Percale refers to the type of cotton weave used to construct the sheet and consists of a traditional criss-cross pattern of one thread over and one thread under.

In its most basic form, microfiber is polyester woven extremely fine. Because microfiber doesn’t stain, they make great sheets for kids, if you’re eating in bed, and for those who sleep with their dog. It’s softer than polyester but less breathable than cotton making it good for cold weather. 

While it may seem that a two-ply bed sheet would be a better choice with the greater number of fibers it contains, this isn’t usually the case. Two-ply sheets are often rougher and less durable, as cheaper materials are typically used. Focus more of your efforts on finding the right material and weave, but do try to stick with one-ply sheets. 

Bed linen is a broad term that refers to all the textiles used to dress a bed. This includes not only bed sheets, but also pillowcases, duvet covers, bedspreads, and other decorative elements like throw pillows and blankets. These textiles play an important role in enhancing the comfort, functionality, and aesthetics of your sleep space.

However, the uniform structure of percale cotton also leaves it more prone to wrinkling. Meanwhile, sateen sheets practice a one-over-three-under weave to produce tightly knit, silky soft sheets. But over time, this smoothness may fade and be prone to snags. Percale and sateen weaves are top-notch options depending on your needs.