level, price, and style of My Pillow Percale and Giza sheets in order to help you make the best decision when choosing between them.

When it comes to bedding, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between percale and Egyptian cotton sheets. Both fabrics have their pros and cons, and the right option depends on your budget, sleeping habits, and personal preferences. This comprehensive guide examines percale and Egyptian cotton side-by-side, so you can make an informed decision when upgrading your bed.

What is Percale?

Percale refers to a finely-woven, crisp fabric made from cotton. The term “percale” actually describes the weave of the fabric rather than the material composition. By definition, percale sheets must have a thread count of at least 180 threads per square inch. This tight weave gives percale sheets their signature matte finish and light feel.

Percale is known for being:

Breathable
Lightweight
Smooth and matte
Durable and long-lasting
Resistant to pilling or wrinkling

With proper care, high-quality percale sheets can retain their fresh feel even after years of use. The tight weave also gives percale sheets a reputation for being cooler than other cotton bedding.

What is Egyptian Cotton?

Egyptian cotton refers to cotton cultivated in Egypt and woven into bedding. While not all Egyptian cotton is created equal, true Egyptian cotton comes from specific cotton species called Gossypium barbadense. This plant produces longer cotton fibers that can be spun into finer, more durable yarn.

The key characteristics of Egyptian cotton sheets include:

Soft handfeel
High durability
Improves with age and washes
Breathable for temperature regulation
Gets softer over time
Luxurious appearance

Due to its long staple length, Egyptian cotton can achieve higher thread counts while maintaining strength and durability. Brands often use terms like “pure,” “extra-long staple,” or “pima” to designate authentic Egyptian cotton.

Percale Sheets Composition

Percale sheets are woven using combed cotton yarns, which removes short fibers for a smoother finish. To qualify as percale, the fabric must contain:

100% cotton – Usually long-staple cotton fibers
Thread count of 180-200 – Results in a tight weave
One over, one under weave – Creates a matte, crisp finish

While percale sheets are traditionally white, modern dyeing techniques allow percale to be produced in a wide spectrum of colors. However, dyed percale sheets may use a blend of synthetic fibers to help colors remain vibrant after washing.

Egyptian Cotton Sheets Composition

Authentic Egyptian cotton sheets contain fibers harvested exclusively in Egypt. Specific cotton species include:

Gossypium barbadense – The most common type grown in Egypt’s hot, dry climate. It includes varieties like pima, Suvin, and Giza.
Gossypium herbaceum – Less common, but produces fine, silky fibers.
American Pima cotton – Closely related to Egyptian cotton but grown in the United States.

True Egyptian cotton sheets must be made from extra-long staple cottons like Giza 45-87. Shorter cotton fibers don’t have the same softness and durability. Like percale, Egyptian cotton sheets typically have a thread count between 200-800.

Thread Count in Percale

For percale sheets, a higher thread count does not always mean better quality. Once percale surpasses a 300 thread count, the weave becomes less crisp and begins to lose its signature smooth, matte feel.

Most high-quality percale sheets have a thread count between 180-280. Going much higher negatively affects the breathability, texture, and longevity of percale sheets. Focus more on the fabric quality and construction versus shoot for a mega-high thread count.

Thread Count in Egyptian Cotton

Due to the length and strength of Egyptian cotton fibers, genuine Egyptian cotton sheets can comfortably handle a thread count between 300-800. A higher thread count contributes to a softer, more luxurious handfeel.

However, beware of false marketing gimmicks! Some brands mislead customers by inflating thread counts using multi-ply threads. Make sure to check if the brand discloses “ply” in their thread count figures. Single ply sheets are the highest quality.

Signs of Authentic Egyptian Cotton

With Egyptian cotton’s reputation for luxury, many manufacturers falsely claim their sheets are made from Egyptian cotton. Here are some tips for identifying legit Egyptian cotton sheets:

Look for specific cotton species – Giza, pima, Suvin and Supima® are used for true Egyptian cotton.
Check country of origin – Should specify Egypt, not just imported fabric.
Disclose third-party verification – Authentic brands confirm Egyptian origin through testing.
Compare thread count to fiber length – Low thread count signals shorter fiber staple length.
Read product descriptions closely – Vague phrases like “cotton sourced from Egypt” may indicate a blend.

Opting for branded Egyptian cotton like Giza, Luxor®, or Sateen guarantees your sheets were woven in Egypt from pure Egyptian cotton.

Avoiding Fake Egyptian Cotton

Be wary of these red flags when sheet shopping:

No cotton species or origin details
Vague claims like “made with Egyptian cotton”
Suspiciously low prices for “Egyptian cotton”
Mixing Egyptian cotton with other materials
Lack of transparency from manufacturer
Misleading “1000 thread count” claims

By law, any product marketed as Egyptian cotton must be made with 100% Egyptian grown cotton. But poorly-regulated labels like “Egyptian type” allow sheets with just a small percentage of Egyptian cotton to capitalize on the coveted branding.

Percale Weave Pattern

Percale gets its signature texture from a basic one-over, one-under weave. Each warp thread passes over and under the weft thread in an alternating pattern:

Over threads (green) alternate with under threads (yellow)
Weft threads (blue) cross perpendicular to warp threads

This tight, flat weave not only gives percale its crisp handfeel, but contributes to percale’s longevity by limiting fraying or tearing. However, it also causes percale to wrinkle easily.

Egyptian Cotton Weave Patterns

While percale utilizes a basic one-over, one-under weave, Egyptian cotton sheets can employ more intricate weaves:

Twill – Diagonal parallel ribs add texture. More moisture-wicking.
Sateen – Floating weave creates silky feel. Often used for prints.
Jersey – Knit-like texture feels stretchy and luxurious.
Hemstitch – Woven banding adds decorative edge.
Dobby – Geometric woven shapes create decorative flair.

The weave impacts the texture, luster, and drape of the sheet. Sateen offers a very different feel from crisp percale, even though both are Egyptian cotton.

Dyeing Percale Sheets

Traditional percale sheets were snowy white, bleached for a bright, clean look. However, modern dyes allow percale sheets to come in a full spectrum of colors.

There are two main dyeing methods:

Piece dyeing – Each piece of fabricated percale fabric is submerged in colored dye. This allows for solid color sheets.
Yarn dyeing – The cotton yarn is dyed before percale fabric is woven. This gives a mottled appearance.

While dyed percale looks beautiful, white 100% cotton percale remains the most durable. For printed patterns, blended fibers help stabilize colors.

Dyeing Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Like percale, white Egyptian cotton provides the longest lifespan. But dyeing with reactive dyes creates eye-catching, color-saturated sheets. Common dye techniques include:

Printing – Apply dye in specified patterns using rollers. Allows detailed designs.
Piece dyeing – Submerge cut sheets in dye vats for full color. Good for solids.
Space dyeing – Alternate dyed and undyed yarns to make stripes or color gradients.
Yarn dyeing – Dye raw yarns before weaving. Produces a marbled look.

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Caring for Percale Sheets

Percale sheets require proper care to prevent pilling, tearing, or color fading:

Wash in cold water using gentle cycle. Hot water can damage fibers.
Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Harsh chemicals deteriorate percale.
Tumble dry on low. High heat causes wrinkling and shrinkage.
Remove from dryer promptly to reduce creasing.
Iron while still slightly damp to smooth wrinkles. Use medium heat.
Wash similar colors together to prevent dye transfer.

With the right care, high-end percale sheets become softer and improve with age while maintaining their crisp texture.

Maintaining Egyptian Cotton Sheets

To keep Egyptian cotton sheets soft and vibrant:

Wash in warm or cold water on a gentle cycle. Never use hot water.
Skip the fabric softener. It can cause buildup over time.
Tumble dry on low. Medium heat if sheets are still damp.
Iron while slightly damp to remove wrinkles. Cotton can withstand hot irons.
Inspect for holes or thinning spots. Mend any wear to maximize lifespan.
Spot clean stains immediately to prevent setting.

Properly cared for Egyptian cotton sheets become more lustrous and supple after years of use.

Egyptian Cotton Weave Variations

While plain weave percale offers minimal variation, Egyptian cotton takes advantage of different textile weaves:

Sateen

Floats longer threads over shorter threads, creating more luster.
Smooth, silky texture feels decadent.
Shimmering surface beautifully showcases dyes.
Less breathable than percale.

Twill

Distinct diagonal ribbing adds visual interest.
Denser weave makes twill very durable.
Textured feel provides warmth while still breathable.
Refracts light for subtle luster.

Jersey

Knitted construction creates stretch and flexibility.
Luxuriously soft, silk-like handfeel.
Natural elasticity for cozy, contouring drape.
Vulnerable to snagging without delicate care.

Pima Cotton vs Egyptian Cotton

Pima cotton is an extra-long staple cotton grown mainly in the southwestern U.S. While Pima comes close, Egyptian cotton still reigns supreme:

Fiber length

Pima: 1 1⁄4 – 2 inches
Egyptian: 1 1⁄2 – 2 inches

Origins

Pima: Southwestern U.S.
Egyptian: Nile River Valley

Texture

Pima: Extremely soft, thin fibers
Egyptian: Stronger, more durable fibers

Price

Pima: More affordable luxury cotton
Egyptian: More exclusive, premium price

If your budget allows, choose genuine Egyptian cotton for unparalleled softness and longevity. But Pima offers great quality for a lower cost.

Choosing the Right Sheets

When deciding between percale and Egyptian cotton sheets, consider what factors matter most to you:

Temperature – Percale’s tighter weave is more breathable. Go with percale if you sleep hot.

Texture – Prefer silky smoothness? Sateen Egyptian cotton is luxuriously plush. Love crisp, classic bedding? Percale creates that hotel bed feel.

Care – Percale requires a bit more babying to prevent pilling. But both fabrics are fairly easy care.

Affordability – Well-made percale costs less. Splurge for Egyptian cotton if budget allows.

Durability – Percale gradually loses its crispness. Egyptian cotton softens with age. Both can last years with proper care.

Making Your Choice

If you love lightweight, crisp bedding, percale’s breathability and easy care makes it a great choice.
For buttery soft sheets with serious luxury appeal, Egyptian cotton’s reputation for longevity and opulence is well-deserved.
Well-made percale and Egyptian cotton both provide years of blissful sleep when cared for properly.
Let your own sleep preferences and budget guide you – there’s no universally “right” option.

No matter which you choose, look for signs of quality like long-staple fibers and transparency about thread count. With the proper care, you’ll be enjoying restful sleep in luxurious sheets for years to come.

Feature	My Pillow Percale Sheets	My Pillow Giza Sheets
Material	100% long-staple cotton	100% certified Giza cotton
Thread count	200	400
Weave	Percale	Sateen
Breathability	High	Medium
Softness	Crisp	Silky
Durability	Good	Excellent
Price (Queen)	$99.99	$149.99
Sizes	Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King	Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Colors	White, Ivory, Gray, Blue, Green	White, Ivory, Gray, Blue, Green

Additional Resources

Learn more about percale and Egyptian cotton with these helpful resources:

A Guide to Buying the Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets

How to Buy Percale Sheets You’ll Love

Egyptian, Pima and Supima Cotton – What’s the Difference?

Percale vs. Sateen Sheets: What’s the Difference?

Tips for Buying and Caring for Egyptian Cotton Sheets

What is the difference between percale and Egyptian cotton sheets?

The main differences are that percale sheets have a tighter weave for a crisp, breathable feel, while Egyptian cotton sheets have a luxuriously soft handfeel that gets even softer over time. Percale maintains its matte finish, while Egyptian cotton develops luster with washing.

Is percale or Egyptian cotton better for hot sleepers?

Percale is more breathable and better at temperature regulation, making it the best choice for people who sleep hot. The tighter weave doesn’t retain heat like other fabrics.

What thread count should I look for in percale vs Egyptian cotton sheets?

For percale, 180-280 thread count is ideal. Egyptian cotton can handle 300-800 thread count thanks to its longer fibers. Higher thread counts in percale compromise the signature crispness.

Which is better – cotton percale or Egyptian cotton?

100% Egyptian cotton is considered the highest quality option, with unmatched softness and durability. But high-end cotton percale also offers a crisp, cool feel that some people prefer over Egyptian cotton’s silkiness.

What are the signs of authentic Egyptian cotton sheets?

Real Egyptian cotton will be specified as 100% cotton species like Giza, pima, Suvin, or American Pima. It will also state “Made in Egypt.” Fiber length and thread count should align.

Do percale or Egyptian cotton sheets last longer?

With proper care, both percale and Egyptian cotton sheets can last years. Percale may gradually lose its crispness while Egyptian cotton softens over time. But both are durable options.

Are cotton percale sheets 100% cotton?

Yes, by definition percale sheets are woven from 100% cotton. However, lower quality percale sheets may contain some synthetic fibers, especially if dyed. Stick to 100% cotton for the best durability.

What’s the difference between Giza and percale sheets?

Giza refers to a specific type of extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, while percale is a type of weave. So Giza percale sheets would mean crisp percale sheets woven from luxurious Giza Egyptian cotton.

Should I choose percale or sateen sheets?

It depends on your preferences. Percale has a smooth, matte finish while sateen Egyptian cotton has a very silky, lustrous feel. Percale resists wrinkles better. Go with percale if you like understated elegance.

How can I care for Egyptian cotton sheets?

Wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid fabric softener or bleach that can damage fibers. Tumble dry on low and remove promptly. Iron while damp if needed. Inspect regularly for wear.

What is the difference between My Pillow Percale and Giza sheets in terms of durability and longevity?

My Pillow Percale sheets are made of 100% long-staple cotton with a 200 thread count, while My Pillow Giza sheets are made of 100% certified Giza cotton with a 400 thread count. Both are durable and long-lasting, but Giza cotton is known for its superior quality and softness, which may make it more resistant to wear and tear over time.

Are My Pillow Percale sheets more breathable and lightweight than Egyptian cotton sheets?

My Pillow Percale sheets are designed to be breathable and cool, thanks to their crisp and lightweight feel. While Egyptian cotton sheets are also known for their breathability and softness, they may be heavier and denser than percale sheets, which can make them less suitable for hot and humid climates.

How do My Pillow Percale sheets compare to Saatva, Williams-Sonoma, and The Company Store sheets in terms of comfort and luxury?

My Pillow Percale sheets are known for their crisp and cool feel, which can provide a refreshing and invigorating sleep experience. Saatva, Williams-Sonoma, and The Company Store sheets may offer a more luxurious and opulent feel, thanks to their use of premium materials and high thread counts. However, they may also be more expensive and less breathable than My Pillow Percale sheets.

What is the difference between percale and sateen weave, and which one is better for cool and crisp sheets?

Percale and sateen weave are two common types of cotton weave used in sheets. Percale is a plain weave that creates a crisp and cool feel, while sateen weave is a satin weave that creates a smooth and silky feel. Both weaves can be breathable and comfortable, but percale may be better for those who prefer a crisp and lightweight feel, while sateen may be better for those who prefer a silky and lustrous feel.

What are the factors to consider when choosing between My Pillow Percale and Giza sheets, such as price, style, budget, sleeping habits, and personal preferences?

When choosing between My Pillow Percale and Giza sheets, it’s important to consider factors such as price, style, budget, sleeping habits, and personal preferences. Percale sheets may be more affordable and suitable for those who prefer a crisp and cool feel, while Giza sheets may be more expensive and suitable for those who prefer a soft and luxurious feel. It’s also important to consider the size, color, and thread count of the sheets, as well as any special features such as deep pockets, wrinkle resistance, and easy care.