Percale vs Linen: Key Differences and How to Choose the Best Fabric?

A deep and peaceful night's sleep is not easy to achieve. You need to make certain arrangements to achieve it. One of the many things you need is comfortable clothing. Yes, you will be able to sleep even in your favourite position only when your clothes allow you to. Two of the most preferred fabrics for nightwear are linen and percale. But what is the difference between percale and linen, and which is better? Continue reading this blog if you are also stuck in this never-ending Percale vs Linen debate. 

 

This blog will delve into the world of percale and linen fabrics and compare them in detail to determine which is better and deserves a spot in your nightwear collection.  

 

Understanding Percale Clothes

Percale is a crisp fabric that is appreciated for its cool feel. Basically, percale is made from cotton. It is a plain-weave fabric formed with a one-over, one-under pattern, creating a matte finish. Percale clothes have a soft touch and offer an airy feel. Hence, Percale is widely used for warm sleepwear. It is extremely soft and durable. 

 

Advantages of Percale

Sleeping Comfort

Percale clothes are ideal for hot sleepwear. Their light and breathable nature makes them perfect for warmer climates. They feel cool against the skin and maintain their crispiness. 

 

Easy Care

Maintaining percale clothes is easy. They can be machine-washed as their texture holds up well over time. You can treat them just like your cotton clothes. 

 

Breathability

Percale clothes allow continuous airflow. They help regulate body temperature and keep you cool throughout the night. 

 

Matte Finish

Percale has a sophisticated matte texture. These clothes offer a sleek appearance, and their non-glossy look adds a touch of elegance to your sleepwear wardrobe. 

 

Drawbacks of Percale

Wrinkles Easily

Percale clothes are prone to wrinkling, which can be a drawback if you prefer a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance. 

 

Not as Durable

Frequent washing can cause your Percal clothes to wear out. They are less durable than linen. 

 

Higher Price Point

Even though they are less durable, Percale clothes are highly priced. The percale clothes made with premium cotton are much more expensive, making them unsuitable for budget-conscious buyers. 

 

Temperature Suitability

Due to their light nature, percale clothes are perfect for summer. However, their light nature also makes them unfavourable for winter and requires extra layers. 

 

Limited Design Options

You might not find many colour and pattern options in percale clothes. They are usually available in understated colours and patterns and have fewer choices than linen. 

 

Understanding Linen Clothes

Linen clothes are crafted from natural flax fibres, making them one of the oldest and most sustainable fabrics. They are well-appreciated for their textured feel and excellent breathability. Linen clothes are ideal for year-round use. They might initially feel slightly rough, but with every wash, the fabric blends more and becomes soft. Linen clothes are the epitome of a balance between luxury and comfort.

 

Advantages of Linen

Superior Breathability

Linen has loosely woven fibres that promote excellent airflow. This excellent breathability makes linen clothes ideal for both hot and cold-weather sleepwear. 

 

Hypoallergenic

Linen is naturally hypoallergenic, which means it is resistant to dust, dirt, and bacteria. Hence, linen sleepwear is perfect for people with sensitive skin and allergies. 

 

Eco-Friendly

Linen is an environmentally sustainable fabric derived from flax plants. The production process uses minimal water, and minimum pesticides are required to grow flax plants. Hence, linen is a biodegradable fabric, perfect for eco-conscious individuals. 

 

Natural Texture

The unique natural texture of this fabric offers it a rustic yet contemporary look. So, it is not only comforting but also charming. 

 

Drawbacks of Linen

Wrinkling

Although linen does not develop many wrinkles, it is naturally notorious for wrinkling. This makes it perfect for casual aesthetics. If you find soft wrinkles unattractive and prefer a polished look, you can always iron the clothes to achieve that look. 

 

Initial Stiffness

You might find the initial stiffness of linen clothes discomforting. However, this problem will vanish within just a few washes. This is because linen achieves a softer feel with every wash. 

Percale vs Linen

 

Factor	Percale	Linen
Weave	Crisp, plain weave with a smooth texture	Looser weave with a textured, airy feel
Material	Cotton (often Egyptian or Pima)	Natural flax fibres
Breathability	High breathability, ideal for warm climates	Excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties
Wrinkle Resistance	Prone to wrinkling	Develops soft wrinkles
Softness	Soft and crisp, with a cool touch	Initially rough, softens with use
Durability	Durable but weakens with frequent washing	Highly durable, withstands washing well
Temperature Regulation	Good but may need extra layers in winter	Excellent, keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter
Cost	Moderately priced but varies with quality	Higher price point, reflects premium quality

Why Choose Linen Over Percale?

The detailed comparison of percale vs linen in this blog must have helped you understand how linen is a much better fabric. This is due to linen’s superior breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and temperature regulation. The natural fibres of linen allow easy flow of air. Linen clothes are suitable for winter as well as summer. Each wash makes linen softer. Also, this fabric’s shine is enhanced with time if you maintain it properly. 

 

Summing Up

Percale vs Linen is a never ending debate. Percale and linen are two popular fabrics for clothing. However, when compared thoroughly, linen offers much more advantages than percale. This is why you must choose linen clothes for your wardrobe. However, it is crucial to choose the right quality of these clothes. It is where you will come across Rimore. We offer the most high-quality linen clothes in the trendiest styles. Check out our latest collection.